Quartz: What You Should Know

Last month we featured what everyone should know about marble when choosing to use it in their home – this month its quartz’s turn! ​

​Quartz Isn’t 100% Natural Stone
You may have read that and got a bad taste in your mouth. However, the fact that quartz isn’t a natural stone isn’t a bad thing! Quartz is an engineered material created with approximately 95% ground natural quartz and 5% polymer resins. The resins help make this countertop material stain and scratch resistant – and non-porous, so they never have to be sealed. Although they are engineered, they come in many different patterns, colors, and finishes making them almost indistinguishable from natural stones like granite and marble. Therefore, quartz can suit every style and design – from streamlined modern and relaxed farmhouse to earthy and traditional.

Great Option For People Who Want Low Maintenance Countertops
A common request we hear is for a white stone that has the look of marble but without the amount of maintenance. Quartz is a great option for this! Made from one of the hardest materials on earth, quartz is one of the most durable options for kitchen countertop. As we mentioned before, unlike granite or marble, its non-porous surface means it never has to be sealed. Surface stains can often simply be removed with a gentle cleaner and the only daily upkeep needed is a quick wipe down with soapy water! Quartz is also antimicrobial because the polymer resins block odor-causing bacteria, mold and mildew from penetrating the surface!

There Are A Few Things Quartz Can’t Handle
Quartz countertops are only heat and scorch resistant up to a certain point. A sudden change in countertop temperature or sustained heat from a hot pot or pan can crack the surface. To stay on the safe side, be sure to always use a hot pad. It is also not recommended to use quartz for outdoor projects as the sun can cause the colors to fade and the countertop to warp over time.

Where You Buy Quartz Matters
You may be tempted to go to a big box retailer or home improvement store to pick out your quartz countertop. But, by doing this, you are significantly limiting your options as they usually have a much smaller selection to choose from. And, odds are you will get a less-skilled contractor handling the installation. Instead, visit C and C Stoneworks in Greenville, NC! You will have the opportunity to see many whole slabs of quartz and won’t have to make a decision based off of a small sample. You will also have the guarantee of an experienced stone countertop fabricator and installer. Since we’ve been in business for many years and have completed countless projects, we can even show you our work to help you make a decision that is perfect for your home’s countertops!

If you’re in eastern North Carolina and are considering quartz countertops, contact C and C Stoneworks today!