Recently, the natural stone business is noticing a growing trend among customers. Just as granite swept home remodels and renovations in the early 2000s, quartz products are taking the spotlight in the newest homes. Thanks to HGTV and many home design experts, quartz is the newest trend, and for good reason! So, why is this trend becoming more widespread among homeowners? Here are 5 main reasons for the increase in the demand for this beautiful manmade countertop option.
1. Durability
Unlike natural stones such as granite, marble, travertine, limestone or soapstone, which are mined from quarries around the world, quartz is engineered and created in factories, using some of the hardest minerals on earth. This process, along with its other additives, such as polyester resins, gives quartz extreme durability. Quartz is scratch resistant and will not stain – attractive qualities for homeowners with children, or for those who really use their kitchens for cooking, cutting, etc.
2. Low Maintenance
Due to its stain-resistant, non-porous nature, quartz never has to be resealed like its sister stones granite and marble. Owners do not need to be too particular about cleaning the stone either. More delicate materials cannot be exposed to cleaning products or harsh chemicals, while quartz can take a wipe down from bleach products to ammonia cleaners and remain unharmed. Although, we don’t recommend it! Quartz is antibacterial because it is non-porous, so a damp cloth will do the trick!
3. Uniformity
Natural stone, like granite, is known for its “movement” and non-uniform appearance, whereas quartz is engineered and therefore consistent in its design. This not only saves time in the design process by allowing fabricators to cut the stone without a predetermined layout (as they do with granite or marble, to make sure the customer likes where the variations in the stone are placed within the space), but it also makes matching paint, tile, and cabinet colors and styles easier for the homeowner.
4. Options
In previous years, quartz was criticized for its lackluster patterns and designs, which paled in comparison to granite and marble. However, today there are quality brands of quartz that resemble granite and marble so accurately that most customers can’t tell the difference. Manufactures are able to not only polish, but they can now produce a honed, embossed, or sand blasted finish. The latest strides made in the quartz industry make it a top contender for the newest kitchen and bathroom projects.
5. Cost
Despite the fact that it’s manufactured, the price tag per square foot on this increasingly popular material mirrors that of mid-level granite. Most people looking to renovate or start a new project with natural stone already have an idea of the cost, so they’re prepared to spend the kind of money that will buy a custom stone kitchen or bathroom!
Are you ready to give your kitchen a facelift? Contact C and C Stoneworks for a free consultation on your upcoming kitchen or bathroom renovations!