A lot of people believe that having kitchen countertops at home is just for the “well-off” ones. It is a fact that countertop installation can be heavy on the budget. However, it depends on the material and add-ons included during the installation process. One of the most popular countertops is quartz kitchen countertops.

Choosing the best countertop for your kitchen can be a daunting task. For one, you need to consider your budget and kitchen space. Quartz countertops are among the popular countertop choices. On the other hand, granite countertops and engineered stone countertops are also great options.

For now, we are going to focus on countertops made from quartz. Here’s what you need to know about this popular countertop material.

Trivia bites about quartz

Quartz is more than just attractive stone material. It is a popular countertop that offers several features and benefits. It is durable, non-porous, and easy to maintain and clean. Among other things you need to know about this material include the following:

You may have walked on quartz without you realizing it.

Most of us know that quartz is used as a countertop material. However, quartz is also used in flooring for airports, shopping malls, and even luxury boutique brands. Back then, slabs measured around 12×20 inches. Nowadays, it has increased in size and has been used other than a countertop material

Quartz is made from sustainable materials.

In case you are not aware yet, quartz is not made from 100 percent natural stone. In fact, the majority of the quartz countertop materials are actually made from quarrying by-products and not from natural quartz itself. That is why quartz is also referred to as an engineered stone.

A type of quartz material is connected with cheese.

Perhaps you have heard about Cambria quartz countertops. You may be interested to know that the company (owned by the Davis family) that produces this type of countertop also produces cheese for popular brands like Kraft Foods.

Quartz vs. Granite

Quartz and granite are among the most popular countertop materials. Each of them has its pros and cons, so you choose one that will suit your kitchen countertop needs.

On one hand, granite is composed of stones including quartz, mica, feldspar, and other trace minerals. It is 100 percent natural stone that is cut into slabs and polished for a fine and shiny finish. It comes in different color options, by which granite material is widely known for.

Quartz, on the other hand, is not made from 100 percent natural quartz. Rather, it’s made of a mix of natural quartz and polymer resins. Still, it looks like real stone and homeowners can customize its design. In other words, choosing among quartz kitchen tops can be easier.

As for the price, quartz countertop installation can be more expensive than granite. The former can cost as much as $5,000. The latter, on the other hand, can cost about $4,000. Nevertheless, you should rely on professional countertop replacement companies for the installation process.

Quartz countertop maintenance

Maintenance-wise, quartz is easier to clean than granite. Stain marks may occur on granite countertops. Resealing may also be needed on granite countertops.

With quartz, cleaning can be a simple task – soapy water and a clean cloth are enough. Here are some tips in the proper cleaning of a quartz countertop.

• Clean any spills as soon as possible. Even if quartz is non-porous, it is still best to address stains to prevent the occurrence of marks. At the same time, you can maintain its appearance at all times.
• For hardened, crusty messes, you can chip it off using a plastic scraper. Spray the stain with warm water so you can scrape it easier. Avoid using metal scrapers as it can damage the countertop material.
• Use vinegar solution for hard-to-remove stain residue. Sometimes, simply wiping it with water and soap may not be enough. Mix distilled white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray on the stained area, let it sit for a while, and then wipe using a kitchen sponge.

Choose the best countertops

Countertops are a great addition in every home. More importantly, you should choose one that can last for years and enhance the aesthetic value. Find the best countertop replacement companies in Potomac today and check out their sample works.