13

Jan

Dos And Don’ts Of Choosing Quartz Countertops

Choosing a kitchen countertop material can difficult because it will stay in your kitchen for years so you want to choose the right one. A good kitchen countertop needs to be durable, beautiful, practical, and low maintenance. And many of these qualities do match with quartz kitchen countertops. If you’re considering quartz countertops, then keep these dos and don’ts in mind.

Dos And Don’ts Of Buying Quartz Kitchen Countertops

Do Consider The Variety

When it comes to quartz countertops, there are a lot of things that you need to consider. There is huge variety of quartz out there. So, you need to find the right quartz grade, color, and pattern for yourself. It is done by scouring through every single store you can find and then selecting the slabs you love the most. Looking at the slabs is crucial too because you need to see what you’re getting.

So, checking all kinds of quartz is important. Even though you may like a slab initially, you never know if you fall in love with another kind of quartz.

Don’t Go For Super Light Colors

Even though quartz is available in most color shades, you still want to go for something that is not as light. It is important that you go for muted but slightly deeper colors because that will make all of the difference.

Quartz can be stained by heat if it’s low-quality or if the heat is above 150 degrees Fahrenheit. To make the heat stains look less obvious, you want to choose a color that will camouflage the heat stains better.

So, this is only better for you because it will make the stains look less obvious and you will save yourself from huge repairs in the long run. So, you see, color selection matters.

Do Remember Cleaning

This doesn’t just go for quartz. It needs to be taken care of, regardless of what countertops you have, but if you have quartz, then you need to remember to clean it every so often. This will ensure that you have clean countertops to work on.

Cleaning doesn’t only keep the countertops spotless, it will also ensure sanitary working conditions because think about it – working on dirty countertops doesn’t sound appealing at all. So, if you’re considering quartz countertops, then you need to know about the cleaning requirements of the very material.

Don’t Use Harsh Chemicals

Even though quartz is a  durable material, nothing can stand up against harsh chemicals, not even natural or man-made stones. So, you want to keep it in mind to not use harsh or abrasive cleaners on quartz countertops.

This is something that a lot of people don’t keep in mind and then their countertops can get littered with scratches, which is not a pretty sight for anyone. So, you want to avoid using anything too harsh and chemical-based on quartz countertops because it might just do more bad than good and your countertops will be ruined.

Do Your Research

When it comes to choosing quartz countertops, you don’t want to jump in blindly. You want to do your research as much as you can. This will ensure that you know all of the ins and outs of the material and that you know what are the downsides and upsides of quartz.

So, if you want to get a countertop material that will last for a long time, then research is very important. You will know exactly what there is to know about it and you will make the best decision that will pay you off for a decent amount of time.

Don’t Put Hot Things On It

Quartz can withstand heat without staining up to 150 degrees Fahrenheit and it warps or cracks above 302 degrees Fahrenheit. This is something you need to keep in mind  and you will have to protect the countertops from getting heat stains.

Heat stains are black and very much permanent that are difficult to remove. These stains are really ugly and they can leave the countertops looking just unpleasant, so you need to keep this tidbit of information in mind when you’re choosing quartz countertops. You will need coasters or trivets to put your hot foods and utensils on the countertops. This will only save them from ugly heat stains.

Do Check Samples

Samples are one of the most important things to look at when you’re considering quartz countertops. If there are samples, then you don’t want to skip the chance of taking a look at them.

Yes, samples can be a bit different from the actual slab, but it still gives you a general idea about how the slabs are, how they’re made, and how they feel when you run your hand over them. You want to check the samples before you commit to buying quartz because it will give you a very good idea about the material you’re going for.

Good quality quartz is consistent in color throughout the slab. Also, the polish has consistent shine. If you can test a quartz sample, then perform a scratch test. Use a knife to scratch the sample quartz surface. Good quality quartz will show a black line while a poor quality quartz will have a white line.

Don’t Forget That It’s A Man-Made Stone

A lot of the time, people mistake quartz for quartzite. Even though they sound very similar, they are completely different stones. Quartz is a man-made stone while quartzite is a natural stone.

Quartz is made out of crushed rocks and mixed with resin to give it that rock-hard appearance. Whereas, quartzite is a material that is made naturally deep inside the Earth’s surface just like other natural stones such as granite and marble. So, you need to know what you’re going for because it will make all of the difference in the long run. Don’t let the similar names fool you.

Do Keep Maintenance In Mind

When it comes to quartz, especially if someone has had it for a long time, it can lead to a lot of chips and cracks on the surface. Well, that is common and you need to get it fixed. Even though quartz is a durable material, you will want to make sure that it is well-maintained and spotless whenever you look at it.

This is not something majorly difficult, but it is part of maintaining the stone to ensure that it looks amazing for years to come. So always keep in mind that you will need to maintain the stone from time to time. Durability doesn’t mean no maintenance.

Don’t Seal It

Lastly, quartz is not a natural stone, so you will be happy to know that you don’t need to seal it. Sealing can be a very troubling process, and it is something that needs to be done for natural stones because they’re porous and they need to be sealed otherwise water would ruin them.

But because quartz is made out of resin, which is non-porous, it doesn’t let water in and beads the drops on the surface. So, quartz is an amazing material for countertops.

Conclusion

Now you know exactly what to do and not do when it comes to choosing quartz countertops. This will lead to you picking something that not only you’ll love but it’ll last for a long time too. For high quality quartz slabs and proper installation, consult quartz countertop installers Rockville.

08

Jul

10 Frequently Asked Questions About Quartz Countertops

Quartz is a wonderful material to use as your kitchen countertop or island. It’s durable, it’s robust and it has a striking resemblance to natural stone slabs. Here are some commonly asked questions about quartz kitchen countertops.

Common Questions About Quartz Countertops People Ask

Is Quartz Available In Tile Form?

Quartz countertops are usually found in slabs. You can choose the thickness of the slab and they are installed easily on your existing countertop framework. If you’re looking for quartz tiles, there might be some retailers that can custom-design the slabs into thin tiles. However, tiles in general are pretty fragile when it comes to use in the kitchen.

You can’t put a lot of force on them and they tend to chip and crack from the sides too, so that isn’t a pleasant thing to see. Tiles can also be quite difficult to clean since the spaces between them, called grout lines, can get dirty quickly and are not easily cleaned so this is also another thing that you should keep in mind.

Are There Seams In Quartz?

Even though quartz is installed in the form of slabs, that still doesn’t mean that there won’t be any seams. The gist with seams is that the smaller the slabs are, the higher the possibility of seams will be. You can’t expect to install a Tetris of quartz countertops and not have any seams in sight. With shiny quartz finishes, seams will be more visible.

However, the seams aren’t as bad as most people assume and they don’t ruin the look and finesse of the countertops if installed properly by a professional. So, if you’re worried about that, then you can put your mind at ease.

Where Can I Get Quartz Countertops From?

There are a lot of countertop retailers and fabricators that you can visit to get your hands on good countertops and quartz is no exception either.

Quartz isn’t a rare material per se, you can get it from your local countertop retailers pretty easily, but if you’re looking for more variety, then it’s best that you check out wholesale fabricators so that you can get a look at the different types of countertop materials and get one for the best price. This is your best bet and you’ll be able to find something that ticks all of the boxes for you.

Is Quartz Expensive Or Affordable?

This is another question that a lot of people ask and are concerned about, because no matter how good a countertop material is, if it’s out of budget, then you’re not buying it. Simple as that. Quartz can be a middle-range or expensive countertop material as the price changes with its quality.

So, you can get your hands on quartz for anywhere between $50  to $200 per square foot depending on the quality, where you get it from, and what size you’re opting for.

How To Clean Quartz Countertops?

This is probably the most commonly asked question because maintenance of countertops, no matter what the material is, can be quite the challenge. Well, you’ll be happy to know that cleaning quartz countertops is easy and you don’t need to buy those specialty products that are meant to clean super fragile countertops. You can make do with your household detergent, dilute it in some water, and use a soft microfiber cloth to clean the surfaces daily.

As for dried-up food crumbs and day-old stains, you can use a wet toothbrush saturated with some detergent and scrub the surface until the crumbs get loose and then you can use the same damp washcloth to wipe away the debris. Your countertops will look good as new and the best part? You didn’t spend a lot of money on those special cleaners.

Do Quartz Countertops Resist Heat?

Quartz has a reasonable heat resistance and it’s amazing in the kitchen, however, if you compare it to natural stones like granite, marble, and soapstone, then it will disappoint you. Natural stones have unmatched heat resistance and there are not a lot of materials that you can compare these stones to, not even quartz.

So, even though quartz can take a bit of heat, if the temperature is beyond the limit of the stone (more than 150 degrees Fahrenheit), then it will get blistered and your countertop surfaces will be dotted with heat stains throughout and it’s not a fun thing to look at. For comparison, granite countertops can withstand heat up to 480 degrees Fahrenheit without heat stains.

Are Quartz Countertops Durable?

Quartz is very durable, especially considering that it’s a man-made material. It’s made out of silica, pulverized rocks and it’s all packed together with pressure and strength to bring forth a countertop that is amazing in its strength and durability. On Mohs hardness scale, quartz is rated 6-7. Granite is at 7 while marble is rated at 3-4. So, we can argue that quartz is as durable as granite.

Quartz can withstand a lot of pressure, forces, and impacts, so you know that this bad boy won’t budge. It also doesn’t chip or crack as easily and it doesn’t stain either, so all in all, this material is truly an amazing investment for the kitchen.

Do I Need To Seal Quartz Countertops?

A lot of the time, people will be thrown off by the requirements of sealing in many countertop materials. Materials that are porous need to be sealed and it’s not a fun time, since it’s adding to the maintenance work and cost.

Luckily, quartz is a non-porous material through and through and you don’t need to seal it to make it waterproof or stain-resistant. It does a wonderful job on its own and since it’s also naturally shiny, there’s no need for applying a coat of sealant to bring out the lustrous sheen.

How To Maintain Quartz Countertops?

Maintaining quartz countertops is relatively easy and it doesn’t take a lot of work to keep these countertops in pristine condition for long. You don’t need to bother a lot with special cleaning and looking after, because these countertops can become brand new after regularly cleaning the countertops with a wet washcloth and a soapy detergent.

What’s also amazing is that you don’t need to wax or polish it because quartz has a natural shine to it, which is just a manufacturing quality. So, you’ll be in for a treat with quartz countertops because you can set them up and forget about them.

Should I Go For A Single Or Double Basin?

Quartz is versatile when it comes to opting for designs in the kitchen. You can either go for a single sink basin or a double sink basin depending solely on what you originally have in the kitchen.

Quartz can be fabricated into any style and size you want, but the only issue is that custom fabrication will cost you a bit more as compared to getting pre-fabricated countertop designs. If your budget allows it or your kitchen measurements or requirements are unique, then you should go for a custom countertop design.

Conclusion

Now that you know the answers to all quartz-related questions, you can get a better idea as to what kind of material quartz is and should you choose it or not. If you have more queries and want to take a look at the variety and colors, contact a quartz countertops dealer Rockville.

22

Feb

10 Tips To Follow When Buying Quartz Countertops

Are you thinking of getting new countertops for your kitchen? Is the material coming to mind quartz? Well, you’re at the right place, because here is the guide you need to buy quartz kitchen countertops.

Look For Small-Scale Retailers

If you want to get your hands on authentic quartz countertops without making your wallet scream, then this tip is the one for you. Small-scale countertop retailers have a lot of options to choose from and they’re generally a lot more reasonable than those big countertop brands. Chances are that you will get the real deal from these independent retailers as well, and because they’re small-scale, they won’t charge you an arm and a leg for the countertops.

Since quartz is a man-made material, there are a lot of independent retailers because it’s made in every manufacturing factory and you can easily find something that you will fall in love with. All you need to do is bargain for the perfect price and with small-scale retailers, that’s also easy to do.

Do Your Research

Quartz is a very readily available material for kitchen countertops. There will be hundreds upon hundreds of options for you to choose from. Of course, you’re bound to get confused. So, to avoid this brain spiral, you’re going to have to be smart and do your research beforehand.

This means that you’ll need to prepare a list of all possible retailers that have quartz countertops available and then you will filter them out based on your preference.

Usually, you will need to check if the retailer’s options fit your budget, if they have your desired style and finish of quartz, if they are near you, if the quality is reasonable, and other similar factors. The retailer that will tick all of the boxes for you will be the one you need to go to first because chances are that you will find your perfect countertop there and also at a reasonable price.

Explore

Don’t expect to find your kitchen countertops at the first shop you go to. Countertops are similar to clothes, and you’ll never find the one that hits the jackpot until you explore a couple of different stores or browse a few stores online.

So, don’t be afraid to window-shop around and look at samples and finishes of all available options. You will find something that you’ll love. You can also look at reviews of the retailers beforehand so that you can get an idea as to which ones are worth giving a shot and which ones aren’t. This will also save you a lot of time.

Always Look At Samples

People normally don’t take this step seriously, but looking at countertop slab samples is so important. They’re kind of like a sneak peek of the actual thing that you’re going to get. So, whenever you visit a quartz countertop retailer, make sure to view a couple of samples, because things can look very different in online pictures. Pictures are taken in different lightings so colors and patterns may appear different when seen in person.

It’s also recommended that you take a look at the samples in natural sunlight so that you can get an idea about the finish of the countertop and the real color.

The Color Variety

Quartz is available in a long range of colors and it depends on which color is perfect for your kitchen as per your preference. If you have no idea what color quartz will look good in the kitchen, then you can assess the décor. If you’re stumped, then choose neutral or light-colored quartz because that’s going to be a winner in any case.

Regardless, you’re will need an idea for the color of the countertops before you hit the stores and buy said countertops.

The Thickness Matters

Another very important thing that you need to keep in mind when buying quartz countertops is the thickness of the slab. Whether you’re opting for a slab, the thickness is key. The thicker the slab is, the more durable it will be and the more aesthetic it will look.

However, keep in mind that you may have to pay more for thicker slabs and if you don’t have an allocated budget, then things can take a wrong turn. It’s recommended that you go for a slab that’s medium in thickness, not too thick or too thin so that the countertops are easier to install and they won’t crack or break either.

Prefabricated Countertops – Are They Good?

This is also another dilemma people go through when looking for quartz countertops. There are two types of countertops that you can get, especially where quartz is concerned. You can get slabs that have to be cut to fit your kitchen counters, and then there are prefabricated countertops that come already prepared with all of the cavities and openings pre-cut. So, all you need to do is match the dimensions and have the countertops installed.

Now, the only problem with fabricated countertops is the fact that they don’t fit every single time, so this means that there isn’t a lot of variety. But, if it does fit, then it’s a breeze.

Quality-Price Balance

The quality of quartz is really important to consider, but keeping it in check with the price is crucial as well because you don’t want to end up spending every last cent from your savings on high-quality countertops. High-quality doesn’t always mean better in every case.

The balance between the quality and the cost of quartz countertops is really hard to maintain because people can go to the ends of both extremes and not get what they need. They can either go for really cheap quartz that can break and crack under the slightest pressure, or they tend to go for really expensive quartz countertops that are downright hefty and they’re left with an empty wallet.

Look At The Finishes

Quartz has a lot of finishes as well. You can opt for a matte, shiny, polished, or smooth finish when choosing quartz countertops. The finish you go for ultimately depends on what seems to be your preference.

If you like the look of glossy countertops, then polished ones are the way to go. If you like the honed and matte look of surfaces, then matte finishes will be perfect for your kitchen.

Consider Everything Else Too

When selecting quartz countertops, you need to consider the entire kitchen as a unit. You can’t just localize the décor to countertops or the island alone. The lighting, the appliances, the orientation of the windows, the amount of natural light, etc. need to be taken into account when selecting the perfect quartz countertops because only then you will be able to tie the kitchen together and everything will look stunning.

You should also keep the functionality of the countertops in mind. They need to make you productive in the kitchen, So, where you put them is the name of the game.

Conclusion

Countertops can difficult to buy if you don’t know where to start. Luckily, these tips are going to help you in the process. Get in touch with a quartz countertops dealer Potomac to ask any questions and to take a look at the varieties they offer.