Quartz Marerials

Quartz countertops are man-made engineered stone countertops formed by combining 90% ground quartz (a natural hard mineral) with 8-10% resins, polymers, and pigments. This forms a very hard granite-like surface. The appearance depends on how the quartz is ground: coarsely ground quartz produces a flecked appearance, while finely ground quartz produces a smooth look. Engineered quartz is continued to be valued for its durability, versatility, easy maintenance and aesthetic appeal, making it a choice material for countertops in any kitchen, modern or traditional.
The manufacturing process of most quartz countertops begins with inspecting the raw materials for quality and homogeny, feeding them into a mixer, and blending them into a substance that resembles wet sand. The mixture is then poured into a mold, creating slabs which are then compacted with a special vacuum and vibration process with a pressure of 100 tons. This compacting is what makes granite so smooth—it’s much less porous than other natural stone like granite, meaning that quartz rarely needs to be sealed, is easier to clean or disinfect, and repels stains better. These pressed slabs are then heated in a kiln at around 200 degrees Fahrenheit, which cures the resin. After they rest, the slabs are polished to a beautiful shine with diamond abrasive.

Quartz Manufacturing Process

The manufacturing process of most quartz countertops begins with inspecting the raw materials for quality and homogeny, feeding them into a mixer, and blending them into a substance that resembles wet sand. The mixture is then poured into a mold, creating slabs which are then compacted with a special vacuum and vibration process with a pressure of 100 tons. This compacting is what makes granite so smooth—it’s much less porous than other natural stone like granite, meaning that quartz rarely needs to be sealed, is easier to clean or disinfect, and repels stains better. These pressed slabs are then heated in a kiln at around 200 degrees Fahrenheit, which cures the resin. After they rest, the slabs are polished to a beautiful shine with diamond abrasive.

Quartz Countertop Design

Quartz is a fantastic and affordable alternative to marble and it’s used in décor more and more often, especially if we speak about countertops

Maintaining Quartz is Simple and Easy

A natural benefit of quartz countertops is the minimal cleaning required to keep them sanitary and functioning at their highest potential. Due to the non-porous nature of the material, stains and spills are not easily absorbed into the surface and quartz is incredibly resistant to staining and corrosion from oils, liquids and most household cleaning products, which makes clean up and fairly easy job.

Although quartz countertops will resist permanent staining when exposed to liquids like wine, vinegar, tea, lemon juice, and soda, or fruits and vegetables, it’s important to wipe up spills immediately—before they have a chance to dry. Fresh spills can be wiped up with a simple household cleaner or dishwasher detergent and a soft cloth (although some people find that window cleaner works best).

Simply apply the cleaning product or detergent to any stains, leave the cleaner on the surface for about two minutes, and remove with a non-scratch pad. After wiping off the household cleaner, use a damp cloth to remove any residue, then dry the surface.

For tougher stains like food, nail polish, or paint, it is recommended to keep a plastic putty knife handy to gently scrape off messes that harden as they dry. But be sure not to use a sharp knife near your quartz countertops – quartz is a hard surface, but not hard enough to withstand the effects of sharp objects like knives.

Professional Installation

Quartz Is a Very Heavy Material, The first step in a quartz installation project is to determine whether the counter and cabinet structure can support the substantial weight of the slab. To this effect, the wood should be inspected for water or termite damage. In some cases, the counter may need to be shored up or modified. Unless the project involves only a small bathroom counter, installing quartz is a task that requires a strong partner who can assist with lifting. When handled carelessly, quartz slabs can damage homes or cause injuries.

Quartz Installations May Require Special Tools, When it comes to tools and equipment, a quartz installation can be compared to changing the oil in a passenger car or light truck: it seems like a straightforward job as long as the right tools are on-hand. Purchasing the tools needed for an oil change makes sense because they will likely be used many times in the future. However, the same cannot be said about a wet saw or an angle grinder equipped with diamond blades for cutting quartz. Unless homeowners intend to install various counters, fireplace surrounds, and floors all over their property, investing in expensive quartz cutting tools may not be justified.

Measuring and Cutting Quartz Requires Skill, Professional quartz installers will spend as much time as they need to take measurements and review them before ordering or picking up quartz slabs. At some point, they will conduct a dry run to double-check their measurements prior to deciding to cut the material. Prefabricated quartz slabs that include sinks may not seem to require as much cutting. However, this cannot be ascertained until the first dry run is completed.

Properties of Quartz

Engineered quartz (not to be confused with Quartzite, another appealing natural stone used as counters) is a manmade product created mostly from natural materials. It’s made of 90 to 94 percent ground quartz and 6 to 10 percent resins and pigments that are combined into durable and nonporous slabs. The strength of quartz, even in a manufactured form, makes it naturally resistant to abrasion, scratches, dents, and even acids without the need for sealants. And the environmental impact of manufactured quartz is low: Quartz is an abundant material and the finished product is nontoxic and nonallergenic, and will last a lifetime, reducing the need for replacement.