Key Benefits of Having a Quartz Countertop Fitted for Homeowners
When most people are looking to sell their homes or are looking for a way to give their homes a facelift, they turn their attention to the kitchen. Almost everyone has been in a home where the kitchen has been spectacular, and it has become something of a status symbol to have a kitchen that is top of the line in relation to the layout, the colour scheme, and, of course, what the countertops are made of.
Quartz countertops have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for a good reason. They offer numerous advantages over other countertop materials such as granite, marble, and laminate. Also, with their wide range of colours, they can complement any home interior and can also add a few pounds to your home.
But if you are looking for a countertop for your kitchen that looks classy, why should you choose quartz over any other material? Read on to find out!
They are Durable
First and foremost, quartz countertops are incredibly durable. They are made from 93% natural quartz stone and 7% resin, making them extremely hard and resistant to scratches, chips, and cracks. Unlike granite and marble, which can be porous and require regular sealing, quartz is non-porous and does not require any special maintenance. This makes quartz an excellent choice for high-traffic areas such as kitchens and bathrooms, as these are areas where spills and stains are an everyday occurrence. But, when using this material in kitchen worktops, it is always best to handle it with care!
They Are Versatile
Quartz countertops are manufactured in a wide range of colours and patterns, so you can easily find one that complements your décor. Whether you want a neutral colour that will blend seamlessly with your existing design or a bold colour that will make a statement, you can find a quartz countertop that fits your needs.
Quartz countertops are also easy to clean. Because they are non-porous, spills and stains do not seep into the material, making them easy to wipe away with a damp cloth. Unlike some other countertop materials, such as granite countertops, quartz does not require any special cleaners or sealers. You can simply use mild soap and water to keep your quartz countertop looking clean and new.
They Are Hygienic
Quartz countertops are also hygienic; because they are non-porous, they do not harbour bacteria or other germs, which can happen with granite countertops. Thus, this makes these countertops an excellent choice for food preparation areas. This is especially important in a kitchen, where you want to ensure that your countertops are as clean as possible.
They are Heat Resistant
Another advantage of having quartz countertops in your kitchen is that they are heat resistant. Unlike laminate and some other countertop materials, quartz can withstand high temperatures without getting damaged. This means you can place hot pots and pans directly on your countertop without having to worry about causing any damage.
They Add Value to Your Home
For those looking to boost their home's value, quartz countertops are a great investment. While they may be more expensive than some other countertop materials, such as laminate, they offer a number of advantages that make them worth the investment. They are durable, easy to maintain, and hygienic, making them a fantastic choice for homeowners who want a countertop that will last for years to come.
Maintenance Tips
Of course, many people have concerns that looking after a solid stone countertop is going to take a lot of effort. But, as mentioned before, quartz is one of the simpler stone surfaces to maintain.
Consider, of course, that in order to keep your quartz countertop looking its best, you will need to do some routine maintenance, which will be outlined here. But don't worry! It's not extensive and can even be fitted into your everyday cleaning routine.
- Clean Up Spills Immediately
Quartz is a non-porous stone by nature, which means that spills won't seep into the surface and cause stains. In fact, this is why it is popular in both kitchens and bathrooms! However, it's still essential to clean up spills as soon as they occur to prevent them from drying and becoming harder to clean. Just use a damp cloth and a very mild cleaning solution to wipe up spills, and avoid using any abrasive cleaners or wire-based scrubbers, as this can damage the surface and cause the sheen or finish on the quartz to rub off.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals
A cardinal sin of having a quartz countertop in your kitchen is cleaning it with bleach! While quartz is a durable material, harsh chemicals such as bleach or ammonia can damage the surface and may cause microfractures, which can crack and chip. To clean a quartz countertop, use mild soap and warm water or a quartz-specific cleaning product. Avoid using abrasive sponges or scrubbers, as these can scratch the surface of the countertop.
- Use Cutting Boards and Trivets
While quartz is a heat-resistant material, it's still a good idea to use cutting boards and trivets to protect the surface from scratches and heat damage. Cutting directly on the countertop can dull knives and scratch the surface while placing hot pots and pans directly on the surface can cause discolouration or even cracking.
So, to add a look of further class to your kitchen, it can be worth investing in some wooden cutting boards or even metal trivets to place hot pots and pans onto when you are cooking.
- Avoid Using it as a Worksurface
While quartz is a durable material, it's not indestructible. Avoid using the countertop as a work surface for heavy or sharp objects, as this can cause chips or scratches. If you notice scratches or chips, call the company that fitted the worktop and discuss the reparation options. In most cases, they will use resin and specialized grinding tools to remove any damage. Do not attempt to fix a crack or chip in your quartz countertop yourself unless you have the tools and the training, as you may inadvertently make it worse!
- Regularly Clean it!
While quartz is a low-maintenance material, it's still important to regularly clean and maintain the countertop to keep it looking its best. Wipe down the countertop regularly with a damp cloth and a mild cleaning solution, and avoid leaving standing water on the surface for long periods of time. Try not to use bleaches or other harsh abrasive cleaning products on a quartz surface, as this can cause the surface to lose its sheen and can lead to it looking patchy.
Things you Need to Consider
Of course, having a quartz countertop installed will require a bit of planning!
Be sure to choose a reputable and experienced installer to ensure that the countertop is assembled properly. This will help prevent any issues such as cracks, chips, or gaps and will also ensure that the installation is covered by a warranty.
It's also important to note that quartz countertops can be extremely expensive, so it's important to consider the cost and your budget. Get quotes from different suppliers and compare prices to find the best deal. But you should also consider that, as with most things, you will get what you pay for. So, when looking for a supplier and fitting company, be sure that their fees are not too cheap. Why? Because if they are, it is likely due to lower quality materials being used in the countertop to fit it and can also reflect the level of training that their staff has. So, shop around and be sure to ask as many questions as you can.
Also, be sure to enquire about where the quartz being used on the countertop came from. Brazil, for example, is one of the most well-known producers of quartz used in countertops, followed closely by India and the USA.
