Quartz Countertops

I've reviewed with you some beautiful Corian counter tops and as promised it is now time to look at Quartz.  Although granite has long been the popular choice for Designers and Consumers, times  they are a changin! 

There is no disputing the natural beauty of Granite, however it now seems that Quartz is fast becoming the material of choice for both kitchens and bathroom counter top applications.  The big question that I often get asked is 'Is Quartz a natural stone and how does it compare to Granite?'

Crisp and clean.

Quartz is one of the most common minerals in the earths surface.  However, don't be fooled into thinking Quartz Counter tops are 100% natural stone.  They are an Engineered Stone which means it is a combination of crushed natural stone and a resin binder.  As I mentioned in my post about Corian counter tops, the choice for most people will come down to whether or not you are head strong in wanting a complete natural stone surface or not. 

Allow me to provide you with some comparisons between Quartz and Granite that may help when you are faced with making a decision in your own home or with a client.

The durability of Quartz makes it a great option in the kitchen for obvious reasons.

1.  Quartz is harder than most Granite.  It is one of the most scratch resistant minerals in the world, second only to diamond, sapphire and topaz minerals.  The surface is heat resistant, but the use of trivets and head pads is recommended.

Beautiful in the bathroom.

2.  There is more colour consistency with Quartz and the counter tops are more uniformed than Granite.  This may be what you just love about granite, that the look of the stone is totally natural.  Whereas with some Quartz samples it almost more about seeing the 'crystals' within the counter top carried more evenly throughout.  Again, it comes down to personal preference.

I used this in a clients' bathroom and it looks beautiful. 

3. Quartz requires little upkeep, is non-porous and therefore stain resistant.  There is no maintenance required for Quartz counter tops, unlike Granite that requires sealing from time to time. With Quartz you never have to polish or recondition the surface to maintain its luster.  It is also great for food preparation as it resists mold and mildew. This makes it 'Certified Food Safe' for both residential and commercial uses.

4. Some Engineered Stone products can be costly.  Price per square foot will vary depending on the manufacturer, colour, edge styles and other variables.  What I am understanding is that Granite use to be more expensive, but since alternate materials such as Quartz have been emerging, they seem to be  a higher price point.  However, as with anything it is all dependent on the quality of the product.

Source

5. There are nearly 50 colours available in the Dupont Zodiaq Quartz line up. You will be pleased to know that most colours from Dupont are made in Canada.   

An important note about Granite - I have heard many horror stories from people who have picked out the granite counter top in the store only to find that when it gets delivered it's not the same piece.  How to avoid this is to ensure your name is marked on the exact slab that you have chosen.  Even take pictures to ensure the one brought into your home is the same as the one you approved.

Bianco Carrara gives the sophisticated look of marble

I leave it for you to decide which application you prefer.  I am swaying more towards the Quartz and Corian options myself.  Make your decision based on what will work best for the application you require it for and the look you like best.  If it's still granite, then that's fine.  It is still a gorgeous option.  I think it's important to know that it's not the ONLY option for a high end look anymore.

So, which do you prefer and why?  Or if you have a story about having used a Corian, Quartz or Granite, please share it with the rest of us.

Thanks for reading!