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!

Let's talk countertops

I recently met with a representative of a company that sells Corian and Quartz counter tops.  I know that everyone is obsessed with Granite these days and I still love it too.  However!!  after learning more about Corian and Quartz, they truly are a stunning option that should not to be overlooked.  For this post I will focus on  Corian and explain the benefits that come from using this versatile and unique product.

Smooth & sleek.  I've seen this used in many commercial applications such as movie theatres & restaurants.

Corian is the brand name of a solid surfacing material created by DuPont.  It is made up of an acrylic polymer and alumina trihydrate.  To read more of the technical information, click here.  Corian is 100%  solid and can be made to mimic the look of marble and granite.  As it is not a natural material it can be made in one large slab or sheet and have no seams at all.

  This 'Designer White' Island is nothing short of a classic look.

1. Durable and stain resistant.  This product is long lasting and can stand up to heavy use.  Because Corian is nonporous, spills do not penetrate through the surface.  For the most part it is also heat resistant, although recommendations are such that trivets or heat pads should be used to place very hot items upon it.
  

The flexibility of Corian can be molded into any shape you can imagine, both horizontally and vertically.

2. Repairable and Versatile.   Although it is not advisable to use this counter as a cutting board, Corian can easily be sanded down should it become scratched.  The reason being is because the colour runs all the way through the plastic.  (Look for a certified Corian contractor should you get it damaged)  In addition, you can create some fascinating and unique designs with this countertops' versatility.  Just because it's called a counter'top' it doesn't have to stay at the top.    - For the record, I would like to make it clear that I do not like the overall look of the kitchen in the photo above. The back splash appears to be a different green tone to the counter and is that a stained carpet in the kitchen? 

Timeless and Sophisticated. Now this kitchen, I love!

3.  Hygienic and Safe for food preparation.  When considering a sanitary application for kitchens, you can trust Corian as it is often the preferred choice for hospitals and restaurants.  One piece construction avoids dirt traps and by incorporating the sink into the counter top there is no 'lip' and no seams. This is great as you will never have to deal with water leaks or bacteria that can accumulate between the counter and the sink.

 These 8 new trend setting colours were released for 2011 & are included in my own box of over 105 samples.

4. Over 100 colours available.  Unlike a natural stone, the pattern and colour of the Corian you see in the store will be precisely the same when you bring it home.  The colour palette is plentiful, warm and inviting that you are sure to find something to suit your personal style.

Ok, perhaps not the most comfortable or practical, but oddly cool.

5. Outdoor approved.  If you are fortunate enough to have a house where the outdoor area allows you to have an exterior kitchen, then Corian is the choice of material for you!  From what I have read, weather conditions should not affect the finish of Corian, but the same cannot be said over time about natural stones.  

It is also very important to mention that Corian is an Environmentally Friendly product.  It is a low emitting surfacing material that contributes to sustainable design.  To read more about the safety and GREENGUARD certification of this product, go to www.greenguard.org. 

Corian can be purchased in many kitchen and bathroom showrooms, including the big box stores. I feel that the quality of this product is easily comparable to that of a natural stone and can even super seed them in some instances.  Although, some people feel very strongly about having a natural stone and if this is the case, I would not try to talk you out of it.  I am merely educating you on other options available at generally a lower price point to that of granite.

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