According to the National Kitchen & Bath Association, granite countertops have been losing market share to quartz countertops at an alarming rate. It’s no surprise that quartz is taking over as everyone’s new favorite countertop. You’re probably thinking that it’s too risky to choose a countertop you don’t know much about. So to ease your mind, here are a few things you should know about quartz before you decide which countertop you want representing your home.
- Less maintenance – Quartz countertops do not require heavy duty cleaners. Simply use water and soap or window cleaner to clean off your countertop after each use. It’s as easy as that.
- Non-Porous – Unlike granite, you never need to chemically seal quartz countertops. The advantage of having non-porous countertops, besides never needing to seal them, is that they are anti-bacterial and stain resistant.
- Durable – These countertops are made up of 93% quartz; the fourth hardest mineral known to man behind Diamond, Topaz, and Sapphire. They are resistant to chips, stains, and scratches. They aren’t indestructible, but they sure come close.
- Consistent color range – Because of the consistency in color, we are able to use more of the slab than we would with granite. This makes it more cost effective for you and is less waste for us.
- Value – Did you know that quartz surfacing has been around for over 25 years? Because of the ever-expanding color lines and the durable nature of the material, quartz has remained one of the best values for your home when it comes to your hard earned dollar. While granite has become a commodity, quartz has become the most popular stone nationwide.
There are pros and cons to any surface. While Quartz is undeniably tough and easy to take care of, it is still possible to damage it. First, no countertop is warrantied against heat. If you wouldn’t touch it with your bare hand, don’t place it directly on the surface. Use a hot pad or trivet to keep the heat from hitting the surface directly. Second, while quartz does come with a material warranty, some chemicals will or can hurt the surface. These chemicals include: Liquid-Plumr, floor stripper, and oven cleaners. Third, the resins in quartz can fade in direct sunlight, so it’s probably not the best surface for outdoor barbecues.
At Accent, we want you to love your new countertops and be proud to show them off. Our goal is to make it as easy as possible to choose a color that is right for you and care for your new countertop the right way for years to come.
