Know Your Stone – Quartz

Know Your Stone

Over the past decade, demand for stone worktops has been surging, and it doesn’t appear that this trend will be slowing anytime soon.

These worktops provide customers with a stylish and durable feature, guaranteed to enhance the modern aesthetic of any property while catering for everyday use.

Quartz surfaces are ideal for any busy lifestyle: they’re non-porous, durable, and heat and scratch resistant – all without needing to be sealed or requiring much maintenance.

So, not only do quartz kitchen worktops possess an aesthetically-pleasing look, but they also provide unparalleled durability. That’s why more and more homeowners are opting for this type of countertop to enhance the beauty and function of their kitchens.

What is Quartz, and Why is it so Popular?

Quartz is a magnificent addition to any kitchen or utility room, boasting an attractive modern look and superior strength. Our quartz range is made from 93% natural quartz, bound with resins and polymers; these manufactured stone surfaces provide remarkable durability and sophistication.

It is a highly sought-after material, especially in kitchens and bathrooms, due to its non-porous properties. Unlike natural stone surfaces, it does not absorb liquids like water, oils, wine, juices or soap – making it a much more hygienic option for your home.

Quartz worktops are easy to keep pristine and sparkling; you only need a damp soapy cloth/cleaning wipes.

So, not only do quartz kitchen worktops possess an aesthetically-pleasing look, but they also provide unparalleled durability. That’s why more and more homeowners are opting for this type of countertop to enhance the beauty and function of their kitchens.

Quartz Durability

Quartz is more durable than granite and has a guaranteed longevity of around 25 years. The non-porous nature of polymers used prevents the build-up of bacteria and mould, so no special cleaning products are needed. It’s also one of the most hygienic surfaces available for kitchen spaces.

Quartz vs Granite

Granite has long been a popular choice for kitchen designs, although mother nature has limited the range of colours available for granite worktops compared to quartz.

Although granite is a beautiful and durable material, it will need more attention than quartz, i.e. an annual sealant application to uphold its condition.

Quartz is 4-5 times stronger than granite and is lighter in weight compared to Granite. More joints may be required in Granite due to the weak spots in the material such as where the bob cut outs are

Quartz vs Marble

Marble worktops give a timeless and traditional look; however, due to the distinctive pattern of each slab, they cannot guarantee uniformity in appearance. This can be especially problematic when comparing marble surfaces with quartz worktops from one kitchen showroom to another.

Often, the worktop installed in your home can vary substantially from the one you viewed as a sample.

Marble is softer than quartz and is more vulnerable to scratches, chips and stains.

Ensuring that your marble remains pristine it will require sealing every 6 months  for protection.

Quartz vs Concrete

Concrete worktops have become increasingly popular during recent times – not just in the home but also in kitchens, bathrooms and outdoor areas as well as restaurants and bars.

There are a number of reasons that homeowners may opt for a concrete worktop. They provide a modern, industrial style to their kitchen but can also be customised to look like granite, marble or even wood as well as being extremely solid and durable.

However, is the popularity of a concrete worktop starting to fade in favour of quartz worktops that look like concrete?

Are Concrete Worktops Subject to On-going Damage?

Whilst there are a number of advantages that come with a concrete worktop, they come with their fair share of downsides. They may be manufactured to last for years, however, they are prone to staining and require regular sealing to minimise any damage or cracking that can occur from everyday use. Hairline cracks can be a common problem with concrete worktops although occasionally they can become more noticeable and require repairing.

Moulds for concrete worktops are made to cast the shape, which can make production slow and expensive. The sheer weight of the worktops can also mean that sometimes kitchen cabinets or even floors require reinforcements or even replacements to enable it to bear the weight.

Quartz vs Wood

Wood surfaces, such as butcher block worktops, are popular with many homeowners. They add a unique charm to any kitchen and offer a warm look; however, they require more maintenance than quartz worktops.

Wood is highly susceptible to staining, damage and warping over time due to its porous nature; therefore, it must be regularly sealed and replenished.

Quartz vs Laminate

Laminate surfaces are a budget-friendly option for kitchen designs. They come in many different colours and styles without offering the same durability as a quartz surface.

Laminate is easily scratched and scuffed, which can diminish its look over time if not properly cared for.

The laminate worktops are made using a wooden chipboard centre and then wrapped in a decorative layer to create the external surface. This makes them susceptible to heat and water damage, as well as warping in the case of spills.

Why Choose Quartz?

Quartz worktops offer a wider range of colours and styles than other stone options, making it easy to find the perfect combination for your kitchen.

This manufactured material will ensure uniformity in colour and texture, allowing you to create the ideal look for your home.

As mentioned, quartz is a non-porous material, which makes it much easier to maintain than other stones, such as marble or granite.

In conclusion, quartz offers superior durability, with the added benefit of being stylish and easy to clean.

At Stone Valley, we provide high-quality stone worktops for any kitchen design. Contact us today to find out more about our worktop collection at 01942 675651.