why quartz...

Why Granite...

Quartz is sold in a slab format, much like granite and marble; however, the benefits of using a quartz countertop far exceed any benefits you’ll get from other materials. Quartz outperforms the competition in numerous ways, all of which benefit you, no matter what color you choose or where you have it installed.
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1. QUARTZ IS NON POROUS. Quartz countertops are made from roughly 90% quartz, and this benefits you in two ways.
First, quartz is non-porous which makes it stain resistant. This means that as long as liquids are wiped away soon after a spill, there shouldn’t be any concern. Natural stones like granite, which are porous, will absorb liquids and moisture. Over time, a kitchen countertop may absorb oils, wine, juice, and other substances that will be difficult to remove. This is because the pores let the substance in below the surface where it can’t be wiped away.
The second benefit of the non-porous nature of this countertop is the fact that it won’t require sealing. To help prevent stains in other materials, it needs to be sealed periodically. This is time consuming and if left undone, can harm the material. Quartz doesn’t require sealing, so it takes less work to have in the home.
2. LOW MAINTENANCE. In addition to being non porous, quartz countertops are also low maintenance. Any spills can be quickly wiped up, so no scrubbing, poultices, or special cleansers are required. In fact, while stone needs very special cleansers to avoid things like etching - the removal of surface particles from the stone - quartz can be cleaned with your basic household cleansers, or with soap and water. It is scratch and stain resistant, so you’ll think about it and its maintenance a lot less.
3. HIGHLY DURABLE. Kitchens are busy places, so you need a countertop that can hold up to anything. Quartz is incredibly strong and durable. You can use your quartz countertop for all your kitchen needs, without worrying that you’ll be damaging it in some way. Quartz is also heat resistant. This allows you to relax more and really use your countertop, rather than worrying constantly about caring for it.
4. STYLISH. One of the biggest benefits you’re going to receive from a quartz countertop is the many stylish choices available. Quartz comes in an incredibly wide range of colors and patterns. It can mimic the look of marble, granite, or concrete, and it comes in colors that may be unobtainable in other materials such as bright blue.
Each quartz countertop is made to order. This means that if you have odd angles, curves, want a waterfall edge, or any other unique situation, quartz can be shaped to match. You also get choices in the finish, with many colors coming in polished and leather surface textures. This allows you to customize the look of your quartz countertop more exactly to your home.
Whether you want the traditional look of polished marble or the industrial appearance of leathered concrete, quartz can match. And since quartz is much more durable and lower in maintenance than these other materials, you come out ahead each time.
 5. REDUCED IMPERFECTIONS. If you take a close look at a slab of granite or marble, you’ll notice many small naturally occurring imperfections. Pits, fissures, cracks, and color streaks are present in nearly every type of stone. Some may be small, some may start small and grow over time, and others are noticeable right from the beginning.
Quartz countertops are made with precision, using controlled quantities of materials, as well as quality control and care which minimizes the occurrence of pits, fissures, and other imperfections that so often show up in stone countertops.
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GET THESE BENEFITS FOR YOURSELF. If you’re considering a new countertop for your kitchen, bathroom, or any other area, make sure to look at quartz. Quartz countertops are attractive, durable, low maintenance, and incredibly versatile. You’ll have no trouble finding one that fits in well with your aesthetic and your lifestyle. Take a look at quartz countertops today to get these many benefits for yourself.

There are many factors to consider when choosing a kitchen countertop surface. If granite has made it to the top of your list, read through the article below to determine if its advantages and disadvantages make it a good choice for your kitchen.  

• Sustainability. Did you know that a single quarry site can provide stone for thousands of commercial and residential projects over several centuries of time? Granite is also very near complete as a countertop material in its natural state. Once quarried, minimal processing is required to prepare it for your kitchen. In comparison, engineered materials have a complicated production process which often includes toxic chemicals and harmful emissions into the atmosphere.
• Heat Resistance. Granite countertops will not melt or blister when exposed to heat. They are one of the most heat resistant countertops on the market. Hot pans can be placed directly on the countertop surface from the oven without any harm. Experts do recommend the use of a trivet when using appliances that emit heat for long periods of time, such as Crockpots.
• Scratch Resistance. Granite scores a 7 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. This means that very few minerals can scratch it. While you can cut on granite, this isn’t recommended—doing so will dull your knives and can sometimes leave behind a metal residue that can be difficult to remove.
• Seams. In a typical kitchen, granite countertops will need to have 2-3 seams. Depending on the color of granite you choose, average slab size will vary. A typical expectation can be set at 9 feet x 5 feet. Large islands can typically be done without seams. If you have an L or U-shaped layout, expect seams where the countertops angle in a different direction. The good news is that many fabricators will mix custom color epoxy to adhere the seams together which does a great job at disguising them. Expect the seam to be around 1/8” thick.
• Sealing. Granite is a porous material—but this is not necessarily a bad thing. If liquids are left on the surface for long periods of time, they will eventually absorb. But just like they absorb, they will also evaporate. Depending on what the substance is that needs to be removed, you can apply different poultices to speed the process along. However, many will evaporate on their own without the use of chemicals or cleaning products. Most fabricators will apply a sealer to granite countertops before they are installed, which will protect them from absorbing liquids too quickly.
• Maintenance. Granite countertops are considered a low maintenance countertop surface. The likelihood of needing to be repaired or resurfaced is low. Technology for sealers has come a long way over the years, and many will last over 10 years before needing to be reapplied. When they do need to be reapplied, it is something that most homeowners can do on their own: simply apply the product and wipe off the excess. It is a good idea to ask your installer which sealer was initially applied and use the same kind to reapply.
• Price. The average price for granite countertops in a typical kitchen is between $3,000-$4,000. Variables include edge profiles, total square footage, and backsplashes. Don’t be fooled by the stereotype that all granite is expensive. Lower-range granites will cost less than high-range laminate. Though granite countertops are not considered ‘low range’ in pricing, there are a lot of affordable options that will start at around $35-$55 per square foot. Do be careful when comparing pricing between different companies. Make sure you are comparing apples to apples. Your final quote should include material, fabrication, and installation.
• Stain Resistance. In general, darker granites are very dense and sometimes don’t even require a sealer. Lighter granites are more porous and sometimes require multiple coats of sealer to be considered stain resistant. Either way, if properly treated, granite is a stain resistant countertop surface.
• Resistance to Chemicals. Granite countertops are very resistant to chemicals. Acids and bases will not harm the material. Do be careful of repeated use, though, as some chemicals will wash away the sealer over time, causing the need for re-sealing before the recommended time.