There is no doubt that quartz is a durable countertop material. It is engineered to endure just about anything, including resistance to stains, scratches, heat, and corrosion as well as chipping, cracking and peeling. Its toughness comes through its manufacturing process. Quartz is a synthetic material that is classic and flawless in its appearance. It is composed of at least 93 percent crushed quartz along with resins and pigments that contributes to making it as strong as it is. The inherent strength of quartz countertops is even guaranteed and most manufacturers offer a warranty on their countertop materials for anywhere from 15-25 years.

1. Durability

There is no doubt that quartz is a durable countertop material. It is engineered to endure just about anything, including resistance to stains, scratches, heat, and corrosion as well as chipping, cracking and peeling. Its toughness comes through its manufacturing process. Quartz is a synthetic material that is classic and flawless in its appearance. It is composed of at least 93 percent crushed quartz along with resins and pigments that contributes to making it as strong as it is. The inherent strength of quartz countertops is even guaranteed and most manufacturers offer a warranty on their countertop materials for anywhere from 15-25 years.

2. Environmentally Friendly and Easy Access

As quartz is manufactured in America, it is easier to access it for countertop use; whereas, both granite and marble are exclusive to certain regions of the world and are harder to secure for use. In addition, added sources are needed for their extrication, storage, and shipping. With quartz countertop production, the environment is less disturbed and other resources related to its production, warehousing, and shipping are confined to the United States. In spite of the abundance of quartz as a mineral and its ability to remain as a viable source, some quartz manufacturers specialize in recycling and repurposing it, which enhances the eco-friendly value of quartz as well as its sustainability. There are fewer worries with supplies being depleted and shortages occurring with quartz.

3. Bacteria Resistant

In addition to the ability of quartz countertops to tolerate stains, scratches, heat, and corrosion, their surface is resistant to bacteria. The non-porous nature of quartz combats bacteria, mold and similar growths. Any cold, hot, gummy liquids or raw foods and food staples that accumulate on the surface will not be able to penetrate and cause these growth issues. You can feel safe with preparing food on a quartz countertop surface.

4. Abundance of Choices

Quartz countertop choices are abundant and there are numerous selections in styles colors and patterns. There are also options with edging and bevel styles that can be easily adapted to any homeowner’s personal taste. In addition, quartz can be used in a vertical fashion without the involvement of seaming and weight issues placements. Quartz can even be fashioned to look like natural granite or marble to the point that differences are hard to detect. So, if you like marble or granite, it is possible through quartz manufacturing.

5. Easy Care and Maintenance

Quartz countertops require limited care and maintenance. Their non-porous nature makes them an easy care material. A simple swipe with a paper towel and soapy water will clean them quickly. Though quartz is extremely durable, it is still subject to possible abrasion and staining from chemicals, bleach, and harsh cleaners, so those products should be avoided. Quartz is the perfect selection for homeowners looking for fast and worry-free cleanups without the hassle of constant attention.

6. Good Value

For its concentrated durability and high quality, quartz retains its value over the lifetime of a home. In comparison with granite, the cost of quartz is about the same, yet with quartz there is the assurance of lasting value and limited maintenance, which makes quartz countertops a worry-free asset to a home. In the long run, they pay for themselves just in their value alone.

7. Appearance Control

Quartz offers uniformity and consistency in its colors and patterns. With a granite slab, there will be inconsistencies, flaws, and imperfections while quartz will offer a smoothness and uniformity that is usually not available in a natural stone material like granite or marble. If you like consistency and smoothness and are particular about the appearance of a countertop, quartz is a more logical choice.

Quartz countertops offer super durability, classic beauty, design flexibility and maintenance ease which makes them an excellent choice for today’s homeowner. If you are looking at quartz as a countertop choice or just have questions about the product, complete the online contact form, and a representative will get back to you quickly with the answers you need.

When it comes to Caesarstone versus granite, there are benefits with both materials. With granite being predominant in a majority of kitchen countertop designs today, due to its resistance to stains and scratches as well as its overall durability and natural elegance, it is one countertop material that is hard to beat; however, there are just as many pluses with Caesarstone quartz countertops. Between the two, there are advantages to either choice. As a consumer, it’s best to weigh the options available with both. Here are a few ways to determine what material best suits your needs.

Caesarstone Features

What matters most with either of these materials is which one complements with an individual’s home and personal design taste. With Caesarstone quartz, its features provide:

• A modern and streamlined appearance
• A structured, uniform and minimalist look
• A wide range of color choices that are consistent in coloration

Comparisons of Caesarstone and Granite

In comparison to granite, Caesarstone can provide clear color choices that are consistent in their flow throughout the material. Though granite is available in a number of varieties and coloration, every slab is less consistent in its patterns and consistency. Each slab can be totally different from one to another.

Natural vs. Manufactured

Granite is obviously a natural stone from nature that is adaptable to almost any setting. The richness of the stone colors can blend with any number of design schemes, while Caesarstone is a manufactured material that is composed of over 90 percent quartz clusters along with pigments and a resin component that holds the different materials in place. Caesarstone has a dense and uniform appearance and evenness of texture, which brings more of a custom and modern look to a countertop space, though the color in Caesarstone is artificially induced as opposed to the naturally occurring colors and patterns in granite. Granite seems to be more conducive to traditional and even country or rustic settings, while Caesarstone can transform modern and contemporary spaces.

Visual Differences

With these visual differences in mind, a choice that suits the surroundings of a kitchen or bathroom countertop area should be easier to make. Again, granite’s natural and varied patterns and possible inconsistencies should be noted. Both its natural beauty and the more manufactured beauty of Caesarstone are important features to examine when deciding on a countertop material. It’s all about what coordinates best with your kitchen or bathroom area, and your chosen design scheme.

Other Factors

Other factors to consider with Caesarstone and granite include the care and upkeep of either material. Granite needs to be regularly maintained and with consistent upkeep should withstand years of use, though original sealing and subsequent resealing are important maintenance decisions to consider with granite as it is subject to spills and water absorption. Caesarstone is easily damaged by any solvents that are acetyl-based and it is not entirely resistant to heat. Placing hot cookware or other utensils directly on it are not recommended.

Attributes of Both

• Both Caesarstone and granite fall within a similar price range
• Both can be sustained indefinitely with proper care and maintenance
• Both are resistant to scratches, dents, and heat
• Both can be protected through warranties
• Both consist of natural stone components
• Both require similar installations
• Both are durable and strong materials, though Caesarstone has more weight and is somewhat harder
• Both are high quality and long lasting materials

Making a Decision

Weighing the options with Caesarstone and granite actually comes down to personal choice and what best fits an overall design scheme. Making a decision doesn’t have to be difficult once you have weighed the options, but if you are still unsure of what material is best for your needs, complete the contact form and a countertop expert will get back to you with answers to all your questions concerning Caesarstone or granite.

Cambria quartz countertops combine durability and stain resistance with beauty to give you a countertop that is safe for food preparation while giving you the look you want in your kitchen. They are virtually maintenance free and available in a wide range of styles. If you are considering Cambria for your kitchen, here is everything you need to know to make the best choice.

What is Cambria?

Cambria is created from natural quartz, one of the hardest materials on Earth. Granite contains about 40 to 60 percent quartz with the rest of the stone made from softer minerals and impurities. Quartz is extremely strong and, once the counters are manufactured, they are considered an organic stone product. Because the stone is reinforced with polymers, the counters are actually stronger than the stone used to create them.

Many Color Options

One of the benefits of Cambria is that it is available in a wide range of colors. Unlike other types of stone, you can actually get solid color countertops which can be an excellent design tool. When a light solid color is used in a small room, it can make the room feel larger while a dark solid color in a large room can make the room feel smaller. Solid white is light and airy, giving the room a cooler feeling. Medium tones give the room a more traditional feel while rich, dark colors look more exotic.

Countertop Styles

When you choose other types of natural stone, you are limited in colors to what nature can create. With Cambria, you can choose from many other options as well. Because the counters are manufactured, each slab looks the same so if you have a large kitchen, the counters appear more uniform. Despite the fact that the counters are manufactured, the veining and patterns can mimic the look of marble or granite.

Not Just for Kitchens

It is important to note that Cambria is not just for your kitchen. It can be used to create a stunning fireplace surround or as accents in a built-in unit in your family room. Use the counters as a desktop in your office or create a stunning cabinet in your foyer with a curved, bevel-edged Cambria top. Add a vase of fresh-cut flowers and your visitors will feel welcome as they enter your home.

Comparing Cambria to Granite

Cambria is much stronger than granite with a density test rate of about 2.65 (t/m3) while granite does not appear on the scale. Cambria has a 25-year lifetime warranty while most granite countertops have only a 10-year warranty. Homeowners are also warned about heat and collision damage with granite. You do not have to have the countertop sealed periodically as you do with granite. Cambria is available in more than 120 colors while granite is limited to colors that can be created in nature. Cambria is engineered to be safe for the environment. It has received the GreenGuard Indoor Air Quality certification as a low-emitting product while granite has not been rated by GreenGuard.

If you are considering Cambria countertops for your home remodel, call us today or fill out the easy form online to speak to a customer service representative.

With the abundance of quartz countertop brands in the marketplace, it can be difficult to know which ones are actually rated any higher or lower than others and whether the brand aspect of quartz even matters. As most quartz materials are identified by their brand name rather than just a color name, a little research into general quartz specifics will give an overall picture of what to expect. Knowing the differences with quartz countertop brands does have some importance simply in determining what quartz choice works best with a particular situation. So what differences should a consumer examine with quartz brands?

Quartz Brands in General

Generally, quartz is going to have similar characteristics. Technologically and historically speaking, quartz production is derived through Bretonstone technology, which is a patented system developed some 50 years ago by Marcello Toncelli. The system process and the machines used in production are licensed throughout the world, so other quartz manufacturers today continue to utilize the patent.

Quartz Brands Similarities

1. Quartz is going to have a similar mineral content of a little over 90 percent. The minerals are what provide quartz with its characteristic appearance and feel.

2. Hardness is attributed to quartz because of its mineral composition and elimination of other impurities.

3. The low porosity rate of quartz sets it apart from other materials and makes it a nonabsorbent material, which resists water absorption and creates a hard and durable surface.

4. Heat resistance with quartz is only good up to certain temperatures (360 degrees Fahrenheit) for a short duration of time. The minerals can stand the heat but the other materials and resin within quartz are what can trigger heat damage.

5. Any seaming that occurs with quartz will likely be visible. Usually, more than one slab has to used with a quartz countertop installations so any seam is going to show unless the installer is extremely adept at diminishing it.

Quartz Brands Differences

1. Designs and edging with quartz brands are two of the biggest differences with brands. Actual designs have to do with the appearance of a quartz slab along with its size, shape, mineral composition, color, and any textural aspects within the slab. The edging aspect has to do with the actual contours or profiles that are formed at the time of production in a factory.

2. Most quartz brands either come with warranties or different warranties are available. The differences in warranties deal with any limitations as well as with the time period of the warranty and whether the warranty can be transferred.

3. Prices are going to vary between quartz brands. The slabs themselves are usually priced at wholesale and are limited to the availability with the manufacturer and validated dealers and installers. Quartz prices through dealers are usually negotiable and can vary.

4. Color differences are going to occur with quartz brands as are color ranges within brands. Some brands will have minimal color selections while others will have innumerable choices.

Quartz Brand Specializations

Certain quartz brands do have distinctive characteristics within the brand. Top-of-the-line brands include the following specializations:

• Cambria – is the largest manufacturer of quartz and is well known for its striking and lively designs that are interspersed with large luminous mineral clusters.
• Silestone – provides different quartz textures through suede and polished categories as well as Volcano.
• Caesarstone – focuses on one-color or monochromatic looks with pure white and even concrete inspired designs.

Whether you are comparing quartz brand names or are simply looking for a quartz slab that meets your color and size specifications, complete the online form and a quartz expert will get back to you with the information you need to make an informed decision concerning your countertop needs.

If you are considering adding quartz countertops to your home, it is critical that you know the best way to take care of them. Whether you want the counters in your bathroom or your kitchen, you will find that quartz countertops are extremely low maintenance but they do require the proper care to remain beautiful for many years to come.

Mild Dish Soap and Soft Rag

The first step in cleaning your quartz countertops is to use a soft cloth or sponge dipped in a mixture of mild soap and warm water. Use the cloth or sponge to firmly but gently wipe down the countertops. You can and should wipe them down as often as possible. It is also important to wipe up spills because, even though quartz resists staining, some substances could cause stains if they are left to dry on the counter.

Dried Substances

If something dries on your countertop, use a putty knife to gently pry the hardened material from the counter. It is suggested that you purchase a putty knife just for this use and keep it in a kitchen drawer so you can grab it when you need it.

Grease Splatters

No matter how hard you try not to, you will get grease splatters on your counters. It could be from cooking bacon for breakfast or a spilled plate filled with grilled meats. Choose a degreasing agent made specifically for quartz counters and spray it generously on the countertops. The spray should also be free of bleach which could damage the surface of your countertops. After you spray, wipe the area quickly with a soft rag or sponge. You may then want to polish the counter with another soft cloth to avoid any streaks.

Gooey Stains

If it appears something has stained your countertop, use a cleaner like Goo Gone directly on the stain. Allow it to stay for five or ten minutes before wiping. Once you have wiped the cleaner off, wipe the area again with a clean cloth with warm water. Another option if you do not have Goo Gone is to use caramel. Although this sounds unusual, caramel has qualities that may cause the other gooey stain to release from the countertop.

Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol

Some stains on quartz counters may be removed using isopropyl rubbing alcohol. Use a wet rag with alcohol added and rub the stain. Once the stain has been removed, rinse it again with warm water. You can do another application if the stain does not lift immediately.

Glass Cleaner

There are mixed thoughts on whether you should use glass cleaner on quartz. Some manufacturers believe that it is fine to use on the surface. The best option is to speak to your quartz installation company to see if glass cleaner is recommended on the type of quartz you choose.

If you are considering quartz countertops in your home, contact us today to learn more. You can reach us by calling or filling out the easy form online.

When it is time for a kitchen or bathroom remodel, deciding which countertop works best for your family can be confusing. Today, many homeowners are choosing quartz countertops due to their look and durability. These ten reasons may explain why quartz is the best option for your remodeling needs.

Many Options

One of the benefits of quartz is that there are many color and texture options available. Because the counter is created by mixing ground quartz with colorings and binders, you have many more color options with quartz than with other types of stone.

Durability

Quartz countertops are actually engineered stone created with over 90 percent natural stone. This engineering process creates a surface that is extremely strong, even stronger than other types of natural stone.

Cost

Although quartz is often less expensive than other types of stone, such as granite or marble, the price depends on the thickness of the slab, the style and the brand of quartz you choose. Overall, however, quartz is more reasonably priced than most natural stones.

Anti-Bacterial Qualities

Because quartz is non-porous, it resists bacteria better than other types of natural stone. This makes it the perfect choice for a surface where you will prepare your family meals. In fact, many quartz options are certified by the National Sanitation Foundation due to their anti-bacterial features.

Low Maintenance

Quartz can be cleaned easily with mild soap and water. In fact, you should not use abrasive cleaners on quartz counters to avoid harming the surface. In addition, quartz does not need to be sealed as other types of natural stone making them virtually maintenance free.

Scratch Resistance

Unlike other types of stone, like marble, you can cut directly on the surface of a quartz countertop without worrying about scratches. Sliding a pan or dish across the counter will not result in scratches either. However, it is recommended you use cutting boards, not to protect the counter but to protect your knives from getting dull.

Heat Resistance

Hot pans directly from the stove can be placed on a quartz countertop without damage. However, because quartz counters have polymers which may have some type of plastic in them, most manufacturers do recommend that you use trivets or hot pads to protect the surface.

Stain Resistance

There are stone surfaces that are not as stain resistant as you may think. For example, acidic materials like citrus fruit can stain a marble countertop as can red wine or coffee. With quartz, you don’t need to worry about staining due to the non-porous nature of the surface. It is recommended that any spills be wiped up quickly but there is little chance that you will stain your quartz counter.

Colorfastness

Some countertop materials will fade over time but quartz keeps its color well. However, it is not recommended for use in outdoor kitchens as direct rays from the sun can cause the counter to fade.

Kitchen Uniformity

Because quartz is engineered, all the slabs are the same which gives your kitchen a more uniform look than other types of stone with variances in slabs. If you have a very large kitchen, this can give a more connected look between your counters than using natural stone. No two slabs of granite or marble are the same so if your kitchen is large, you may find that different sections of the counter have a completely different look than other sections.

If you are considering natural stone counters for your home remodel, contact us today by calling or filling out the simple online form.

If you want to know the difference between Silestone and quartz, you won’t have to look far and wide as there are really none. Silestone is simply a brand name for quartz materials. In fact, many quartz aficionados interchange the word Silestone for quartz.

Silestone Consistency

Silestone is a distinctive manufactured quartz product. It consists of natural quartz crystals and other materials that include polyester resin, color factors, and properties that inhibit the growth of bacteria and microorganisms. The binding of the quartz with the polyester resin is what holds the crystals intact and produces its smooth, sparkling and stylish surface. Though Silestone is an engineered material, it is comparable to granite and marble, and it is brighter overall than the other two because of its quartz crystal content.

Silestone Uses

Silestone is usually used in countertop production for kitchens and bathrooms, but it can also be made for floors, sink basins, shower enclosure trays, and decorative wall coverings. Silestone is best suited for homes that are contemporary, new and modern in design. It also coordinates well with rustic, vintage and traditional American and Scandinavian designed kitchens. Whatever the size of the area to be covered in a kitchen, bathroom or other areas, Silestone works extremely well in adapting to and accommodating most any space.

Silestone Advantages/Disadvantages

Silestone has a number of advantages over other natural countertop materials. It is durable and non-porous as well as resistant to stains, scratches, bacteria, and viruses. Because it is dense and non-porous, sealing is unnecessary, which is not usually the case with materials like granite and other natural stone materials. In addition, Silestone is nearly maintenance free and only requires minimal cleaning. A quick wipe with a mild household cleaner or soapy water keeps overall cleaning to a minimum and should be done on a regular basis. Any spills should be removed as quickly as possible, but no hard scrubbing or pressure is needed to do that.

Silestone’s surface is able to tolerate oils, vinegar, lemon juice, wine, coffee, and even cosmetic spills, but in cleaning any stains, the use of harsh or abrasive cleaners and any scratchy sponges or pads should be avoided. Stubborn stains, like hard water rings or another build-up, can be treated with a paste of baking soda and white vinegar. Allow the paste to remain from 10-20 minutes and remove it with cold water and a non-abrasive sponge or soft pad. Dry with a soft cloth.

One thing to avoid with Silestone is dropping heavy or sharp objects on it. Though Silestone is resistant to most anything that may be dropped on it, major force can likely cause cracks and noticeable scratches, which can lead to replacement or major repairs. Also, it is advisable to use cutting boards for food preparation and hot pads, trivets and coasters should be used for any placement of hot cookware, pans on other hot items on countertops. Though Silestone is resistant to heat and scorching, it is not totally free from heat damage. Rings can appear as well as surface color changes, so it is advisable to use protection to stop any permeation of heat from pots, pans and other heat retaining utensils.

Now that you know Silestone and quartz are very much the same, you may want more information as to how Silestone will look in your house and how well it will perform for your situation. If you are interested in finding out more about Silestone, complete the contact form and a Silestone expert will get back to you with the information you need. A sleek, shiny and high-end Silestone countertop just might be part of your kitchen’s future.