7 Quartz Countertop Myths Debunked
Quartz countertops are one of the most durable types of countertops and although they have been around for a long while, it’s not until recently that we’ve seen more and more people selecting quartz for either their kitchens and bathrooms. But amazingly, as quartz countertops increase in popularity, so do the misconceptions around quartz.
MYTH #1: QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS ARE NOT NATURAL STONE
While quartz is stone, unlike granite, marble, and other stone countertop choices, quartz is not a single slab of stone. Quartz is an “engineered” stone, meaning various grades and sizes of quartz crystals are mixed together with resin and pigment (for color) in a ratio of 93% quartz to 7% resin. So yes, quartz can still be referred to as natural stone, but it’s not as natural as some of its alternatives.
MYTH #2: QUARTZ AND QUARTZITE ARE THE SAME THING
Many homeowners use quartz and quartzite interchangeably, but the fact is that there are some key differentiators. While quartz is an engineered material made with stone and resin, quartzite is a hard-metamorphic rock and is actually a type of granite. It originates as sandstone and then through a process of high heating and pressurization it is transformed into quartzite – a natural stone. Like quartz, quartzite is also extremely durable.
MYTH #3: QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS WILL ETCH OVER TIME AND ARE HARD TO CLEAN
Quartz is actually harder than granite and a bit more durable – in fact, it is nearly indestructible. It is sealed by the manufacturer and is very easy to keep clean. It is generally very stain-resistant and will not etch like marble. When it comes to cleaning, water and a soft sponge or a paper towel will do just fine.
MYTH #4: QUARTZ DOES NOT OFFER A LOT OF VARIETY
Since quartz countertops are engineered, you can find more variety in them than if you were considering other natural stone surfaces such as marble, granite or quartzite. For example, Cambria offers over 120 design options and 19 styles of edge profiles. With this extensive amount of design choices, you’re really only limited to your own style preferences.
At Academy Marble, we have many different options of quartz. Here are a few of our favorites:
Michelangelo – This European Alleanza Quartz is a true marble look-a-like with different shades of gray, white and blue.
Gotham Grey Honed – A beautiful modern gray countertop that would pair amazingly with white cabinets.
Cambria USA line – Take a look at all of Cambria’s options for inspiration – white, grays, browns, blacks, and more.
MYTH #5: QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS ARE SENSITIVE TO HEAT
Quartz is like granite in that it is not particularly sensitive to heat. That said, you should be careful (as with almost all) countertops when it comes to heat – quartz can discolor if it is exposed to extreme heat. To be safe, we suggest using trivets for your hot pots and pans instead of placing them directly on the quartz.
MYTH #6: QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS CHIP EASILY
Durability has become the cornerstone of quartz’s reputation. It’s durability ranking is similar to that of concrete and granite, but it is actually a bit more forgiving, so it won’t chip as easily.
MYTH #7 NUMBER SEVEN: QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS ARE HIGH MAINTENCE
Quartz not only boasts durability and performance, but it is also more easily maintained than with granite or marble. As an engineered stone, it’s non-porous, so it won’t stain, leaving you with a low-maintenance, easy to clean surface.
Ready to start shopping for countertops? Academy Marble has a huge selection and you are welcome to tour the warehouse at any time. Please contact us is you have any questions.
