Engineered Quartz Countertops, Move Over Concrete and Granite

From Anna on May 16th, 2008 in CalFinder News, Kitchen Remodel

Formica, concrete, and granite have all been popular choices for countertopping in recent years, but is it time for a new product to take center-stage? Engineered quartz is growing in use and popularity, and is rapidly becoming the “in” product.

Quartz Countertops

Some varieties of engineered quartz come directly mined in slabs, but the majority of what you see is created in a manufacturing plant. It consists of 95% ground quartz and 5% hard polymer resins.

Loved because of their vast color choices, high durability, and overall beauty, quartz countertops can also be kept 99.9 percent bacteria free. Although they don’t require resealing, caution should be taken with extreme heat as they can be damaged.

Quartz counters are available in several color shades ranging from earth tones to deep blues and greens. Mixed with pigments during the manufacturing process, it can duplicate the look of granite, corion, concrete, or marble. The edges can be finished in a variety of designs with beveled and rounded curves.

Another positive feature of quartz is it can be used in more places other than stones. Because it is manufactured, it can be adjusted to fit large areas, backsplashes, and shower enclosures without having to have many seams.

Engineered quartz is a very heavy material, and should only be installed by an experienced professional. A beautiful new product that is just beginning to take off in popularity, engineered quartz counters are comparable to granite in price. If you want an up-and-coming material that is different from all of the rest, this is the choice for you.

6 Responses to “Engineered Quartz Countertops, Move Over Concrete and Granite”

Michael Temple Says:

May 21st, 2008 at 9:51 am

Quartz is definitely growing in popularity. It offers the beauty that granite offers, along with the durability of Corian. Quartz is most certainly becoming a standard in kitchens, as well as bathrooms and other places around the house.

Anna Says:

May 22nd, 2008 at 8:18 am

Thank you for your input, it definitely is a beautiful product!

Custom Kitchen Trends » Remodeling Blog Says:

June 13th, 2008 at 10:47 am

[...] expensive, and continually a popular feature in custom kitchens. But watch out for engineered quartz countertops. Quartz provides durability and versatility to a personalized [...]

Tim Says:

July 8th, 2008 at 5:39 am

Can this material be poured into a cultured marble mold?

Anna Says:

July 9th, 2008 at 1:32 pm

Hi Tim, thanks for reading. Based upon my research, it appears that in order to maintain quality control, the manufacturing process is very uniform throughout the industry. In other words, unlike some of the other countertopping surfaces, engineered quartz is only made one way. The pigments, resins, and raw quartz are placed in molds, compressed, the air is removed, and then the product is vibrated.
Because of the industry-wide control, I am doubtful that it is possible to use a different type of mold. However, I am not an expert and welcome any further input from those in the industry.

Here is a link to an article you may find interesting: http://www.bobvila.com/HowTo_Library/Quartz_Countertops-Countertops-A1915.html.

sherry Says:

August 17th, 2010 at 6:28 pm

yes, i buy your words.
quartz counters are more attracting to us.

And i started my job in a factory of quartz countertops.

I can see the future of it.

Sherry

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About the Author:

Anna Baker
Anna Baker attended College of the Siskiyous in Northern California where she graduated with a Business Degree. She worked her way through college for a local construction company; and after college, she moved to Oregon where she worked as a Realtor until the birth of her first child. She then started her own bookkeeping service. She and her husband are expecting a second son this month. In her free time, she loves to write, pursue music, and travel.