Quartz Surfacing (Quartz Countertops or Engineered Stone Countertops) consist of a material developed specifically to form a material resembling natural stone but with improved qualities.
Engineered stone is made by combining 93 percent crushed natural quartz with 7 percent resins and pigments which makes this material much harder, more durable, and easier to care for than any other countertop material. Only the diamond, topaz and sapphire are harder than quartz. (Pieces of quartz are commonly found in all types of granite and granite colors)
In addition to the durability and ease of maintenance, engineered stone countertops are also available in an array of colors, patterns, and textures. Similar to granite, engineered stone is usually polished to a high gloss shine and installed in solid slabs. However, the colors and patterns are more consistent with engineered stone and the surface does not require sealing either. Check out some of the wonderful benefits of engineered stone below.
Benefits of Engineered Stone countertops
- The unique combination of quartz and resins makes engineered stone nonporous and resistant to heat, scratching, stains, chemicals, molds and bacteria.
- Engineered stone is more flexible, durable and easier to work with than natural granite.
- Engineered stone will not chip and fracture during everyday use as granite may.
- It retains its high-polished luster and never requires sealing.
- It is easily cleaned with warm, pH neutral soapy water.
- It resembles natural stone, but with a more consistent pattern and color meaning that your countertop will look very much like the sample you pick out.
- Engineered stone can be made to look like granite, marble, travertine, concrete, and other natural stone.
- Slabs are fabricated into countertops with edge profiles that range from simple bevels to bull nose and ogee.
- Engineered stone, made of quartz, resists scratches from objects such as stainless steel knives, ceramic pots, and mugs.
- Engineered stone counters are resistant to heat from hot plates of up to 350 degrees. However, it is still recommended that you the use trivets or hot pads.
- It will not stain from oil, fruit juices, acids, liquid food coloring, wine, soda, nail-polish remover, felt-tip markers and most common household cleaners.
- The colors, patterns and textures available are constantly expanding. Some patterns resemble natural stone and others offer bright variations of orange, red, blue, green, and yellow. Also, some engineered stone manufacturers offer products in a matte or "honed" finish.