Quartz counter tops - yay or nay (wood floors, installation, wall)
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Okay, we've all read the pros and cons but what about artificial quartz? I've read good things about it.
My counter is black granite which was here when we bought the (brand new at the time) house seventeen years ago. I like it except for the color but it is so durable and looks brand new, don't think it will have to be replaced unless we move and the new owners put in a new kitchen.
Okay, we've all read the pros and cons but what about artificial quartz? I've read good things about it.
My counter is black granite which was here when we bought the (brand new at the time) house seventeen years ago. I like it except for the color but it is so durable and looks brand new, don't think it will have to be replaced unless we move and the new owners put in a new kitchen.
What the heck is "artificial quartz", in a countertop material?
We chose quartzite (fantasy brown) during our kitchen remodel and had it "leathered", a process where it is etched to give a textured surface. We loved it, as did everyone that saw it. Then a year later we moved.
Yes, it does need to be sealed. But we had no issues with it, stains or burns, but I didn't put hot pots on it and I wiped up spills.
Personal preference but I like natural stone better than quartz. Even the best quartz you can tell is fake compared to the real thing. There is just no depth like you get with the real thing.
Also, my mom had her 6 month old quartz countertop develop a permanent stain from the heat thrown off by her toaster oven. Now the toaster oven has to live there permanently, which was a disappointment to her as she wanted to permanently place it in a different spot.
I had marble/quartzite countertops in a prior home and they were so gorgeous and cost the same as quartz. Sealing was never an issue. But again, personal preference.
None of this stuff, as far as I can tell, is "natural" anyway. It's all some "stuff" in a plastic matrix, except maybe some of the stuff called "granite". So pick whatever's got the colors you like and then behave like civilized people and set that red hot pan on a damn trivet, for crying out loud.
You people who insist on banging iron pots red hot on your countertops as hard as you can and that kind of stuff, just get stainless steel countertops like in commercial kitchens, and be done with it. You'll probably insist on slicing veggies right on the SS too, so lay in a supply of cheap knives.
I have had quartz in my last three homes and I absolutely LOVE IT and will never have anything else. JMO, but no other countertops are as beautiful and easy care long term. When I first replaced my first (for quartz) kitchen with Silestone I didn't realize I couldn't set hot pans on it but luckily no damage was ever done by the time I found out.
Now I am careful and always use a hot pad or trivet (or even just the stovetop) to set hot pans on. I am also careful about not scratching the surface with anything. Honestly quartz just can't be beat! We just bought a house with quartz that was installed at least 15 years ago and it looks brand new. It is expensive but worth every dime.
I like both quartz and granite. The quartz is easy to clean and doesn't require much maintenance. The granite needs to be cleaned and sealed once every year or so to maintain its luster. The granite can withstand higher temperature items placed on it without worry where as the resins in the quartz can be damaged by the heat. The same is true for cutting. Although I don't cut directly on my granite counter, I do have a cutting board the fabricator made from the sink cut out that I use without any issues.
I am getting ready for a remodeling project in a condo. In that application the quartz works better than granite because I am looking for a more uniform design. Quartz gives me considerably more options in this scenario than granite.
I wouldn't hesitate to use either material and let the design needs guide my preference.
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