So, you want to update your kitchen. Before you start tearing down walls and pulling out your cabinets, take a second to think about your budget and lifestyle. It may be easier for you to upgrade your kitchen one step at a time, rather than take on a huge renovation project.
A slower approach to your kitchen renovation will help keep your budget in check. It will also help you maintain the regular use of your kitchen since you could lose access to the space when doing a full renovation.
The first thing you should consider is the organization and layout of your kitchen. Then, if you’re comfortable with the layout and general design of your kitchen, the next step is your counters.
When it comes to your kitchen countertops, there are many options available. From granite to tile to marble and everything in between, the choices are endless. While each material has its merits, today we will be looking at quartz countertops.
Resale Value and Quartz
When you’re upgrading your kitchen, it’s always smart to keep the resale value of your home in mind. According to Alpha Stone, quartz countertops are quite appealing to potential buyers. This is because quartz can provide the beauty of more expensive materials at a lower price point.
Many potential homebuyers are looking for granite countertops or a material that looks just like granite. Quartz kitchen countertops fit the bill perfectly. These counters can make your kitchen look more expensive and professional, at a fraction of the cost of granite or marble.
Versatility of Quartz
Since quartz counters are engineered in a factory, you can find them in a wider range of colors than natural materials. These countertops consist of around 94% natural quartz. The remaining 6% is generally a mixture of polyester resins. You can also find quartz kitchen counters that include recycled glass, which gives the counters a unique look.
Durable Material
One of the major complaints of homeowners with counters made from marble or granite is their propensity for stains. Countertops made of stone are quite porous, and thus are quick to stain if you’re not careful.
For families looking for more durable countertops, quartz is the way to go. Since quartz counters contain resin, the material is hard and low-maintenance. That means you don’t have to jump for the stone cleaner if your kid spills their juice!
There are many varieties of quartz available that mimic the look of stone, so you don’t have to miss out on the look you want. If you’re working with an interior designer, they will have a variety of options available for you. Or, you can turn to your local design showroom to take a look for yourself!
Keep It Clean
Do you have a big family that’s always coming and going? Today, the kitchen is for more than food preparation. It is a place where people gather after work and school. Your kitchen is where your family takes on bake sale projects and hangs out together. It experiences more traffic than ever.
With more activity and traffic comes more mess. One of the best features of quartz is its antimicrobial properties. An antimicrobial surface helps to inhibit the growth of mold and mildew. It can also help prevent the spread of harmful bacteria.
Add this to the fact that quartz is easier to clean than natural stone surfaces, and you’ve got yourself an ideal material for countertops. A quartz counter would be perfect for home cooks and families with small children.
Installing Quartz Countertop
Quartz is a very heavy material and is generally installed in large slabs. This means that if you are able to get a slab large enough, your kitchen’s counters could be seamless!
Given the weight of quartz slabs, you should hire professionals to install these counters. If a quartz slab is not handled properly, it can crack. This would be a costly mistake, and you would have to source a new slab or work with your broken slabs.
Do not let the pressure of installing quartz counters turn you away from them, though. When you’re hiring a professional to install your counters, ask to see their previous projects and check for references. The benefits of quartz will outweigh the brief stress of the installation project.
Quartz vs. Granite Countertop
When people talk about buying a house, you’ll often hear them craving granite countertops. But if you can get a similar look at a lower price, why spend extra?
Material
The first difference between quartz and granite countertops is their material. We’ve already mentioned that quartz consists of 94% natural quartz, and 6% polymer resins. Granite countertops are 100% natural stone.
Price
With a difference in materials comes a difference in price. Given that granite needs to be mined from quarries across the world, its origin can greatly impact the price you pay. For instance, if you are sourcing granite from Italy and bringing it to rural Alberta, you’ll pay a premium. But you can find more local quartz manufacturers, that will bring a lower price point and pride in supporting a local business!
Maintenance
When it comes to cleaning, quartz counters have the upper hand. Resin is much easier to clean than natural stone, and you don’t need to reseal the surface on a regular basis.
Granite countertops are quite a fair bit of maintenance. You’ll want to do some research into the best granite cleaner for your counters. Using the incorrect oil or cleaner can cause permanent stains, so this step is crucial. These counters also need to be resealed on an annual basis.
How to Clean Quartz Countertop
If you spill something on your quartz counters, start by wiping them off with a soft rag and a mild detergent. You will need to remove dried gunk with a plastic scraper and use a soft rag and soap to clean up after. For greasier messes, use a degreasing cleaner meant for quartz countertops.
One rule of thumb for cleaning quartz countertops is to avoid using harsh cleaners like bleach.
When you visit the Alpha Stones showroom, be sure to ask a showroom consultant about countertop materials. They will be happy to guide you through the kitchen design process. This includes the fixtures that will look best with your chosen countertop material.
Contact Us
For further information aboutcountertops or to addgranite,marble,orquartzcountertops to your kitchen and vanity tops to your bathroom, call Discover Granite Now!
Discover Granite is the one-stop destination providing quality material and many options regarding color and patterns of Marble, Granite, and Quartz Countertops. Its excellent services have made it the best natural and engineered stone countertops fabricator in Virginia for over 40 years We would also be happy to provide you with further information about our products and our current prices !!!
Schedule A Free Appointment & Ask For A Quote Discover Granite and Marble believes in the importance of clients handpicking stones for their personal projects, which is why we offer showrooms and warehouses located at 9067 Jerrys Circle Manassas VA 20110.
For further information on kitchen countertops or to add granite, marble, or quartz countertops to your kitchen, call Discover Granite and Marble. You can also make a free appointment to get service in: Manassas, Fairfax Station, Alexandria, Vienna, Burke, Clifton, Haymarket, Bristow, Gainesville, Wellington, Bull Run, Centreville, Nokesville, Dale City, Dumfries, Leesburg, Woodbridge, Charlottesville, Ashburn, Great Falls, Warrenton, Stafford, Chantilly, Culpeper, Sterling
Discover Granite and Marble is the best Quartz Granite Marble Countertop fabricator in Manassas, Virginia. We offer many options to customers to choose the best match for their countertop project with a contemporary style and affordable budget. You can use “granite“, “granite marble countertops”, “Quartz Countertop near me”, and” granite vanity top” to inform about countertops selection.
FAQs
Is quartz a good choice for kitchen countertops? ›
Quartz is one of the most popular choices for today's countertops, as it's a high-quality, luxury material. Unlike other luxury surfaces, quartz is an engineered slab. This opens up a new world of possibilities in form and function!
What is the downside to quartz countertops? ›Price: Having one of the highest price tags of all countertop types, the luxury of having quartz countertops comes at a significant price. Vulnerable to heat damage: The resins and fillers that provide quartz's durability also make irreparable damage from hot pans a possibility.
Can you use Clorox wipes on a quartz countertop? ›You shouldn't be using Clorox wipes daily, or even often, on quartz countertops because they have citric acid, which can be very harsh on your counter. Long-term use could lead to discoloration of your quartz surface.
Can you put hot pans on a quartz countertop? ›Quartz kitchen countertops are heat resistant and can protect against the spread of fire. However, extra caution should be taken as the countertops can get damaged from exposure to excess heat. Ensure you use heat protectors such as coasters, hot pads and trivets to protect the countertops from heat damage.
What is the most popular countertop for 2022? ›The most popular and trending countertop for 2022 is a marble countertop. Closely trailing behind is concrete countertops and butcher block countertops. What countertop edge is in style 2022? Waterfall edge countertops have been on the come-up for years now.
Which is better granite or quartz? ›Quartz is actually harder than granite and thus, more durable. In fact, quartz is nearly indestructible, and because it isn't porous like granite, it's easy to keep your countertops relatively bacteria-free. Be careful with cooking pans though: Quartz can be damaged by excessive heat, so use heating pads at all times.
What is better than quartz countertops? ›Durability
– Granite is much more heat resistant than quartz. – Granite scratches less easily than quartz. – Chips to granite are easier to repair than chips to quartz.
We mentioned that it is important that you use only gentle chemicals on your quartz countertops. Some of these include dish soap, Simple Green, Magic Eraser, denatured alcohol, Rug Doctor Cleaner, or Hope's Surface Cleaner.
Can I use vinegar on quartz? ›Vinegar-based spray cleaner is another option to keep quartz countertops glistening. In a clean spray bottle, mix one-quarter vinegar with three-quarters water and shake it up. Just as with regular countertop cleaning, keep spraying and wiping across the counter, cleaning a few feet at a time.
Can I use 409 on quartz? ›You can use mild surface spray glass cleaners such as Windex® and mild household cleaners such as Formula 409®. Harsh cleaners with Chlorine bleach should be avoided.
Which is better quartz or granite? ›
Quartz is actually harder than granite and thus, more durable. In fact, quartz is nearly indestructible, and because it isn't porous like granite, it's easy to keep your countertops relatively bacteria-free. Be careful with cooking pans though: Quartz can be damaged by excessive heat, so use heating pads at all times.
Do buyers prefer quartz or granite? ›Quartz is the preferred countertop surface in most homes. This is because of its many benefits including durability, ease of maintenance, wide variety of colors and ease of cleaning.
Are quartz countertops going out of style? ›Quartz is a very popular material, and that's not going to change—it will never go out of style. More and more people are realizing that it's not only a beautiful material, it's also affordable, durable, and low maintenance.
What countertop is better than quartz? ›While both materials have their benefits, the nod goes to granite as the better choice. Here are some surprising reasons why. Simply put, granite is more durable than quartz.