Quartz: The new trend for countertops and backsplashes

With so many different surface options available today, are you wondering which product will be the best fit for your new kitchen or bathroom design? Maybe you have heard about quartz but don’t understand what all the fuss is about. Quartz is quickly becoming the go-to product for countertops and backsplashes and it’s not hard to see why. We break down why this surface may work for you.

QUARTZ ADVANTAGE

1 | Design flexibility

• Quartz is available in a variety of colours and styles
• Different finishes to choose from including polished, concrete and rough concrete
• Consistent colouring from slab to slab
• Quartz is quick to install

2 | Nonporous – no sealing required

• Prevents absorption of moisture and inhibits the growth of bacteria, mould and mildew
• Quartz is incredibly durable and is stain-, scratch- and heat-resistant
• This surface is easy to clean and is low maintenance

3 | Diverse range of edge profiles, shapes, patterns, textures

• Quartz is available in a variety of edge profiles including standard eased, bevel, ogee straight, double bevel and miter
• Choose from a variety a patterns and textures from classic marbled styles to more modern industrial concrete styles

QUARTZ VERSUS OTHER MATERIALS

WOOD

• Porous, must be properly sealed
• Can be a problem around stoves (grease and heat exposure
• Not durable for the long term in kitchens and washrooms
• Lots of maintenance

GRANITE

• Porous, must be properly sealed to avoid stains and sealed on a yearly basis
• Can harbour bacteria if not properly sealed
• Expensive to buy and install
• Not consistent (colours may vary so individual slabs must be selected)

MARBLE

• Even more porous than granite, so it more readily absorbs liquids
• Spills penetrate deep into the stone very quickly and are very hard to get out
• Requires regular sealing to protect the surface
• Susceptible to scratching
• Only good for places that do not get heavy use

PORCELAIN

• Limited countertop edge profile options
• Only choice of square or mitered edge
• Patterns are printed on top of the surface
• Difficult/tricky to fabricate and often breaks in fabrication and/or installation