Quartz and quartzite are the same – False
Quartz is man made and quartzite is a natural stone. Quartz is a brand name for the “engineered” slab that is made from ground quartz mineral combined with polyester resins to bind the material and pigments to give its color. Quartzite, a natural stone is very hard rock that was originally pure quartz sandstone.
Quartz and quartzite are both durable surfaces that make beautiful kitchen and bath countertops.
Please see Countertops Surface Comparisons to learn more about differences between Quartz and Quartzite.
Quartz is as heat resistant as granite – False
Quartz is not heat resistant. Never place hot pots and pans or anything that’s hot, including dishes, or utensils from the stove or oven directly onto a Quartz countertop. This will make the resin discolor, giving the counter a whitish look. Quartz under direct fire will start burning like plastic.
The Quartz countertop will not be impacted by sunlight – False
A Quartz countertop won’t be harmed by occasional exposure to UV rays – for example, it won’t darken or become dull, if it receives a few bits of sunlight a day. When a quartz slab is installed outside, its color shade is susceptible to alteration due to extended exposure to direct sunlight and heat, with dark colors being particularly vulnerable to these effects.
Quartz needs to sealed every year and it’s hard to maintain – False
Quartz is non-porous and does not require any sealing – ever. Quartz countertops are really easy to clean with mild soap and water. You still need to keep it clean, like any surface, but Quartz is highly stain resistant.
Quartz countertops all look the same – False
Quartz come in variety of colors, patterns and textures. Any solid color can be made and variety of patterns are popular including tiny flecks on a solid background. Manufacturers have also created colors and patterns that mimic natural stone, such as marble and granite. Whether you want a natural look in your home or something else completely, there’s a good chance you’ll find the color you want.
Quartz is expensive – False
Price variations of Quartz depend on the color choice. Most quartz countertops are priced close to a mid-range priced granite. The marble look Quartz colors are the most expensive.
Where to buy a Quartz countertop?
It is really important to find a place where you can see the actual slab of Quartz before you buy it, not only a small sample. Specially the marble look actual slab may look very different from the sample. Try to also find a company that handles its own fabrication and installation.
Factory Plaza – We are experts at fabricating and installing kitchen counters or bathroom vanities. Email us or give us a call (630-616-9999) for your free consultation and quote for your fabulous new kitchen countertops!
