While quartz countertops were once a virtual unknown, the reputation of these high-end countertops has developed positively over the past couple of decades. Quartz is an agglomerate of stone-like materials used primarily in bathrooms and kitchens. It is bound together with resins, then pressed into slabs. What’s unique about quartz is that it requires no sealing, as the resins in the quartz seal the countertops, giving it an advantage over natural stone. Since the quartz manufacturing process is controlled, there are few imperfections in quartz countertops.

Quartz countertops are typically constructed of 93 percent stone-like materials and 7 percent binders—either cement-based or polymeric. Coming from crushed waste stone left over in quarries or fragments of mirrors, glass, silica or ceramic, these stone-like materials give quartz countertops their non-porous surface, as well as their hardness, allowing quartz to stand up to the rigors of cooking.

Quartz was originally patented in 1963 by an Italian company, Breton, and the brands of quartz today all come from Breton. Bretonstone technology is currently licensed to more than 50 companies across the globe, with other companies, such as DuPont, Cambria and Cosentino using Breton’s patent for their own quartz products. In other words, even though individual manufacturers add their own nuances to quartz countertops, they still work off the original patent.

Some of today’s quartz countertops include such things as glass, mirrors, brass metal fillings and even various mixtures of marble and granite. It comes in a wide array of designs, colors and patterns—many of which mimic marble and other natural stone. Far from the original creams and tans quartz countertops first came in, there are now an abundance of finish choices, colors and edge styles.

Given the abundance of options to choose from, it can be difficult to land on exactly which countertop to pick. We want to help. Our design team can assist you in choosing the perfect quartz countertop for your kitchen or bath remodel. Helping those in the greater Cincinnati area, Countertops and Cabinetry by Design introduced a simpler method of countertop replacement, vastly different from our industry competitors. We pride ourselves in providing a high level of customization, educating you every step of the way.

If you’re choosing between quartz and another countertop material, it could help to know the advantages to quartz. The primary benefit of quartz countertops is the natural luster, and near 3-D appearance, making it look more like natural stone. Quartz is also extremely hard, with few imperfections. Installers often find it easier to deal with quartz countertop installations since the material is more predictable. As an engineered product, it is much easier to find nearly any quartz color you want to complement your kitchen or bathroom. Quartz countertops also tend to be a much “greener” choice than granite or other natural stones since quartz countertops are constructed from the by-products of other manufacturing or quarrying processes.

In other words, no natural stone is quarried solely to use in the manufacturing of quartz countertops. Quartz is also extremely easy to maintain—unlike marble and natural stone, there is no required sealant for quartz countertops, and these beauties resist scratches and cracks to a higher degree than most natural countertop substances. As a non-porous surface, there is little danger of stains, mold or bacteria in your quartz countertop. Choosing quartz can prove to be a great decision for creating a room that will provide great style and an elegant and classy look for years to come.

Quartz countertops can be expensive, running from $60 to $100 per square foot for the higher quality brands. That being said, quartz still costs about 18 percent less than granite on average, although it is more expensive than solid surface countertops. While quartz is great for kitchens and baths, if exposed to outside elements for a prolonged period of time, quartz will react to sunlight by fading.

When used outside, quartz countertops are more likely to be scratched when exposed to the elements. While quartz is resistant to heat, it is not perfectly heat-resistant. Counters that are longer than 120 inches or involve a complex configuration will require fabrication of more than one section, meaning there will be seams. A dark-toned quartz may not show the seams as much as a lighter-colored or multicolored quartz countertop.

Those in the greater Cincinnati area who are considering a kitchen or bath remodel often must consider new countertops, and you might be curious about the installation process. Choosing to work with a professional from Countertops and Cabinetry by Design will allow you to clearly understand these essential installation steps. Your countertop installation expert will measure current countertops and cabinets in order to establish baseline dimensions, answering any questions you might have at this time.

After an overall plan has been agreed on, your Countertops and Cabinetry by Design professional will prepare a price estimate which covers the entire process—including your choice of quartz countertop material. You will choose your pattern, color and edge design, and then the fabrication process will begin. A template will be created, then when the fabrication process is complete, your installation professionals will spend the necessary time in your home to complete your countertop installation. Your old countertops will be disassembled and removed, then the new countertops put into place.