At Countertops and Cabinetry by Design, we offer a number of elegant quartz slabs and surfaces to help you bring your kitchen or bathroom vision to life, from brands like Corian Quartz, Silestone, Viatera, and Hanstone. If you have been debating whether to buy quartz countertop or granite countertop, and have decided that while you love the look and feel of granite, you don’t desire the maintenance, quartz countertops really are an excellent option for you. Quartz countertops cost a bit more, but you will find that over time, they can be the more cost effective of the two options.
Quartz countertops are simply ideal for virtually any kitchen or bathroom and any design. You will find that there are numerous colors, textures, and patterns to choose from. The experts here at Countertops and Cabinetry by Design have plenty of experience using state-of-the-art equipment and innovation to help create custom quartz countertops that meet your specifications and your desires.
Introduction to Quartz Countertops
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.
What are the Advantages of Quartz Countertops?
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.
What are the Disadvantages of Quartz Countertops?
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.
What Things Should I Consider Before Choosing My Quartz Countertops?
Budget
The average price for quartz countertops—minus installation fees—is about $75 per square ft. Lower-quality quartz may run from $50-$60 per square ft, mid-quality quartz between $60-$70 per square ft., and high-quality quartz countertops are typically between $70-$100 per square ft. Remember that your edge design choice will also determine the final price.
Type and Quality
The level or grade of quartz countertops is determined by the materials used in the manufacturing process. Quartz with numerous veins or possible discolorations is called “seconds.” Standard, or commercial grade quartz is the “normal” level, offering medium color depth and quality. Finally, first quality quartz countertops utilize the very best materials, with the final product having deep, rich colors and minimal veining.
Dimensions
The thickness of quartz countertops range from ½” to 1 ¼”, depending on the brand, size and style. If an elaborate edge design is chosen, a thicker slab may be required.
Décor and Style
Ultimately, the colors, configuration, finish, and edging of quartz countertops can influence the overall aesthetic of your kitchen or bathroom. There are a wide range of colors available for quartz countertops, all the way from neutral colors to bold blues, yellows and reds. You can even find pieces of quartz with more of a flecked pattern detail. Surfaces of quartz countertops can have a suede appearance, a glossy appearance, or even a flecked, pebbled or embossed appearance. Edges can be soft and rounded, chiseled and raw, or bold and square. One type of higher-end edge is known as a reverse waterfall. This edge resembles the look of crown molding. Other edge designs may be mitered, undercut or slanted to create a contemporary look.
What Does the Process Look Like to Replace My Quartz Countertops?
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.
How We Can Help?
As design professionals in the Mason, West Chester, and greater Cincinnati area, Countertops and Cabinetry by Design approaches the replacement of countertops in a much simpler fashion. Our company is able to maximize our inventory by using leftover materials for other jobs, creating custom, budget-friendly solutions for our clients. We only use sub-contractors for our clients’ jobs in very specific instances, ensuring we have control over the entire process. We typically offer our clients a quote after a short meeting where we listen carefully to our clients, discussing their wants and needs. When it is time for your installation, our goal is to complete your job in the same manner we would for our own homes. At Countertops and Cabinetry by Design, we ensure each and every client understands their options. We provide the necessary education and thoroughly answer questions, allowing our clients to make the best choices for their remodel. If you have questions about your upcoming kitchen or bathroom remodel, reach out to one of our design professionals today.