What Are Quartz Countertops?

Mineralogy

• Prized for its hardness, only three minerals on earth are tougher than quartz, and the stone is abundantly available. Manufacturers extract quartz in its crude state from mines around the world. After miners quarry the quartz, machines crush the stone in factories and blend the pieces with resins and pigments. Workers pour the amalgamation into 10-foot slabs to create engineered quartz countertops. Each slab consists of 93 percent quartz and 7 percent other materials.

Comparison to Natural Stone

• Engineered stone trumps natural stone, including granite and marble, in terms of durability. The quartz manufacturing process creates a nonporous surface that is stronger than natural stone. While you must seal granite counters annually, quartz never requires sealing. Some homeowners prefer the uniform coloring throughout quartz surfaces, while others favor the natural variation and random veins in granite, soapstone and other authentic minerals.

Care and Maintenance

• Use soap and water to clean quartz surfaces. Because of its dense nature, quartz resists stains. However, avoid spilling chemicals on the surface, which will damage the finish. Keep drain cleaners, oil soaps, bleach, toilet bowl cleaners, oven cleaners and other alkaline products away from quartz countertops. Though the material resists scratches and heat, quartz manufacturers recommend using cutting boards and trivets.

Environmental Issues

• Quartz countertops exported from China, Europe and the Middle East must travel up to 7,000 miles before reaching the U.S. Because the slabs are heavy and bulky, the shipping process wastes energy. The extensive transportation process creates air pollution from emissions, and the manufacturing process requires significant water resources. To combat environmental concerns, some manufacturers now recycle water and use quartz from U.S. sources.

Installation Procedure

• Because of the unwieldy nature of quartz slabs, manufacturers prohibit consumers from installing quartz countertops. Using a tape measure or laser measuring system, a trained installation specialist will record the dimensions of your counter area and confirm that your base cabinets are durable. A fabricator then uses the dimensions to cut your countertop and sink cutout to the exact dimensions. On the day of installation, two professionals will be on hand to handle and carry your countertops. Weighing more than granite, quartz countertops are among the heaviest countertops available.