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All the countertops available in the market are quite expensive. However, there are only a few companies that provide price-worthy products. AGL is one of them; it offers a wide range of products in the Quartz Stone category. Quartz crystals are used to make oscillators for watches, clocks, radios, and televisions. Other appliances like electronic games, computers, cell phones, electronic meters, and GPS equipment. A lot of uses have also been developed for optical-grade quartz crystals.
This stone is famous to be used as kitchen and bathroom countertops. But think twice before investing in it and make sure if it is price-worthy. We have gathered all the information that you would need before buying any such product to make a smart decision and enjoy your work surface for years to come. Usually, before we buy any product, we understand what it is thoroughly. In the same way, to start the guide, we are going to understand what it is in detail.
What is a quartz countertop?
When you visit a kitchen showroom, you will find a dazzling array of quartz countertop designs and patterns that mimic real marble and other natural-quality stones. Out of these, quartz has come a long way! It first appeared in Italy in the 1960s, where these countertops were developed. They were produced by combining ground quartz particles with resins into a slab which was used as an alternative to stone that wouldn’t easily crack or break. Early quartz countertops were a dull-looking cream and tan color. With tons of finish choices and an endless combination of colors and edge styles, you are likely to find something perfectly aesthetic that suits your home.
You will not only appreciate the realness of quartz, but you’ll also find it remarkably easy to maintain. Other marbles and natural stones require a special sealant and you need to be very careful with them. Quartz contains 90 to 94 percent ground quartz and 6 to 10 percent polymer resins and pigments which are combined to produce a granite-hard slab that can duplicate the look of aesthetically pleasing. marble swirls or earthy natural stone, without much maintenance. Quartz is also scratch-resistant, ranking a “7” in hardness on the Moh’s scale. Whereas, marble in comparison to it, ranks only a “3.”
If you are going to remodel your kitchen countertops, make sure that you do not confuse quartz with quartzite. Quartz is made with pigments and resins, while quartzite is asandstone that was exposed to intense heat, which caused it to solidify.
What are the pros and cons of using quartz?
Pros of using quartz:
- It is non-porous.
- Quartz is mold and stain-resistant. Because of this quality, it does not only remain clean but also germ and bacteria-free.
- Quartz resists heat damage up to a certain point.
Cons of using quartz:
- It cannot retain thermal shocks. The quartz might lead to discoloring or breakage due to thermal shock.
- And because liquid can’t penetrate its surface, it is not 100 percent stain-proof.
- The biggest downside to quartz is that it is over-pricy.
- It is not suitable for outdoor installation as the sun’s UV rays can break down the resin binders and degrade the countertop quality; leading to fading.
Do’s and Don’ts I Need to Follow to Make My Quartz Look Great
Beyond the visual aesthetic of quartz, it requires some care too! However, there are a few do’s and don’ts that we should follow.
Do’s:
- Wipe off the spills immediately with a paper towel or damp cloth because quartz is non-porous and liquids like wine and coffee can stain the surface if allowed to dry.
- Prefer using an all-purpose spray kitchen cleaner or mild commercial household cleaner for daily cleaning needs.
- Use a non-scratch nylon pad or a sponge so that you can safely scrub away sticky food residue.
Don’ts:
- Only use abrasive cleaners or scrubbers for cleaning your countertop. Other scrubs like Steel-pads will scratch and dull the surface.
- Quartz can only tolerate cleaners in the mid-pH range so use or spray acidic or high-alkaline products on your countertop because products that fall on either end of the pH scale can dull its luster. Make sure you don’t spill from drain cleaners, oven cleaners, acetone, paint remover, solvents, bleach, dishwasher rinse agents, and any products that contain trichloroethane or methylene chloride. If you aren’t sure about a particular cleaning product, don’t risk using it on your quartz countertop.
- Do not use a metal knife to remove hardened food items. Instead, use a plastic knife to gently scrape them away.
- Do not use your quartz countertop to chop or dice foods. Use a chopping board to prevent knife marks on the countertop.
- Do not keep hot pans directly on the countertop as that might lead to discoloration and cracking.
About Installation of Quartz
The installation of quartz can be divided into three phases. For the first step, a representative from the side of the manufacturer will come to measure your countertop and it will take about a week or two to make it. In phase two, the countertops get installed with the help of adhesive. The installers will fill in the gaps precisely, so don’t worry about it. It might take a few hours or an entire day for it to dry completely. Phase three allows you to proceed with under-sink plumbing.
