QUARTZ

With a vast array of colors and textures, Quartz is an up-and-coming product that now ranks as a top choice for countertops. From vivid greens and browns to recycled material, Quartz is the low-maintenance choice for the imaginative homeowner.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT QUARTZ

Quartz countertops are engineered stone countertops formed by combining around 90 percent ground natural quartz with eight to 10 percent resins, polymers, and pigments.

The manufacturing process of Quartz allows for a much wider range of colors than you’ll find in natural stones such as marble or granite. The appearance of the finished engineered stone is rich and luxurious. The finish has a depth that can’t be produced with other solid surface materials like Corian. Quartz has the same durability as concrete and granite, but is quite a bit more forgiving, so it won’t chip or crack as easily. Like other hard surface countertop materials, quartz is non-porous so it resists staining much better than granite and marble. It stands up to juice, oil, wine, tomato, coffee and other sources of stains in the kitchen. With its’ non-porous surface Quartz will not harbor bacteria or viruses.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Quartz is a crystalline form of silicone diode and the second most common mineral found on this planet. It is typically found in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks, colored by impurities found within it, such as in amethyst, citrine, and cairngorm. Quartz is both plentiful and durable, used in production in diverse ways from electronics to building materials.

Quartz countertops are easy to care for, and because the surface is non-porous, they are hard to stain. Use mild dish soap and water for everyday cleaning and stay away from harsh, abrasive cleansers, and cleansers that contain bleach. You can gently scrape hardened material off with a plastic putty knife.

Quartz countertops which are sold under brand names such as Hanstone™, Silestone®,  Ceaserstone® and Cambria® are man-made stone surfaces. Quartz products offer consistency in patterns and colors that natural stone cannot. Quartz surfaces do not offer the uniqueness and varied random patterns of natural granite and marble.”

Not necessarily. Depending on the level of granite or marble and the particular company or pattern of quartz; granite can be a significantly more cost effective material. However, if you are considering a top end granite/marble, or an exotic stone; quartz is most likely going to be a more affordable way to go. Some factors that change the cost of granite are the extraction of the stone, and the shipping of the material which consumes a lot of time, money and energy. Factors that change the price of quartz are company, pattern or color of material, demand, labor rates, thickness and edge treatment, among others.

Under normal use it is very unlikely that your quartz countertop will ever chip. Edges are usually more susceptible to chipping than the middle of the surface, and if hit with enough force, chipping can occur. These occurrences are generally not covered by any manufacturing warranty, but would usually be repairable, depending on the size and scope of the chip or damage.

Quartz can be affected by extreme heat, so manufacturers recommend using cutting boards, trivets and hot pads while preparing meals. Quartz is very durable, but remember that any material can be damaged if not cared for properly.

The hard surface of Quartz is non-porous and very resistant to staining, even better than marble. Quartz counters can resist oil, coffee, wine, juice and most other common kitchen spills. It is not 100% stain resistant though and is susceptible to stains from solvents, sodium hydroxide, and permanent markers.

Quartz is among the most durable counter surfaces you can purchase, and they are scratch resistant under normal usage. It is not indestructible, as any surface can be damaged with extreme abuse, however quartz is durable and withstands well in normal usage. To keep its shine and luster, a cutting board is recommended when using knives.

NEED TO KNOW MORE?

Get in touch with one of our stone experts to have all your questions about this material answered.

MATERIAL CONSIDERATIONS

ABRASION RESISTANCE

High

Quartz countertops are among the hardest stone surfaces, made from naturally occurring minerals that are one of the hardest with a 7 on the Moh’s Scale of Relative Hardness Quartz uses up to 90% of the purest quartz particles, molded with resins and pigments to make the most resilient surfaces on the market.

ABSORPTION/STAINING

Minimal

Quartz countertops are incredibly impenetrable, dense, and resilient for long-lasting quality. They are highly nonporous and nonabsorbent resisting stains better than just about any other surface, and they host no bacteria, mold, or mildew, and remain safe and sanitary for ultimate cleanliness.

ACID SENSITIVITY

Low

Many common cleaners contain citric acid and other substances with a high alkaline content, which should never be used on quartz surfaces. Instead of trying to guess the pH level of household cleaners, you should only use those that have been specifically formulated to safely clean quartz.

HEAT RESISTANCE

Low

Quartz countertops are made of roughly 9o% quartz with the rest being the resin and pigments. The resin can only withstand temperatures of around 150 degrees. When taking a pan from your oven or stove top, do no set it directly on your quartz countertop. The resin will burn and may cause permanent damage.

What Our Customers Say

My experience with Delta was absolutely the best. Beginning with my first meeting with Monica to the installation, I felt I was your only customer – – and the most important. I can not thank you enough for making this experience so seamless and hassle-free.
Mary D., San Antonio, TX
It was a pleasure dealing with Delta from start to finish. Monica was great at answering any and all questions. Our job was scheduled and completed within the given time frame. Mike came out to do the template, and I was impressed with the laser system he used to take the measurements. I had not seen that before. He did a great job because when the installers came out everything fit perfectly. Our install crew (Greg, Michael, and Eric) were very good – very professional and obviously took pride in their work. We had countertops as well as a fireplace surround and hearth done, and I know we will enjoy all for a long time. I could not recommend Delta Granite enough.
Patricia P., San Antonio , TX
Delta Granite and Marble, Inc was nice and efficient installing my kitchen counter top. Everything worked out fine and the staff was friendly and nice!
Jason G., San Antonio, TX