Quartz countertops have become very popular among homeowners who are looking for a change in their kitchens. When you start shopping, you might be confused by its description as a ‘man-made’ engineered counter. To create the slabs you see in stone yards, manufacturers combine roughly 93% ground quartz with 7% resins, polymers, and colors. This combination allows for a huge variety of colors with the look similar to natural stone. Because quartz counters are made with a blend of stone and resin, the resulting surface is very hard, like granite, but also glossy and non-porous. The pattern depends on the texture of the stone used in the process.
While priced similar to slabs of granite, quartz countertops do not need to be sealed. Porous granite, on the other hand, if not sealed regularly, can be prone to staining. Quartz is also as durable as granite and can withstand everyday life. What really draws most designers, builders, and remodelers to quartz, however, is its uncanny appearance to marble. Much easier on the wallet, quartz is ideal for those seeking that sophisticated marble look with more color choices and ease of maintenance.