Is Quartz for Countertops Man Made?

Quartz countertops have become an increasingly popular option for kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects over the past couple of decades. Unlike natural stone countertops such as granite and marble, quartz is an engineered stone made from a combination of natural materials and binding resins. The question many homeowners have is – is quartz man-made? The short answer is yes, quartz used for countertops is a manufactured composite material. However, understanding the details of how quartz countertops are made gives more insight into the benefits this material can provide.

How Quartz Countertops Are Manufactured

Quartz countertops are made from a combination of ground natural quartz crystals and polymer resins. The manufacturing process combines approximately 90% ground quartz with about 10% resins and pigments. It all starts with obtaining quartz crystals in an ore form. This ore is mined and then processed to extract and ground the crystals into a fine sand consistency.

The typical manufacturing steps are:

  • Mining and processing quartz crystals
  • Mixing ground quartz with resins and pigments
  • Molding into slabs under heat and pressure
  • Cooling and curing slabs
  • Finishing and polishing

The end result is a prefabricated slab that can be cut and shaped for installation in homes.

Unlike granite and other natural stones, the manufacturing process allows the color, pattern, and consistency of quartz to be carefully controlled. The resins bind the quartz grains together to form a durable, non-porous surface that resists scratches, stains, and heat.

The slabs are molded into a variety of popular colors and patterns to mimic natural stone while avoiding imperfections and variability. This enables a consistent look for quartz countertops throughout a kitchen or bathroom.

Is Man-Made Quartz Inferior to Natural Stone?

Quartz is often viewed as an alternative to higher-end natural stone countertops like granite and marble. But despite being engineered and manufactured, quartz has many advantages:

  • More consistent in color and pattern
  • Resists stains from spills better than granite
  • Non-porous so does not need regular sealing
  • Greater flexural strength and durability
  • Resists chips, scratches, and cracks more than natural stone
  • Maintains shine and luster with minimal maintenance

So while man-made, quartz combines the beauty of natural stone with enhanced durability and practicality. And advancements in manufacturing have resulted in quartz slabs that closely resemble the real thing.

Reasons to Choose Quartz

Here are some of the top reasons to choose quartz over natural stone:

  • Consistency – The color and pattern does not vary from slab to slab.
  • Durability – More flexural strength and scratch resistance than granite.
  • Low maintenance – Resists stains and needs little ongoing care.
  • Non-porous – Unlike natural stone, quartz does not absorb liquids.
  • Appearance – Mimics granite and marble with more color consistency.

So while not naturally formed, quartz combines the elegance of stone with the consistent quality of engineered surfaces. Many homeowners actually prefer quartz over granite and marble.

How Durable is Quartz?

Quartz countertops are highly durable and resistant to damage in the busy kitchen environment:

  • Scratch resistant – The resin binds the quartz particles into a hard, non-porous surface. Quartz ranks just under diamonds for surface hardness, making it very scratch resistant.
  • Stain proof – The non-porous structure keeps spills from penetrating into the surface. Quartz can be stained by very pigmented liquids if left for prolonged time periods. But typical food and beverage spills wipe away without leaving a trace.
  • Heat and burn resistant – Exposure to normal cooking heat and temperatures will not damage quartz counters. However, prolonged direct contact with very hot pans can potentially cause surface damage. Using trivets is recommended.
  • Impact resistant – The rigidity of quartz makes it able to withstand typical impact from kitchen items without chipping or cracking. However, significant impact force can damage quartz.
  • Non-reactive – Quartz has excellent chemical resistance and is unharmed by common cleaners, food acids, and environmental substances.

With proper care, quartz countertops can last for many decades in the home. Their durability and minimal maintenance are big advantages over natural stone surfaces.

How is Quartz Different From Solid Surface Countertops?

Along with natural stone, solid surface materials like Corian provide another countertop option. But quartz stands apart from solid surface materials in a few key ways:

  • Composition – Solid surfaces are 100% polyester resin. Quartz is mainly ground stone bonded by resin.
  • Durability – Quartz is harder and more scratch resistant than solid surface. Solid surface can scratch and scorch easier.
  • Maintenance – Solid surface requires more routine maintenance to keep its luster. Quartz is more stain and scratch resistant.
  • Cost – Due to higher durability and mineral content, quartz is generally pricier than solid surface countertops.
  • Appearance – Quartz more closely resembles the look of natural stone. Many solid surface patterns are more uniform.

So for homeowners that want a sleek, low-maintenance alternative to stone that retains natural beauty, quartz usually makes the most sense.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Quartz Countertops?

Quartz combines the sophistication and beauty of stone with enhanced durability and consistency:

Quartz Pros:

  • Appealing natural-stone look
  • Greater stain, scratch, and chip resistance than stone
  • Color and pattern uniformity
  • Requires very little maintenance
  • Non-porous and does not need regular sealing
  • Durable and long-lasting

Quartz Cons:

  • More expensive than solid surface countertops
  • Limited number of colors and patterns
  • Can be damaged by excessive heat or force
  • Cannot match the unique veining of natural stone
  • Resins make it unrepairable if severely damaged

What Should You Know Before Installing Quartz?

There are some important considerations when planning quartz installation:

  • Hire an experienced professional. Quartz requires specialty tools for cutting and shaping.
  • Make sure your cabinets and base are solid, level, and properly supported.
  • Choose thickness (usually 2 or 3 cm) based on cabinet size, overhangs, and weight limits.
  • Select color, edge profiles, and any special cuts before slab fabrication.
  • Expect permanent seams for larger counters, islands, or odd shapes.
  • Quartz remains at room temperature. Ensure indoor climate control.
  • Use trivets and cutting boards to protect surface from direct high heat.

With careful planning and quality installation, quartz counters will provide many years of beauty and performance.

What are the Best Quartz Brands?

The leading quartz manufacturers include:

  • Caesarstone – One of the first quartz brands available. Offers wide range of colors and textures trying to simulate natural stone.
  • Cambria – Focuses more on elegant designs. Their quartz has a glossy polished look.
  • Silestone – Known for constantly evolving their color and pattern options. Great durability.
  • LG Viatera – High-end luxury brand with many unique bold designs. Offers large slab sizes.
  • Hanstone – Their Superia line includes nature-inspired patterns plus solid colors.
  • Quartz Master – Budget-friendly brand sold through home improvement stores. Good quality with less color options.

It’s best to review product samples to help narrow down your preferred quartz supplier and aesthetics.

How Much Does Installed Quartz Countertops Cost?

As an engineered product, quartz slabs themselves cost in the range of:

  • Low end: $40 – $70 per square foot
  • Mid range: $70 – $100 per square foot
  • High end: $100 – $175 per square foot

However, the total installed price is affected by several factors:

  • Basic countertop with straight edges: Starting around $80 per square foot installed.
  • Special edge treatments (bevels, ogees, etc): Adds $5-15 per linear foot.
  • Intricate patterning or color: Unique designer slabs cost over $100 per square foot.
  • Special cutting like curves or angled edges: Adds to fabrication time and waste.
  • Thicker slabs: Going from 2 cm to 3 cm thick adds 20%+ to material cost.
  • Regional labor rates: Installation cost is higher in areas with higher wages.
  • Kitchen size: More surface area lowers average cost per square foot.

With all these variables, it’s best to get an itemized quote from experienced local quartz fabricators. Expect to invest $2500 to $4000 for an average sized residential kitchen.

Does Quartz Need to be Sealed?

Unlike granite and marble, quartz does not require regular sealing to maintain its durability and appearance. Here’s why:

  • Quartz is non-porous, so liquids do not penetrate the surface. Granite is naturally porous.
  • The polymer resins fill in pores within the material. Natural stones are filled with tiny holes.
  • Pigments are mixed throughout quartz slabs. Stones rely on exterior sealants.
  • The bonding process makes quartz resistant to moisture and stains. Many stones absorb liquids.

However, proper care and maintenance is still important:

  • Wipe up spills promptly to avoid potential staining. Don’t let liquids pool on surface.
  • Regularly clean with a gentle stone cleaner and water. Use a non-abrasive sponge or cloth.
  • Avoid harsh cleaners and chemicals that can damage the polish.
  • Reseal if excessive staining begins occurring in high use areas.

So quartz does not require frequent sealing. But following manufacturer’s care guidelines will maintain its beauty.

Is Quartz Countertops a Good Investment for Resale?

With their stylish natural stone look combined with rock-solid durability, quartz counters are an attractive option for many home buyers. Here’s why they make sense as an investment in your home’s resale value:

Increases Buyer Appeal

  • Quartz mimics high-end granite and marble without the cost and maintenance. Home buyers are drawn to this look.
  • The array of color and pattern options appeals to a wide range of buyer preferences.
  • A kitchen updated with stylish new quartz counters catches buyers’ eyes and makes the home feel fresh.

Saves on Maintenance and Repairs

  • Unlike granite, quartz won’t regularly need sealing and conditioning. This saves buyers hassle and money down the road.
  • Its durability means fewer repairs from chips, scratches, and discoloration that lower granite’s value over time.
  • Non-porous quartz prevents grease and food stains that can be difficult to remove from natural stone.

Holds Up Better Over Time

  • Quartz retains its like-new sheen with minimal upkeep. Less prone to wearing down than granite.
  • Resistance to scratches and marks makes quartz still look pristine after years of heavy use.
  • Color and gloss consistency mean the whole countertop installation matches, with no discrepancy between new and old areas.

So for a material that impresses potential home buyers while holding up well to years of use, quartz is a smart investment in your kitchen’s resale appeal.

Is Quartz a Good Choice for Bathroom Vanities?

With its durability, water-resistance, and ease of maintenance, quartz serves as an exceptional material for bathroom vanity countertops. Here’s why quartz excels in the bathroom environment:

  • Its non-porous, stain-proof surface prevents absorption of liquids from sinks, cosmetics, and cleaning chemicals. Granite can stain more easily from bathroom products.
  • Quartz withstands humidity well and is unharmed by steam from showers. Some natural stones can crack or pit with excess bathroom moisture.
  • Vanities see less heat exposure than kitchen counters. But quartz’s resilience against burns protects against hot tools.
  • White and light quartz colors keep bathrooms looking bright and clean. Dark granite can appear dingy over time.
  • Simple soap-and-water cleaning keeps quartz vanities looking like new. Natural stone requires more intensive maintenance.
  • Quartz lacks the large cracks and pits found in some granite and marble, providing more sanitary prep space.

Quartz delivers on both form and function as a bathroom vanity countertop material. Its aesthetics and durability make it a practical yet stylish focal point that holds up well to the bathroom environment.

FAQ

Is quartz natural stone?

No, quartz used for countertops is an engineered composite made from approximately 90% ground quartz aggregates combined with pigments and polymer resins that bind the material. It is man-made but designed to mimic the look of natural stone.

Is a quartz countertop durable?

Quartz has exceptional durability and scratch, stain, chip, and heat resistance compared to natural stone countertops. It is harder than granite and requires very little maintenance over time. When properly cared for, quartz countertops can last for decades before needing replacement.

Can you damage quartz countertops?

While very durable for normal kitchen use, quartz can potentially be damaged by excessive force or temperatures. Impact from a very heavy object dropped directly on a countertop could chip the surface. Sustained high heat over 300°F could scorch the surface. But quartz stands up to typical daily use exceptionally well.

Why is quartz more expensive than other countertops?

Higher prices of quartz counters relative to materials like laminate or tile are attributable to several factors:

  • Raw quartz crystals used in manufacturing are rarer and pricier than other minerals.
  • Producing quartz slabs requires intensive manufacturing processes under extreme heat and pressure. This demands significant energy and labor costs.
  • The polymer resins that provide quartz’s durability are more expensive than the adhesives in ceramic tiles or vinyl laminates.
  • Fabricating and installing quartz requires special tools and expertise that also add to the overall cost.

Can you use quartz outdoors?

Quartz countertops are intended for indoor use only and should not be installed in outdoor kitchens or other exterior areas. Prolonged UV light exposure will cause the resin binders in quartz to yellow and degrade over time. Outdoor temperature swings also produce expansion and contraction that quartz is not engineered to withstand long-term.

Conclusion

While man-made rather than a natural stone, high-quality quartz provides homeowners a robust and practical countertop option. Properties like consistent color patterns, extreme durability, and resistance to stains give quartz huge advantages over granite and marble. Combined with newer designs that closely replicate the nuances of stone, quartz delivers stunning beauty with exceptional performance. With proper care, quartz countertops enhance kitchens and bathrooms for many decades. And their low-maintenance upkeep and resilient durability improve the appeal and value of homes for years to come.


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