IKEA is known for its affordable and stylish home furnishings, and their quartz countertops are no exception. But what exactly is quartz made of, and what percentage of resin does IKEA use in their quartz countertops? Let’s take a closer look.
What is Quartz Made Of?
Quartz countertops, sometimes referred to as engineered stone, are made from ground natural quartz crystals combined with resin and other materials. Here is a typical breakdown of the materials:
- Quartz crystals: 90-94%
- Resins/binders: 6-10%
- Pigments: ≤2%
The quartz crystals come from natural stone, while the resins act as a binder to hold the material together. Pigments are added to achieve different colors and patterns.
So in short, quartz contains a very high percentage of natural stone, with resin binders comprising just 6-10% of the overall material. The exact resin percentage can vary slightly between brands.
IKEA Quartz Countertops Resin Percentage
IKEA uses the brand name Sektion for their quartz countertops. According to IKEA, Sektion contains 93% quartz crystals mixed with 7% binding agents and pigments.
This means IKEA keeps their resin percentage on the lower end of the typical range for quartz countertops. Using less resin allows more of the natural quartz to shine through for a more attractive and durable surface.
Why the Resin Percentage Matters
The amount of resin in a quartz countertop affects certain qualities:
- Durability: Higher resin content can mean more flexibility, less chance of cracking. Lower resin means more stone, enhanced hardness.
- Appearance: Lower resin highlights the natural beauty of quartz crystals. Higher resin gives more uniform coloring.
- Price: More resin lowers cost but reduces stone quantity. Less resin has higher stone content, for a premium price.
IKEA strikes a good balance by using 7% resin. This provides excellent durability with 93% natural quartz, at affordable price points. Other high-end brands often use even less resin.
Quality of IKEA Quartz Countertops
IKEA quartz counters offer great quality for the price. Reviews indicate customers are very satisfied with the appearance, durability, and value.
Some key benefits of IKEA quartz counters:
- Attractive patterns and colors to suit any decor
- Made from 93% crushed quartz for hardness and beauty
- Stain, scratch, and heat resistant
- Non-porous so less prone to bacteria growth
- Low-maintenance compared to other countertop materials
- IKEA 10-year limited warranty
While not the cheapest option, IKEA quartz counters offer an appealing combination of quality, durability, beauty, and value. The 7% resin content contributes to the overall performance.
Caring for an IKEA Quartz Countertop
To keep an IKEA quartz countertop looking its best:
- Use cutting boards and hot pads to prevent scratches and burns
- Clean regularly with mild soap and water
- Avoid exposing to strong chemicals or solvents
- Re-seal with an IKEA-recommended sealer yearly
- Follow IKEA care and cleaning guidelines
With proper care, an IKEA quartz countertop will maintain its good looks and perform beautifully for many years. The low resin percentage and high 93% natural stone provide resilience and longevity.
So in summary, IKEA uses only 7% resin in their quartz counters, maintaining excellent durability and beauty by focusing on a high quantity of natural crushed quartz. This achieves an attractive, quality countertop for the price. With minimal maintenance, IKEA quartz offers homeowners lovely style and lasting value.