OUR GUIDE TO QUARTZ WORKTOPS - PART 1

Part One - Thinking of a Quartz Worktop?

You might think choosing your new kitchen worktop is a fairly easy task – flicking through magazines, watching the latest renovation programmes and wandering round kitchen showrooms for ideas and inspiration – but it is often easy to be guided by what you might see, as opposed to what you might need.   

So how do you choose a worktop that best fits your needs and lifestyle? They are just as important as your kitchen cabinets when it comes to creating your dream kitchen! For instance, the colour you choose sets the tone for your entire space, influencing its look and feel.

Firstly, when it comes to creating the best kitchen worktop for you, devising a practical wish list can help, together with a logical list of Pros and Cons that’s right for you.

This is about ensuring your identity has been firmly stamped on your kitchen design, but it is also where your kitchen designer (in our case Bruce!) will be able to offer you the guidance you need to get the right surfaces for you that match your units and match your needs. 

Other than how it looks, the 2 key points to factor in are budget and maintenance; quite simply, how much you intend to spend and how much time you need to look after it! And that’s where a Quartz worktop can step up to the mark and give you an additional ‘wow’ factor. So is a quartz worktop right for your kitchen? Take a look through our guide below to decide.
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The attraction of a Quartz worktop
According to Good Housekeeping magazine (May 2024), quartz has now overtaken natural stone as the UK’s number one most desirable countertop material on the market. This is partly due to the huge range and choice available, as well as its practical capabilities – that it is non-porous, fairly easy-clean and more heat and stain resistant than other surfaces.
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Quartz worktops: looking at the Pros

• Quartz worktops are a truly versatile option – they work with many different kitchen styles from rustic to high-tech, classic to contemporary.
• They merge any style with durability.
• They come in a wealth of colours and patterns.
• They have non-porous surfaces, making them more hygienic than other choices.
• They are more eco-friendly than many surfaces; some are made from recycled materials (glass and ceramic) using more sustainable manufacturing processes, such as low-VOC emission resins (that’s fewer harmful chemicals). Plus, if looked after, they will last a long time reducing the need to be replaced after a few years.
• The non-porous surface means that a quartz worktop is more stain resistant to liquids like oil, juice, wine or coffee; they can’t just seep and soak in. They can also be more scratch resistant than other materials.
• They can be very low maintenance.
• All in all, quartz worktops can contribute positively to the value of your home.

 
Their antimicrobial properties ensure they do not harbour bacteria or mould, making them an excellent choice for health-conscious homeowners. In addition, the low maintenance nature of quartz, which requires no sealing against stains and moisture, simplifies the cleaning process. This enhances the longevity and daily convenience of the kitchen surface. 

What exactly is a Quartz worktop?
A quartz worktop is composed of 93% stone – one of the hardest natural substances – mixed with silica and bonded with chemical resins and pigments that offer a luxurious look coveted by many homeowners. Their popularity isn’t just skin-deep; these materials are often stronger than natural stone – five times stronger than granite! – and therefore they are cherished for both their stylish beauty and their durability. 

The Durability of Quartz
One of the shining features of quartz countertops is their exceptional durability. Here are some reasons why:

• Made up of 90-95% natural quartz crystals mixed with resins and pigments
• Less prone to scratching and staining compared to natural stones such as marble
• Less susceptible to staining or cracking due to their non-porous nature
• Withstand daily wear and tear and stay looking fresh for years to come

 
Plus, many quartz worktops come with warranties ranging from 10 years to the lifetime of the home – another factor worth considering on your Wish List.
 
Withstanding Daily Wear and Tear
When it comes to the daily life of a kitchen and all your activities, a quartz worktop can handle the rigours you will put it through, thanks to its engineered resilience and toughness. The inherent hard quality of natural quartz used in the engineering process contributes to its scratch and stain resistance. So even in the busiest of kitchens, a quartz worktop can withstand everyday spills, scratches and stains, avoiding likely damage that can arise from regular use.
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Quartz’s Design Versatility
Quartz worktops offer endless design options, including:

• appearances resembling granite or marble
• light and simple patterns
• deep and unusual colours
• intricate designs such as interlaced sparkling threads
• attributes that can hide seams
• fully customisable to personal taste
• enhancing the look to that of a one-off bespoke kitchen

 
There’s no doubt that the advanced manufacturing technology of quartz ensures a consistent aesthetic quality, providing a sophisticated, polished, and refined look that adds a high-end feel to kitchens – not least quartz can closely resemble natural stones such as granite or marble, boasting a higher gloss finish that adds further depth and luxury to its appearance.

Hygiene and Health: Quartz’s Hygienic Surface
Hygienic properties stand as one of the key advantages of quartz countertops. Engineered from natural quartz stone, pigments, and resins, quartz creates a robust, non-porous, and highly customizable surface, which does not require sealing, contributing to its hygienic features.
 
Some of the hygienic features of quartz countertops include:

• Its non-porous nature means quartz does not harbour bacteria or germs
• It is resistant to stains, making it easy to clean and maintain
• It does not require sealing, reducing the risk of bacteria growth
• It is highly durable and resistant to scratches and chips

 
These features establish quartz as a highly hygienic choice for kitchen countertops, making them one of the quartz worktop pros and the resistance of quartz worktops to water mould, and bacteria due to their physical durability enhances their suitability as a hygienic surface in various environments, especially kitchens.

Caring for Your Quartz worktop
One of the best attributes of a quartz worktop is its exceptionally low maintenance; it does not require sealing or polishing. Regular maintenance can help keep quartz worktops looking pristine for a long time. For regular, daily cleaning, simply wipe with a soft cloth or sponge with mild soap and water. And to prevent damage to the quartz surface, ensure you use chopping boards and always avoid using knives or sharp objects directly on the worktop.