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The countertop of choice for homeowners
Fashionable, durable and easy to care for
Always in view and in frequent use, it's important to choose the right worktop that fits perfectly with your kitchen and lifestyle. Quartz countertops have grown in popularity over the past decade and there are no signs of their popularity waning.
Quartz surfaces are non-porous, resistant to abrasion, heat and scratches, do not need to be sealed and are therefore very easy to care for. Along with its aesthetic benefits, quartz's durability has made it the kitchen counter of choice for many homeowners.
what is quartz
Typically made from artificial stone, typically 93% natural quartz, along with various resins and polymers to create a wide range of finishes, the use of quartz results in an ultimate kitchen countertop that is not only strong, but beautiful and elegant.
Thanks to its non-porous properties, quartz does not absorb liquids that are common in the kitchen and bathroom. Problematic liquids for natural stone surfaces include water, oils, wine, juices and soap, making quartz a more hygienic alternative.
Quartz countertops are also easy to keep clean and looking new, requiring only a damp cloth and mild detergent. This makes quartz the perfect choice, offering the look of marble or granite if desired, but without many of the drawbacks.
What are quartz surfaces made of?
Quartz is a natural mineral commonly found in igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks. Because quartz is one of nature's hardest materials, the weaker minerals around it wear and erode faster. As a result, quartz remains the predominant mineral in eroded sedimentary systems such as beaches over time.
Although quartz surfaces can have a natural appearance due to advances in modern technology, the surfaces are actually man-made. It must be bound with resin or binders to make it usable and form an extremely durable cast stone that is resistant to scratching, heat and staining.
The composition of quartz kitchen countertops can range from 90% to 95% quartz. High quality finishes such as CRL Quartz are composed of an ideal ratio of approximately 93% natural quartz to 7% polymers and resin, together with various types of pigments for coloring.
The resin hardens to form polymers, a long repeating chain of molecules. If the resin content in the mixture is too high, it can cause problems during installation as it will absorb water and cause the panel to expand. The higher the resin content, the more porous and less scratch resistant the tile becomes. However, if the quartz content is too high, the plate can become brittle and less stable. That's why the right proportion is so important to ensure consumers get the most out of their beautiful stonework kitchen and bath.
How are quartz countertops made?
In 1963, Breton, a company from northeast Italy, developed the engineered stone and licensed the process to over 50 companies worldwide. While manufacturers add their own style and spin to quartz kitchen countertops, the foundation of the manufacturing process remains the same.
At CRL Quartz Surfaces, each and every material is carefully inspected by Quality Control before starting the entire process. Raw quartz is crushed and then mixed with polymeric resin in industrial mixers.
Quartz kitchen countertops are highly customizable, so depending on the desired finish, you can sometimes use multiple blenders to blend materials if there are multiple colors in the mix. The manufacturing process differs slightly depending on the colors to be achieved, but the end result will still be the familiar quartz material.
After the mixture is well mixed, it is poured into a mold on the countertop. The mixture is then aspirated to remove air and then compacted into slabs at a pressure of 100 tons. The slabs are then cured in an oven, an industrial oven that heats the quartz to very high temperatures to solidify the mixture into a hard surface. Board curing increases strength and stain resistance. Finally, the surface of the slab is polished to a perfect shine. The resulting product is a durable engineered stone with no cracks or pores. Each board is checked for quality before being packaged and prepared for shipment.
How hard is quartz compared to other materials?
On the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, quartz has a rating of 7, making quartz one of the hardest natural minerals on Earth. It is much harder, stronger and more durable than other countertop stones such as granite which is rated 6.
See our infographic for more information.Here.
skip to sections
- quartz durability
- Quartz versus granite countertops
- Quartz Countertops vs. Marble
- fashion materials
- Why choose quartz?
- Quarz-FAQ
How durable are quartz countertops?
Due to their design, our quartz countertops usually last longer than natural stone. Not only are they stain and scratch resistant, they are also heat and shock resistant.
This durability is reflected in aGuaranteeperiod of 25 years.
Quartz countertops offer an ideal, hard-wearing option for beautiful luxury kitchens and family bathrooms, without the high maintenance that natural materials require.
Quartz Countertops vs. Granite
Natural stone surfaces such as granite have long been a popular choice when it comes to beautiful, traditional interior design.
However, granite has limitations: it is only available in the colors that nature offers, so the range of colors and variations is much smaller than with quartz countertops, which significantly reduces the choices and time to design the kitchen. .
While granite is also a solid surface, it requires a higher level of maintenance than engineered stone, including the need to apply a sealer annually.
Comparing the main features of quartz and granite countertops
| CRL Quarz | granite | |
|---|---|---|
| wear resistance | ||
| scratch resistance | ||
| stain resistance | ||
| heat resistance | ||
| Impact resistance | ||
| flexible kraft | ||
| Resistance to ultraviolet rays | ||
| pattern consistency | ||
| Easy to clean and maintain | ||
| Hygiene |
Excellent:
Very good:
INTESTINE:
Low:
VeryLow:
Quartz Countertops vs. Marble
Like granite, marble is a popular natural stone, and each slab is unique in color and grain.
Marble is also a softer material than quartz, making it more prone to scratches and stains. Like other natural stones, marble needs to be sealed every year to protect it.
A marble countertop can offer traditional elegance, but due to the uniqueness of the pattern on each slab, it doesn't offer the same color consistency or appearance as a quartz countertop, which can be a real problem when viewing a marble surface in a showroom. from another kitchen countertop supplier. It can often happen that the plate installed in your house differs significantly from the one considered as an example.
Comparison of the main features of quartz and marble countertops
| CRL Quarz | Marble | |
|---|---|---|
| wear resistance | ||
| scratch resistance | ||
| stain resistance | ||
| heat resistance | ||
| Impact resistance | ||
| flexible kraft | ||
| Resistance to ultraviolet rays | ||
| pattern consistency | ||
| Easy to clean and maintain | ||
| Hygiene |
Excellent:
Very good:
INTESTINE:
Low:
VeryLow:
modern quartz countertop colors
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Calacatta-Quartz
quartz rangeTo know more
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polished sienna
quartz rangeTo know more
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verona
quartz rangeTo know more
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Colorado
quartz rangeTo know more
Why should you choose a quartz countertop?
In addition to having many benefits that are ideal for virtually any kitchen and bathroom design or function, quartz countertops come in a variety of finishes and textures, from plain white to marble or concrete effects, giving you more options than other kitchen surfaces. natural stone.
As an artificial kitchen worktop, a much higher quality and greater uniformity in color and appearance are guaranteed, unlike natural products which can often vary in color, grain and overall appearance.
Due to its unique resistance to moisture, bacteria and germs cannot penetrate a quartz countertop in the same way as natural stone countertops.
The Versatility of Quartz
Quartz kitchen countertops can be customized to mimic granite or marble. Homeowners can still experience the aesthetics and vibrancy of natural stone with no maintenance required. Quartz is more durable than granite and is guaranteed to last for about 25 years. The non-porous nature of the polymers used prevents the build-up of bacteria and mold, eliminating the need for special cleaning products. It is also one of the most hygienic surfaces for kitchen spaces. There are no stain issues associated with marble and granite countertops - the surface just needs to be cleaned to prevent stains from taking hold.
While quartz may be the most expensive countertop of the three stone countertops, it can also add value to your home, making quartz a popular choice and a great investment for kitchen renovations. Quartz countertops are available in a variety of styles and colors to match your ideal kitchen design. However, if you prefer imperfections, the beauty of the different color variations and veining found in granite and marble cannot be reproduced.
We always recommend quartz as the countertop material of choice. When you compare quartz countertops to granite and marble, quartz is the clear winner. While it gives you many of the visual benefits of granite or marble, it doesn't have many of the flaws or disadvantages.
compare quartz
quartz against concrete
Most concrete countertopsThey are selected taking into account aesthetic qualities, paying less attention to care and maintenance. While concrete countertops boast that they are built to last for many years, most customers find that they are prone to staining and require frequent maintenance to keep up with the wear and tear of simple daily use. At CRL Stone, we offer cement-effect countertops that offer the minimalist, modern look of real concrete, but with all the added benefits of purchasing quartz.
quartz versus wood
solid wood countertopsThey've been a staple in the kitchen for decades, nothing gives the kitchen a warm and inviting feel like they do. While the look could be described as timeless, the material has failed to keep up with the competition in terms of functionality. Due to their porous nature, they are more susceptible to bacteria, even if closed regularly. They are also more prone to scratches and burns if not taken care of. Due to the manufacturing process that CRL quartz countertops go through, these negative characteristics of wood countertops are not shared with quartz countertops, ensuring the same trouble-free rustic feel.
Quartz vs Stainless Steel
stainless steelIt's common in commercial kitchens, and while it may not be everyone's first thought for a home kitchen, that hasn't stopped its popularity domestically in recent years. While stainless steel's durability and resistance to bacteria should not be underestimated, it has been shown to be prone to scratches and dents. CRL Quartz has worked to create countertops that offer the same level of durability as stainless steel, while also being scratch and dent resistant. We offer a wide range of neutral colors, including darker grays and blacks, to ensure that the industrial style that comes with stainless steel can be recreated in any kitchen.
quartz versus glass
glass countertopsThey quickly became a mainstream trend and are now in high demand among homeowners. At first, glass might seem like a niche option, but the growing array of colors and finishes available open it up to a wider range of tastes. Glass is becoming a true competitor to quartz because it offers many of the same physical properties. It is also dense, strong and non-porous, making it extremely low maintenance. However, glass countertops have very limited design options. While there are more color and finish options for glass tops, they are only suited to a specific type of kitchen.
Quartz as a countertop is a much more versatile option. It has the same durable qualities, but can be customized to suit any kitchen style. Whether it's for a rustic, industrial look or a more sleek, modern feel, quartz can be made to suit any style.
Quartz vs Laminate
This shouldn't come as a surpriselaminate countertopsThey make up the majority of kitchen countertops these days. Typically made from a chipboard core wrapped in a decorative layer to create the outer surface, it can accommodate a variety of styles. Although cheaper materials are used, laminate countertops are a very hygienic and durable countertop. However, damage can still occur; They are at risk of swelling due to water ingress, and while they are relatively resistant to scratches, stains, and heat, the layers can peel with wear.
CRL quartz countertops offer an upgrade over laminate countertops in every way. Available in an equally wide variety of styles, but with a product guarantee that it will last more than twice as long as an average laminate countertop.
Check out our quartz countertopscommon questions
The most popular questions:
Due to the hardness of natural quartz, engineered quartz offers wear, stain, scratch, and heat resistant countertops.
Their non-porous properties make them very hygienic, preventing the formation of bacteria or mold and allowing food to come into direct contact with the surface, helping to keep your family safe.
Quartz surfaces are more wear-resistant than natural stone surfaces such as granite and marble. As an artificial product, it combines extremely hard quartz minerals (one of the hardest minerals in the world) with high quality resins, polymers and pigments that give it the recognized robustness and resistance to stains, scratches, heat and impacts.
On the other hand, granite and marble are natural materials mined directly from the earth, which means they come with their natural weaknesses, including lower resistance to stains, scratches, heat and shock. While quartz surfaces never need to be sealed to maintain their properties, granite and marble countertops require a higher level of maintenance to keep them performing at their best.
A new kitchen is a big investment, so it's natural to want to make sure you're choosing the right worktop for your needs. Since the quartz used for the countertops is man-made, they come in a variety of colors and all slabs of a given color can have the exact same pattern. This gives you a consistency on your countertop that isn't always possible with a natural stone.
As granite and marble are natural materials, each piece is different, creating a more 'unique' countertop, which can be seen as an advantage for some, but a disadvantage for others, as you don't know exactly what it looks like, except for the kitchen countertop. It's equipped.
We offer a 25-year warranty for added peace of mind. Don't forget to clickHereto register your countertop and activate your warranty as soon as possible after installation.
Due to their non-porous nature, CRL quartz surfaces are highly stain resistant.
However, don't allow dirt and debris like stubborn food or gum stains to harden and sit on your kitchen counter for extended periods of time. If this happens, gently scrub with a small blade or caulk remover before cleaning the surface with warm, soapy water.
For stubborn or dry dirt, use a non-abrasive cleaning sponge in combination with a small amount of mild soap or a special stone cleaner.
Quitamanchas Empfehlung: Bar Keepers Friend Power Cream.
Hundreds of kitchen showrooms across the UK and Ireland have one or more CRL quartz dividers available for you to view.contact usProvide the quartz countertop you would like to see and your zip code and we will direct you to the nearest showroom to visit.
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