published about 8 hours ago
It seems like only yesterday I was lamenting the ubiquity of granite, hoping that I would never have to see it speckled in a kitchen again. Now, after several years of declining usage, the day has come: another surface has officially overtaken granite in popularity. Any guesses as to what the new counter of the day might be?
It is quartz, otherwise known as engineered stone. The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) reports that even though granite is less sought after these days, the use of quartz is on the rise (by kitchen designers anyway. No word on which is used more by do-it-yourselfers or people who plan their own kitchens). What happened to make the owners change their minds?
If you need a refresher on quartz countertops, here you go: engineered stone consists of at least 90% ground quartz, which is mixed with a binder like resin, then molded into slabs. Add pigments during the manufacturing process and the sky is the limit when it comes to color. Because it’s made from small remnants of minerals, instead of being mined whole and shipped around the world, it’s also considered a good environmental choice. It emits a negligible amount of radon, although recent reports suggest construction workers can be heavily exposed to silica when inhaling dust during cutting and installation, which can lead to silicosis.
If you want the look, but not the upkeep, of natural materials like soapstone or marble, quartz is an attractive alternative. Previously, it was only available in solid or speckled color, depending on how coarsely the quartz was ground during the manufacturing process. If you liked a very minimalist and manufactured look, that was fine, but the overall effect was rather cold and impersonal and didn’t resonate with customers. Today, technology can produce quartz with organic-looking variations that resemble real substances found in nature. Just like dekton, it makes a huge difference in how a room looks.
Cast stone manufacturers have also expanded their lines to include different finishes. There’s still the standard smooth, shiny quartz you’ve seen for years, but it’s also now available honed or sueded – with a softer, brushed feel – or more pitted like rock or “volcano” concrete. These latter offerings are decidedly less sleek and shiny, with a warmer, more inviting texture.
Quartz’s biggest selling point is its durability: it remains one of the most low-maintenance materials around, and it’s fairly impervious to etching, staining, cracking, or chipping. (Note that some finishes may require more daily maintenance. Caesarstone, for example, says metal marks, fingerprints, and other signs of everyday life will show up more on their honed or concrete finishes.) You don’t have to. no need to seal the surface when installing. , or close on the road. These surfaces are intolerant of high heat, however, so it’s a good idea to use a trivet under hot pots and pans.
Since cast stone is not porous, it is also quite resistant to mold, mildew, or bacteria. Cleanup is easy with just soap and water or a mild detergent. Silestone advertises the use of Microban – an additive with antimicrobial properties – in its products, something to consider if you don’t like the idea of added chemicals.
Cast stone remains one of the more expensive countertop options. Quartz typically costs around $70-100 per square foot installed, depending on the location, quality, and options you choose. IKEA also sells Caesarstone, which ranges in price from $43 to $89 per square foot, depending on thickness and quality level. Don’t forget: if you sync your purchase with their annual kitchen sale, you’ll also get a 20% discount.
Do you have quartz countertops? What is your experience with this material?
Re-edition of an article originally published in 2017.
#Granite #Isnt #Popular #Kitchen #Countertop #Anymore #Heres