If you love the elegant look and feel of pebbled granite, but want little or no maintenance, quartz may be the perfect choice for you! 

Quartz is the seventh hardest mineral in nature, surpassed only by gemstones such as diamond, topaz, and sapphire.

Quartz countertop material is an engineered composite made of 93% quartz and 7% pigments and resins.  Quartz composite surfaces are all manufactured using the same patented "Breton" engineering process. 

The Breton process consistently produces a material that is extremely hard, strong, non-porous, and durable.  This process also produces consistent quality across brands, so you can spend your time focusing on colors!

Because quartz is engineered to exacting standards, you can be sure that the color you select will be virtually identical to the samples we maintain in our showroom.
 

CaesarStone "Carmel" quartz

Appearance of Quartz

Quartz generally has a speckled appearance, much like pebbled granite.  This gives it a calm and tranquil look which easily blends with other design elements. 

Quartz provides visual depth and luminosity because the quartz crystals are throughout the slab.  There is often variation in size and appearance of the crystals which gives interest.  This is referred to in the quartz industry as "consistent variability."

Typically quartz has a highly polished and reflective surface; however, some quartz slabs are available with honed or other specialized finishes.  New styles are offered too, such as embossed surfaces which are patterned after lace or leather. 

There is a broad range of colors available, from muted grays to brilliant reds.  The most popular choices generally mimic granite, marble, or limestone.

Considerations When Using Quartz

• Because quartz is extremely dense and strong, it's highly resistant to heat and scratching.

• Quartz is so non-porous that it doesn't require sealing, which means it's also great at resisting stains.

• A few specialized quartz finishes (for example, honed) require a bit more maintenance than the polished finishes.

• Quartz is considered to be one of the most hygienic countertop materials available.

• The visual texture and luminescent appearance of quartz will remain beautiful over time.

• Quartz will add value to your home and is considered a definite "plus" by most homebuyers.
  
   

Best Uses for Quartz

Quartz is particularly well-suited for indoor task areas, such as kitchens, baths, and laundry rooms. 

Because of the extreme stain resistance of polished quartz, it's an ideal choice for serious cooks, especially those who use oils in cooking.

The heat-resistance of quartz is another reason quartz works well in kitchens.

There are many other creative uses for quartz, such as wall surfacing and table tops.

Quartz combines Nature with technology.  The comprehensive warranties that routinely accompany quartz speak volumes. 

Caring for quartz

There are several basics to keep in mind...

• Use a trivet or hot pad.  Stone can be affected by sudden temperature changes.  In addition, engineered quartz contains resin so can be damaged by hot pots and pans and other sources of high heat. 

• Use a cutting board.  Even though quartz is very hard, it can be scratched.  Also, quartz's hardness can damage your knife blades.

• Blot up spills & splatters.  Quartz seems virtually stain-proof and never needs sealing, but stains are possible, so prompt clean-up is a good idea.

• Clean regularly.  A sponge and water work well for daily clean-ups.  Dust and buff with a soft cloth.  Avoid contact with strong or abrasive cleaners and solvents, as well as anything with a high pH.

• Manufacturer's recommendations.   Although we have provided general guidelines, always follow the manufacturer's care and maintenance instructions for the brand you select.  This link provides one example: Quartz Care & Maintenance

With proper care, your quartz will remain as beautiful as the day it's installed!

Other Engineered Stone

Several other varieties of engineered stone are now available.  They offer a beautiful and luxurious array of options, but some may also require sealing and more maintenance than quartz. 

Examples include engineered marble and semi-precious materials such as agate and petrified wood.  There are even some special quartz aggregates in gemstone colors and some that simulate the look of veining.

If your plan calls for something truly indulgent, but with a practical side, you may wish to consider these.

From left to right:
Cosentino "Marlique" in "Cafe"
CaesarStone "Concetto" in "Petrified Wood"
Zodiaq "Okite" in "Bianco Carrara"

See Quartz and Other Engineered Stone Choices

To see the many options for colors and patterns available to you, please click on the names of our suppliers below.  That will take you directly to their on-line displays where you can view the selections they carry. 

After you have chosen some colors that you like, we invite you to stop by our showroom to check out a few samples.  You're welcome to take them home with you for several days to study them at your leisure.

Quartz...
 

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