If you’re considering a new countertop material, you’re probably looking for one that can stand the wear and tear that comes with everyday life. After all, your kitchen is the most-used room in your home, so the centerpiece of the space shouldn’t be something you have to tiptoe around.
Of course, another important aspect of the countertop is its beauty. There’s nothing like a stunning countertop that takes your breath away, and we know how well a gorgeous countertop can change the look of a space. But if you have a large family or one that is known to spill, you probably shouldn’t compromise durability for looks.
So, is there a way to enjoy both of these aspects—a majestic countertop that can hold its own in the way of toughness? We’re happy to answer that question with a resounding yes. The material that we offer at Stone Concepts, Inc. that is just as durable as it is beautiful is none other than engineered quartz.
The Durability Factor
Engineered quartz is the most durable countertop you’ll find on the market. As with all other materials, it has its pros and cons, but when you weigh them against each other, the durability comes out victorious compared to any other aspects that might fall short.
If you’re wondering just what makes quartz so durable, you’re not alone. Here are a few details about this stone that make it stand out from the rest:
– It’s extremely scratch resistant.
– It’s nonporous, meaning it never has to be sealed.
– It’s a flexible stone, making it unlikely to crack.
– It’s unlikely to stain.
Quartz countertops qualify as engineered stone because they are a man-made material. While the slabs are made of 90 percent natural quartz, there are about 10 percent polymers and resins that seal the pores and make the stone more flexible. Because it’s nonporous, it doesn’t need to be sealed, as granite, marble, and other natural stone countertops do. Also, because there are no pores in the countertop, there are no places for bacteria and germs to make a home, and no places for liquids to seep in and create stains.
But while these resins are a great asset for many reasons, they can be a drawback when it comes to heat. Since resins are technically plastic, you should exercise caution when handling hot items around your quartz, and always use a hot pad or trivet to prevent scorching, melting, or thermal shock.
Other Durable Options
While quartz is undoubtedly the most durable, it’s not the only durable material that we offer at Stone Concepts, Inc. For those who want nothing more than to install a natural stone countertop, you’ve got plenty of durable options.
First of all, granite should be noted for its durability. This stone is known for its heat resistance and how hard it is to scratch. In fact, to scratch it, you would need to use another piece of granite or a diamond. But while granite doesn’t bat an eye at heat, it is a bit more susceptible to cracking and chipping than quartz because it doesn’t have those added resins for flexibility. It also requires periodic sealing in order to keep it strong against stains and liquid damage because it is a naturally porous stone.
Marble is yet another material that we offer whose durability can’t be forgotten. While many people see marble as a fragile, delicate stone, we promise you that’s not the case. While it might need more maintenance than granite and quartz, that doesn’t mean it’s weak. It is incredibly heat resistant and has lasting power that not many other countertops have. It’s been on trend for hundreds of years, and it’s not going out of style anytime soon!
Your Durability Needs
If durability is what you’re searching for, we recommend quartz as our most durable countertop. But if you’re focused on the heat resistance of a material, we might instead recommend granite or marble. To get a more specific recommendation from Stone Concepts, Inc., give us a call today at (978) 568-1911 for a consultation.
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