Natural stone countertops have been a popular option for many years now, and with good reason. Not only do they lend any space a feel of luxury with their beauty, but they are also extremely durable and will last for years to come. However, natural stone does have some limitations, including the difficulty of shaping it into curves or joining two pieces together. Quartz countertops offer all the advantages of natural stone while also avoiding these drawbacks.
The difference between quartz countertops and natural stone is that quartz counters are manufactured rather than quarried straight from the ground. Quartz countertops are made of a mixture of ground quartz crystals and polyester resins. The ground crystal accounts for the bulk of the material, and the resins bind the crystal together. Different pigments can also be added to create different colors and patterns, many of which mimic the patterns of natural granite or marble.
The resins in quartz countertops allow it to cut more cleanly than natural stone, which makes it easier to join two pieces together and allows for less conspicuous seams. Quartz is also easier to shape into curves, allowing you greater flexibility in the layout of your kitchen. Another point in favor of quartz countertops is that, unlike granite, which needs to be re-sealed every year, the resins create a permanent seal that will never need to be reapplied.
We at The Gallery of Stone are on-hand to help you select the best options for your kitchen. Give us a call today to schedule a consultation.