The Upsides and Downsides of Engineered Quartz Surfaces for Benchtops

Recently, engineered quartz surfaces have gained significant attention for their resilience and ability to resist stains, making them a popular choice for benchtops. They are available in a spectrum of colors and patterns that often surpass the variety found in natural stone options. However, like all materials, quartz also has its downsides. To make an informed decision, it's essential to understand what quartz is and how it's used in benchtops.


Understanding Engineered Quartz


Engineered quartz is a synthetic material that is created by combining quartz, a hard stone found abundantly in nature, with resins and other materials. While quartz is plentiful, there are notable types such as Indian quartz, Brazilian quartz, and American quartz.


Origins and Advancements in Quartz Benchtops


The rising demand for has led to American and European manufacturers developing ways to utilize this abundant material. By blending quartz with resins, they've managed to produce slabs that have become increasingly popular worldwide. The Italian machinery company Breton was a frontrunner in pioneering this technology, which has since transformed quartz into a globally sought-after material for kitchen benchtops.


Manufacturing Process of Quartz Benchtops


As a more economical alternative to natural stones like marble and granite, quartz benchtops are composed of quartz chips, resin, and an artificial plastic form. The quality of quartz benchtops can vary depending on the manufacturer, with some incorporating up to 15% resin. It's a common misconception that all quartz is scratch and heat resistant; lower quality quartz can indeed scratch and show signs of heat damage.


Notable Quartz Producers


Pioneering brands like Oki quartz, Stone Italiana, and Silestone have been at the forefront, offering a diverse range of colors and textures. Over time, other manufacturers such as Ceaserstone and Cambria have become major players in the market.


Variations in Quartz Slab Offerings


Quartz slabs are available in both polished and honed finishes, with variations in chip size, color, and veining. The basic white quartz, for instance, is a popular choice for apartment building kitchens due to its versatility and clean look.


Some quartz slabs are designed to mimic the appearance of high-end Italian marbles like White Carrara and Calacatta. However, these veined patterns are often produced in a repetitive manner and may not achieve the natural randomness of stone.


Personalization and Versatility


One of the key advantages of quartz is its ability to be personalized to suit individual color schemes and lifestyles. With a wide array of colors and requiring low maintenance, quartz allows for the creation of unique and timeless spaces.


The engineered nature of quartz provides a broad range of color and pattern options, often at a lower cost and with greater durability compared to other surface materials. Most manufacturers offer an extensive palette, from black and bronze to white and cream, catering to a variety of buyer preferences.


Common Uses for Quartz Benchtops


Quartz benchtops are frequently used in budget-conscious settings such as apartment buildings, hotels, and senior living facilities. Developers often seek a cost-effective alternative to traditional stone materials without compromising on aesthetics. While primarily used for benchtops, quartz can also be utilized for walls, custom tabletops, and backsplashes, offering endless possibilities in interior design.


Advantages and Disadvantages


While there have been concerns about the health implications of quartz manufacturing processes, as reported by NPR, it's important to weigh both the pros and cons of quartz benchtops. The main advantages include their low maintenance and high resistance to stains.


On the flip side, quartz benchtops can become monotonous over time and may be prone to scratching and staining. The veining in quartz can sometimes appear artificial, and matching the veins in a kitchen island can be challenging. Additionally, achieving natural-looking edges and veins throughout the slab can be difficult.


Advantages of Quartz Benchtops


The man-made nature of quartz offers a wider range of design options compared to natural stones. It provides a consistent look across multiple slabs, eliminating the surprises that often come with natural stone variations. Quartz benchtops are non-porous, making them easy to clean and more hygienic. They also offer a cost-effective solution that doesn't require annual sealing, saving money in the long run.


Disadvantages of Quartz


Selecting the right quartz benchtop can be time-consuming, given the vast availability and the need to find the perfect match in terms of cost, style, and quality. Quartz benchtops can also be susceptible to damage from sunlight, and care must be taken with hot items to avoid scratching or discoloration over time.


The engineered veins in quartz can sometimes be overwhelming, especially in large areas where multiple slabs may create an overly artificial appearance. The size limitations of quartz slabs can also restrict the natural flow of veins, making the surface appear more manufactured than natural.


Quartz vs. Quartzite


While this article has focused on engineered quartz, it's worth noting the differences between quartz and quartzite. Quartzite, a natural metamorphic rock, is extracted from quarries and cut into slabs for use in kitchen benchtops. Unlike quartz, quartzite is porous and requires periodic sealing.


Both quartz and quartzite benchtops are visually appealing and offer similar price points, making them excellent alternatives to marble or granite benchtops in terms of cost.