One thing that people usually notice when entering a kitchen or bathroom is the countertop. It is a space where one can keep all the items that come in handy daily. So, while deciding which material to use for the counter, one should look at all the potential options and their key benefits. There is a range of choices available that homeowners can check out.
But are those materials better than the engineered quartz? First, let’s see what engineered quartz is and compare it to some of the most talked-about countertop materials.
For information on how engineered quartz countertops are made, check out the following article from Caesarstone.
Contents
What is engineered quartz?
Engineered quartz is, in reality, an artificial material that is made up of roughly 90% quartz minerals and 10% polymers. Since it is not a natural stone-like granite or marble, it can be easily transformed into any shape, design, or color. Moreover, it gained popularity amongst the masses because it is a budget-friendly option.
Apart from this, there are plenty of benefits that engineered quartz has to offer homeowners.
Let’s see what some of these benefits are:
Benefits of engineered quartz countertops:
Nonporous:
Quartz’s manufacturing process ensures that it transforms into a nonporous material. Thus, making sure that no liquid could penetrate in any condition. This property of engineered quartz countertops ensures zero growth of any bacteria in it.
Non-toxic:
As engineered quartz has a nonporous surface, it does not allow bacteria to breed in it. Thus, making it a safe space for performing the daily chores and household tasks, like cooking. One factor that eliminates quartz’s toxic element is its nonporous nature.
There is no way of liquid penetrating inside it, so there will be no bacterial growth. Thus making it safe to use for the home.
Scratch resistance:
Engineered quartz countertops have an anti-scratch property, allowing them to easily handle wear and tear. So the homeowners can keep the heaviest material on it and won’t find even the tiniest bit of scratch on it.
Durability:
Quartz is quite a durable material. It can withstand any situation, be it coming in contact with harsh materials like acid or staining. It is also resilient against chipping, scratching, cracking, or etching. If one maintains a quartz countertop properly, it can last for as long as a lifetime.
Available in different colors and patterns:
Homeowners have ample options available for choosing engineered quartz countertops colors and patterns. Additionally, one is free to renovate the whole kitchen with the unique patterns of these countertops.
After covering the key benefits of engineered quartz, let’s compare it with the rest of the materials and see whether they are better than those materials or not:
Engineered quartz vs. granite: which material is the right choice for you?
Appearance:
In terms of appearance, engineered quartz is ogen preferred over materials like granite. As granite is a natural stone, it has limitations in its color and design. One cannot find a variety of options when dealing with granite. Whereas in engineered quartz, the case is different.
There are plenty of color options that homeowners can use for their homes. One can also play with different patterns for renovating their kitchen or bathroom space. The look of quartz is similar to natural stone, giving it an upper hand over granite in terms of appearance.
Environment friendly:
There is only one way that granite can reach into one’s home, i.e., by quarrying. Quarrying uses a lot of energy and also harms the earth. At the same time, quartz is a man-made stone that goes through various processes to get into a specific shape and color. In comparison to granite, it is more environmentally friendly.
Quartz does not go through quarrying or any other process that can harm the earth. So, quartz countertops are the best option for those who want to have items made with an eco-friendly process.
Maintenance:
Granite is a natural stone that requires resealing to protect it from staining, chipping, cracking, etc. One should also reseal it at least once a year to ensure its longevity. When talking about engineered quartz, it does not require to be sealed. Homeowners just have to clean any spillage properly and quickly to ensure there is no issue.
After granite, another material that is used for countertops is marble. Let’s see whether it is any better than quartz or not.
Engineered quartz vs. marble
Performance:
Quartz is a durable and heat-resistant material. So people can work on it easily without worrying about chipping or cracking. Marble, too, is known to be a good heat-resistant material. In addition, it is a conductor meaning it will cool down easily.
Aesthetics:
Marble is a modern material that has unique veining features. It gives quite a modern look to the whole kitchen and also looks aesthetically pleasing. At the same time, quartz gives away a traditional feel. Still, it can fit perfectly into a modern and contemporary space easily.
Pricing:
In terms of pricing, engineered quartz countertops cost much less than marble. Quartz’s price range is around $100 to $185 per square foot. Marble has a price point of around $125 to $250 per square foot, making it a bit more expensive than quartz. So, homeowners who do not have much of a budget should prefer quartz.
Application:
Quartz is a non-toxic and nonporous material, so people prefer using it for their kitchen and bathroom. However, when it comes to marble, bakers usually prefer working on it more. It is because marble is quite a cold material. It won’t get heated up even after the intense beating of dough that the baker does.
Conclusion:
In both cases, one can see that quartz has much more advantages than granite and marble. Granite looks appealing, but due to its maintenance and high pricing, one would always require an ample budget to keep it in good condition.
Here again, quartz wins over marble as well due to its versatility, anti-scratch, and nonporous characteristics. Overall, engineered quartz is much better than any other material.
