If you think of improving your home or making your kitchen or bathroom look elegant, you might want to consider getting and installing quartz countertops. But what are these quartz countertops and how are they made? Let this article give you an insight about quartz countertops. After reading this, you will surely consider hiring a professional contractor and have your kitchen or bath transformed elegantly.
What is a quartz countertop?
Like many other natural stones, quartz countertops are mined and cleaned before being delivered for a variety of use. Quartz countertop is a natural stone that is also known as engineered quartz. The process of a quartz countertop fabrication includes mixing ground natural quartz with polymer resins to create a hybrid material that leads to the creation of engineered quartz. Many homeowners prefer to use quartz countertops because of its durability and customized designs.
How much will it cost to get and install a quartz countertop in the San Fernando Valley or LA County?
On the average, quartz countertops cost about $75 per square foot without the installation fees. The prices vary by brand and manufacturer. In terms of quality, low-quality quartz costs $50 to $60 per square foot, mid-quality quartz costs $60 to $70 per square foot, and high-quality quartz costs $70 to $100 per square foot.
The quality of quartz countertops can be based on its longevity and customer satisfaction since the process of fabrication is typically the same for all manufacturers. When you start looking for quality countertops, the best way to do it is to study the manufacturers and ask for recommendations from professional contractors.
In terms of installation, the cost depends on the number of slabs of quartz and any additional finishes homeowners desire to put. On the average, the installation cost ranges from $150 to $280 per square foot. Other factors such as the addition of detailed edging fabrications and requesting extra fixture sink cutouts may also affect the total installation cost.
What are advantages and disadvantages of installing quartz countertops?
Many homeowners choose quartz countertops because of its design that comes in different colors and patterns. The design of quartz countertops depends on how finely ground the quartz is, during the blending and pigmenting process. Quartz countertops are consistent in color and texture, have no chipping or cracking, are resistant to stains, scratches and bacteria growth, and are easy to clean.
However, like many other materials, quartz countertops also have some disadvantages. Among those include the lack of unique look that natural stones like granite usually have. Other disadvantages of quartz countertops include the lack of veining, visibility of seams, and its limited use for the outdoors. Quartz countertops are also observed as not as heat resistant as other natural stones.
How do we maintain the beauty of quartz countertops?
Maintaining quartz countertops is never a tough job to do. Quartz countertops continue to look great for years because it does not develop dips or depressions over time. The resins used in creating engineered quartz countertops make the material tough, stain-resistant, and nonporous. However, it cannot eliminate the fact that most homeowners would still consider cleaning their quartz countertops occasionally to keep the surface glossy. In order to maintain quartz countertops at its best, homeowners should consider taking precautions when using knives and other sharp tools in the kitchen in order to avoid cuts and scratches on the surface. When cleaning quartz countertops, homeowners may use household vinegar-and-water solution to wipe away spilled liquids or dried debris. Homeowners should also wipe liquids such as strong chemicals, dyes, or solvents as soon as possible, in order to avoid permanent discoloring of the surface of quartz countertops. In addition to cleaning quartz countertops, it is not advisable to place hot pots or skillets directly on the surface of kitchen countertops or heated hair appliances on bath countertops in order to avoid heat damage on its surface.
Conclusion
When you decide to install quartz countertops in your home, a number of factors should be considered, including its style and color. Homeowners may consult for estimates and tips from an experienced contractor, especially if you are designing on a budget. After the installation of quartz countertops, homeowners will be able to see and enjoy a beautiful transformation of their home, kitchen or bathroom for years to come.
We, at Fidelity & Designs, pride ourselves on being professional, reliable, and affordable. We can help you install your quartz countertop. We are fully licensed and fully insured. Contact us for a free, no obligation consultation on your renovating project at 1-877-405-0409.