Factors to Consider When Installing Quartz Countertops
High-quality countertops are useful components in many kitchens and bathrooms, as they help enhance the functionality and aesthetics of each room. One customizable countertop option is manufactured quartz. This material has many benefits, including its antibacterial and durable properties. Whether you are building a new home or remodeling an old one, here are a few things to think about when planning a quartz countertop installation:
Durability and Maintenance
Quartz countertops are made of ground quartz stone bound with resin and polymers. Quartz rates 7.0–7.5 on the Mohs hardness scale. By comparison, the steel used in most knives is about 5.5 on the Mohs scale. This difference in hardness means that most kitchen knives are not hard enough to scratch quartz. The hardness of quartz is a significant component of a quartz countertop’s durability.
Natural stone materials like quartzite often have pores and micro fissures that allow liquids to soak into the stone. This can lead to staining unless the countertop is sealed after installation. The tiny cracks in natural stone may also harbor bacteria. As a composite material, manufactured quartz already contains polymer resins that fill these spaces. Because of this, additional sealing is not a necessary step for most quartz countertop installations.
Quartz countertops are durable but not indestructible. Exposing the countertop to high heat can damage the resin used to make it, potentially leading to discoloration or a warped surface. Chemical cleaners that contain bleach or ammonia can also discolor quartz countertops. Use mild cleaners like dish soap when cleaning a quartz countertop and use a trivet to avoid direct contact with hot cookware. These simple precautions will help keep a quartz countertop looking its best. If a quartz countertop is damaged, a professional may be able to repair it. The installers at E&B Granite can visit your home to determine if your countertop may be repaired or resurfaced, saving you from replacing the entire slab.
Design
Quartz countertops offer a wide selection of patterns and colors, making them a versatile and customizable option. They can mimic natural stone materials like granite or marble but are not limited to these natural patterns. They also come in bold colors, from blue and green to red and orange. Another option is black quartz, which provides a high contrast look and is suitable for use in modern and traditional designs.
Determine if you plan to use your quartz countertops as a focal point in the room. This may be achieved by selecting colors, patterns, or edge treatments that draw attention and create visual interest. Balancing or contrasting the quartz with other materials and finishes in your home also helps create a cohesive or dynamic look.
Choose edge profiles that complement your design style, enhance safety, and align with your personal preferences. At E&B Granite, we offer many different profile edging options, including square and rounded. You may also adjust the thickness of your quartz slabs to help achieve your desired visual weight and durability.
Installation
Engineered quartz countertops can be heavier than some of the alternatives and need to be transported and installed with care. If you are upgrading to a quartz countertop, your existing cabinets may need to be reinforced to support the extra weight. Anticipating this challenge helps save time and resources during the installation process.
While a quartz countertop’s hardness protects it from damage, it may also make it difficult to shape with conventional tools. Laser cutters and specialized saws are often needed to make the necessary cuts. At E&B Granite, our professional installers have experience working with this unique material. We can make your quartz countertop installation quick and efficient while preserving your existing cabinets.
Seam placement during installation can impact the overall appearance and durability of the countertops. Properly aligned seams blend into the quartz surface, creating a continuous and uniform appearance. Our E&B Granite team will work closely with you to create a cohesive installation plan that meets your expectations. We can identify natural break points in your countertop layout where seams may be strategically placed to minimize their appearance. These break points may be at corners, near sinks or cooktops, or along straight sections of the countertop. We will then position and install each slab as discussed and haul away your old countertops if needed.
Quartz Countertop Installation by E&B Granite
Quartz countertops are a suitable choice for many homes because of their visual appeal and durability. E&B Granite offers quartz countertop installation in the St. Louis area. At our state-of-the-art fabrication facility, we manufacture quartz countertops in more than one hundred different styles. We offer countertops in natural colors and nature-inspired patterns, as well as modern concrete styles. You can browse our inventory online and use our kitchen visualizer to see what we offer. Call us today or visit our website to schedule your consultation.