Quartz countertops have become an increasingly popular option for kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects in recent years. But what exactly are these countertops made of? Here’s an in-depth look at the makeup of quartz countertops.
What is Quartz?
Quartz is a mineral that is found naturally in the earth’s crust. It is comprised of silicon dioxide crystals and is one of the hardest minerals found in nature, just below diamonds on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. Quartz is known for its durability and resistance to scratches, heat, and stains.
How Quartz Countertops Are Made
Quartz countertops are engineered stone, which means they are made from crushed quartz combined with resins and pigments. Here is the basic process for how quartz countertops are manufactured:
1. Sourcing the Raw Materials
- Quartz crystals are mined and processed into a fine gravel or powder. This provides the bulk of the material for the countertops.
- Pigments are added to the quartz to achieve the desired colors and patterns. Common pigments include iron oxide for reds/browns and titanium dioxide for whites.
- Resins are used as binding agents to hold the quartz grains together. Typical resins include polyester, epoxy, and acrylic.
2. Mixing the Materials
The quartz, pigments, and resins are combined and mixed thoroughly to achieve a homogeneous blend. The ratios can be adjusted to create different aesthetics and performance qualities in the finished product.
3. Molding Into Slabs
The mixture is poured into molds and compacted under vacuum conditions to remove air pockets. It is then vibrated to help settle the materials and pressed under high pressure.
4. Curing
The pressed slabs are moved into ovens or environmental chambers to cure. This hardens the resins to bind the quartz particles together into a solid slab.
5. Finishing
Once cured, the slabs are polished on both sides to achieve the desired finish. A variety of gloss levels from matte to high-gloss are possible depending on the intended use.
6. Quality Control
Finished slabs are inspected for any defects or irregularities before being shipped out for fabrication and installation.
Key Components in a Quartz Countertop
Here are the main ingredients found in a quartz countertop:
- Quartz – Usually makes up 90-95% of the countertop. Provides hardness, structure, and scratch resistance.
- Polymeric Resins – Account for 7-15% typically. Binds the quartz particles together. Polyester and epoxy are common.
- Pigments – Comprise 1-5% and give the color and pattern. Titanium dioxide, iron oxide, chromium oxide, and carbon are often used.
- Other Additives – Can include recycled glass, mirrors, semiprecious stones, and more for speciality products. Keep to under 5%.
The exact ratios and components can vary by manufacturer and specific quartz product line. But quartz, resins, and pigments remain the key ingredients.
Why Quartz Makes Great Countertops
Quartz has a number of properties that make it well-suited for countertops:
- Extremely durable – Quartz is nearly indestructible in practical use. It holds up to heavy use in kitchens.
- Stain resistant – Resins create a nonporous surface that keeps stains from penetrating.
- Easy to maintain – Doesn’t require sealing and only needs occasional cleaning with soap and water.
- Heat resistant – Can withstand exposure to hot pots and pans.
- Wide range of colors/patterns – Pigments allow a variety of attractive options.
- Non-reactive – Unlike natural stone, quartz won’t react with acidic foods and liquids.
- Mold/mildew resistant – The nonporous surface doesn’t allow moisture penetration that can lead to mold growth.
With the right combination of aesthetics, durability, and practicality, quartz makes an excellent material for kitchen and bath countertops that can last for many years.
Frequently Asked Questions About Quartz Countertops
What makes quartz different than natural stone countertops?
Quartz countertops are engineered, while natural stone like granite and marble are mined. Quartz is nonporous, while stone is porous. Quartz also has consistent coloring and patterning since it is mixed rather than natural.
Does quartz stain easily?
No, quartz is nonporous so stains have a difficult time penetrating the surface. It provides excellent stain resistance compared to marble, granite, and other natural stone.
Is quartz damage or scratch resistant?
Quartz is very hard and durable, making it resistant to scratches, chips, cracks, and heat damage in typical kitchen use. However, it can potentially be damaged by extreme trauma.
Can you cut on quartz countertops?
Yes, quartz holds up well against cutting and prep work. Use a cutting board for best results, which helps protect your knives as well. Some quartz even comes with antimicrobial properties to inhibit bacteria growth from cutting raw meats.
How often do quartz countertops need to be sealed?
Quartz does not require any sealing, unlike granite and marble countertops which must be sealed regularly. This makes maintenance easy.
Conclusion
Quartz countertops provide unparalleled performance that can stand up to years of use and still look beautiful in both kitchens and bathrooms. By combining crushed quartz crystals with pigments and resins, manufacturers are able to create slabs that are nonporous, scratch resistant, and stain proof while offering colors, patterns, and textures that mimic high-end natural stone. If you’re considering a new countertop, quartz is an excellent option that offers durability, aesthetics, and easy care all rolled into one. With proper installation and maintenance, quartz countertops will last for decades.