What is Manufactured Quartz Countertop?

Manufactured quartz countertops, also known as engineered stone, have become an increasingly popular option for kitchen and bathroom surfaces in recent years. Here is a detailed overview of what manufactured quartz is, how it is made, its key characteristics, pros and cons, costs, and comparisons to natural stone countertops.

What is Manufactured Quartz?

Manufactured quartz is an engineered stone made from crushed quartz crystals combined with resins and pigments. It is created through a process called Bretonstone technology invented by the Breton company in Italy in the early 1960s. The final product is non-porous, highly durable, and has a natural stone-like appearance.

The main ingredients used to create manufactured quartz slabs are:

Quartz crystals – Around 90% of engineered quartz is ground natural quartz crystals which provide strength and hardness.
Polyester resins – These act as a binding agent to hold the crushed quartz together. Resins also increase water and stain resistance.
Pigments – Added to resins to achieve the desired color and pattern. Pigments can create a Quartz product that mimics granite, marble, and other natural stone.
Other materials – Small amounts of materials like glass, shells, metals, and mirror flecks can be added for decorative effects.

How Manufactured Quartz Countertops Are Made

Manufactured quartz goes through an advanced automated fabrication process to produce the finished slabs:

Selected natural quartz crystals are crushed, cleaned, and ground into a fine powder.
The powdered quartz is combined with polyester resins, pigments, and any optional materials in precise ratios.
The mixture is compacted under vacuum conditions to remove air bubbles and then pressed into molds.
Molds are vibrated and vacuum sealed again to consolidate the material.
The resulting “blanks” are cured in ovens and cooled.
Blanks are ground and polished into smooth slabs using advanced machinery.
Slabs are sealed, gauged to standard thicknesses, inspected, and packaged.
At distributors, slabs are cut to size, finished, and installed as countertops.

Key Characteristics of Manufactured Quartz

Manufactured quartz possesses certain qualities that make it an appealing surface material:

Hardness and durability – With a Mohs scale rating of 7, Quartz is harder than granite (6 to 7) and less prone to chipping or cracking. The resins make it very durable and able to withstand heavy use.
Non-porous – Being impervious to liquids, Quartz does not need periodic sealing and resists staining much better than natural stone.
Flexural strength – Engineered Quartz has high flexural strength, meaning it can tolerate movement or impacts without damage.
Heat resistance – It can withstand exposure to normal cooking heat. However, hot pans should not be directly placed on the surface.
Scratch resistance – Quartz has excellent scratch resistance compared to other materials. However, cutting directly on the surface should be avoided.
Color consistency – The dyes and pigments create consistent coloring throughout the slabs. Natural stone has more variation in pattern and shade.
Low maintenance – Manufactured quartz requires very little maintenance compared to natural stone counters. Simple cleaning with soap and water is usually enough.

Pros of Manufactured Quartz Countertops

There are many benefits that make engineered Quartz an attractive choice for home and business owners:

Excellent durability and longevity – Quartz countertops often last for decades with proper care.
Easy maintenance – Doesn’t require sealing or frequent polishing. Cleans easily with just soap and water.
Stain resistance – Resists stains from spills like wine, coffee, and juice that may stain natural stone.
Seamless appearance – Slabs are cut to size with tight seamless joints.
Neutral colors – Quartz comes in attractive whites, grays, and black hues that fit most decors.
Hygienic – The nonporous surface inhibits bacterial growth.
Higher flexural strength – Less prone to damage from bumps and impacts during use.
Consistent quality – Maintains uniform coloring and texture across the entire surface.
Adds value – Quartz counters add aesthetic appeal and value to homes and offices.

Cons of Manufactured Quartz Countertops

While having many positive attributes, engineered Quartz also comes with a few drawbacks to consider:

Expensive – Natural stone is cheaper on average. Quartz costs $80-100 per square foot installed.
Limited styles – Has less variety in unique patterns and color variations versus natural stone.
Some porosity – Although less porous than granite and marble, Quartz can absorb some liquids over time.
Requires professional installation – Proper installation is crucial to achieving tight seams and preventing cracks.
Repairs difficult – Spot repairs of damaged areas may not blend in seamlessly.
Heat damage – Direct high heat can damage the solid surface resin. Trivets should always be used.
Can chip – While durable, Quartz edges and surface can chip from sharp heavy impacts.
Resin content – Some buyers prefer completely natural stone over engineered material.

Cost of Manufactured Quartz Countertops

Manufactured quartz is one of the more expensive options for kitchen and bathroom counters:

Quartz slab cost – $40-70 per sq. ft. This is just for the raw slab material.
Fabrication – $15-25 per sq. ft. for cutting, finishing, and installation.
Total installed cost – $80-100 per sq. ft. on average after fabrication and installation. This makes it comparable in cost to premium natural stones like marble.

Many factors affect overall Quartz countertop cost:

Brand – Premium designers like Caesarstone cost more than inexpensive import brands.
Pattern – Unique patterns and color variations add to the price.
Edge treatments – Decorative edges like ogee and bevel increase costs.
Installation complexity – Simple straight installations are cheaper than complex tile patterns or perimeters.
Location – Prices vary between different regions. Installation costs more in areas with higher labor rates.

How Manufactured Quartz Compares to Natural Stone

Natural stone like granite and marble have key differences from engineered Quartz:

Appearance – Natural stones have more variation in veining, speckling, and patterns that give a unique look. Quartz patterns look more uniform.
Porosity – Materials like marble are porous and require sealing. Quartz rarely needs sealing.
Price – Natural granite/marble slabs can cost $30-70 per sq. ft. making them cheaper on average than Quartz.
Maintenance – More sealing and polishing is needed to care for natural stone. Quartz needs little maintenance.
Durability – Quartz rates higher on the Mohs scale so it better resists scratches, chips, and cracks.
Stain resistance – Engineered Quartz better resists stains from kitchen spills and chemicals.

Frequently Asked Questions About Manufactured Quartz

Is Quartz healthier than granite?

Yes, quartz is generally regarded as a healthier option mainly because it does not require harsh chemicals and sealing agents needed for granite countertop care. Granite is also naturally more porous allowing germs to penetrate while quartz resists bacterial growth.

Is Quartz scratch resistant?

Quartz is very scratch resistant thanks to its durability; however, cutting directly on the surface can damage it. Using cutting boards is always recommended. Quartz withstands normal wear and tear very well though compared to other materials.

Can you cut on Quartz countertops?

It’s not recommended. While quartz stands up to cutting and chopping better than marble or limestone, the surface can still become damaged over time with deep scratches and nicks. Using cutting boards is best to keep Quartz pristine.

Does engineered Quartz stain?

Quartz is essentially non-porous so it resists stains extremely well from coffee, juice, wine, oil, and other liquids. However, highly pigmented substances like beet juice or vibrant dyes can cause some staining over time if left to soak in. Prompt cleanup avoids discoloration.

Is Quartz toxic?

No, quartz countertops are considered non-toxic and safe for food prep surfaces. They contain no VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Quartz also does not produce radon gas associated with health risks that some natural stone contains in trace amounts. Proper sealing eliminates this concern with granite.

Conclusion

Manufactured quartz delivers the beauty of natural stone coupled with enhanced durability, stain resistance, and low maintenance. Engineered stone continues gaining popularity as a smart investment for kitchen and bath remodeling projects. However, natural stone still appeals to buyers who prefer uniqueness over uniformity. By understanding the manufacturing process, pros and cons, costs, and characteristics, homeowners can determine if durable, low-maintenance quartz best fits their needs and budget. With the right expectations, quartz countertops can provide lasting satisfaction and enhance the value of living spaces for years to come.