You are not alone if you choose quartz to upgrade your kitchen countertop. But it is never easy to select the right quartz countertops as we may not be familiar with quartz. Quart is one of the popular materials for countertops.
There is no how-to guide in choosing the right quartz countertops. Here we will be letting you know at least what you should take note of when choosing the right quartz countertops. Choosing the right quartz countertops will last very long. Look at the range of brands in the market, know what the feature of the brand is and how they are different from each other.
What Is Quartz?
So what is Quartz? Quartz is the second most abundant mineral. There are wide different varieties. A few popular forms of quartz are amethyst, citrine, and agate.
Quartz is the crystalline form of silicon dioxide. Lapidaries can cut varieties such as rock crystal, smoky quartz when it grows into large crystals. Besides that, quartz can also develop into stones made of tiny microcrystals. In this case, lapidaries can cut chalcedonies.
You may be curious about how quartz forms, most of it forms in igneous rocks or an environment with geothermal waters.
It will form as magma cools if it is formed in igneous rocks. It will be like water turning into ice. If it cools slowly, it will allow the crystals to grow larger.
When quartz forms similarly in silica-rich water, silicon dioxide will dissolve in water, like sugar dissolving in tea, but this will only dissolve at high temperatures and pressure. When the temperature or pressure drops, it will become saturated, and quartz crystals will be formed.
How To Choose The Right Quartz Countertops
1. Color and Pattern
Choosing the right color and pattern is important as the design will follow you for years. Quartz is a manufactured stone, which is why it can offer more versatility than you could get from granite. This means you have a choice of different colors and patterns. When you are purchasing the right quartz countertops, you want to think about the design that will match your house.
You will want to consider the place where you are installing the countertop. Do the color and design look awkward in it? Are you going to have a renovation soon? You will want to get one that matches your space.
Quartz has different patterns available, which are entirely different from each other. For instance, Cambria countertops are made in the United States. It uses quartz to have the feel of granite or marble. While Silestone quartz offers bright colors and beautiful design. If you are looking for something with a history or eco-friendliness, you can check out Vetrazzo and Icestone lines. It will be a good investment if you are buying the right quartz countertops. It’s worth it if you find a pattern that you like.
2. Find the Right Size
Finding the right size is also important. Although quartz is solid and sturdy, it can still break. The thickness of the right quartz countertops depends on what they will be used for, as they may require different thicknesses. If it is for heavy usage, it is better to go thicker. Thinner countertops will be lighter and look more modern, but they may not suit heavy use.
The right quartz countertops thickness for the kitchen will usually be around 1.25 inches thick, while if it is for edging in and around the kitchen, it will be much thinner.
Make sure your measure the dimensions where you want to put your countertop. Although the design and pattern are important, ensure you find the right quartz countertops to fit your kitchen.
3. Find Within Your Budget
Compared to marble and granite, quartz is more affordable and comparable. Although quartz has different levels of pricing, they do not vary much. For prefabricated quartz countertops, it is usually cheaper if you find something that suits your need. If your budget allows it, you can browse the catalog from the store and order a slab to be manufactured to your requirement.
You may want to find a few brands to compare as there may be a good chance that one manufacturer doesn’t have the design you want, but it is available in another brand.
4. Pick Your Appliance First
You won’t be putting only the countertop in the area. Decide what fixtures you will be putting in the area, like sinks, stoves, fridges, etc., that will be around the countertop before picking out your quartz. This will allow you to know the exact measurement and dimensions necessary for the installation.
The value of the countertop is how it is put in the space. It can be a centerpiece or just a supporting role. One best practice is to physically or digitally draw out a picture of your room and superimpose different colors and patterns on the countertop. This will be easier to visualize what works and what doesn’t rather than relying on your imagination.
5. Finishes
You might have this phrase hundreds of times “The devil is in the details,” the finish of the quartz countertop is also a factor you need to consider. A tiny detail will have a great match or hurt your overall design.
Quartz has many finishes: polished, honed, leather, and textured. Most quartz countertops use a polished finish. It gives a clean and elegant look as the light bounces off its surface. The honed finish is not available in all colors, and it provides a matte look. Designers and architects love this finish. In contrast, the leather finish is matte. The textured finish gives a cool and soft touch. It is a perfect choice for luxury and beauty.
Getting a matching and choosing the right quartz countertops that suit your kitchen is important. If you have no idea how to choose the right quartz countertops, these tips will help you.
