Quartz countertops have become very popular with homeowners lately, mostly for their appearance, price and durability.
It’s true that quartz is a beautiful, natural stone that can stand the test of time. But before you make your purchase, we have a few tips to help ensure you love and can live with your new quartz counters for decades to come.
THE LEVELS OF QUARTZ
Quartz is graded based on the material used in the manufacturing process. This is why you’ll see some slabs classified as “First Choice”, “Commercial”, or “Second Choice”. Top characteristics that are considered when grading include:
- BLEND RATIO. A slab of quartz is made up of more than just quartz. Some manufacturers use up to 93% natural quartz while others use as little as 70%. The remainder of the counter consists of resin, polymers, and colours. It’s good to know the higher the natural stone content, the more durable your quartz will be.
- THE LOOK. The grade of quartz isn’t just dependent on its mixture with resins, it can also be based on the look the manufacturer is trying to create. When you see a slab of quartz with varying shades, don’t assume that it’s of lower quality. It could be a part of a larger, flawless design.
FIRST CHOICE QUARTZ
Sometimes referred to as First Quality, this is made from the most premium quartz. First Choice will offer rich colours and minimum veins. It will also feel smoother, and have a unique sparkle. It will come with a larger investment up front, but the durability more than makes up for it.
COMMERCIAL QUARTZ
Some manufacturers refer to commercial as standard quartz. It’s almost as durable as First Choice quartz, with perhaps a little less sparkle and colour variety available. This option is very popular in hotels and restaurants because of its durability.
SECOND CHOICE QUARTZ
This is an entry level quartz, but don’t let that worry you. It may be the least expensive option, but still offers the durability you’re hoping for from a natural stone. The only drawback to this option is that you may not have the same high-end finish or colouring that you would get from First Choice quartz. This is a suitable option for investment properties, cottages or starter homes.
START WITH COLOUR
The variety of colours available is what makes quartz a unique and beautiful choice in many homes. It used to be that there were less colour options for counters than cupboards, so it was important to choose your countertops first. Now however, you can base your counter choice off another feature in the kitchen, promoting a truly customized look.
ITS THICKNESS NEEDS TO BE CONSIDERED
Most slabs of quartz are 1 ¼ inch thick. Bathroom countertops can be a bit thinner, as they don’t see as much action as the kitchen. If you love to cook, you may want to consider a slightly thicker slab to ensure durability.
CHOOSE YOUR EDGING
Edging is another way to customize your quartz counters. Standard edges are straight or waterfall. However, more intricate designs such as an ogee (curved edge), beveled, or bullnose (rounded edge) are available.
YOUR FIRST STEP
This was a lot of information to digest, but we’re happy to help get you started. Our design experts can help develop your vision, while working within a budget.
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