Welcome dear readers! In this comprehensive guide, we will be exploring the world of premium natural quartz countertops and their unmatched durability paired with elegance.
Quartz countertops have become an increasingly popular choice for home renovations and new constructions in recent years. With good reason too! When engineered into slabs, quartz provides a durable, stylish, and low-maintenance surface that outperforms many other countertop materials.
Below, we will cover everything you need to know about premium natural quartz countertops, from their unparalleled physical properties, vast design options, easy maintenance needs and more. By the end, you’ll be fully informed to decide if quartz is the right countertop material for your next project!
What Makes Quartz Countertops So Durable?
One of the biggest draws of quartz countertops is their incredible durability. But what exactly makes quartz so tough and resilient? Here are the key factors:
Made from Natural Stone and Resins
Quartz countertops are engineered from 90% ground quartz crystals combined with polymer resins that bind the material together. The result is a fabricated stone that’s even more durable than natural stone like granite or marble.
The quartz crystals come from quarries across the world. Once mined, the stones are crushed into a fine powder before being combined with resins. This creates a robust material packed with the strength of stone, but none of its natural weaknesses.
Non-Porous Surface
Unlike natural stone, quartz countertops are non-porous, meaning liquid and debris cannot penetrate into the material.
This prevents staining, damage from spills, and eliminates the need to seal the surface. No more oily marks or wine rings! Liquids will simply bead up on the countertop instead of soaking in.
Heat and Scratch Resistant
Premium quartz countertops are engineered to be extremely tolerant of scratches, heat, cracks and chips.
The resins make quartz more flexible, preventing it from cracking or chipping when bumped. Quartz also stands up to heat very well, remaining unphased by hot pots and pans.
While no surface is fully scratch-proof, quartz ranks among the most scratch-resistant options. It stays smooth and lustrous for years with proper care.
Antibacterial Properties
Another useful trait of quartz countertops is that they contain natural antibacterial properties. Silver ions integrated into some quartz slabs help inhibit the growth of bacteria and microbes.
This helps promote cleanliness and hygiene in kitchens and bathrooms where germs easily spread.
Why Choose Natural Quartz?
With quartz countertops available in both natural and engineered options, why choose the natural stone variety? Here are some of the advantages:
Made from Real Stone
Natural quartz countertops maintain the authentic look and feel of real stone. The quartz crystals come straight from the earth, unlike engineered quartz which is artificially created. The slabs display the unique natural variations, striations, and patterns of genuine quartz.
More Heat Tolerant
Countertops made from natural quartz tend to be more heat tolerant than engineered options. The material can withstand temperatures up to 212°F without issue. This gives extra peace of mind when handling pots, pans, and other hot items in the kitchen.
Eco-Friendly & Sustainable
Unlike engineered quartz which uses resins and polymers, natural quartz countertops are about as green as you can get. The slabs are simply cut from massive quartz stones and polished—no artificial ingredients added. This makes natural quartz a sustainable, eco-friendly surface.
Less Upkeep & Maintenance
Without any added resins, natural quartz requires less routine maintenance than engineered quartz. Natural quartz countertops never need re-polishing or re-sealing for example. Simply clean as needed with soap and water to maintain the factory finish.
Premium Natural Quartz Countertop Brands
Now that you know the virtues of premium natural quartz, let’s look at some of the top brands offering this elite material:
Caesarstone
The pioneering brand behind the original engineered quartz surface, Caesarstone, now offers premium natural quartz slabs harvested from quarries around the world. Their natural surfaces come with all the same benefits of durability, stain resistance and low maintenance. An industry leader to rely on.
Cambria
This Minnesota-based company offers a line of premium natural quartz sourced responsibly from Turkey and Brazil. Cambria’s quartz boasts superior strength and scratch resistance compared to marble, granite and other surfaces. Known for quality craftsmanship.
MSI
With an extensive selection of natural stone countertops, MSI’s premium quartz line exhibits remarkable consistency, durability and heat resistance reaching up to 650°F. Their natural quartz surfaces are NSF certified giving peace of mind that high safety standards are met.
Silestone
Silestone’s line of Integrity quartz blends the performance of engineered quartz with the beauty of natural quartz. 90% pure quartz crystals make these slabs incredibly strong and scratch-resistant. An excellent combination of nature and technology.
These are just a handful of the top natural quartz brands available. Going with an established name like these ensures you get exceptional quality from a company that stands behind its products.
Natural Quartz Countertop Styles & Patterns
A huge perk of natural quartz is that it comes in a wide array of stunning visual styles to suit any design aesthetic. Here are some of the most popular:
White Quartz
Crisp, clean, and timelessly elegant. White natural quartz countertops make kitchens feel bright and spacious. The neutral shade pairs beautifully with any cabinetry and tile backsplash. From brilliant whites to softer creams, find your ideal hue.
Gray Quartz
Understated and modern, gray natural quartz brings a refined look perfect for contemporary spaces. Match with stainless steel appliances for an industrial vibe, or combined with wood accents for a cozy cottage feel. Its versatility allows gray quartz to fit practically any style.
Black Quartz
For serious drama and sophistication, black natural quartz is the way to go. The deep, dark shade has a powerful visual impact but also easily shows marks, scratches and dust. Requires vigilant cleaning. Adds a luxe vibe to modern spaces.
Beige Quartz
With its soft, organic look, beige quartz has an understated elegance perfect for traditional home styles. Works great with wood cabinetry and antique-inspired fixtures. The light color doesn’t overpower the space.
Multi-Colored Quartz
Many premium natural quartz slabs incorporate swirls of color for a striking visual effect. Blue, green, brown and red tones artfully blended with the base color create unique patterns. No two slabs are exactly the same.
Veined Quartz
Resembling natural stone, veins of various colors weave delicately through some quartz countertops. The veining offers depth and dimension that looks especially attractive in stone-inspired kitchens. Available in neutral and bold color variations.
With limitless possibilities, it’s easy to find premium natural quartz countertops that align with your interior design vision. Visit a supplier to view slab samples up close. Many fabricators also offer virtual apps to preview your options.
Benefits of Quartz Countertops in Kitchens
Thanks to their unmatched durability and effortless maintenance, natural quartz countertops are perfectly suited to the demands of busy kitchens. Here are some of the advantages quartz delivers in kitchen settings:
Handles Food Prep and Cooking
Quartz holds up to slicing, dicing, rolling out dough and all your other culinary tasks. Its non-porous surface resists stains from wine, coffee, olive oil and other stubborn kitchen substances. Feel free to get cooking!
Stays Looking New for Years
The superior durability of natural quartz preserves the sleek, smooth look of your countertops for years, even decades. Unlike marble and granite, quartz won’t develop etch marks that ruin the appearance over time.
Never Needs Sealing or Polishing
You’ll never have to seal quartz surfaces or call a professional to restore the polish. Simple cleaning keeps quartz counters pristine year after year.
Adds Brightness with Light Colors
Lighter quartz varieties like white, cream and ivory make kitchens feel clean and bright. This creates an uplifting environment for prepping meals.
Complements All Styles
Whether you have a traditional, contemporary or eclectic kitchen, quartz offers colors and patterns to complement your decor. Materials like granite may look out of place in ultra-modern spaces.
Easy to Clean
Spills and messes wipe up effortlessly from quartz with just soap and water. No need for special stone cleaners or sealants. Keep your workspace hygienic with quick daily wipes.
Heat and Scratch Resistant
Quartz stands up to hot pans, sharp knives and heavy mixing bowls. This makes it an ideal surface for the wear and tear of kitchen use.
Non-Porous
Unlike natural stone, quartz never absorbs moisture, food particles or debris into the surface. This inhibits the growth of bacteria for improved kitchen hygiene.
Using Quartz Countertops in Bathrooms
With their damp environment and multitude of toiletries, bathrooms also stand to benefit from quartz countertops. Here’s how:
Adds Sleek Style
Quartz brings a clean, seamless look to bathrooms. The polished surface and refined styling creates a luxurious spa-like vibe. Choose darker dramatic colors or bright whites to open up small bathrooms.
Withstands Water and Humidity
Even with splashing water and constant humidity, quartz counters remain pristine. The material won’t warp or discolor from moisture like other surfaces might.
Non-Porous and Stain Resistant
Bathroom products like perfume, makeup and shampoo won’t penetrate or stain quartz. Wipe spills away without any trace.
Easy Maintenance
You’ll never have to re-seal quartz bathroom countertops. Simple soap-and-water cleaning keeps them looking like new with minimal effort.
Durable and Crack-Resistant
Engineered to be extra strong, quartz stands up to years of wear and tear in high-traffic bathrooms without cracking under pressure.
Antibacterial
Natural quartz counters inhibit bacterial growth in bathrooms where germs and moisture easily spread. The silver ions integrated into many slabs prevent microbe and mold buildup.
With minimal upkeep requirements and sleek contemporary styling, quartz is right at home in today’s bathrooms. Choose from calming neutrals or vibrant colors to enhance your space.
Caring for Your Quartz Countertops
To keep your natural quartz counters looking pristine for decades, follow these simple care guidelines:
- Clean surfaces frequently with mild soap and water using a soft cloth or sponge. Avoid abrasive cleaners and pads.
- Blot spills immediately before they have a chance to soak in or stain.
- For stuck-on residue, use a non-abrasive cleaner designed specifically for stone surfaces.
- Avoid placing extremely hot pots, pans or plates directly on the surface. Use trivets and hot pads.
- Cut only on designated cutting boards – never directly on the quartz.
- Don’t use countertops as a stepping stool or stand on them to reach higher areas.
- Have surfaces re-polished and refinished by a pro every 7-10 years to restore the factory finish.
- Deep clean countertops monthly using a stone-safe alkaline cleaner to remove grime buildup.
- Re-apply sealant to the seams and edges annually to prevent moisture intrusion.
- Rinse cleaning solutions off thoroughly and dry surfaces completely to prevent streaks.
By giving them proper care and maintenance, your natural quartz countertops will stay looking like new for decades of beauty and performance.
FAQs about Premium Natural Quartz Countertops
Still have some questions about quartz countertops? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
Is quartz better than granite?
In many ways, yes. Quartz is less prone to staining, cracking and damage than natural granite. It also never needs sealing. However, granite remains superior in terms of heat tolerance.
How durable are quartz countertops?
Quartz is one of the most durable countertop materials available. Properly cared for, quartz countertops will last for many decades without significant damage or wear.
Can you cut on quartz countertops?
It’s not recommended. Although resistant to scratches, cutting directly on the surface can still damage quartz over time. Always use a cutting board instead.
Do quartz countertops need to be sealed?
No. Because quartz is non-porous, it never requires sealing. One of the advantages over granite and marble that do need periodic sealing.
Is quartz easy to clean?
Absolutely. Simple soap and water is all you need for routine cleaning. Quartz is less prone to staining than most other natural stone surfaces.
Are quartz countertops expensive?
Quartz is fairly mid-range when it comes to countertop pricing. More affordable than granite or marble, but pricier than options like concrete. Exact costs depend on the brand, color and pattern.
How long do quartz countertops last?
With proper care and maintenance, natural quartz countertops typically last anywhere from 20 years to a lifetime. Their longevity is one of the major selling points.
Discover the Possibilities of Premium Natural Quartz
We hope this guide has shown you why premium natural quartz truly offers unmatched durability paired effortlessly with elegance. If you’re considering new countertops, be sure to explore the many advantages quartz delivers. Its stain resistance, easy maintenance and longevity bring value that offsets the higher initial cost.
With stunning colors and patterns to fit your unique style, natural quartz countertops elevate kitchens and bathrooms with sleek, contemporary elegance. Discover for yourself the endless design possibilities of this premier surface!