Quartz countertops are one of the most popular pieces of countertops used by most people. They are installed both in the bathrooms and kitchen. When you are looking to install them, you should hire the services of an experienced quartz countertop installer to do the work.
Are the countertops ideal for you? Pros
While most people don’t have an issue with installing the countertops, others aren’t sure whether they should install them. Are you one of the doubtful people? Here are some of the pros of installing the pieces in your home:
Versatile: Unlike other countertops that you can only install in the kitchen or bathroom, you can install quartz countertops both in the kitchen and bathroom. You can also install them in any other area of your interest. For example, you can also install them in the fireplace surrounds and even in the windowsills. It’s up to you to make the decision.
The cool thing is that the pieces come in different designs; therefore, you have a wide range of options to choose from.
The countertops are low maintenance: If you have come across other types of countertops, you will agree with me that most of them need to be sealed among many other things. This isn’t the case with quartz countertops.
Regular cleaning and watching what you place on them is enough to keep them in good shape for a long time.
When you are using the countertops, you should note that they aren’t scratch resistant; therefore, you should be cautious of how you handle them. While you don’t need to seal them, you need to protect them with a cutting board.
Anti-microbial: The binders used in binding the countertops make the countertops nonporous. As a result, odor-causing bacteria, mold, mildew and other materials can’t penetrate. This keeps the countertops looking great.
Cons of the countertops
While the pieces are great, they come with a number of flaws. Some of these cons include:
They are pricey: When you compare the countertops to other options such as wood, concrete, and laminate, you will find the countertops are more expensive. This means that you have to dig deeper into your pockets for you to install them in your home.
You can’t install them outdoors: Many people are nowadays going for outdoor kitchens. While the countertops are tough, they can’t withstand the outdoor weather. When they are beaten by the strong sun for a long time, they lose their color. They also tend to warp and even split over time.
If you are looking to install the countertops on your outdoor kitchen, these aren’t your go-to pieces.
They can’t take the extreme heat: In addition to easily getting damaged by the weather elements, the countertops also tend to easily get damaged by extreme heat. When you research about them, you will find that they are heat and scorch resistant, but you will find that this feature is up to a certain point.
In most cases, quartz countertops can handle up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures above this will cause the surfaces to begin cracking. For you to protect your countertops, regardless of how hot the materials you are using, always use a trivet or hot pad.
Guide to using quartz countertops
For you to get the most from the countertops you need to use them properly. Some of the tips to consider when using them include:
Don’t bother sealing them: As mentioned above, the countertops don’t need sealing. During the manufacturing, the resins, bonding materials, and pigments for a nonporous surface that seals the countertops preventing any harmful materials from getting in.
Clean the countertops: You need to regularly clean the countertops. When there are spills, get rid of them as soon as possible. You should be cautious when cleaning the surfaces. As rule of thumb, use the right cleaning solutions.
Avoid the cleaners with high concentrations of bleach or ammonia as they will damage the surfaces.
Protect the surfaces from scratches: As mentioned, the countertops tend to suffer from scratches. For you to retain the elegant look, you should protect them from developing nicks, cracks, and scratches. According to quartz countertop contractors NC, you can do this by always using hot pads when placing any materials on the countertops.
