The most expensive countertop: Pyrolave's enameled lava
At the top of the list, we're looking at Pyrolave's enameled lava countertop. This countertop costs about $250 to $300 per square foot, a price that's well above other countertop materials.
Granite can be more expensive than quartz at times, based on the availability of a color and pattern. Sometimes quartz is more expensive due to the treatments it receives during manufacturing. You may be able to save money by purchasing granite slabs from a wholesaler to cut and install yourself.
All quartz countertops are not created equal. They may be manufactured by the same process and have similar characteristics, such as their water-resistant surfaces, heat resistance, and hardness. However, quartz slabs vary widely in price, depending on both the brand and the dealer or installer.
Low quality quartz stone has more than 12% resin. Product technical of low quality quartz stone is close to common artificial stone. Main filler contains glass and low quality quartz stone not that pure, say with CaCO3. Low quality quartz stone use bad color pigment.
Do quartz countertops turn yellow? Quartz countertops can turn yellow from exposure to UV rays or too much direct sunlight for long periods. It can also turn yellow from contact with certain materials such as oil, butter, and other oily compounds.
The main downsides of quartz countertops are their price, appearance (if you desire the look of natural stone), and lack of resistance against heat damage.
No, you can't use disinfecting wipes on quartz countertops. Disinfecting wipes contain citric acid as their primary ingredient and are not diluted in any way. When you use these wipes to clean your countertop, they will weaken the seal on your countertop's surface leaving them vulnerable to discoloration.
Quartz is generally less expensive.
But with the exception of the cheapest granite, quartz is generally less expensive—$70 to $100 per square foot installed compared with granite's price range of $60 to $270 per square foot installed.
Corian is cheaper than quartz upfront. You can expect to pay between $40 and $65 per square foot for Corian while quartz starts at $40 and can extend well beyond $200 per square foot. Corian will cost more over the long haul due to the material's fragility and poor resale value.
In terms of overall price in today's market, here is how these materials compare: Quartz is usually the more expensive option, per square foot. Corian can run the gamut, but generally speaking, the Private Collection styles that beautifully mimic stone surfaces can be as expensive, or even more expensive, than granite.
Installation ranges from $150 to $280 per square foot. That's for installing a quartz slab—If you want special finishes or need extra cutouts, the cost goes up. If you choose quartz, your heart rate might increase because you're in love but you should also see an increase of 3-7% home value.
Quartz is scratch-resistant, but not scratch-proof. Remember that although your quartz countertops are incredibly durable, they are not cutting boards. Never cut directly on your countertops to avoid scratching the finish and making the stone more vulnerable to staining.
Clorox, whether it is Clorox wipes or the Multi-Purpose cleaning fluid, is not safe to use for cleaning and disinfecting your granite. The multi-purpose cleaner contains bleach, which is extremely harmful for granite and many other natural stones.
To fix a chip in your quartz countertop, you'll need adhesive filler or super glue. Use a brush or spatula to apply thin coats of filler or glue to the affected area until it's level with the surface. If your surface is a dark color, look for pigmented epoxy adhesive, which will blend in with your countertop better.
Yes, you can use a Magic Eraser to clean quartz. They won't scratch the surface and can even remove some imperfections you thought you had to live with. Scotch-Brite also makes some non-scratch scouring pads that work well on engineered stone.
Homeowners who choose quartz slabs that resemble the creamy white look of Carrara marble are more likely to see occasional stains, which is why they should wipe down spills immediately.
But like other countertop materials, stain resistant quartz countertops are not completely indestructible. A white countertop can be spectacular. But even a white quartz countertop is vulnerable to staining from products such as red wine, tea, coffee, tomato sauce, and more if it's not cleaned up right away.
Quartz is actually harder than granite and thus, more durable. In fact, quartz is nearly indestructible, and because it isn't porous like granite, it's easy to keep your countertops relatively bacteria-free. Be careful with cooking pans though: Quartz can be damaged by excessive heat, so use heating pads at all times.
How long do they last? For as long as you have your kitchen. Quartz countertop manufacturers provide warranties ranging from 10 or 15 years to lifetime, depending on the company.
Bar Keepers Friend Granite & Stone Cleaner & Polish is specially formulated for use on smooth, polished stone – including granite, marble, and quartz. Its pH-balanced formula won't scratch or mar stone finishes, and it's gentle enough to use every day.
Use baking soda for stubborn stains
Even natural cleaners like vinegar or lemon can be too harsh to use on Quartz or Granite, as they are highly acidic, so they could damage the surface. If you do encounter a stubborn stain, consider using baking soda as a gentler alternative.
Remember that one of the benefits of quartz over marble countertops is its low maintenance. Just a soft sponge or dishcloth and a gentle dishwashing liquid will get the job done on the daily. For more caked-on messes, try a non-abrasive, safe cleaner like Barkeeper's Friend.
It's best practice to place a barrier of some kind between a slow cooker or pressure cooker and your quartz counter. While these things may not cause immediate damage to the surface, they could cause fading of that area with continued heat exposure. Always place a barrier between hot pans coming out of the oven.
A white quartz countertop is very easy to maintain for a number of reasons. As previously stated, white quartz countertops are non-porous which makes cleaning incredibly easy and stress-free. Natural stone such as granite and marble can absorb liquids because of their porous nature, which would lead to stains.