There are differences in quartz countertop manufacturers. Different combinations of materials can produce higher or lower quality tops. However, even lesser quality quartz tops are still better than most countertop materials. A few of the most recognized and trusted makers include Silestone, Cambria and Caesarstone.
Scratch quartz surface by a sharp key or a knife. If the quality is high, it will appear a grey line, which is the steel powder from the key or knife. You can wipe it off easily. If the quality is low, it will appear a scratching mark on the surface which you can't remove easily.
There are three distinct grades of quartz: first choice, commercial-grade, and second choice. Each grade influences cost, durability, and beauty, as well as the overall value of the home.
Quartz countertops can also be costly. What is the difference between high-quality and low-quality quartz countertops? The most significant difference between high-quality and low-quality quartz countertops is the amount of resin used. Low-quality quartz has about 12% resin, and high-quality quartz has about 7% resin.
The first and most obvious difference between quartz brands is the range of colour offerings. Some brands can have a limited selection of only a couple dozen colours, while other brands can have well over a hundred different colours to choose for your new countertops.
If you're shopping for quartz countertops, you have a lot to consider. While most quartz countertop brands will offer strength and impact-tested materials as well as stain, scratch, and heat resistant surfaces, they often differ in the styles and special features that make each countertop truly unique.
First Choice:
Quartz products that receive the first-choice grade have rich and vibrant color variations with little to few veining throughout. The surface of these quartz materials is smooth and almost mimic marble.
Brand Differences
Designs and Edges: The biggest difference you'll find among quartz brands will be the range of designs or the quality of the slabs visual appearance, Including: color, size and shape of minerals, streaks, and striations. Another key difference takes place with Edging.
The acid test will also help decipher genuine quartz from a faux one. Pour a spoonful of white vinegar on the stone and wait for 30 seconds to see the reaction. If many tiny bubbles appear, the stone is fake. The calcium carbonate present in fake quartz reacts with the white vinegar and thus produces bubbles.
While it's true that quartz can be made thinner — and it sometimes is — the standard thickness is the same. Both natural stone and engineered quartz countertops have a standard thickness of 3 cm or about 1.25 inches.
Level 2 Quartz - Bianco Carrara
Quartz countertops are fabricated using ground natural quartzite and a mixed cocktail of resins, polymers and pigments. Small amounts of metallic flecks and glass are added to create variety, which results in a wide array of colors of quartz countertops.
When natural stone has imperfections, the stone is either culled out or the imperfections are filled in. Because quartz counters are made from a slurry of materials, it's impossible for there to be natural-occurring imperfections. Well-known quartz counter brand names include Caesarstone, Cambria, and Silestone.
Quartz countertops are a more affordable option in comparison to its natural stone counterparts. That being said, they are not cheap. The average cost of quartz countertops ranges from about $50 to more than $100 per square foot.
Manufactured Quartz Pricing
Although the actual size of the quartz slab can influence the cost because of yield, the price per square foot primarily comes down to how easy or difficult it is to achieve certain colors with pigments and design.
There are differences in quartz countertop manufacturers. Different combinations of materials can produce higher or lower quality tops. However, even lesser quality quartz tops are still better than most countertop materials. A few of the most recognized and trusted makers include Silestone, Cambria and Caesarstone.
First choice is a premium grade level of quartz that has rich, vibrant colours, minimum veins, smooth finish, and almost looks like marble in some instances. The colours are rich, and it has a unique sparkle. It is also flawless on its finish, incredibly durable, but will come at a significant upfront investment.
The main advantage of 3cm is that it's thicker, which makes it stronger and more durable. It's less likely to crack or chip and can withstand the weight of heavy appliances or kitchenware. It also offers more edge profile options and provides a more substantial look and feel to your countertops.
Group 5. A soft white background interspersed with delicate light grey veining. Quartz countertops are engineered stone countertops formed by combining ground quartz with a small amount of resins, polymers, and pigments, resulting in a non-porous, scratch and stain-resistant surface.
It also resists water damage, stains, mold, and bacteria, making it an exceptional choice for home or professional environments. Viatera Quartz offers extraordinary durability, and the material doesn't need sealing like granite, marble, and natural stone products.
Do you want it to last without spending a lot of time on countertop maintenance? Quartz is a great material but has its drawbacks, including being difficult to install, expensive, vulnerable to heat and having visible seams. Evaluate its pros and cons to make an informed purchase.