Utah homeowners have a deep appreciation for marble countertops. We get it. Marble is a timeless material that is aesthetically pleasing. But for some homeowners, thismaterial has a downside: cost. Thank goodness there is an alternative in quartz.
Have you been looking at marble only to realize you cannot really afford it? Perhaps you should consider quartz instead. Quartz countertops are not nearly as expensive, yet you still get most of the benefits of natural stone.
A Manufactured Product
The biggest difference between quartz and marble is the fact that it is not a natural stone material. Quartz is actually a mineral found primarily in silica sand. Conversely, marble is a natural stone. It is quarried in large blocks before being cut into slabs that eventually become countertops.
So how do quartz minerals become counters? They are manufactured by combining quartz minerals with a selection of resins, fillers, and dyes. All the ingredients are combined in proper proportion and then put into molds for shaping and curing. The end result is a tough, durable, and beautiful slab ideal for modern countertop design.
Quartz Is Nonporous
Despite being less costly, quartz countertops do not sacrifice quality. One of their primary hallmarks is being nonporous. What does this mean? It means quartz surfaces are free of the tiny pores typical of granite and marble. Such pores readily absorb liquids and stains.
Being nonporous means quartz is less likely to suffer significant staining. But that’s not all. Nonporous quartz is also considered more sanitary. Bacteria, viruses, and other germs have a hard time affixing themselves to a quartz countertop.
Quartz Is Low Maintenance
Being nonporous contributes to the fact that quartz is a low-maintenance material. Where marble countertops require periodic sealing and gentle cleaning, quartz countertops never need to be sealed. They can also be cleaned with mild soap and warm water.
Quartz countertops are less likely to suffer cracks and scratches. If a surface does get scratched, repairing it is comparatively easy. All in all, the maintenance needs on a quartz countertop are minimal.
A Clear Aesthetic Difference
With so many fantastic qualities, why would someone not prefer quartz over marble? Our experience has been that customers who prefer natural stone like the aesthetics better. If you are not sure why, consider this: one of the telltale signs that you’re looking at quartz, rather than marble, is its uniform appearance.
Natural stone materials rarely look uniform. They tend to have significant variations in color and pattern. Even surface texture can vary quite a bit. But because quartz is a manufactured material, you don’t get those kinds of variations.
For some of our customers, a uniform appearance is more appealing. For others, the aesthetics of a nonuniform natural stone is a better choice. We offer both natural stone and quartz options, so everybody can find something that brings joy.
Come See for Yourself
We understand if you are a bit nervous about quartz countertops. But don’t let anxiety prevent you from giving quartz an honest chance. Come see some quartz countertops for yourself by visiting any one of our Utah showrooms.
Bedrock Quartz is proud to be a Utah supplier of high-quality quartz, marble, granite, and quartzite countertops. Our helpful and fully trained staff can work with you to come up with the perfect countertops for your kitchen. We also install what we sell, so you never have to worry about proper installation and craftsmanship.
