5 Benefits of Using Quartz for a Kitchen Island
Over the last two decades or so, granite has dominated the interior decoration landscape as the preferred material for kitchen center islands, but this trend is being quickly replaced by quartz. Engineered stone is nothing new. Chances are you’ve walked on quartz flooring installed at shopping malls, restaurants, banks, and other commercial establishments, but using this material for countertops is relatively new. To understand why quartz countertops are overtaking granite in American kitchens, here are five things you should know.
1. Quartz Looks Great
Depending on the fabricator, quartz can be engineered to look just like Carrara marble, Brazilian granite, purple and gold onyx from the Philippines, and other exotic stones. There are virtually no limits to the colors, patterns, and textures quartz offers. Just about any design idea you have in mind can be achieved with engineered slabs or tiles.
2. Quartz Is Extremely Durable
The trendiest bars in Miami Beach will have you believe their countertops are made of Swedish green marble, but such a material would not survive a busy weekend. Instead, they use quartz that looks like exotic stone. In the United Kingdom, traditional British pubs have been using quartz for decades. Chefs in your household can safely use quartz as a food preparation surface as long as it’s cared for properly.
3. Quartz Requires Low Maintenance
From a purely aesthetic point of view, most homeowners would likely choose a nice slab of limestone or marble for their designer kitchens, but the thought of having to constantly worry about nicks, scratches, and stains prompts them to look for alternatives. Granite may not look as attractive as marble or limestone, but it’s more durable as long as it’s frequently resealed. With quartz, there’s no need to panic if water sits on the surface, and the factory seal is permanent. All you need to keep quartz counters in good shape is a specially formulated quartz or Silestone cleaner. You don’t have to worry about sealing them.
4. Quartz Can Increase Your Property Value
When the time comes to list your property for sale, prospective buyers will pay attention to your kitchen island and countertops. Real estate agents will make sure your property description on the MLS mentions quartz in the kitchen, and appraisers will include this feature in their valuation reports if they do a walk-in inspection complete with interior photos.
5. Quartz Is a Reasonable Investment
You don’t have to worry about the trendy status of quartz elevating its price too much. Even though engineered stone is in high demand, quite a few competitors are vying for a leadership spot in this market, thus pushing down prices. If you don’t have a kitchen island, purchasing a prefabricated version with a quartz countertop already installed will not cost much. At Granite Gold®, we specialize in cleaning, sealing, and polishing products for engineered stone and natural-stone surfaces. If you’d like to learn how to clean granite, marble, or other types of natural stone, or if you’re interested in finding out more information on caring for quartz countertops, give us a call today at 1-800-475-STONE (7866).