5 Important Details About Engineered Stone
Between now and the year 2025, the global market capitalization of engineered stone will reach $17 billion, an estimated increase of 11.6 percent, and a significant driver of this growth will come from the residential segment. Engineered stone, more commonly known as quartz in North America, has become a very popular construction material. Traditionally, quartz has been in the purview of commercial property owners and managers, but it’s been gaining considerable interest among homeowners. Here are five things you should know about engineered stone.
1. Engineered Stone Is Built to Last
Hotels, shops, airports, banks, restaurants, office buildings, and many other commercial properties have featured quartz for their flooring and counter surfaces for decades, and durability is likely the main reason.
2. Quartz Brands Matter
The shift from commercial to residential quartz installations can be credited to branding. In the mid-20th century, quartz was mostly purchased from Breton, the Italian company that invented the quartz manufacturing process, and this was largely a business-to-business activity. These days, quartz manufacturers compete for the patronage of homeowners, and there are differences between the quartz slabs that top discount prefabricated counter furniture and high-quality brands such as Cambria, Silestone, and Corian Quartz. The most prestigious brands also offer lengthy manufacturer warranties against defects.
3. Quartz Is Easy to Maintain
Unlike natural stone, quartz doesn’t require sealing because it’s a nonporous surface and a permanent treatment is applied during the manufacturing process. Moreover, you don’t have to worry about something as seemingly harmless as water seeping through surface pores and causing stains. However, like with granite and other natural stone, common household cleaners are too harsh on quartz and can lead to costly repair and replacement. With a combination quartz cleaner and polish product such as Granite Gold Quartz Brite®, keeping your engineered stone clean and shiny is simple.
4. Quartz Can Be as Attractive as Natural Stone
The quartz manufacturing process has advanced to the point that slabs and tiles can be made to resemble even the most exotic natural stones. If you’re looking for something unique such as red onyx with veining, there will be at least one manufacturer who can replicate this look with the right mix of crushed stone, polymers, and synthetic pigments. The most popular look for quartz resembles polished white Carrara marble, but brands such as Corian Quartz and LG Viatera are known for their unconventional colors and patterns.
5. Quartz Is Made with Natural Stone
Trusted quartz manufacturers guarantee their products are made with at least 90 percent natural-stone fragments and resin, preferably with a high concentration of silicon dioxide, to give tiles and slabs a bright appearance. This high mineral volume also determines the hardness and resiliency of the material. If you’d like to learn how to care for quartz properly, reach out to Granite Gold®. Interested in natural-stone care as well? All of our products are safe to use on granite, marble, travertine, and all other types of natural stone. Give us a call today at 1-800-475-STONE (7866). If you’re on Instagram, follow us for regular tips and updates on caring for quartz and natural stone.