WHAT IS THE MOST LOW MAINTENANCE KITCHEN COUNTERTOP?
Quartz is the most low maintenance material for a kitchen countertop for a number of reasons. But first, what exactly is quartz? It's an engineered stone as opposed to being a natural stone like granite, marble or quartzite. 'Quartz countertops are made of pulverized quartz and compressed with resin to create a countertop that is less porous (which means less chance of bacteria being trapped) and more durable than natural stone,' says Taniya Nayak of Taniya Nayak Design. 'It’s a great alternative to granite or marble and can often be more affordable.' Find out why it's one of the best kitchen countertop materials below.
QUARTZ IS SCRATCH AND STAIN-RESISTANT
'Quartz is a good low maintenance choice because the compression of the stone causes it to be less porous than natural stone optios, therefore reducing the risk of growing bacteria and staining,' says Taniya.
QUARTZ DOES NOT REQUIRE SEALING
Quartz is a kitchen countertop material that doesn't require sealing to protect it from oils or staining, which is another reason it's a great low-maintenance option. A natural countertop, like granite, will require sealing a least once a year to help keep it pristine.
QUARTZ IS DURABLE AND TOUGH
Not only is quartz bacteria and stain-resistant, it's also extremely robust. It has double the impact resistant of natural stone, so is less likely to chip than something like granite when it comes to heavy kitchen prep work.
QUARTZ IS HEAT PROOF (BUT NOT HEAT-RESISTANT)
Quartz coutertops can withstand some heat but not extreme heat, like placing a pot straight out of the oven on it, may cause scorch marks.
CAN QUARTZ LOOK LIKE MARBLE?
'Technology has made it so that quartz can now be made to look very similar to that of natural stone or marble,' says Taniya Nayak. So it's an ideal choice for anybody that loves the look of marble but requires a little more peace of mind when it comes to stains and maintenance. Richard Atkins, Managing Director, DesignSpace, says: 'Up until recently, the graining has been less exciting than the dramatic veins found in natural materials like marble or granite, however, as the trend is leaning towards natural-looking work surfaces, many companies have introduced new finishes to meet the market's need. 'This is great news for anyone who wants a stain, heat and scratch-resistant worktop that also delivers personality.'
ARE THERE DIFFERENT BRANDS OF QUARTZ?
Yes there are different brands of quartz kitchen countertops, and it pays to do your research.