Engineered quartz has become an option among homeowners seeking new, durable kitchen countertops. The material is composed of 95-percent natural crushed stone combined with five  percent polymer resins. The result is a naturally appearing surface that comes in a wide range of colors and can be exceptionally durable.

The composite is offered through most house and garden supply stores as well as from independent kitchen renovation retailers and manufacturers. Some of the more common brand names include Zodiaq, Cambria, and Silestone. But, as HGTV recommends, consumers should be aware that engineered quartz is heavier than other countertop materials and often requires produt specialists to handle installations.  Sales of the hearty material increased by 60 percent in 2004 alone, according to HGTV.

Beneficial Attributes of Engineered Quartz
The highly polished surface of an engineered quartz countertop is naturally resistant to scratches, spills, and stains from food acids. Quartz, manufacturers say, is among the strongest stones, with only topaz, sapphire, and diamonds having a tougher resistance. Some engineered quartz products come with a 10-year warranty.

The surface cleans with soap and water. Retailers say that the resistance to bacteria and mold of engineered quartz kitchen countertops can offset its higher materials and labor costs over laminate.  It cleans with soap and water.

On the negative side, engineered quartz can be harmed by extreme heat, so homeowners must develop the habit of using pads or trivets when laying pots or saucepans on its surface. Costs of installation more closely match those for granite.

Lastly, the material can be mounted securely with glue, making it a good candidate for use in backsplashes that complement your countertops.

This entry was posted on Friday, September 25th, 2009 at 8:30 am and is filed under Kitchen Countertops. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.