Decorating Guides
Engineered Quartz: The Next Big Stone Material?
Here is all you need to know about engineered quartz stone
Bored of the usual marble and granite in the home? If you want to break away from the old and conventional stones and are looking for something new and trendy, take a look at engineered quartz. Engineered quartz is a contemporary stone material that is factory-manufactured with quartz aggregate chips bound together with resins, pigments and other additives. The material stands out because of its high-end, modern look that infuses sophistication into a home’s decor. The extreme hardness of engineered quartz makes it a popular substitute for granite, especially in areas that are subjected to high wear and tear, such as the kitchen or bathroom countertops, tabletops and flooring.
Here is a guide to the pros and cons of engineered quartz stone.
Here is a guide to the pros and cons of engineered quartz stone.
Pro: Maintenance-free
The biggest advantage of engineered quartz is that it is low-maintenance and can be easily cleaned. For routine cleaning of the surface, a mild soap, water and a soft cloth suffices. The non-porous nature of the stone prevents spills and stains from penetrating into the stone surface. Another plus is that since engineered quartz is factory made, it is available in large sizes, which results in fewer joints and a neater surface.
Tip: Avoid using harsh cleaners to clean, the material is composed of resins which might be sensitive to highly acidic or alkaline chemicals that can damage the surface.
The biggest advantage of engineered quartz is that it is low-maintenance and can be easily cleaned. For routine cleaning of the surface, a mild soap, water and a soft cloth suffices. The non-porous nature of the stone prevents spills and stains from penetrating into the stone surface. Another plus is that since engineered quartz is factory made, it is available in large sizes, which results in fewer joints and a neater surface.
Tip: Avoid using harsh cleaners to clean, the material is composed of resins which might be sensitive to highly acidic or alkaline chemicals that can damage the surface.
Pro: Available in multiple options
Engineered quartz comes in various textures, patterns and colours, including bright greens, blues, yellows, reds, as well as those that mimic natural stone. Brands such as Johnson Marblequartz and AGL Asian Granito have such products on offer. The stone looks smooth if the natural quartz in it is finely ground, and speckled if it is coarsely ground. During the manufacturing process, colour is added to the mix, along with elements such as glass or mirrored chips, to give a speckled appearance. Unlike granite, once the stone is installed it cannot be polished.
Engineered quartz comes in various textures, patterns and colours, including bright greens, blues, yellows, reds, as well as those that mimic natural stone. Brands such as Johnson Marblequartz and AGL Asian Granito have such products on offer. The stone looks smooth if the natural quartz in it is finely ground, and speckled if it is coarsely ground. During the manufacturing process, colour is added to the mix, along with elements such as glass or mirrored chips, to give a speckled appearance. Unlike granite, once the stone is installed it cannot be polished.
Con: Not suitable for the outdoors
A drawback of engineered quartz is that it is not suitable for the outdoors. The polyester resin that is used during manufacturing might degrade in the presence of UV rays. Additionally, avoid installing the material in indoor areas that are exposed to direct sunlight, as it will cause the product to discolour and fade.
A drawback of engineered quartz is that it is not suitable for the outdoors. The polyester resin that is used during manufacturing might degrade in the presence of UV rays. Additionally, avoid installing the material in indoor areas that are exposed to direct sunlight, as it will cause the product to discolour and fade.
Con: Less resistant to heat Engineered quartz is not as heat-resistant as granite due to the presence of resins: do not place hot utensils directly on it. It is also prone to chipping or cracking if subjected to a heavy impact, especially near the edges.
Con: Expensive
Engineered quartz is comparatively more expensive than granite.
Read more:
Kitchen Countertop Design: What is a Waterfall Counter?
What are the Key Measurements for Designing the Kitchen?
Tell us:
Would you like to install engineered quartz stone in your home? Share your thoughts in the Comments section below.
Con: Expensive
Engineered quartz is comparatively more expensive than granite.
Read more:
Kitchen Countertop Design: What is a Waterfall Counter?
What are the Key Measurements for Designing the Kitchen?
Tell us:
Would you like to install engineered quartz stone in your home? Share your thoughts in the Comments section below.
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Engineered quartz is long-lasting and extremely durable: it is stain-, scratch- and abrasion-resistant, and can last a lifetime. Unlike other natural stones, it is non-porous and does not require sealing. Also it does not support the growth of bacteria, viruses, mould or mildew, which makes it one of the most hygienic countertop materials available in the market.
Note: As a precaution against scratches, it is advisable to use a cutting board and to avoid chopping vegetables directly on the counter.