Quartz, a mineral present in many igneous and metamorphic rocks, is a key constituent of granite pegmatites, and a main component of sandstones. It is a hard crystalline mineral composed of silica. They can be found in a wide variety of colours like fiery red, olive green, earthy tones, cream etc, and veining that shimmers to match the magnificence of granite or marble. Quartz stones are engineered in factories. Composition of Quartz Worktops The composition primarily consists of 94% quartz which is mixed with Polyester resin and pigments to give an attractive looking colour. Minor amounts of glass or metallic specks are added to the mix to develop new designs. The resins bind the mix together and also help in making the counters stain and scratch-resistant and nonporous, as a result of which they do not require sealing. Natural-quartz crystals are mined and ground into a powder form or an aggregate, which is further fused with poly resin binders and pigments that impart colour under intense heat and pressure to form a solid slab. In the past, the drawback against quartz was the limited number of patterns and colour variations. But the situation has changed with all the manufacturers presenting multi-shaded slabs with enough specks, swirls, and random patterning to make them almost indistinguishable from the natural stone quartz worktops near me. Unlike in the past when it was only available in a polished finish, it is now available with a honed, sandblasted, or embossed treatment too. Whether you are looking for a leathered limestone, textured slab, or glossy marble, we have a quartz kitchen worktops just to suit your needs. Natural Characteristics of Quartz Worktops Appearance: Quartz countertops are naturally beautiful. The stunning appearance is determined by the size of granules used in the making process. Using finer granules will result in a steady pattern and appearance. Larger crystals will create a flecked appearance, similar to granite worktops. Find quartz kitchen worktops near me in the UK that have a wide range of colours, ranging from neutral earthy tones to bold vibrant to match your personal taste. Durability: Quartz worktops are stronger than granite countertops. They are less susceptible to chipping and cracking due to sharp objects and falling utensils. Although not scratch-proof, they are highly scratch-resistant from normal wear and tear as compared to granite worktops. However, with mishandling of a large sum of weight and force, quartz countertops could be damaged. Scratch Marks: Quartz kitchen worktops has the capacity to resist short exposure to heat without causing damage to the work surface. Long periods of heat exposure can cause cracking to occur due to the rapid temperature change. To avoid undesirable consequences, it is recommended to use a hot pad or trivet under a hot pot. Absorption: Quartz countertops have a non-porous surface. This means quartz will not absorb water or other kitchen fluids. This is a major advantage when compared to other natural stone worktops materials. Resistant to Staining: Quartz worktops will not stain from common kitchen liquids, such as coffee, tea, or lemon juice whereas natural stones like Granite and other worktop materials would easily be if proper care and attention are not given to cleaning and sealing. No Sealing Necessary: Unlike the Granite countertops which require a sealer after installation and reapplication on a yearly basis to prevent staining, sealing is not needed for quartz countertops as the surface is non-porous. They are relatively maintenance-free when compared to other countertop materials. Resistant to Bacteria: The growth of bacteria occurs when moisture and food remain unattended on the workstation. Since Quartz is a non-porous material, problems due to bacterial growth will not arise. Types of Textures Quartz worktops are engineered stone products that can be used in virtually any design application. They are subjected to a texture-defining process resulting in a stunning finish with a pleasing appearance. The different types of finishes are listed below: Polished Finish: This is the most common type of finish for a quartz slab. A polished finish results in qualities of the stone worktops getting highlighted well to make the colours and texture stand out vibrantly. Polished surfaces are easy to clean as they are sealed to keep any liquid from seeping in and moisture out of it. Honed Finish: The honed finish, also referred to as matte and buffed, creates a smooth-looking surface as opposed to shiny reflecting surfaces. This is a preferred option for flooring as it prevents the threat of slippery surfaces. Quartz Remodeling Project If you’re remodeling your kitchen, you need to pick a theme first. You can choose stunning grey worktops like carrara quartz or elegant white worktops, among many. If you’re looking for vibrant colours to add life to your living space, you should consider the range of colours like red, green, Golden Yellow, blue quartz, colour schemes from our collection. Colors & Pattern Generally available in a wide range of colors and patterns, Quartz worktops are suitable for all your design needs. Few interesting patterns on quartz slabs are shimmer, metallic, marble, etc. With the range of colors available in quartz slabs, it will suit both your classic and modern designs. To understand the different color ranges available in quartz we would suggest viewing these products: Islington Quartz, Calacatta imperial, Red sparkle, Rayon Quartz, and Mocha Quartz. Care for Your Quartz Countertop Quartz stones do not require high maintenance, however, basic care and maintenance is necessary for the engineered stone to look striking. Whether it is an engineered stone or a natural stone, they all need the investment of your time and attention to maintain their durability and shine. Use a soft damp cloth soaked in warm water and soap solution for gentle wiping of the surface. Scrape off the dried remains of food preparation with blunt-edged instruments. Make sure you are very gentle in scraping the surface. Use a degreasing agent which is safe and bleach-free for surfaces like the quartz countertop to remove the tough greasy membrane from the worktop surface. This step is followed by rinsing the surface with warm water and drying the surface clean. Cleaning the surface immediately can go a long way in making the countertop last longer. Though quartz does resist stain for a brief period, permanent stains can occur when coffee, tea, or wine is spilled. In case of spillage, the surface must be quickly cleaned, lest you pose a risk of damaging your white quartz worktop in near future. Quartz countertops have excellent longevity, given they are protected from extremely hot temperatures using mats or trivets to place crock pots, hot pans, and electric skillets. Avoid placing an object that is extremely hot, directly on your quartz because there will be a higher chance for damage to the countertop. Find Quartz worktops near me at very reasonable and affordable prices. Quartz is scratch-resistant but not scratch-proof. Do not chop food directly on your workstation. Doing so will not only make your knives blunt over time but also pose a high risk to damaging your work-tops surface. To avoid this, use a chopping board. Keep harsh cleaning detergents and chemicals away from your quartz surfaces as they run the risk of degrading the surface. Even if they spill by accident, use a warm cloth with a mild washing liquid to wipe down the counter and dry them clean. It is always better to prevent the circumstances rather than fixing them, so be thoughtful of how you are using and what you are placing on the quartz kitchen worktops. With time and attention, your quartz counters will not only last for a longer period of time but also look brand new and sparkly. Installation We help homeowners get quotes for Kitchen & bathroom worktops, bedroom fabrication, and installations for any selected product from our registered KBB network of fabricators who have the experience of installation and knowledge of the product to give the best results. Our KBB network can offer planning, designing, and implementation of the design that perfectly suits to create your dream home.