All About Quartz Countertops

Quartz is one of the most popular materials on the market today for countertops. Homeowners, home builders and interior designers have plenty of reasons for liking it so much. Quartz comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns, so it is easy to find the perfect slab to match a kitchen or bathroom. We have done many quartz countertop installations, so we want to provide a few facts about installing quartz countertops in your Minnesota home.

• Quartz countertops are an engineered, man-made stone that is formed by combining 90 percent ground quartz with 8-10 percent resins, pigments and polymers. When combined, these materials form a hard surface not unlike granite. Quartz can be coarsely ground, giving it a flecked appearance, or it can be finely ground, giving it a smoother look.
•  Many different brands of quartz are on the market today including DuPont, Avanza, CaesarStone and more. In addition, some brands of quartz are made entirely in the United States.
• Installing quartz countertops will not have a negative effect on the environment since quartz is the second most abundant material on the planet.
• Quartz is incredibly durable and easy to care for and maintain. It is also nonporous, meaning it will not harbor germs or bacteria. Quartz countertops are great for families and homes of all sizes since it is long lasting and generally maintenance free.
• Quartz is stain, heat, burn and scratch resistant. Therefore, quartz countertops can be used for multiple purposes in different rooms of your home.
• Quartz countertops are a great alternative if you don’t want to go with granite for whatever reason. Quartz is very similar to granite in that it is durable, easy to maintain, and there is a huge selection of different colors and varieties.
• If you are interested in installing quartz countertops in your home, it is recommended to hire professionals like the ones at Universal Stone. Unless you have plenty of experience, installing quartz countertops is not a do-it-yourself project.

For more information on installing quartz countertops in your Minnesota home, call Universal Stone at 952-746-4690, or you can contact us to get a Free Quote.

Misconceptions about Quartz Countertops

We at Universal Stone are experts on a variety of popular countertop materials, and we are often asked to clear up myths and misconceptions about them. One of our most popular fabrication and installation services is quartz countertop installation in Minnesota, so we thought we would take the time to clear up some common misconceptions about this beautiful manufactured stone.

Misconception: Quartz countertops will never stain.

After we are done with your quartz countertop installation project, we will discuss how to care for your new counters. One thing we will probably mention is that your new quartz countertops are stain resistant. While this does not mean that they will never stain no matter what gets on them, it does mean that it takes quite a bit to stain them. Just be sure you clean up spills right after they happen, and avoid painting or doing any of that sort of work on them too.

Misconception: After quartz countertop installation, the quartz will never get scratched.

Like with stains, quartz counters are scratch resistant but that doesn’t mean they can never be scratched. If you use your new quartz countertops normally, you will probably not have to deal with many scratches, if any at all. But we recommend that you avoid dragging heavy items across the top of your counters after the quartz countertop installation is complete.

Misconception: Quartz countertop installation is far too expensive for most homeowners.

Quartz countertop installation projects are actually very affordable for most homeowners. We can help you stay on budget, but you can still get the quartz counters you want.

Misconception: Quartz counters will never fade.

We recommend against having quartz countertops installed outside, and normally we will recommend granite or a similar stone for outdoor countertops. But if your new quartz counters are indoors, there is no need to worry about shielding them from the sun.

Misconception: I will not get a lot of style and color options if I go with quartz.

Because quartz is a manufactured stone, it comes in a huge variety of colors, styles and patterns. You can find new counters to match any home’s décor. It’s just a matter of coming to our showroom to see all of your choices!

Would you like more information on quartz countertop installation in Minnesota? Then call us at Universal Stone at 952-746-4690, or you can contact us to get a Free Quote.

How to Care for Quartz Countertops

If you just finished installing quartz countertops in your Eagan home, then you might be researching the best ways to keep them clean and looking as good as new. Universal Stone can help with the fabrication and installation process, so we thought we would also offer some help on how to care for these lovely stone countertops after the installation process is complete.

After you are done installing quartz countertops, the only daily cleaning you have to do is with a soft, damp cloth. Use a mild soap if you want to. This is the only type of cleaning that is needed on a daily basis.

There are a few things you should not do after installing quartz countertops too. For instance, always use a hot pad or trivet under hot pots and pans. While quartz counters are heat and burn resistant, they should still be protected when you place something hot on them. 

We also recommend that you do not chop vegetables and other food items directly on your new quartz countertops. Be sure to use a cutting board. While it is tough to scratch or chip your new counters, you should still take the necessary steps to ensure this does not happen.

But one of the best parts about installing quartz countertops is that you do not need to put a special sealant or wax on them. Quartz does not need to be resealed, and they will maintain their shiny surface as long as you do not use any harmful cleaners on them. Bleach should be avoided. And if you end up getting gum, paint or food on your quartz countertops, just use a plastic putty knife and scrape the material off of your counters.

Do you want more information about installing quartz countertops in Eagan? Call Universal Stone at 952-746-4690 or you can contact us and get a Free Quote.