What is Quartz?

Quartz is a combination of natural quartz and other raw materials that are extraordinarily hard and resilient. These characteristics combine to create an ideal surface for kitchen countertops, bathrooms, flooring and wall cladding.

Because it is a man-made material, manufacturers have created stunning patterns and colours that we could never get quite so perfect from natural stone.

In Quartz you will find patterning that is Blended, Bold or Subtle, with large grains, small grains, or patterns with lots of "movement" (or flow). It's upto you what style suits you!

Quartz is Resistant to...

Staining

Quartz is a non-porous surface and highly resistant to staining caused by coffee, wine, lemon juice, olive oil, vinegar, makeup and many other everyday products, but it is not 100% stain-proof. If bright coloured substances do come in contact with your quartz, it is best not to let them sit. Clean them up as soon as you can.

Acid Resistant

Composed of one of the hardest minerals in the world, Quartz is exceptionally durable with a high level of resistance to external aggressors.

Impact Resistant

Quartz is impact resistant, meaning it is extremely durable and highly unlikely to break unless put under extreme force. This feature increases the safety in your kitchen when handling hard objects such as pots and pans.

Scratch Resistant

Quartz has a hardness of 7 in the Mohs hardness scale (diamond has 10). While the majority of other surfaces can be scratched, Quartz has high resistance to scratching. However we recommend you always use a cutting board as some knives may cause minor damage and cutting directly on the stone will definitely dull your knives.

Quartz is Susceptible to...

Heat

Although Quartz is extremely durable, the material itself is NOT resistant to extreme or sudden heat. You cannot put hot pots and pans on quartz countertops without heat mats. The heat can cause burn rings, or even crack the stone.

Quartz Cleaning & Maintenance

As Quartz is non-porous, you do not need to seal your quartz countertops like you would granite. But as mentioned above, it is not 100% stain proof, so be aware of bright substances being spilled on the surface and be sure to wipe up as soon as possible. Letting it sit can potentially lead to permanent discolouration.

To clean your countertops, use water and neutral soap. You should then finish off by rinsing the surface with plenty of water and drying it with a soft cloth. For tougher stains please refer to your quartz manufacturer’s maintenance documentation you can find on their websites (Silestone, Hanstone, LG Viatera, or Caesarstone).

Difficult Spots:

• Soak affected area with one of the recommended cleaning products for up to 10 minutes.

• Scrub the area.

Caution must be observed with the following:

• Extreme heat may cause the material to crack and/or discolour

• Products containing oils or powders may leave a residue.

• Exposure to harsh chemicals such as oven cleaners, Drano®, Liquid Plumber®, CLR® and floor strippers may damage the finish and/or discolour the stone.

Clean the countertops with a non-abrasive kitchen cleaner. A vinegar and water solution or hot soapy water works best. If you’re looking for a more thorough cleaning, most cleaners sold on the shelves of supermarkets will work fine, but stay away from cleaners containing bleach. Always wipe off the countertops with a soft sponge or washcloth.

It's always best to speak with one of our great sales people to see if quartz is right for you.

Call us today!