Low Maintenance Quartz Countertops
Although granite has been one of the most popular materials for kitchen countertops in recent years, Quartz is becoming increasingly more popular. One of the advantages of Quartz is that it is a non-porous material so it does not require the upkeep with re-sealing every six to 12 months as granite does, and it provides a more sanitary work surface.
From a style perspective, Quartz provides a more consistent look to it. “With Quartz, what you see in that sample is exactly what you get in your kitchen,” said Cee Edwards, Director of Sales and Marketing for MarKraft Cabinets, Inc. Quartz countertops are comprised of about 93 percent quartz and seven percent resin. They are man-made and therefore have a consistent look and pattern.
Some customers prefer Quartz’s predictable lack of variation over granite.
“[Granite is] not a consistent look but that’s the beauty of granite because it comes right out of the earth,” Edwards said.
Quartz, however, is available in various colors and styles that include stone-like veins and variations. For example, MarKraft Cabinets offer a line of quartz countertops with a marbled design by Silestone. Lighter, neutral quartz is popular because it contrasts with darker cabinets, which is trendy right now, he said.
MarKraft Cabinets offers quartz countertops manufactured by Du Pont’s Zodiaq, HanStone and Cambria. About 10 to 15 percent of MarKraft Cabinet’s stone countertop sales are Quartz and all of the products can be seen at the company’s selection room located at 5424 Oleander Drive, Suite 9.
“The majority of our stone purchases are granite just because of price point. But we’re seeing more requests for Quartz as prices have come down a little,” Edwards said.
Granite prices have become more competitive and affordable now than several years ago. The price range of granite is tiered and based on the availability of in the quarries. “Entry-level quartz can cost about the same price as second or third tier granite,” he said.
Other countertop materials MarKraft offers include acrylic-based solid surface, which is also non-porous and has the advantage of a less visible seam, and marble. However, marble is not best suited for everyday kitchen use because citric acid and other astringents can dull its sheen, he said. Therefore, MarKraft Cabinets recommends installing marble as a bathroom countertop, a wet bar or island.
“MarKraft can suggest a particular material based on what a customer is looking for in their countertop. The first step at MarKraft is always to ask the customer” Edwards said.
Markraft Cabinets specializes in cabinet and countertop design and installation in both new residential and commercial construction as well as custom remodeling projects. For more information, visit www.markraft.com or call (910) 793-2002.
