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Want to give your kitchen a fresh new look that actually lasts?
Quartz countertops dominate the remodeling world for a reason. They're tough, easy to clean and are available in more varieties than any other surface.
The problem is...
Choosing the correct one can be quite daunting. This guide will walk you through everything so choosing becomes much easier.
What's inside this guide:
Why Quartz Is The Top Choice Today
How To Pick The Right Colour
Finishes That Change The Whole Look
Edge Profiles Explained
What To Know Before Installation
Why Quartz Is The Top Choice Today
Quartz is the most popular surface for kitchens and bathrooms nationwide. Hard numbers prove it.
Market research has revealed that currently quartz accounts for 48% of all new countertops sold, surpassing sales of all natural stone combined.
Here's why quartz is winning:
Non-porous surface that resists stains
No sealing ever required
Scratch and heat resistant
Comes in a massive range of styles
Quartz slabs are typically composed of 90-95% crushed natural quartz, blended with resin and pigment. Get the look of natural stone with minimal maintenance. Enjoy the feel of natural stone that won't stain or need sealing. Popular with homeowners because it won't lose its freshness even in high traffic areas such as kitchens.
When working with a quality fabricator, you can have stunning modern quartz countertops from Phoenix AZ that will change the appearance of any room. Installation and quartz countertops go together like peanut butter and jelly, so make sure you have a team that does both.
Buyers want them. Approximately 68% of homebuyers seek homes with quartz countertops when searching for their dream home. Quartz countertops are one of the best upgrades for resale value.
How To Pick The Right Colour
Colour tends to be the first thing that comes to mind. However, it is also where people tend to overcomplicate things.
Consider the rest of your kitchen. Your countertop should complement your cabinets, flooring, and backsplash. Busy tile backsplash? Choose a simpler countertop. Basic cabinets? Go bold with your countertop.
White Quartz
White is still, by far, the most popular choice. It opens up small kitchens and goes with every cabinet colour creating that crisp, modern style that is timeless.
Grey Quartz
Grey is second only to white for good reason. It camouflages stains and crumbs better than white and complements both contemporary and traditional kitchens beautifully. Light greys are airy and warm. Dark greys are dramatic and deep.
Bold Colours Are Making A Comeback
Dark colors are totally in right now. From black quartz to navy and forest green, even dark browns are making appearances.
Just be careful...
Dark colors tend to show fingerprints, dust and water spots easier. You'll have to wipe them down more frequently to maintain that showroom look.
Finishes That Change The Whole Look
Many people are unaware that finish accounts for almost as much difference as color. There are 3 finishes to choose from.
Polished Finish
Polished Quartz is the mirror-like shine most people envision with quartz surfaces. The polished finish reflects light and enhances colour. Choose polished for countertops with a touch of glamour.
Honed Finish
Honed finishes are completely matte and lack luster. They have a softer, subtler appearance that mimics natural stone. The downside to honed is that it displays fingerprints and water marks easily. However, if you're into that sleek, subtle style, honed quartz is gorgeous.
Leathered Finish
It's the latest finish to hit the market and it's beautiful. Leathered quartz has a soft textured finish that replicates natural leather. It also hides water spots and smudges remarkably well and pairs well in rustic and farmhouse style kitchens.
Edge Profiles Explained
The lip of your countertop may seem like a minor detail. However, it transforms the style of your kitchen completely.
Here are the most common edge profiles:
Straight Edge
Clean. Simple. Modern.
The straight edge has a 90 degree angle with only slight rounding. This edge is ideal for modern kitchens and simple designs. This is the most common edge used on cheap installs due to its ease of cutting.
Bullnose
This edge is rounded on all sides of the profile. It has a soft, classic feel. Perfect for family homes with children running around since there are no sharp edges.
Beveled
A beveled edge is cut at a 45 degree angle across the top. It is slightly decorative without being overdone and fits in nicely with contemporary and traditional decor.
Ogee
The ogee is an S-shaped curb. It looks super fancy. This is your go-to choice for elegant, luxurious edges. The downside is it is more expensive to fabricate.
Waterfall
Waterfall edges are where the countertop flows down the side of the island all the way to the floor. This is extremely popular these days for modern kitchens. Just keep in mind it uses more material and essentially doubles your fabrication cost.
What To Know Before Installation
You picked your colour, finish and edge. Now what?
Installation is where most people fail. Measure incorrectly, choose the wrong fabricator or skimp on installation and you will have big problems.
Here are the things that matter most:
Always get accurate measurements by a professional
Check that your cabinets can support the slab weight
Ask about seam placement before the install
Make sure your installer is licensed and insured
Ask them how long they have been installing quartz and what kind of warranty they offer before you hire. Any reliable installer should be able to answer these questions with ease. If they evade any of these questions hire someone else.
Bringing It All Together
Choosing quartz countertops comes down to 3 things:
Pick a colour that fits your kitchen's existing style
Choose a finish that matches the look and feel you want
Select an edge profile that complements your design
Quartz is one of the best things you can invest in for your kitchen. Durable for years to come, it looks amazing and increases home value.
Patience is important here. Go to a showroom, see the slabs in person. Get samples. Don't decide until you see the slabs you are interested in in person. Lighting in your kitchen will make a slab look different than it would in the showroom.
One last tip...
Don't purchase countertops simply because of price. An inexpensive slab from a poor fabricator will end up costing you more in improper installation and bad seams. Choose a reputable installer from the start and enjoy your countertops for the next 2 decades!
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