Quartz

Pros and Cons of Quartz

Last week we looked at the last of the natural stones. This week we are looking at Quartz.

Quartz is a reconstituted stone, which is in the spotlight now due to its very high silica content. Before we get started, companies are starting to come out with quartz products that contain less silica. SmartStone is one company that has reduced content dramatically.

Pros:

•      Available in a wide range of colours that imitate natural stones

•      Extremely durable

•      Heat resistant, like natural stone, we don’t recommend placing a hot pot/pan directly on the surface, as stone contracts and expands and may cause cracking or the resin to discolour.

•      Resistant to most stains

•      Scratch resistant, don’t directly cut onto the benchtop. Doesn’t chip as easily as natural stone.

•      It is very low maintenance.

Cons:

•      In comparison to the natural beauty of natural stone, Quartz doesn’t always compare

•      Some products are not UV resistant, so fading may occur over time

•      Not completely stain resistant, if a product is left on there long enough it may cause staining.

•      Should only be installed internally, not externally, as fading may occur.

•      When two pieces are joined together, the joint is not as easily concealed and may appear more noticeable than natural stone.

• Very high Sicilia content, some companies are now addressing this and coming up with products with reduced content.

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