Recently, we covered one of the leading runners in counter top materials to adorn your beautiful custom kitchen or bathroom cabinets, but granite doesn’t stand alone anymore. In fact, in recent years, the intrusive rock has developed some steep competition from one of the most abundant minerals in the Earth’s continental crust: Quartz.

Who doesn’t remember picking up a rock outside at some point in life and getting excited to discover it was actually a shiny treasure? The beauty of quartz is something that should be displayed – and what better place to do that than in your home?

How they’re made

A quick, super generalized explanation on how quartz tops are made goes something like this: Quartz crystals are mined from the earth, ground to an aggregate or dust (depending on the project at hand), and combined with binders and pigments. They are then subjected to intense heat and pressure until they become a solid countertop slab.

Why buy them?

The possibilities are endless when it comes to designing with quartz. They can now be made in a wide range of colors, patterns and sizes. Seams are less prevalent than with granite tops because many designers make uninterrupted slabs; but when seams are necessary, they are extremely hard to see anyway. Another bonus in the design department is that many quartz tops can be blended seamlessly with integral sinks for a completely uninterrupted design.

But, quartz tops didn’t become popular solely for their good looks (if that isn’t enough for you). They are actually quite strong and dependable as a countertop material – and low maintenance (who doesn’t love that?). Because they’re paired with a resin binder, they become non-porous and they don’t need to be sealed. This means they’re stain and odor resistant, and bacteria can’t find many places to hide since it can’t penetrate the surface. Cleaning quartz tops is much like cleaning granite that has been sealed – just mild soap and water is all it takes.

What’s the catch?

Everything in life has its positives and negatives, and quartz tops are no different. For one, they’re on the higher end of the price spectrum, like granite tops - but you get what you pay for. Another downside is that they’re not as heat-friendly as granite or some other materials. They can take some heat, but it’s best not to test their limits by leaving hot pots on the surface.

At Brakur, we offer a wide range of quartz counter tops from suppliers including Cambria, Hanstone, Viatera and Zodiaq. If you’re looking for countertops that are attractive, versatile, easy to maintain and long lasting, come talk to us about quartz. If you can afford them, we think the pros outweigh the cons and if you have any questions, feel free to ask us!