Why White Quartz Countertops are the Perfect Choice for Your Home Renovation
One of the most visually appealing and commonly used elements in kitchens is the countertops. Kitchen countertops, with their renewability, offer various styles to kitchens while also requiring consideration for factors such as usability, cleanliness, and health. However, the ideal kitchen countertop may not always be made from the most preferred or commonly used material.
White quartz, when compared to popular materials like granite and marble, is somewhat of an 'undiscovered gem'. Yet, this lesser-known material is more environmentally friendly, flexible, healthy, and durable than many other countertop materials. In this article, we will explore the features of white quartz countertops, specifically, and discuss why it is the best choice for kitchen renovations.
A Brief Exploration of Quartz's Structure
Quartz, one of the oldest stones known to humanity, has a history dating back to ancient times. When the Greeks discovered this stone, they named it "krustallos," meaning "icy cold." Quartz is also alternatively referred to as rock crystal. Due to their hard and durable structure, they are not easily affected by climate and environmental conditions. What is quartz? Where is it used?
Composed of silicon and oxygen, quartz is one of the most abundant minerals on Earth. While in ancient times it was used for magical purposes, its contemporary use is more focused on therapeutic applications. Quartz comes in numerous varieties, including citrine, amethyst, and chrysoprase. These varieties exhibit different colors, such as yellow, pink, blue, or brown, based on the impurities present in them. The areas of use also vary depending on the type of quartz. These stones are named as rock crystal (mountain crystal), pink quartz, green quartz, milky quartz, smoky quartz, amethyst, and citrine.
Where is Quartz Used?
Quartz can form under various climate conditions, making it prevalent worldwide; hence, it is found in many countries. It is commonly found in Brazil and Madagascar. Quartz deposits are also present in African countries. Due to its strong frequency transmission, it is used in transmitting television and radio signals. GPS devices are another application of quartz. Due to its durability and abundance, it is also preferred in lenses. Additionally, it is used in microscopes, lasers, and telescopes. Glassmaking is one of the primary uses of quartz stones, with half of the quartz consumption in India being in the glass industry. Essentially considered a category of marble, quartz differs from marble due to some chemical differences in their structures. Quartz, a natural mineral, is formed by the combination of oxygen and silicon (SiO2). Marble, on the other hand, is composed of crystals of calcium carbonate (CaCO3), with calcite being the main mineral. While both occur naturally on the Earth's surface, they have been present in human lives for centuries, with both similar and different uses.
Representing symbols of grandeur, splendor, nobility, and elegance, marble becomes an indispensable stone in both interior and exterior decorations in architectural structures. Meanwhile, quartz, considered a category of marble in the past, has found use as the main material in various fields, particularly in jewelry design, thanks to advancements in modern technology. In recent years, the usage areas of quartz and marble have converged significantly, with the production of decorative marble artifacts becoming widespread, and the production of quartz kitchen and bathroom sets reaching its peak.
For centuries, both quartz and marble have been generally widely used in architectural and artistic fields. Although there are similarities and some biological differences between quartz and marble, they also share common ground and have different applications. These differences become apparent in usage, design, and applications.
Quartz or Granite for Kitchen Countertops: Which Is Better?
Certainly, the ideal kitchen countertop material is not solely dependent on aesthetics or material accessibility. When choosing your kitchen countertop, you should also consider various factors such as health, hygiene, and economy. To do this, you need to have a good understanding of the characteristics of the material and choose one that suits your usage. At this stage, the question of whether to choose quartz or granite often comes to mind: Which countertop material is more practical?
The biggest concern for those looking to buy countertops is how good the countertop material is. The abundance of options for countertop materials can make it a bit challenging to find the right product that suits your space and preferences. If you have narrowed down your options to quartz (engineered stone) and granite (natural stone), we will discuss which countertop is more practical for you. While the difference between quartz and granite may not be very pronounced, both materials have standout features.
Why White Quartz is the Ideal Choice for the Best Kitchen Countertop?
White quartz has become a popular preference not only for bathrooms or outdoor spaces but also for kitchens. Among the numerous advantages of white quartz, aesthetic appeal stands out. The color white typically evokes a sense of cleanliness and freshness.This seemingly simple element actually plays a critical role, especially when it comes to large kitchens. This is because countertops, which cover a significant portion of the kitchen space, determine the overall color atmosphere of the kitchen.
Dark colors, despite their chic and elegant appearance, are not preferred in production areas. Instead, light colors that stimulate creativity and whet the appetite will make you happy to be in the kitchen environment. Therefore, a kitchen countertop made of white quartz not only conceals stains like lime but also brings freshness and a spacious look to your kitchen space.
Choosing quartz surfaces for health reasons is also significant due to their eco-friendly nature. They do not emit harmful levels of any gases detrimental to human health. While granite countertops emit small levels of radon, affecting health and indoor air quality, quartz and quartz surfaces are non-radioactive. White quartz countertops typically have an easy-to-clean surface. Liquid stains can usually be cleaned with soapy water or mild cleaning materials. In some cases, a damp cloth may suffice for daily cleaning.
Quartz not only offers easy maintenance and hygiene but is also durable, elegantly designed, and long-lasting. If you are currently considering a kitchen renovation or installing a new countertop, and ease of maintenance, hygiene, and health are your top priorities, quartz is a superior choice. Additionally, under correct maintenance and usage conditions, white quartz countertops have a long lifespan. They are less prone to cracking, scratching, or color fading compared to other countertop materials.
While visual appeal and durability are the two main factors in countertop selection, ease of cleaning is actually the first feature users consider. Especially in places where the water contains substances that could erode the countertop surface or where the lime content is high, having a countertop material that is very easy to clean is desirable. Lime can cause stains on dark-colored surfaces and chemicals in water can erode the countertop surface. Therefore, a material resistant to both abrasion and staining, easy to clean like quartz, is often preferred.
To clean quartz countertops, all you need is a damp cotton kitchen cloth and dish soap. Quartz is not only easy to use but is also considered virtually indestructible. In other words, if you happen to be a bit clumsy in your kitchen and spill tea or coffee on the countertop, there is no need to worry. The non-porous structure of quartz prevents liquid absorption. If you wipe off or clean residues that drip or stick to the surface before they dry and turn into stubborn stains, a simple cleaning can preserve the pristine appearance of your countertop surface for many years.
Stepping Into a New Kitchen
Considering all the features we have examined, we have observed how white quartz countertops stand out in terms of durability, healthiness, ease of cleaning, and aesthetic appeal compared to alternative materials. A subtype of marble, white quartz is a material that is more easily processed than alternatives like granite. Moreover, it is suitable for indoor spaces such as kitchen countertops and bathrooms. With its refreshing color, a kitchen adorned with a white quartz countertop will provide you with a spacious indoor environment. Its ease of cleaning, one of its most important features, allows you to maintain hygiene and health conditions in your kitchen with precision.
Before taking the first step into your new kitchen, we recommend checking our material and countertop catalog on worldclassgranite.com to examine examples of white quartz countertops and gather detailed information about different kitchen decorations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most durable kitchen countertop?
Porcelain kitchen countertops, produced from natural materials, enable you to achieve healthiness. Porcelain kitchen countertops, with different textures and surfaces, are highly durable. However, given their fragile nature, you may prefer quartz as an alternative to porcelain.
Is quartz countertop suitable for kitchen use?
Quartz is not only easy to maintain and hygienic but also durable, elegantly designed, and long-lasting. If ease of maintenance, hygiene, and health are your top priorities for a kitchen renovation or installing a new countertop, quartz will be an excellent choice.
Does white quartz stain?
White quartz, with its smooth surface structure compared to marble, is a product that can be easily cleaned. Its non-absorbent, poreless structure makes it resistant to staining. Comprising approximately 90% quartz, it eliminates the detrimental effects of chemicals. White quartz is not affected by substances like tea, coffee, vinegar, lemon, colorful spices, which could otherwise cause permanent staining or surface abrasion on other countertop materials.
Is quartz countertop durable?
Quartz countertops are composed of processed stones, including natural quartzite pieces, other minerals, and a binding agent. Quartz countertop slabs are not natural stones like marble, limestone, or granite. Instead, they are a highly durable and practical type of processed stone.