In recent years, artificial stone has gained particular popularity in kitchen design. Manufacturers of kitchen furniture prefer to produce countertops from this material because of its unusual structure and stunning similarities with natural counterparts. People say so about a duplicate: a stone countertop or a quartz countertop. However, it will be useful to better get acquainted with this unusual material and find out whether its popularity is really justified, or whether it is better to purchase a table top made of natural stone.
We all “experience” our worktops with the most severe loads: something hot or cold is constantly placed on their surface, we wash them ourselves with ruthless chemicals, scratch and wipe them
. It is very important, choosing a kitchen worktop, to understand the large assortment offered by manufacturers, and to get exactly that kitchen surface that can serve you for many years.
Characteristics of agglomerate countertops
Manufacturers are increasingly trying to find a decent and less expensive replacement for natural materials. And not so long ago, the most beautiful quartz or quartz agglomerate appeared on the market, which immediately won the trust of both ergonomic lovers and those who prefer aesthetics to everything else.
The duplicate was created to preserve the beauty that natural stone possesses., and at the same time eradicating the imperfections of the original. This was the reason for the popularity of quartz. In the interior, they like to use it most for countertops.
Properties of quartz countertops
None, even the highest quality substitutes for natural stone, can not be compared with the original. Quartz, despite the popular opinion, is much lower in cost than duplicates, but in operation and in external characteristics it has no equal. Many professional designers and ordinary buyers, without a deep knowledge of mineralogy, say in a voice that quartz slab is the most suitable material for the kitchen surface due to its unsurpassed absorbent properties and resistance to abrasives. The hot bottom of the dishes will not leave annoying marks on the surface of the quartz table. Such countertops are durable, immune to mechanical damage and pressure from household appliances that are constantly on them.
Another unique property of this stone is its hygiene, which for the kitchen is one of the most important characteristics, since the kitchen worktop is always in contact with food and drinks.
Cleaning quartz does not present any difficulties: the structure of the stone is not porous, and there is no need to rub the surface with all kinds of sponges - just walk along the entire surface with a wet cloth and it becomes clean. It is advisable to avoid chlorine-based products when cleaning. not even because they are aggressive and eventually spoil absolutely any, even the most wear-resistant material, but simply because the chlorine fumes are toxic and the surface of the countertop will need to be washed many times to finally wash off the chemical, because after that they will touching food. All this is energy consuming and irrational.
Normal light wet cleaning should always be enough. For greater sterility, you can wash the surface with a damp soapy cloth and wipe it several more times with a cloth without soap.
Regarding the color scheme of quartz: the palette of colors is very wide, and you can choose the perfect tone for any kitchen interior. Quartz itself is environmentally friendly and absolutely safe, which allows it to be used in any public institutions, whether it be a hospital, school, kindergarten or restaurants.
Quartz stone in the design of the kitchen
After the obvious ergonomic advantages, the second place is occupied by aesthetic properties that amaze even the most skeptical buyers. A huge range of colors, which surpasses the colors of stone in nature, allows you to give free rein to the imagination when embodying even bold design variations.
Any kitchen, even of the most futuristic design, will be able to accommodate a countertop made of agglomerate without losing in design.
Benefits of Quartz Countertops
To make a quartz agglomerate, it is necessary to mix and compress quartz chips with resins in order to obtain a homogeneous array. Resins make up only a couple percent of the composition, and quartz itself - up to 98%. But the difference with the stone is obvious. The agglomerate countertop takes only the best characteristics from the original stone, excluding porosity and gaps.
But there are a lot of pluses.
- No spilled liquids and stains on such a surface are terrible.
- For many, it is important that on such a countertop, unlike others made of granite or marble, there is no radiation background.
- It is lighter in weight than natural stone, but lower in cost.
- The colors can satisfy even the most selective housewives.
- Mechanical damage is almost impossible. You can cut products without using a board, put a hot pan, spill the paint - the lack of porosity allows you to simply wipe the surface, and it again becomes like new.
- Worktops must be repaired if damaged by chemicals or chips.
Where to buy sinter table top
Try to buy kitchen furniture only from trusted manufacturers to avoid fakes and have no doubt about the quality of the material they use. Before buying countertops, look for local manufacturers of quartz structures.Such plates should be processed only in special rooms with all the necessary equipment for this.
Therefore, it is always necessary to order worktops from professionals who know exactly quartz processing so that the sinter meets all the requirements of both safety and operation.
Ceasar stone
This Israeli company has been supplying quality agglomerate countertops for 30 years. Their products contain up to 93% quartz, which gives the furniture wear resistance and durability.
Compac
More than 50 years on the market, this brand is loved for a wide range of kitchen furniture and unmatched quality materials.
Plaza stone
A young but trustworthy company, produces quartz furniture using Italian equipment in accordance with Russian and European standards.
Composite countertops will serve you for many years, without losing their original appearance and without losing popularity, since the texture of stone is a classic in the design of kitchen fittings. Its luster does not fade over the years, and the surface does not lose its smoothness.
About which quartz countertop for the kitchen is better to choose, see the next video.
