Networx: Why is the cost of quartz countertops so high?

Quartz countertops are showing up in the trendiest kitchens these days. But there’s a drawback to this new material - it’s expensive, even more so than its closest rival, granite. What makes the cost of quartz countertops so high and how can you save money?

What are quartz countertops?

Contrary to popular belief, quartz countertops are an engineered product, not 100% natural stone. To make the material, manufacturers bind crushed quartz (and sometimes other stones such as marble or granite) together with resins and polymers, in a ratio of approximately 90:10 by weight. Pigment is added for color, and then the mixture is molded by means of heat and compression.

Think of a meatloaf, if you will - the quartz can be compared to ground meat and the binding ingredients to eggs and breadcrumbs.

Why is quartz so popular?

Homeowners prize quartz for its attractive appearance - smooth and uniform, with a glossiness due to the quartz particles it contains - as well as for its practicality. As an engineered stone, quartz is non-porous. This quality makes it durable; crack, chip, and stain resistant (just wipe spills promptly!), and easy to maintain. Equally important, the material will not absorb bacteria or promote mold growth. And it never needs to be sealed or refinished.

Quartz countertops work equally well in kitchen remodels, bathrooms, laundry rooms, or mudrooms. Not just for counters anymore, quartz is also popular for backsplashes, integrated sinks, floors and wall cladding.

Get the full article at https://www.networx.com/article/high-cost-of-quartz-countertops-save.