Stone Types
MAN MADE QUARTZ
Manmade quartz counters are produced in various factories around the world. This includes products such as Caesarstone, Cambria, and many others. There are thousand of color options through various manufacturers, and most manufactures offer a limited warranty on their product. Manmade quartz is made up of approximately 10% resin and 90% crushed quartzite. Manmade quartz is very strong and is difficult hard to break. Although manmade quart is hard to break it is also hard to repair if broken. Because manmade quartz is made with specific resins, it is hard to duplicated the surface color and texture that was created in the factory.
Manmade counter have a heat tolerance of 150 degrees Fahrenheit to 200 degrees Fahrenheit, therefore it is always recommended that a hot plate is used under a hot surface, this include appliances such as crockpots.
Manmade quartz is impervious, this is the number one selling point of man made counters. Although they can be temporarily stained, most stains are surface born and can be easily removed.
WHAT EXACTLY IS QUARTZ?
Quartz Stone is a composite made-up of 93% Quartz, 7% Polyester resin, and pigment.
When deciding on the perfect countertop, quartz may be a very safe choice that doesn’t require much upkeep, especially for your kitchen.
Quartz is a non-porous man made stone that does not need to be sealed like granite or other natural stones, in order to keep them from staining. It’s practically indestructible and pretty much maintenance-free. The non-porous and non-absorbing nature of Quartz stone surface makes it very hygienic; it does not harbor bacteria, which makes it a safe choice for food preparation on the counter surfaces.
WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE QUARTZ FOR MY COUNTERTOPS?
Quartz is becoming more and more desirable due to the large variety of color selection, less movement and less maintenance. Quartz is a very hard and durable material and will last the lifetime of your home. Due to the absence of the movement in most Quartz the seams are easier to hide and in some cases can become invisible. Quartz is also very versatile when remodeling your kitchen. An ideal option for the kitchen counter, quartz also makes for a beautiful backsplash.
HOW DO I CARE FOR MY NEW QUARTZ COUNTERS?
Cleaning your Quartz stone kitchen countertops is quite easy. It involves using a little soapy water or a mild glass or surface cleaner. Make sure to use a non-abrasive sponge and washcloth and wipe up spills on your quartz countertop quickly.
WHAT IS MARBLE?
Marble is among the most elegant and luxurious of stones. If properly cared for, marble countertops will last for generations and is versatile enough for use throughout the home. Marble especially stands out in the bath and on vertical applications. It can be applied on almost every surface, including vanities, shower walls, tub decks and flooring.
STAINING MARBLE
Marble is more susceptible to staining by many foods, spilled liquids and other household materials. With marble as a softer and more porous material than granite, it is more suitable for less-trafficked, formal areas. Marble should be sealed more often than granite.
WHAT IS ONYX?
Onyx is a band of Quartz and Manganite. Onyx is a calcareous stone, formed by dissolving limestone and redepositing as a new kind of stone. In caves, drip water forms onyx as stalactites and stalagmites. It is a soft, brittle stone and should be carefully evaluated for its intended use.
WHERE SHOULD I INSTALL ONYX?
Onyx is typically used in bathrooms and other lightly used areas. Onyx does etch and stain easily so if it is installed in a kitchen, then proper precautions should be taken to ensure that food (wine, fruit juice, lemons and vinegar) do not react with the counter.
HOW TO CLEAN ONYX?
Do not use anything acidic. Most cleaning products (even ones specified for stone counters) are not safe on Onyx. Homemade cleaners can also damage Onyx. A cleaner with a neutral PH is the best. Onyx will absorb liquid very quickly. When cleaning your counters put the cleaner on a cloth and not directly on the counters. If you have spills or drips, clean them promptly. Acid can damage an Onyx counter, even with prompt cleanups.
GRANITE
Granite is a natural stone harvested from quarries around the world. Most granites are relatively nonporous (about 10% porosity, however since it is a natural product, each stone will be different. Granite does have to be sealed, but contrary to popular belief, sealing granite counters is very easy (please see our section on “How to seal your granite counters”). Most granite counters only need to be sealed once a year. We will need to add a section on how to seal your granite counters maybe just a link to a video.
Granite has a higher heat tolerance than man made quartz. Granite typically has a heat tolerance between 480 degrees Fahrenheit to 1200 degrees Fahrenheit. Although its always recommended to use a hot plate to protect your counters from hot pans and pots, granite can easily handle higher temperatures. Beauty- Granites are natural and therefore can have great variations in color and composition. Each slab of granite is unique making it truly a work of art. Repairs – Granite is much easier to repair than man made stone. Due to the color variations in granite, our technicians can use various epoxies combined with stone to replicate the natural surface of your counter. Most minor chips and crack can be fixed in your home within a couple of hours. Price – Granite has a wide range of pricing, but typically granite counters start at $50 a square foot installed and can grow to as much as $300 a square foot or higher. Pricing can be determined based on the materials.
Stone Finishes – Polished, Leathered or Honed?
What are the positive and negative of each?
POLISHED
This is how 90% of all granites and natural stones are finished from the quarries around the world. Through the use of massive machinery, the quarries “polish” the surface of each slab after it has been harvested and cut. A polish surfaced brings out the natural color and beauty of stone counters. With proper cleaning, sealing and maintenance most natural stone counters will maintain their luster for decades.
LEATHERED
A leathered surface finish creates a semi rough texture to the surface of the slab. A leathered surface reduced the natural sheen of the surface and creates a dull finish. When the slab is leathered the softer materials on the surface are mechanically removed (through a series of brushes) this can reduce the potential of these softer materials from fracturing in the future.
*Leathering is a great option for outdoor areas where extreme temperatures are more likely. Under heat and or cold natural stone counters can have pitting occur (This is when small particles in the surface actually pop or fracture from the surface), leathering is a way that removes the weaker materials from the surface before it occurs natural. Due to the rough surface texture leathering is not a good option for area that are used for baking (Rolling out dough) or area that are used for offices/ school projects. Leathered surfaces require the same maintenance as polished surfaces.
HONED or MATTE FINISH
A honed finish is created with them same process as a leathered finish, but the quarries or specialized companies use different brushes to make the surface completely smooth. A honed finish takes all of the luster out of the surface creating a “concrete” or dull look to the counter. This finish is typically used to create a more “modern” feel to counters. Honed surfaces are very hard to maintain. Through the honing process, many of the pores in the stone are opened, which makes maintenance very hard. It’s not uncommon to see finger prints, oil stains, and water marking right after installation on honed surfaces. After installation honed counters will be sealed, however if you chose this finish you should expect etching (this is when acidic juices (lemons, limes etc) change the surface composition) and staining to occur almost immediately.