Once known for high-end homes, engineered quartz countertops are making their way into more and more bathrooms and kitchens as brands, especially in Canada, are becoming more affordable and accessible.
High-quality engineered quartz countertops add a stylistic option ranging from colors to designs providing an array of options. It gives a royal look when installed. Moreover, the maintenance is easy and leaves no stain marks.
In this article, we will talk about quartz countertops, their manufacturing, what factors to consider before purchasing, and the most famous Canadian quartz countertop brands.
To learn everything that you need to know (and more!) about engineered quartz countertops in Canada,feel free to click the following link:
https://www.caesarstone.ca/blog/quartz-countertop-manufacturers-all-you-need-to-know/
Page Contents
What exactly are quartz countertops?
Unlike marble and granite, quartz countertops are made of quartz chips or dust combined with resin, which is a synthetically or plant derived polymer that can replicate the appearance of natural minerals and materials. Though quartz makes up most of the countertop, it may contain 15% resin and colour pigments.
Engineered quartz has a deep, rich appearance and a solid, stone-like feel, similar to genuine stone. Like a solid surface, quartz has synthetic additives that stabilizes the material and reduces the unpredictability of natural stone. As a result, quartz, often known as man-made or manufactured stone, is a separate and distinct substance.
How are engineered quartz countertops made?
Quartz countertops are made manually. Natural quartz is present; however, binding resins are also present. Most quartz countertop producers employ 90% quartz and 10% colour pigments and resins to create their products.
Quartz has a distinct appearance and feel due to its high mineral content and manufacturing technique. The hardest material (quartz) is maintained during manufacturing, while softer impurities and minerals are removed. As a result, you get a tough and long-lasting tabletop material.
Best quartz countertop brand in Canada
If you’re looking for the best quartz countertop in Canada in 2022, here is a brief look at one of the country’s the top quartz countertop brands:
Caesarstone
Caesarstone is among the best quartz countertop brands for homeowners and business owners alike. This experienced quartz countertop manufacturer offers homeowners and business owners over 40 colours readily available in design stores around the country.
It is available in various styles, from more traditional looks like marble to more modern and daring textures. Caesarstone is constantly refining and expanding its product line, and it now offers styles to complement practically any kitchen design.
Factors to consider before making a purchase
When choosing a quartz countertop for your home, you must purchase the best one that suits your needs. Here are some of the key differences that you may find in quartz countertop brands in Canada that you should consider:
Colour palette for the quartz countertop
This is the most noticeable key difference in various countertop brands. While most consumers will not be concerned, some quartz producers may have a limited colour choice while others have a large variety.
As a result, shopping around is critical, especially when seeking a rare and unusual quartz countertop colour. For instance, Caesarstone quartz is available in an almost infinite variety of distinctive and bright colours, such as 4043 Primordia and 5222 Adamina.
Slab thickness
Slab thickness may differ among top quartz countertop brands. The thickness or thinness of quartz counters has advantages and disadvantages that should always be considered.
While quartz countertops are durable and powerful, they can still be damaged if handled incorrectly. As a result, someone constructing a kitchen for heavy use should go for thicker slabs. Although thinner quartz slabs have a more modern and streamlined appearance, they may not be able to survive intensive use.
Because slab thickness influences reliability, functionality, and endurance, it should be a top consideration when choosing countertop brands.
Quartz countertop availability
The timeline for ordering a quartz countertop depends largely on the manufacturer. There are many steps involved in manufacturing quartz countertops, such as cut-outs, cutting, seams, edges, and more. Therefore, it is advisable to order the engineered quartz countertop at least two weeks prior.
Quartz slab design and size
The slab designs will differ amongst various engineered quartz manufacturers. It’s good to examine various slab designs, noting the size, streaks, mineral shapes, and even striations. If you have a larger kitchen and don’t want seams, seek a company that offers larger slab sizes.
Quartz countertops pros and cons
Let’s look at the pros and cons of quartz countertops before you finally decide on making a purchase:
Benefits of quartz countertops
Here are some benefits:
Consistency in appearance
Quartz countertops are man-made surfaces created from genuine quartz crystals and other minerals and colours that are held together with resin.
As a result, each component has the same appearance. So when you choose a quartz countertop, you can rest confident that the countertop in your kitchen or bathroom will appear just like the one in the showroom. Natural materials like marble and granite do not have this problem. The veins in real marble, for example, have a wide range of patterns and colours.
Durability
When you install a quartz countertop, you’ll be getting a highly durable, long-lasting surface that can withstand decades of heavy use. It’s chip and scratch-resistant, and because it’s waterproof, it’s also water and stain-resistant.
Drawbacks of quartz countertops
Here are some drawbacks:
Too much heat can cause discolouration
Accidents happen in busy kitchens, such as placing a hot pot or skillet straight on the countertop surface. That might be disastrous for some countertops, such as laminate. Quartz countertops are heat resistant. However, the resins that connect the quartz crystals may discolour at extremely high temperatures.
Weight
The weight of quartz countertops, which may range from 20 to 25 pounds per square foot, is another disadvantage. As a result, installation is not a do-it-yourself activity. It’s best to leave it to the professionals.
Takeaway
Knowing what to consider is as important as which Canadian quartz countertop brand offers the best product. Many brands are available in today’s market offering high-quality products, but make sure you choose the one that suits your needs the best.
