FAQ'S

1. What is a Quartz surface?

Quartz surfaces are created almost entirely with natural Quartz that is mined directly from the Earth. Since Quartz is one of the hardest and most common minerals on earth, a Quartz surface offers a rare combination of superior beauty and unsurpassed strength.

2. How does a Quartz surface compare to granite?

Quartz is a natural stone. With a Quartz surface, you get the look and feel of granite, without the porosity inherent in a stone slab extracted directly from the Earth. Maintenance of a Quartz surface is simple--just wash it with warm water. Unlike other stone surfaces like granite, limestone or marble, Quartz won't stain, and it never needs sealing or reconditioning. Granite, limestone and marble are porous stones that need to be sealed regularly with a chemical treatment. These surfaces can absorb liquids and food, risking potential staining and bacterial growth in the countertop.

3. How does a Quartz surface compare to Corian^® or other plastic solid surfaces?

Quartz is a stone crystal mined from the earth. Corian^® is 100% plastic polymer, it has NO stone in it. Quartz countertops give you the timeless beauty of natural stone with a harder and more durable surface.

4. How does pricing of a Quartz surface compare to other natural stone or solid surface competitors?

Generally, Quartz surface pricing is comparable to granite and other high-end countertop options. Trade customers such as Kitchen and Bath dealers, fabricators, and contractors establish countertop retail prices. Their specific price can vary based on the requirements for each particular project (seams, cutouts, backsplash, etc), and it can also vary across different regions of the country.

5. Is a Quartz surface considered a natural stone surface?

Yes. A Quartz surface is comprised of 93% pure natural Quartz mined from the Earth.

6. Are Quartz surfaces fake or synthetic granite?

No. Quartz surfaces are comprised almost entirely from Quartz mined from the Earth. Granite is also mined from the Earth, but it is a composite of stone made of a number of different minerals. Quartz, the hardest of the minerals in granite, is typically only about 40% to 60% of the total with the remainder being, softer minerals such as feldspar and mica and other impurities. Quartz countertops are not synthetic or "fake" granite.

7. Is there a binder or glue that holds a Quartz surface together?

A Quartz surface has a small amount of pigments and an epoxy resin. It contains no soft minerals like granite. The unique process results in a natural stone product of uncommon beauty and superior strength. Quartz surfacing is approved by NSF International for food preparation. It's twice as strong as granite and non-porous.

8. Is a Quartz surface made or manufactured in a plant?

Yes, Quartz surfaces are produced in manufacturing facilities around the world. Natural Quartz mined out of the Earth is combined with a small amount of pigment and resin to create a slab of uncommon beauty and strength. By recombining the quartz in a production facility, manufacturers are able to recreate the slabs to make them completely non-porous and maintenance-free.

9. What range of products are available made from Quartz?

Quartz is an excellent surface choice for a wide variety of uses including kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, shower and tub surrounds, furniture tabletops and accent pieces, fireplace surrounds, desk tops, wet bar areas, and window sills.

10. What are the unique benefits of Quartz surfaces?

BEAUTY - Quartz surfaces are available in a wide variety of designer colors. Some colors are not available in a granite or marble countertop.

STRENGTH - Diamond-like hardness, superior strength. So durable, even your finest cutlery won't harm it.

CARE-FREE - No sealing or complicated maintenance. Simply wash it with warm water. It's that simple.

FOOD SAFE - Quartz surfaces are non-porous and have been certified by NSF International for food and splash zones in commercial kitchens, just like stainless steel. Rest assured, there is no safer surface for food preparation.

STAIN RESISTANT - Quartz surfaces will resist stains from fruit juices, food coloring, coffee, tea, wine, grape juice, nail polish and felt-tip markers.

GUARANTEED - Most Quartz surfaces manufacturers provide a 10-year limited warranty.

11. Does a Quartz surface require care and maintenance?

No, a Quartz surface is incredibly maintenance-free because it is non-porous. Simply wipe up with warm water. Unlike granite, a Quartz surface will NEVER require regular sealing and there is no risk of staining.

12. Is a Quartz surface resistant to surface damage?

Quartz surfaces are structurally more resistant to surface damage than other stone. However, all stone can be damaged by excessive force or pressure.

13. Does a Quartz surface withstand heat? Can I put a hot pan or pot on it?

A Quartz surface is as resistant to heat as any stone countertop available on the market. However, any natural stone surface can be damaged by sudden and rapid change of temperature, particularly near the edge of the surface. Like any natural stone surface, Quartz may not withstand the direct transfer of heat from pots and pans and other cooking units such as electric frying pans and griddles, and some crock-pots or roaster ovens and heat lamps. Therefore, the use of a hot pad or trivet is always recommended.

14. Are Quartz surfaces resistant to staining? Will Quartz stain?

Quartz surfaces are extremely resistant to staining. Products as wide-ranging as fruit juices, liquid food coloring, coffee, tea, wine, soft drinks, nail polish/remover and felt-tip markers have been tested on Quartz surfaces-none of these materials left a stain. Quartz surfaces have a high gloss finish and extremely low moisture absorption, which provides resistance to staining and eliminates the need for any sealing. Its non-porous surface also greatly reduces the potential for bacterial growth from food absorbing in your countertop.

15. Are Quartz surfaces safe for food preparation?

Yes, Quartz surfaces are non-porous and have been certified by NSF International for food and splash zones in commercial kitchens. That is the same certification as stainless steel. There is no safer countertop for food preparation.

16. Does the color go all the way through the Quartz product?

Yes, the full and rich colors are fully-integrated into the natural Quartz and go all the way through the Quartz surface.

17. Where can I find Quartz surfaces?

Quartz surfaces can be found at almost any kitchen and bath dealer or home center around the country, or through your local building or remodeling contractor.

18. Can I work with a builder, remodeler, architect, designer, or kitchen and bath store to get a Quartz surface for my house?

Absolutely! Just ask your builder, remodeler, architect, designer, or kitchen and bath store to use Quartz countertops for the surface you desire.

19. Are Quartz surfaces colors consistent?

Quartz surfaces have purposely captured the natural beauty and random variation of natural stone in its distinctive colors. Quartz surfacing is more consistent than other mined natural stone, so it doesn't require a special trip to pick out your slab. Variation in the natural stone (quartz) color, pattern, size, shape and shade are inherent and unique characteristics to be expected with this product. This does not affect the product performance in any manner.

20. Are Quartz surfaces seamless? Will I see a seam?

Quartz surfacing is a natural stone product that does require seams for any application longer than 118" or wider than 53". Quartz is not a seamless product, seams are visible. Where there are seams the product pattern and shade can change (countertops).

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