Kitchen and bathroom countertop materials are one of the most important decisions an owner can make. The most attractive and long-lasting type of countertop material is quartz, or manufactured stone.
This stone has all the beauty and strength of natural stone but is more durable and cost-effective. Quartz countertops are made with natural quartz mineral that is then infused with resins and colors to create a wide array of styles and patterns.
Granite and other natural stone has been mined for building purposes for more than 5,000 years. The first manufactured quartz countertops were introduced to Europe in the early 1960's but did not become popular in the United States for another 3 decades. During the 1980s few countertops were made of granite due to its high price and transportation issues.
However, with the advent of the computer, cutting natural stone into uniform sizes became far easier. It was still very expensive and the appeal of stone countertops was fairly limited. In the 1990's the popularity of stone countertops grew exponentially. Stone countertops including quartz are now the most popular counter material in the United States.
Quartz countertops can be found in almost any color and pattern desired. The newer colors and patterns of Quartz are nearly indistinguishable from natural stones including granite and marble.
Quartz also has a superior resistance to bacterial growth; natural stone contains microscopic fractures and imperfections that can allow for the proliferation of bacterial colonies. Quartz countertops are solid and resist bacteria.
Countertops made with quartz are extremely durable, fashionable, and easy to care for. Unlike most natural stone countertops quartz is nearly impermeable and is extremely scratch resistant. While granite or marble may need a protective coating each year, quartz retains its beauty and durability with little to no maintenance. Quartz countertops are a durable, attractive, and cost-effective solution for every kitchen and bathroom.
Check out our very own line of Quartz called Luca Stone at any of our locations. We are proud of our selection, variety and superior quality.
Give any of our showrooms a call to schedule a walk-thru! Or, just pop in and check out what we currently have in stock!
Francini Inc. Sun Valley, California (818) 767-5899
Francini Inc. Indio, California (760) 775-5007
Francini Inc. Salt Lake City, Utah (801) 521-5899
Francini Inc. Boise, Idaho (208) 258-2240
Francini Inc. Raleigh, North Carolina (919) 231-0000