The kitchen countertop, also known as a worktop, is probably the non-walkable surface that, more than any other, is exposed to the most wear and tear. Choosing the right material for its cladding is very important because there are so many factors and requirements to take into account.
In this article we will explain why quartz, when compared to other materials, is the right solution to this choice. In order to do so, we will embark on a journey to discover the incredible properties of this material.
Many materials for the kitchen, different levels of performance
On the market, there are countertops made of different materials, not only in terms of appearance but also as regards technical performance. Let’s look at some of them.
Laminate for example, is an aesthetically versatile material that can replicate even the finest materials such as marble. It requires little maintenance and is very reasonably priced, but it is particularly sensitive to heat and wear (think of the number of times we scrape the top every day).
Marble offers a refined appearance and it suits any necessity in terms of style, due to the many available variations of color and finish. However, it is a material with a low resistance to stains and chemicals, it is intrinsically porous and, like all natural stones, it has a lower resistance to scratches and accidental chipping. Therefore it is suitable for kitchens that are seldom used.
In the kitchen, natural wood is always an attractive option. However, its use in an interior in which the risk of moisture, staining and stress is high can affect its preservation over time, and surface treatments that protect wood from wear and tear are not suitable for contact with foods. Therefore, in this case, the material’s delicacy and porosity make it unsuitable for this application.
Lastly, for those considering a kitchen makeover, the choice of stoneware is a practical alternative. Its principal benefits include durability, a wide selection of finishes, water resistance, heat resistance, unalterability over time, and ease of cleaning. However, stoneware slabs are generally less convenient and accessible in terms of price.
Quartz: the perfect material by nature
In nature, quartz is one of the best-performing minerals in terms of hardness and strength. The technology of a composite material whose component substances comprise 93% quartz is, in itself, a guarantee of high performance. Moreover, considering that the slabs are manufactured by pressing the composite to the point of obtaining a product that is homogeneous throughout its entire surface and thickness, that is non-absorbent, and of very high hardness, it is easy to understand that quartz slabs are practically impermeable and therefore cannot be attacked by bacteria, stains, molds, and acids.
Hygiene, resistance to accidental impacts and scratches, and practicality (the top must be easy to maintain) further complement the technical performance associated with engineered quartz used for a kitchen countertop.
Technology and research in the pursuit of excellence
Thanks to research on raw materials and a highly technological, monitored and certified manufacturing process, all the features listed achieve their maximum expression in Stone Italiana’s quartz kitchen countertops.
By using technologically advanced equipment, it is possible to create kitchen countertops that are capable of achieving very high standards of resistance to scratches, stains and impacts, meeting international requirements for reliability and food safety (in fact, Stone Italiana’s materials hold NSF/ANSI Std. 51 National Sanitation Foundation certification – Food Equipment Materials for splash zones and food zones, the most complete certification for materials in contact with food products).
Design benefits: colors and finishes of quartz by Stone Italiana
When choosing quartz for a kitchen countertop, there is a huge variety of finishes available.
In fact, Stone Italiana offers a wide range of finishes. Its finishes range from the classic Gloss, to those that are softer to touch (Grain 2.0) or the more exclusive textured versions (Rocplan 2.0)
The criteria to be met are not only concerned with just practicality and technical properties. In fact, the countertop should match the kitchen perfectly, contributing to the style, harmony and elegance of the whole room.
