Quartz has enjoyed a steady following in the past few years as a popular material. The main reasons behind this popularity are its easy availability and longevity. It may seem like any other rock, but people who know about quartz prefer it for countertops. It is a highly versatile rock and this is precisely what distinguishes it from other types of rocks.
Quartz is manmade, and quartzite is another alternative for homeowners who want a natural material for their countertops.
There are many ways to incorporate quartz into the home. First, homeowners need to ask themselves how they will use the quartz before looking at the various types of quartz countertops on the market. However, what becomes more crucial in this case is the type of quartz required based on their needs.
It is difficult to decide due to the many properties, advantages, and disadvantages of each type. Quartz can be used on countertops for kitchens and bathrooms. There are a variety of quartz countertops available in the markets.
Let us explore the different types of quartz countertops based on different finishes and edges.
Before diving into the main topic, feel free to click here to learn about the various differences between quartz and quartzite in detail.
What are the different types of quartz countertops?
Here are two types of quartz countertop finishes – polished and honed:
Polished quartz
Polished quartz is glossy and preferred by homeowners who want a shiny appearance on their countertop.
The polished finish shows off the colour more brightly than the matte finish. The veins are visible prominently in the polished quartz. Due to more light reflection, the bright colours of quartz are easily visible. Polished quartz countertops feel unique in any space, and they are easy to clean and maintain.
However, the brightness can also cause glare for homeowners who use more lights in the space.
So, homeowners who prefer polished quartz countertops for their homes must maintain the right amount of light in that space where the countertop is installed. Another advantage of a polished finish is that it’s okay to wait for a few hours to clean the fingerprints and smudge that appears on a polished countertop.
Polished countertops are more affordable than other finishes, so they can be the best option for homeowners who want a quartz countertop on a low budget.
Honed quartz
Also known as a matte or leathered finish, a honed finish is another type of quartz countertop finish. A honed finish is not glossy or shiny like polished quartz. So the lights have less glare, and overall the effect is a bit more subtle.
However, the fingerprints and smudge are more visible in the honed finish than on the polished finish countertops. So, homeowners need to clean the smudges and fingerprints as soon as possible to make their countertop appear clean all the time.
Honed quartz countertops undergo a grounding process to produce a smooth, consistent surface with little reflection and no ridges or bumps. Next, a natural polish on the quartz surface is removed to eliminate the little shine or reflection. However, the natural look of quartz is retained to make its colour visible and deliver a casual vibe in the space used.
Most homeowners prefer a countertop with a matte finish to minimize the light reflection and create a more relaxed and casual vibe in the space.
Availability of quartz countertops
The polished finish of quartz countertops is more available than the honed finish. Due to high demand, earlier types of quartz countertops mostly came with a glossy finish. This is because quartz always has a natural shine. Matte finish is gaining popularity in homes and commercial settings.
Is polished finish better than honed quartz?
Quartz is a naturally shiny stone. They convert to their standard form of polished quartz countertops when converted to countertops. In their standard natural form, polished quartz countertops require no additional finishing and incur no additional fees or charges.
On the other hand, the matte lustre of cut quartz can be achieved simply by removing the polished surface, which requires fabrication and machining. For this reason, cut quartz is seen as an upgrade option. Additional costs depend on the manufacturer.
Prefab countertops
Many homeowners opt for a quartz countertop due to the availability of a prefabricated option. The prefabricated quartz countertops are made from a slab in different sizes and shapes, especially for standard kitchens. Prefab countertops are available as cutouts for kitchen sinks and come in a matching backsplash piece.
Prefab countertops are available in the most popular colours and patterns that are high in demand. Therefore, choosing prefab countertops not only saves money, but the installation cost is also low. Also, they are readily available, and the buyers don’t need to wait for the fabricator to finish the production.
Edge profiles
Homeowners can choose different edge profiles in quartz countertops to fit their personal style. Simple edge profiles like eased, bullnose, and bevel suit modern décor aesthetics well.
On the other hand, premium edge profiles such as classic, ogee, dupont, and french cove are made with special treatments to compete with conventional designs.
The edge profile depends on the visual appeal and thickness of the slab. A mitered edge profile can make a 2cm slab appear thicker than its actual thickness. The waterfall edge is also gaining popularity among quartz countertops. It looks like a waterfall flowing off the edge around the corner towards the floor covering the cabinetry side. Such edge profiles create a clean and uniform look for any kitchen.
Patterns and colours
As quartz countertops are man made, they are available in a variety of patterns and colours. Multiple types of quartz countertops are made available based on colours and patterns. Popular brands and manufacturers offer many beautiful patterns of quartz countertops in the most popular finishes and colours.
Summing up
These were the various quartz types of countertops available for residential and commercial use.
Homeowners can choose a type based on the colour, finish, edge profile, and pattern of their choice.
However, homeowners should consider other things, like the countertop trends, budget, and requirements of the homeowners before choosing a material for their home.
