If you're looking for a sophisticated, durable, and inexpensive material to construct your kitchen counters, look no further than quartz. This beautiful stone is lower-maintenance and less expensive than granite, as well as more sturdy and stylish than laminate. However, there are still a few special tips you'll need to know to ensure that your quartz countertops remain in pristine condition for years to come. Read on to learn more about the special needs of quartz countertops, as well as the steps you can take to help extend your countertop's life.

Cleaning

In most cases, your quartz countertops can be easily cleaned with only mild soap and water and/or wiped up with a microfiber towel. You can also use a vinegar and water solution to take care of tough or greasy residue. You should avoid the use of harsh or chemical-based cleaners, as repeated exposure can prematurely age your counters and cause microscopic pits to form. 

Some quartz counters have been treated with anti-microbial agents to help keep your counters germ-free. If you have one of these types of counters, be sure to check with the manufacturer to determine which cleaning products have the lowest risk of stripping away these microbe-fighting properties.

Daily use (and abuse)

One of the advantages of solid-surface counters (such as granite and quartz) is your ability to directly chop or prepare food on the counter without risk of staining, cutting, or otherwise harming the surface. This can save you substantial preparation time as well as provide easier cleanup (and fewer dishes to wash!)

However, quartz countertops (unlike granite countertops) are not entirely heat-proof, only heat-resistant. Avoid placing hot pots or pans directly onto your counters -- use a potholder or trivet instead. 

No sealing required

Unlike granite counters, which are usually composed of several large slabs placed together, quartz countertops are ground down from blocks or chunks of quartz stone and molded to form a single solid surface. Because of this, quartz counters will not need to be sealed to protect them from stains or other surface hazards.  

Ensure your cabinets are reinforced

If you're switching from granite counters to quartz counters, you won't need to make any changes to your cabinets -- but if you plan to go from laminate to quartz, you'll want to engage the services of a contractor to make sure that your cabinets (and the floor below) are able to adequately support your new heavier counters. Improperly reinforced cabinets can eventually crack or even buckle under the weight of your quartz counters, while reinforced cabinets will help keep your kitchen solid for years to come.

Speak with professionals like Artisan Granite & Marble for more info.

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