Redesigning your kitchen counter extension is an exhausting project. It includes making several decisions – from choosing the right service provider to the kind of stone for countertops and extensions. You have to survey many things and then pick the best one depending on your budget and design requirements. Whether you are remodelling or making a new kitchen from the start, adding a countertop must be on your list.
It is the focal point of your kitchen, and everybody catches a glimpse of it as soon as they enter your kitchen. You can pick from several material options available for your countertops and extensions in the kitchen. However, the one that is rising above all in recent times is quartz. In this article, we’ll explain the points to help you decide if you should use quartz in your kitchen counter extension or not.
What is Quartz?
Before we jump into the advantages and features of quartz, you must understand how the countertop is manufactured. Contrary to popular belief that quartz is a man-made material is a naturally occurring material, as per Geology, quartz is an abundant mineral composed of silicon and oxygen.
Whether quartz is a naturally existing mineral or man-made, the quartz countertops are engineered and structured by man only. Engineers grind quartz to dust and mix them with other strengthening materials such as polymer, resins and pigments.
As a result, a strong countertop is made to withstand various temperatures and are long-lasting. Interestingly, quartz countertops comprise 90% of quartz and 10% of other binding and strengthening materials.
Benefits of Quartz Countertops
To decide if you want to use quartz in your kitchen counter extensions, you must know about their benefits and how they can be helpful to you. Quartz has been outperforming the competition in every way.
1. Quartz Countertops Are Non-Porous
As you read, quartz countertops are made with 90% quartz. Hence, the countertops are non-porous, which means that these countertops and extensions are stain-resistant. Therefore, any liquid spills on the countertop which you wipe away will not affect the stone.
Unfortunately, other materials are super porous and allow the liquid to fill the pores. Thus, you cannot wipe them off. However, you don’t have to bother about any liquid getting in the pores on quartz countertops. Additionally, they also do not need any sealing to prevent stains. Hence, it is cost-effective and does not require a lot of extra money to be spent on it.
2. Quartz is Low Maintenance
Quartz is the most efficient countertop material of all the available materials. They are super low-maintenance and do not need any special cleansers. Apart from being non-porous, they also do not need any scrubbing, poultices like other stones.
For example, Whitestone requires high-quality cleansers to keep etching away. Interestingly, you can clean quartz with your basic house cleansers or with soap water. Moreover, quartz countertops are scratch and stain-resistant. Thus, you can rest assured and use them for a long period.
3. Strong and Durable
Since kitchens are the busiest place in the house, you need to ensure that all the material used there is durable and strong. Quartz is a heat-resistant material. Thus, you can use it for all your kitchen needs.
Keep heated pans or spill boiling water. Simply wipe off any liquid spills or stains. The stone also does not rapture or cripple due to heat or cold. Hence, it has a long life and is the perfect fit for your dream house.
4. Add to the Aesthetics
One major benefit apart from being durable and low-maintenance is that it adds to your kitchen aesthetics. The Quartz countertops are available in a wide range of colours, styles and patterns.
You will be surprised to know that you can get any texture on quartz, and it can mimic granite, marble, and even concrete. So, you have the option to use a non-porous stone for your kitchen and give it your desired look.
Additionally, each quartz countertop is manufactured on order. So, if you have any odd corners, curved angles or any unique demand, quartz can match it all. Moreover, you can get a waterfall effect from this stone as well.
You can customize your countertop designs in different textures, colours to keep it an industrial appearance or give a complete residential appearance. Quartz allows you to design your dream kitchen at the most affordable prices.
4. Minimal Imperfections
Other stones such as marble, granite or caesarstone show imperfections such as cracks, fissures, pits and even streaks. However, quartz countertops are made with utmost precision. Thus, they do not have any scratches.
In addition to this, the production process involves controlled quantities of material addition that helps reduce the occurrence of fissures, pits and other imperfections.
Quartz Kitchen Countertop Extension Ideas
You can easily extend your quartz countertop to make more space in your kitchen. Read on to get some quartz countertop extension ideas for your kitchen:
- The first thing that increases the countertop space is moving your microwave to a rolling kitchen cart or installing it into the kitchen wall. It will increase the countertop space by a considerable amount.
- Adding another shelf is another good idea to increase the countertop space. You can put the different objects on the new shelf and use the countertop space for only cooking and cutting needs.
Final Words
Quartz is a naturally occurring material but can also be produced by a man using the local stuff. So yes, you can use quartz material for your kitchen countertop extensions as it is a strong material.
Additionally, it does not require much maintenance and can easily be cleaned with your regular cleansers and soap water. Quartz is also a strong and durable material for your countertop because it is scratch-resistant and non-porous.
You do have to worry about liquids getting in the pore, as quartz does not let any particle settle into the base. Additionally, you can get it manufactured as per your requirements, such as shape, size, angle and more.
