Have you ever looked into your reflection in the shiny kitchen slabs while cooking and wondered how these countertops came into being? Well, the answer depends on the material used for the slab. If it is a granite or marble countertop, it was taken from a piece of large natural stone. However, if it is quartz, the man-made perfection for countertops, the manufacturing process differs significantly.
Quartz is one of the most famous materials in home building and renovation projects, such as kitchen and bathroom countertops. And it is not uncommon to wonder how quartz countertops are made.
If you have been wondering the same, here’s all you need to know to enlighten yourself on how quartz countertops are made and manufactured before you choose them for your home. Keep reading.
Is Quartz Man Made?
Quartz is abundantly present in its natural mineral form on the surface of the planet, which is why people often ask – is quartz man made? Unlike natural stone countertops which are cut from the stone slab and then polished, quartz is an engineered stone. It is not used in its mineral form as it is. The material must undergo a strenuous process until it takes the shape of the quartz counters widely used in homes. So, yes, quartz is a man-made material. Let’s find out how is quartz made.
How Are Quartz Countertops Made?
So, how is quartz countertop made? Depending on the manufacturer, the answer to how are quartz countertops made may differ exactly, but the general guidelines remain the same. Here are the steps that go into manufactured quartz counters.
1. All The Raw Materials Are Mixed
The main raw materials that are used for manufactured quartz counters include about 90% ground quartz mineral found in the Earth naturally and 10% of other materials like polymers, resins, pigments, etc. All the raw materials are mixed together in a large container. The pigments and some other materials may be added into the mix to bring out the desired color and pattern of the countertop.
As the raw materials start to bond when mixed, they form a thick consistency similar to a paste. Now the mixture needs to go into the mold.
2. Transfer The Mixture Into A Mold
The molds are in the shape of long rectangular slabs. The mixture is poured into these molds so the material can take the shape of slabs. It is important to ensure the mixture is evenly distributed in the mold so there are no gaps or spaces left behind once the slab is formed. Quartz countertops need to be non-porous for the best of their attributes to come out.
3. Compression And Pressure Application
This is a critical step as the strength and attributes of the quartz slabs used in your home depend on it. A large machine is used to apply heavy pressure on the mixture in the mold to ensure everything comes together to form a large, solid slab.
The pressure needs to be optimal so there are no air spaces left behind in the slab. The final result needs to be completely airtight. A vacuum is used to suck the air out of the mixture if any is left behind. The mixture is shaken thoroughly to ensure zero vacuum spaces. The final product is a tight, non-porous slab that is ideally 1-2 inches thick.
4. Drying And Heating The Quartz
The quartz slabs formed are now heated and dried to form a smooth and solid surface. There is a requirement for an extra effort to ensure no air or liquid can seep into the slab to make effective countertops.
5. Wrapping It Up
The quartz slab is ready, and the process of “how is quartz countertop made” has come to an end. It’s time to add the last touches, which includes polishing the slab to give it that extra shiny surface that reflects your image. Manual polishing may sometimes be needed. Once the polishing is done, the slab can be cut according to the measurements of your home.
Why Should You Choose Quartz Countertops For Your Home?
Now that you know how is quartz made, and what are quartz countertops made of, should you choose these for your home over all the choices?
Quartz is one of the most popular choices for kitchen and bathroom countertops. It comes as no surprise as quartz countertops are very easy to maintain and require no annual services to keep them in shape. Since they are non-porous and do not stain easily, all you have to do is take a damp towel or cloth and wipe it off to keep the dirt and stains away.
Moreover, quartz is a highly durable material that stays in shape for years to come, making it a great choice for a home with children. What’s even better is that there is a seemingly endless choice of colors and styles to match your home décor.
Get An Overhaul With A Professional Quartz Countertop Installation
Hope you got clarity on what are quartz countertops made of. If this has motivated you to jump into uplift the look of your home with quartz counters for your kitchen, bathroom, or some other place, you need to hire the help of professionals in this industry to avoid substandard work.
Edstone has extensive experience in the quartz countertop installation industry. You can visit our website and contact us for any kind of countertop installation services. You can get more information here.
