Engineered Quartz Countertops In NJ, PA & NY
Man-made slabs using ground quartz from the earth to create different designs
Alps Craftsman provides quartz countertops to NJ, PA & NY. Quartz surfaces are an engineered product, meaning that they are man-made. The slabs are created by mixing ground quartz from the earth with different pigments, chemicals, and resin to create a mixture that is then poured into large molds and baked at a very high temperature to harden.
As an engineered stone, quartz slabs can be designed and created to mimic natural stone or have their own unique looks. Quartz countertops have been in existence for over 20 years and are now considered the most popular material to use in a home. These man-made slabs are sold by a variety of companies and are made across the globe.
At Alps Craftsman, we work with a number of qualified suppliers to ensure that the products being sold will hold up to quality standards and come with a warranty. Normally, quartz slabs contain around 90% ground quartz in them, but as raw material prices have increased and supply chains have been disrupted over the last few years, some manufacturers have reduced the quartz content in lieu of cheaper alternatives. As a professional and ethical countertop fabricator, we work to protect our customers and don’t offer such products.
Unique Applications
As an engineered product, the characteristics of quartz surfaces can be altered to achieve specific results. The process of heating the slabs creates a very strong surface that is often harder than natural stone. However, quartz will still chip if hit with an object, such as a pot or pan, at the right angle. Repairs to quartz result in better outcomes on darker colors or where there is more patterning in the slab. As is always the case, fixes on a white background will be most visible. The chemicals and resin used in quartz manufacturing create a smooth surface that is free of pits or divots unlike natural stone, but also make the countertop non-heat resistant. Because of the resin, most quartz countertops cannot be used outside, but that is changing with the introduction of UV-stable resins that are being introduced by some manufacturers, specifically Caesarstone.
Benefits of Granite
- Least expensive natural stone available
- Some colors can be used outdoors
- Repairs are less visible than othercountertop materials
- Heat and scratch resistant
Considerations
- Must seal every 6-12 months for helpwith stain resistance
- Seams will be visible
- Porous material - small divots mightexist on surface
Benefits of Quartz
- Most popular countertop material currently
- Smooth surface – no small divots or pits
- Many colors and designs since man-made
- Various finishes that add a design element to the countertop
Considerations
- Not heat-resistant
- Most slabs/colors cannot be used outside
- Mid to high price point
- No manufacturing standard so low-quality material is easily available
- Seams will be visible
Benefits of Granite
- Least expensive natural stone available
- Some colors can be used outdoors
- Repairs are less visible than othercountertop materials
- Heat and scratch resistant
Benefits of Granite
- Least expensive natural stone available
- Some colors can be used outdoors
- Repairs are less visible than othercountertop materials
- Heat and scratch resistant
Quartz Countertop FAQs
If you're considering quartz for your kitchen or bathroom, or if you’re simply curious about this popular material, you’ve come to the right place! Here, we will answer some of the most common questions about quartz countertops to help you make an informed decision.
Engineered quartz is a man-made product consisting of natural quartz crystals that are harvested from the earth and combined with resins, polymers, and pigments. The process begins by harvesting quartz, which is then ground and mixed with binding agents and colorants. The resulting mixture is poured into molds and baked at extreme temperatures to create durable, non-porous slabs. This engineered process allows for a wide variety of designs and finishes that mimic natural stone.
When you hear terms like "mineral surface" in relation to quartz countertops, it generally refers to newer formulations that include other minerals besides quartz. Engineered quartz countertops are composed of about 90-94% natural quartz, combined with polymers, pigments, and resins. In contrast, the new mineral surface countertops that some manufacturers are creating contain only about 40% quartz, with the rest being other minerals and materials.
Yes, quartz countertops come in a variety of finishes. The most common is polished, which gives a smooth surface, but it’s not overly glossy. However, other finishes like honed (matte), leathered (textured), and concrete (industrial look) are also available. The range of textures available in quartz countertops is more extensive compared to natural stone due to its engineered properties. These options allow you to customize the appearance of your countertops to match your design aesthetic.
Quartz countertops are highly resistant to scratches and stains, thanks to the hardness of natural quartz and the protective resin. Quartz is a hard mineral with a Mohs hardness scale rating of 7, making it highly resistant to scratches. While they are not completely scratch-proof, they are more resilient than many other countertop materials. Stains are less of an issue due to the non-porous nature of quartz, which prevents liquids from seeping in and causing damage. However, it’s still important to clean up spills promptly to maintain their pristine condition as certain liquids and powders can react with the resin in the countertop material, resulting in a color change.
Cleaning and maintaining quartz countertops is simple. For everyday cleaning, use warm water and mild dish soap with a soft cloth or sponge. Avoid abrasive cleaners or scouring pads, as they can dull the finish. For tougher stains, a non-abrasive cleanser can be used if approved by the manufacturer of the quartz countertop color. Regular maintenance involves wiping down the countertops after use to prevent buildup of dirt and grime.
Quartz countertops have some heat resistance due to the natural quartz content, but the resins used in their manufacturing can be damaged by high temperatures. It is advisable to always use trivets or hot pads under hot pots and pans to avoid thermal shock or discoloration. It’s also recommended to use these heat barriers under certain appliances, such as a crock pot. Extended exposure to heat can cause cracks or other damage, so it's best to err on the side of caution.
The installation process for quartz countertops is similar to other types of countertops. It starts with precise templating to ensure a perfect fit. Once the measurements are taken, the slabs are cut to size and finished with any desired edge profiles. Installation involves securing the countertops to the base cabinets, leveling all surfaces, and seaming pieces together. Professional installation ensures that the countertops are properly aligned and supported.
Typically, the installation of quartz countertops can be completed within a few hours to a whole day, depending on the size and complexity of the project. For more complex installations, such as those involving more seams, backsplashes, or waterfall edges, additional time may be required.
Quartz countertops are versatile and can be installed in almost any indoor kitchen or bathroom setting. However, they are not recommended for outdoor use as prolonged exposure to UV light can cause the resins to discolor and degrade. Also, areas with excessive heat or direct flame exposure, like around a fireplace, might not be suitable for quartz. Much of the appropriate applications of quartz countertops are determined by the manufacturer of said color. Different companies make their quartz slabs differently, so some products can be used in certain places that others cannot.
Several factors influence the cost of quartz countertops:
1. Design and Look: Solid colors are typically cheaper than those with veining and intricate patterns. A good rule of thumb is the more complex the design, the higher the cost.
2. Quality of Materials: The quality of quartz, resin, and other materials used in the production affects the price. Higher quality materials result in more expensive countertops.
3. Brand: Certain brands command higher prices due to their reputation, quality assurance, and product warranty.
1. Design and Look: Solid colors are typically cheaper than those with veining and intricate patterns. A good rule of thumb is the more complex the design, the higher the cost.
2. Quality of Materials: The quality of quartz, resin, and other materials used in the production affects the price. Higher quality materials result in more expensive countertops.
3. Brand: Certain brands command higher prices due to their reputation, quality assurance, and product warranty.
Alps Craftsman’s quartz countertops stand out due to our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. We source high-quality quartz and offer a wide range of designs and finishes to suit any style. Our team ensures precise fabrication and installation, adhering to the highest standards and manufacturer guidelines to provide you with a durable and beautiful product.
Most customers prefer quartz countertops for their subtle and toned-down look. While some opt for bold patterns, quartz generally excels in providing a subdued elegance. Recently, there has been a shift towards patterns incorporating taupe and brown, moving away from the all-white trend. Quartz is chosen for its versatility and ability to blend seamlessly with various kitchen designs.
Which is Better – Quartz or Granite?
Quartz
- Material Description: This is a man-made product created by mixing quartz from the earth with different pigments, chemicals, and resin to create a mixture that is then poured into large molds and baked at a very high temperature to harden. We like to say it’s like baking a cake where a bunch of ingredients are mixed to create the desired outcome. Manufacturers can create different looks and designs by adding different pigments, particles, or veins in the slabs as they’re being made.
- Porosity and Sealant: The process of making quartz slabs allows them to be non-porous. Many people think that because they don’t need to be sealed, that they won’t stain. That is not the case. Many quartz colors will stain if interact with certain substances for a prolonged period.
- Strength: Quartz is also a very hard surface, like granite, but is not free from chipping or scratching either. Like granite, quartz chips can be repaired, but they are often more visible because the chip fill won’t fully match the quartz color.
- Heat Resistance: Because of the resin used in the production of quartz slabs, the material is not heat resistant. For some customers, this fact is a non-starter for using quartz, and for others, it’s something they’re able to look past. Again, it all comes down to how you intend to use the room.
- Expense: The starting price for quartz countertops is higher than for granite countertops. In our stock program, there is about a $10 difference per square foot between the entry-level colors for each material type. So between the two, granite is the cheaper option. On the higher end, natural stones can be much higher than quartz, but there are also some very expensive quartz slabs.
Granite
- Material Description: This is a rock from the earth that has been cut into slabs and polished to get a smooth finish.
- Heat Resistance: The composition of minerals inside it allows for it to be heat resistant, which is very attractive to individuals who are active cooks who like the flexibility of pulling a pan off the stove or cookie tray out of the oven and placing it directly on the countertop surface. Since granite is harvested from nature, small divots, fissures, or other elements can exist on the surface. After all, it’s a large rock that has been cut into countertops for your home.
- Strength: It’s very strong and durable in a home. Overall, granite is resistant to chipping, scratching, and etching, but that does not mean these occurrences could happen based on homeowner use. Chips are often repairable and blend in to the stone because of the busier movement in the material than that of quartz which is often one background color.
- Porosity and Sealant: Granite also has to be sealed periodically to help protect it from staining. Some customers very much dislike the need to re-seal granite even though it’s an easy service to perform. For them, they want a non-porous surface so they are only interested in quartz.
- Expense: Granite countertops vary greatly in price. Certain colors are quite inexpensive, allowing most customers to be able to afford natural stone countertops. As patterns and veining become more elaborate in a slab, the more expensive that material becomes. Coupled with more expensive slabs, fabrication costs can also increase with more expensive materials because the tools, skills, and time it takes to make the countertop also increase. All this said laminate countertops are still often cheaper than granite countertops.
Contact Us About Quartz Countertops Today
Quartz countertops offer a beautiful, durable, and low-maintenance option for your home. Whether you’re updating your kitchen or renovating a bathroom, quartz provides a versatile and attractive solution.
Ready to transform your space with quartz countertops? Contact us today to get started on your next home improvement project!
Alps Craftsman: Proud Cambria Premier Partner
Alps Craftsman is proud to be a trusted partner of Cambria, the premier name in quartz surfaces. As a Cambria Premier Partner, we bring you exclusive access to the stunning designs, unmatched durability, and exceptional craftsmanship that define Cambria quartz. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to excellence, innovation, and providing our customers with the highest-quality materials for their homes and businesses.
With Cambria’s extensive selection of beautiful, maintenance-free surfaces, Alps Craftsman is equipped to transform your space into a masterpiece. Experience the best in quartz with Alps Craftsman and Cambria—elevating your surfaces to new levels of elegance.
Learn More
