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 fabricator, we work to protect our customers and don’t offer such products.
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.
Unique Applications
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
