The immense popularity of quartz worktops – often also referred to as engineered stone or composite worktops – has resulted in prices taking a dip, making these materials a highly cost effective choice for kitchens of any style.
This does not, however, mean compromising on quality or longevity. Compac worktops, for instance, are manufactured from around 90 per cent quartz and/or other natural stone particles to which resin, pigments and fragments (varying in shape and size) of stone, quartz and/or glass are added to achieve different colours, patterns and effects.
Using state-of-the-art technology, these ingredients are bound together by the application of high pressure and heat. Once cooled, the surface of the resulting sheet is either honed to provide a matte finish or polished to achieve an elegant, glossy appearance.
This process allows for the above – as well as Silestone worktops and other similar materials – to be free from the imperfections often found in natural stone. They are also incredibly hard, making it virtually impossible to crack, scratch or chip them. Because the material is bound with resin, the surface is also practically non-porous, making these worktops extremely resistant to moisture and staining.
Another advantage of this process is the fact that – unlike natural stone – composite surfaces like the two materials mentioned above or Caesarstone worktops, for instance, do not require resealing at any point during their long life. The sheen of engineered stone surfaces can be maintained year after year by simply wiping over them with a damp cloth – even polishing is not required. This, of course, means maintenance requirements – and subsequently costs – are kept at a minimum.
What’s more, quartz worktops are available in a vast array of colours, effects and patterns, from plain, solid colours through finishes providing a natural stone appearance to funky, colourful patterns. Naturally, this assortment makes it possible to find low cost solutions for contemporary or traditional; rustic, hyper-modern or any other style kitchens with any type of décor or colour scheme.
Beautiful, hard-wearing, long-lasting and low maintenance, these competitively priced worktops provide exceptional value by anyone’s standard.
