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When figuring out what stone to use for your kitchen island the first things you need to consider are price, durability, and of course aesthetic. What look are you trying to achieve? Many homeowners prefer to have natural stone materials such as marble and granite countertop surfaces however natural stone can be expensive and high maintenance. Quartz is a man-made stone surface often used in bathrooms and kitchens. Quartz is engineered with a blend of resin and pigments creating a beautiful material. Manmade quartz countertops are a nonporous surface making it stain and water-resistant, however, quartz is not heat resistant. Quartz is considered a low maintenance stone to have in the home since it is easy to clean and does not require annual sealing.
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Quartz is the perfect stone no matter what your interior design style. Since quartz countertops are engineered, almost any type of color can be brought out on the surface by means of pigmentation. Natural veining designs are at the discretion of nature but man-made quartz is guaranteed to have flawless veining and patterns. Quartz countertops are nearly identical to popular natural stone like marble and granite. One of the most common uses of quartz is kitchen island countertops. Here are the most popular quartz kitchen countertop islands and design ideas.
Quartz Kitchen Islands
Classic White Quartz
White kitchen islands are a classic staple for a chic and clean modern kitchen look. Paired with stainless steel appliances and dark tone kitchen cabinets this look is sure to elevate any space. Classic white quartz can also be paired with white cabinetry for a bright and airy feel. The most popular white quartz are Vena Calacatta, Vena Pure White, and 6141 Ocean Foam Caesarstone.
Bold Veins
Pictured: Vena Statuario Bianco Quartz
White quartz countertops with grey veining resemble calacatta marble. Bold veining it a great choice for kitchen islands making ti a statement piece for the room. Dining rooms are slowly but surely fading out since they take up a large space in the home and are rarely used. Kitchen islands are the perfect way to have more dining and kitchen preparation space without taking up precious space in the home.
White and Grey Quartz
White and grey countertops are perfect for numerous kitchen design styles which include farmhouse kitchens, modern kitchen, and many more. When paired with a gorgeous tile backsplash the pair and transform any kitchen into a chic and elegant part of the home. Some of the most popular white and grey stone countertops Vena Carrara and Pure Quantra.
Black Quartz
Pictured: Livorno Pental quartz
Black quartz is a beautiful addition to any home and will never go out of style. This two-tone island adds depth and texture to the room creating a chic and function kitchen island. Quartz stone can also be used to create the popular marble backsplash design.
Grey Quartz
Pictured: Horizon Pental
Grey quartz is perfect when going for an industrial and sleek modern kitchen design. Paired with chic bar stools and stainless steel appliances grey quartz countertops create a timeless look in any kitchen.
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Neutral Tone
Many consider neutral tones to be dated but when mixed with bright white cabinets and natural wood materials natural tone stone can be on-trend. As design fads come and go neutral tone stone is truly timeless if complimented by modern and chic accents.
Gemstone Island Accent
Pictured: 8531 Profondo Caesarstone
Quartz top islands aren't the only ways to utilize quartz with your kitchen design. An accent base for your kitchen island is a perfect way to add a standout design to your kitchen space without being too bold.
Light Pink Quartz
Pictured: 4046 Excava Caesarstone
A quartz kitchen island gives off a high-end look especially when they have a nontraditional color. Deep auburns, chestnuts, and coppers come together to create a petal pink. With an unpolished honed finish, this stone will create an excavated look and feel.
How Quartz is Made
Step 1 Natural quartz is extracted from quarries worldwide
Step 2 The natural quartz is carefully weighed to get about 90 percent quartz content
Step 3 The quartz is combined with polyester resins, pigments, and more
Step 4 The mixture is compacted to create slabs
Step 5 The slabs are cured and finished
Quartz Brands
The best quartz countertop manufacturers are Silestone and Ceasarstone these brands are usually the most expensive but it is because these brands produce high-quality quartz. Caesarstone is the best-rated quartz countertops it is available in over 40 colors and numerous different designs including textured quartz. Caesarstone has been named the number one choice in engineered stone. Other popular quartz countertop companies include Sensa, Dekton, Cambria, and Corian these are among some of the best quartz brands.
What is Veining?
Veins in natural stone are a result of mineral impurities and often produce breathtaking designs. Veins are the perfect design helping to contrast the base color of the stone this is a popular quality found in natural stone such as marble and granite. In quartz stone, the veining is flawlessly engineered to perfection.
Engineered Veins in Quartz
Veined Quartz countertops are the perfect surface to use for your home countertops. Not only is quartz the perfect alternative to natural stone like marble but since it is manufactured its veining is designed to be flawless. With natural stone such as granite or marble, you cannot “balance” the veining meaning it may be thick heavy veining on one part of the slab but thinner on another. With quartz countertops, you do not ever need to worry about aesthetic choices since it is made to perfection.
Is Quartz a natural stone?
No Quartz is an engineered stone to look similar or nearly identical to natural stone. Quartz has raised in popularity since it can be engineered to look nearly identical to Carrara marble a highly desired look. If you want your stone to be a conversation piece in the home without spending a fortune Quartz is a great choice. Quartz is a nonporous stain-resistant surface however, it is not heat resistant since it is made from a plastic material such as resin. Quartz is a low maintenance stone to have in the home making it easy to clean and disinfect.
Does Quartz increase the values of the homes?
Quartz is a good investment for homeowners. The price of quartz remains consistent although it is currently in high demand since it is not a natural stone. There are few competitors for quartz stone enabling it to stay in a league of its own. Having a quartz countertop in your home is able to increase its value. When listing your property for sale mentioning quartz in the kitchen will increase the appraisal of your property.
Why choose Quartz?
When planning what material to use for a kitchen island it is important to remember that function, durability, and style all need to play a large role in the decision making since the kitchen space will be used often. It would not make sense to use a material such as a limestone would not be a great fit. Although limestone would be beautiful it is more porous than other stone making it require significant upkeep and be prone to staining. Quartz counters are cost-effective, low maintenance, and stunning making it an ideal material for any kitchen remodel.
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Where should I put quartz in my home?
There is no better use of space in a kitchen than a multifunction quartz island. The kitchen island gives your space the perfect blend of style and function. Dazzling quartz countertops act as the centerpiece of the room while also providing additional seating and cooking space. Quartz is a very durable material making it perfect for any countertops, backsplashes, vanities, and so much more.
What is the difference between Quartz and Quartzite?
Many confuse quartz and quartzite with one another but the difference between them is simple. Quartzite is a hard, non-foliated metamorphic rock and quartz is a manufactured stone.