Engineered-quartz surfacing offers a range of characteristics that make it an attractive category for both contractors and home buyers. The material is generally less expensive than natural stone. It’s also easier to work with and lighter in weight. And the product comes in a wide array of consistent colors, patterns, and finishes.
According to Monica Canales, marketing director for Silestone manufacturer Cosentino USA, “The qualities and characteristics of the mineral or stone element used [to manufacture a stone surface] will be carried over into the engineered product.”
Engineered-quartz surfacing is manufactured with approximately 93 percent natural quartz, which rates a 7 on Moh’s scale of hardness. Only topaz, sapphire, and diamond have higher ratings. Quartz surfacing is, therefore, highly scratch- and chip-resistant and is impervious to many chemicals, including common acids and household cleaners. Plus, quartz surfaces can tolerate temperatures up to 400 degrees F. without burning, though most manufacturers recommend hot pads or trivets to prevent a hot pot from causing thermal shock, which can crack the surface.
Because engineered quartz is non-porous, it requires no sealing—unlike marble, limestone, or granite, which must be sealed after installation and then resealed periodically. Low porosity inhibits the growth of bacteria, mold, and mildew, making engineered quartz a safe option for food-preparation surfaces.
Consistency of color across production lots is another benefit of engineered-quartz surfaces over natural stone. DuPont Zodiaq, Silestone, Cambria, and Caesarstone all guarantee uniformity from one engineered-quartz slab to the next.
