What Are Quartz Worktops Made From?
The popularity of quartz worktops in the home has grown rapidly over recent years, overtaking granite as the number one material of choice. Thanks to technological advancements allowing the price of quartz to drop, as well as the incredible flexibility in design and colour that quartz offers, it’s no wonder why many households are choosing quartz worktops.
However, the benefits offered by quartz doesn’t stop there. These benefits include, but are not limited to:
- Extremely durable – no natural fractures
- Easy to maintain
- Scratch and stain-resistant
- Customisable pigmentation
- Quartz is non-porous
Have a look at our article on the differences between granite and quartz worktops to learn more about the benefits quartz has to offer.
You may already know that quartz is a man-made material, compared to a natural stone such as granite or marble. Let’s take a closer look at what quartz is commonly used for, before addressing what quartz worktops are made of and the manufacturing process.
What is quartz and what is it commonly used for?
Quartz is one of the most useful and common natural substances found in the Earth’s crust. Thanks to its ability to form at all temperatures, it is plentiful and found almost everywhere across the globe.
Innately resistant to the effects of weather and erosion, the history of quartz being used by humans stretches back for thousands of years. Quartz was even used by humans as far back as 14,000 years ago, where tiny quartz tools were found in southern Africa.
Today, quartz serves a much different role, used predominantly in the manufacturing of quartz worktops and countertops, as well as in jewellery, brickmaking, and even in watches.
What are quartz kitchen worktops made of?
As the name suggests, quartz worktops are primarily composed of quartz (usually 90-95% of the material). The remaining percent is made up of polymers, pigments, and resins.
The pigmentation used in the manufacturing process determines the colour of the final material. One of the great advantages quartz has over a natural stone material, such as granite, is its ability to be customised to your preference.
What’s more, the resins used act as a binding agent that seals the quartz, creating an extremely durable material. The resins also grant the quartz worktop its signature stain and scratch resistance, forming a non-porous surface that never needs to be treated.
How are quartz worktops made?
While natural stones such as marble and granite are excavated from the ground before being sawed into slabs, manufacturing quartz slabs required a few extra steps. The exact process does differ between manufacturers, with each utilising a slightly different ratio of quartz to resin and other minerals.
- Manufacturing
Generally speaking, the manufacturer begins by blending crushed quartz with the chosen minerals, before adding the resin or adhesive polymer to act as a binding agent. The exact texture of the worktop can be changed depending on the degree to which the quartz and other minerals are crushed. If the manufacturer decides to allow for larger chunks, then flecks in the countertop surface may be visible.
The pigmentation can also be added to the binding agent, allowing for the colour of the worktop to be customised. Once this is done, the slabs will be manufactured to the desired thickness and size.
- Templating
Once you have decided which style of quartz worktop you would like from our diverse offering, the template will be created which represents the form your worktops will take once the manufacturing process is complete.
This is often in the form of technical drawings, which use the measurements of your kitchen to accurately define the size of worktops required.
- Fabrication
Once templating is complete, the specifications will be sent to the fabricators, who will precisely cut the slabs down to the chosen size. The quartz worktop will then be polished before being sent for installation.
What brands of quartz worktops are available?
With the popularity of quartz worktops continuing to grow, there is a wide range of brands offering their manufacturing services. Each brand offers a unique service – we recommend looking through each one to see which best suits your needs.
- Silestone Worktops
A recognized global brand offering a wide range of colours, textures, and thicknesses, Silestone is a pioneer in manufacturing quartz stone surfaces.
Thicknesses available: 12mm, 20mm, 30mm
Textures available: Matt, Polished, Suede and Volcano
Warranty available: 25-year manufacturer’s warranty
Additional information: Stain & acid-resistant | Scratch-resistant | High impact resistant
You can view our range of Silestone worktops here.
- Caesarstone Worktops
Established in 1987, Caesarstone is the manufacturer of choice for many looking to update their kitchen with a modern look. Comprised of up to 90% quartz, Caesarstone quartz worktops are extremely high quality.
Thicknesses available: 20mm, 30mm, (select colours available in 13mm)
Textures available: Polished, Honed, Concrete
Warranty available: 25-year manufacturer’s warranty
Additional information: Non-porous | Hygienic | Stain-resistant | Sustainable | Heat-resistant
You can view our range of Caesarstone worktops here.
- Compac Worktops
Compac was founded in Spain in 1975, quickly establishing itself as a leader in the stone surfaces market. Launching in the UK in 2007, Compac Quartz offers a diverse range of new and unique designs not found anywhere else.
Thicknesses available: 12mm, 20mm, 30mm
Textures available: Polished, Glacier, Natural
Warranty available: 33-year manufacturer’s warranty
Additional information: Zero porosity | Scratch-resistant | Highly durable | Low maintenance | Heat-resistant
You can view our range of Compac worktops here.
- Cimstone Worktops
Hailing from Turkey, Cimston quartz worktops are fashioned using advanced Breton technology. Cimstone prides themselves in utilising the latest technology to produce high-quality quartz worktops.
Thicknesses available: 20mm, 30mm
Textures available: Honed, Polished, Concrete
Warranty available: 10-year manufacturer’s warranty
Additional information: Scratch-resistant | Stain & Acid resistant | Advanced Breton Technology
You can view our range of Cimstone worktops here.
- Cambria Worktops
Specialising in all forms of stone surfaces, Cambria is a USA-based family business that manufactures worktops in classy, bold, and vibrant colours. This is definitely a great choice for those looking to add the wow-factor to their kitchen!
Thicknesses available: 20mm, 30mm
Textures available: High gloss, Matt finish
Warranty available: Lifetime, transferable manufacturer’s warranty
Additional information: Highly durable | Low-maintenance | Environmentally friendly
You can view our range of Cambria worktops here.
- Nile Trading Worktops
With over 15 years of experience in the natural stone and quartz industry, Nile Trading has built a solid reputation as a leading manufacturer of quartz worktops. Their diverse range of available textures offers plenty of choice.
Thicknesses available: 20mm, 30mm
Textures available: Polished, Honed Concrete & Leather
Warranty available: 15-year manufacturer’s warranty
Additional information: Maintenance-free | Zero-bacteria | 30 unique colours | Scratch & stain-resistant
You can view our range of Nile Trading worktops here.
- Everest Stone Worktops
Utilising the latest Breton technology, Everest stone worktops are highly durable and specialise in creating a more natural worktop appearance. Their quart worktops have a minimum of 90% quartz.
Thicknesses available: 20mm, 30mm
Textures available: Polished
Warranty available: 10-year manufacturer’s warranty
Additional information: Scratch-resistant | Heat-proof | Low-maintenance
You can view our range of Everest stone worktops here.
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