Quartz Compared to Concrete for Countertops

In the realm of countertops, you will find a variety of options. In fact there is an ever-growing number materials from which countertops can be fashioned. In this article, we will take a look at two materials that are commonly used as countertop surfaces. As we discuss quartz countertops and concrete countertops, we will consider what makes them different from one another as well as what some might call similarities. Along the way, we will also mention some pros and cons of each of these countertop material choices.

Countertops of All Sorts

Countertops are made from a variety of materials. In fact, countertops are being made from an ever-increasing number of materials. One of the relatively newer options for countertops is concrete. Compare that with a material that has been around the block a time or two; quartz. These materials have some similarities and some differences as well. Not only in looks, but also in thickness and installation. So let's get right into the comparison of these two materials.

Concrete for Countertops

That's right! Countertops made from concrete are an option if you like an artistic appearance or have a specific color or visual texture that you are shooting for. Concrete countertops are exactly what the name implies; countertops made from concrete. These countertop surfaces are versatile and diverse in appearance. But we will get into the details about this option in a bit first, let's introduce our other option.

Engineered Quartz Countertops

This option of countertop material is similar to the concrete option mentioned above in that it is engineered too. However, it is made in a manufacturing plant using a production line to create surfaces that appear very uniform. Meaning, when you select a surface in the showroom, you know what you are going to get in your home. There are a number of colors and patterns that are designed to work with various design styles so you won't feel limited in choice either. Now that we have summarized each material, we can move on to the comparison.

How Quartz and Concrete Countertops Are Similar

There are some interesting similarities between these two materials that should be noted. First, each of them will provide years of service when properly installed as a countertop surface. Second, each material type will require specific tools for the installation. For example, both will probably require polishing pads designed for creating the proper finish. In addition to finishing, the installation will most likely call for some sort of glue or cartridge adhesive for bonding countertop materials.

Even after the installation, there will be cleaning and maintenance routines that will be necessary if the surface is to perform well. For instance a concrete countertop will need to be sealed. There are a number of stone sealers available. Yet, if the countertop is for a kitchen, it may be good to offer your customers a food safe kitchen countertop sealer.

Quartz countertops do not require sealing but they too have some specific care requirements. Using the properly formulated pH balanced cleaner is one way to keep a quartz countertop in its best condition. Yet, there will be times when you will need to reach for something designed to remove mineral deposits (or lime scale) from a quartz countertop. For those cases Ax Cleaner.

Differences Between Concrete & Quartz Countertops

Even though there are some similarities between concrete and quartz, there are far more differences. We don't have time to discuss an exhaustive list here, but we will look at some of the general differences.

The first difference we will look at is the flexibility of these materials. As mentioned before, quartz is available in a number of colors and patterns. It is compatible with a variety of design styles and is readily available. In fact, you can find engineered quartz at many of your big box home stores. Yet concrete countertops can be custom made in virtually any shape, color, or design that you can think of. If you can imagine it, someone can make it with concrete. So the first comparison yields the following pros and cons:

• Pro for quartz: it is easy to find and readily available. Concrete though will be a bit tougher to find an installer if you are wanting something truly unique.
• Pro for concrete: Just about any design, shape, and color can be created by a skilled concrete artist. Quartz is pre-made and while there are many colors available, it has limits.

Another difference that quartz is fabricated and then installed in the kitchen. By measuring the surface area and templating, quartz installers create the countertops in a shop and then install them. On the other hand, a concrete countertop installation consists of the artist making the mold, mixing the concrete, and then pouring the countertop and allowing it to cure. This too offers benefits and drawbacks for each material.

• Benefit of quartz: the install time is kept to a minimum and the amount of disruption to the home or business is kept to a minimum.
• Concrete though offers the benefit of a truly unique, one-of-a-kind countertop that is not duplicated.

In the end, each of these materials has some characteristics that make it unique and an appealing choice for some consumers. However each also has disadvantages that are worthy of consideration. Offering service related to either, or deciding which one to select for a kitchen, board room table top, or other work surface will be worthy of serious consideration.