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Engineered Stone Countertops
The strength, vast varieties and easy maintenance of engineered stone are causing its rapidly increasing popularity. Engineered stone is available in a larger range of colors than granite and has a nonporous surface that resists scratches. This stone is the most durable surface material and is uniform in color, pattern and texture. Unfortunately it is similar to granite in price, as it can be expensive. Engineered stone is composed of quartz particles. The process of converting quartz to a countertop uses raw quartz crystals ranging in size from coarse grains to the size of rock salt. Once the quartz is grounded and selected, the crystals are combined with bonding agents and color, and then heated to form an impenetrable surface. The resulting slabs are free of fissures and cracks and are impervious to water, moisture, and bacteria. Cost: About $40 to $125 per square foot. Why Not 100% Quartz? First off, quartz is the most common mineral on the earth’s surface. It is present in nearly every geological environment and is a component of almost every rock type and exists in a wide range of varieties and colors. Quartz is the fourth most scratch-resistant material; only the diamond, topaz, and sapphire are harder. So, why engineered stone instead of quartz? One major reason keeps quartz from forming countertops all on its own. The problem is that quartz grows in clusters and doe not form huge stone blocks like granite. This makes it unsuitable to make into countertops or other large slabs in its natural state, meaning that it needs to be converted into engineered stone to make it usable.
It can be produced to look like marble, travertine, concrete and other natural stones. These countertops should be installed by professionals since they can minimize the amount of broken slabs and waste that occur in the process. Engineered stone is nearly indestructible. It is resistant to stains, is extremely hygienic, and does not need to be sealed. Engineered stone is more flexible, stronger, and easier to work with compared to granite. This material is easily cleaned with warm and neutral soapy water. Engineered stone counters are resistant to heat from hot plates of up to 350 degrees, though the use of trivets or hot pads is recommended.
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Article Tags: Kitchen Countertops, Bathroom Countertops, Countertop Materials, Engineered Stone, Engineered Stone Countertops, Engineered Stone Surfaces Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/remodeling-articles/engineered-stone-countertops-495633.html About the Author:
Express Countertops is Maryland’s single-source provider of all types of countertops. We carry ALL of the major brands, including Formica and Nevamar laminate countertops, Corian and Avonite solid surface countertops, Silestone, Zodiaq and Avonite manufactured stone countertops, and genuine granite and marble countertops. And best of all - we will install your new countertops in 1 week - guaranteed!
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