Advantages and disadvantages of artificial quartz stone countertops

1、 What is artificial quartz stone

Artificial quartz stone countertop is a new type of composite material board made from natural quartz sand (usually 90%~94%) as the main aggregate, added with high molecular weight materials such as resin, pigment, and curing agent, and processed by vacuum high-pressure vibration and high-temperature curing technology. It is currently one of the mainstream choices for kitchen and bathroom countertops, occupying the market together with natural granite, marble, rock slabs, stainless steel and other materials. Common brands include Sai Kailong, Sai Lishi, Zhongxun, Wanfeng, Kaisa Jinshi, etc.

2、 Advantages

1. High hardness and scratch resistance

The Mohs hardness of artificial quartz stone can reach 5-7 levels, second only to diamond. Tools and cookware used in daily life are difficult to leave obvious scratches on the surface, and can still maintain a smooth and new appearance after long-term use.

2. Dense and pore free, with strong anti-seepage ability

Its water absorption rate is extremely low, usually not exceeding 0.03%. Colored liquids such as soy sauce, vinegar, red wine, coffee, etc. are not easy to penetrate into the interior of the material, and there will be no dyeing problems, making it very easy to maintain.

3. Good high temperature resistance

It can withstand a high temperature of about 300 ℃ in a short period of time, and the newly cooked hot pot can be placed directly on the table without immediately cracking like some materials. However, it should be noted that long-term repeated exposure to high temperatures may cause the resin components to age and discolor.

4. Rich colors and unified visual effects

Artificial quartz stone can be customized with hundreds of colors and textures through craftsmanship, without the common color differences, cracks, and natural flaws of natural stone. The overall design is stronger and easier to match with various decoration styles.

5. Excellent splicing effect

Multiple boards can be seamlessly joined together through professional polishing, visually resembling a single piece of board with a very good overall feel.

6. Better toughness than natural stone

Compared to natural granite and marble, quartz is less prone to direct fracture when subjected to external forces and has a lower probability of cracking during normal use.

7. Simple daily maintenance

There is no need to regularly wax and seal the glaze like marble. Simply wipe it with a damp cloth or neutral cleaner to keep it clean.

8. Food contact safety

High quality artificial quartz stone has passed relevant food grade certification and does not contain harmful substances such as formaldehyde. It can directly come into contact with food and is suitable as a kitchen countertop.

3、 Disadvantages

1. High price

Mid to high end products usually cost between 800 and 3000 yuan per meter (including installation), which is significantly higher than ordinary artificial stone and stainless steel countertops, and is a considerable expense for families with limited budgets.

2. Difficult to repair after severe damage

Once there are deep cracks, extensive scratches, or obvious burn discoloration, it is almost impossible to repair them locally, and usually can only be replaced as a whole, with high repair costs.

3. Afraid of being hit by heavy objects

Although it has better toughness than natural stone, if heavy objects fall from a height and hit the countertop, it may still cause edge breakage or fragmentation.

4. Long term high temperature may cause discoloration

The resin components will gradually turn yellow under repeated high temperature exposure, affecting aesthetics, especially for light colored countertops.

5. Market quality varies greatly

Low priced and inferior products with insufficient quartz sand content and high resin ratio result in low hardness, easy color bleeding, and easy fracture. If consumers lack discernment, they are prone to falling into traps.

6. Heavy weight and requirements for cabinet load-bearing capacity

The density of artificial quartz stone is about 2.3-2.5g/cm ³, and a countertop is quite heavy. The cabinet structure must have sufficient support capacity, and the installation process also requires high requirements.

7. The difficulty and cost of processing irregular shapes are relatively high

Although modern CNC machining technology has greatly improved this problem, processing complex curved and irregular countertops is still more difficult and expensive compared to natural stone.

8. More sensitive to ultraviolet radiation

If used on balconies or outdoor areas, long-term direct sunlight may cause slight yellowing of some light colored countertops.

4、 Brief comparison with other countertop materials

Compared with natural granite, artificial quartz stone has better impermeability and does not require glazing, but natural granite has stronger heat resistance and is completely natural; Compared to natural marble, quartz stone is harder and more durable, but the natural texture of marble gives it a more sophisticated feel; Compared to rock slabs, rock slabs have higher hardness and are more resistant to extreme high temperatures, but they are also more expensive and require more complex processing; Compared to stainless steel, quartz stone is more aesthetically pleasing, but stainless steel is not afraid of fire and has stronger repairability; Compared with acrylic artificial stone, quartz stone has much higher hardness and stain resistance, but acrylic can be seamlessly spliced and repaired.

5、 Selection and usage suggestions

In terms of distinguishing advantages and disadvantages: high-quality quartz stone particles are evenly transparent, leaving no obvious marks when lightly scratched with a key; The recommended thickness for countertops is not less than 15mm, and 20mm is recommended for kitchen countertops; When purchasing, be sure to identify brands with legitimate testing reports, and be cautious of products with low prices (such as less than 300 yuan per meter). It is recommended to perform a penetration test by dripping soy sauce onto the sample, and after standing for several hours, wipe it clean without leaving any traces.

In terms of applicable scenarios: Artificial quartz stone is very suitable for kitchen countertops, bathroom countertops, bar counters, and island countertops. If used outdoors or on balconies, it is recommended to choose dark colored styles and take appropriate sun protection measures.

In terms of daily maintenance: try to use a chopping board when cutting vegetables to reduce knife marks; It is best to place insulation pads on hot pots to avoid prolonged exposure to high temperatures; Wipe with a damp cloth or neutral detergent for daily use; Avoid using strong acid and alkali cleaning agents, as they may not penetrate but may affect the surface gloss.

VI. Summary

Artificial quartz countertops have become one of the preferred materials for kitchen countertops due to their outstanding advantages such as high hardness, strong anti-seepage, easy cleaning, and rich colors. Its biggest shortcomings are its high price, difficulty in repairing severe damage, and the need to carefully identify low-quality products in the market. For families who pursue a quality life, have an average budget, and hope for durable and easy to maintain countertops, artificial quartz stone is a very worthwhile choice to consider.