There aren't many home improvement projects more exciting than remodeling a kitchen. Your kitchen is the sun that most of your home orbits around. If you cook any significant portion of your family's meals, then you probably spend more time than you're willing to admit standing in the kitchen. A full remodel means that you end up with the exact kitchen you want, both in appearance and in functionality. Your countertops are one important item that blurs the line between form and function. If you're after a unique look with practical advantages, then quartz countertops are a great option. This article will help to guide you through your quartz purchase from initial decision-making to final installation.

What Is Quartz?

Quartz, at least insofar as it relates to countertops, is an engineered material. This means that quartz countertops are not mined and broken up into slabs, but instead manufactured in factories. So, what actually goes into those countertops? Mostly mineral quartz, as it turns out. Engineered quartz is made up of about nine parts crushed mineral quartz, with the remainder of any given slab consisting of decorative elements and the resin that binds everything together.

Although quartz countertops themselves are not natural stones, modern engineered quartz is made from almost entirely natural materials. Rather than being a true synthetic countertop, it is more accurate to think of it as a method that allows mineral quartz to be formed into usable sizes and shapes. This also creates a material that is non-porous, anti-microbial, and resistant to water.

Selecting a Quartz Countertop

If you've decided that quartz is right for you, the next step is to select the brand and style that works for your kitchen. While every brand has their own unique formula and set of designs, the core construction of every quartz countertop is effectively the same. This means that you are free to choose the design that best speaks to your personal aesthetic sensibilities, as all quartz countertops offer the same great range of practical benefits.

To get started, the best thing to do is call up some local suppliers and installers. Many quartz suppliers maintain customer-facing showrooms that you can visit to see the countertops in person. Additionally, installers often work with specific suppliers and can help you to view samples or arrange for demonstration showings. Some installers do have brand preferences, so if you are working with a particular installer it is often a good idea to ask them for recommendations first.

Picking the Right Installer

One of the many advantages of quartz is that it is a highly durable material, but it can still be damaged if mishandled or installed improperly. The slabs themselves are also extremely heavy, which makes navigating them through a home an often-precarious proposition. For these reasons, and also to ensure that the final installation is up to your standards, it is important to work only with professional contractors.

When selecting an installer, always try to find personal recommendations from trusted sources. If you don't know anyone who recently remodeled, consider asking the contractors that you speak with for their own references. Don't be afraid to get multiple estimates and even to personally interview multiple contractors. Kitchen remodeling is a major project and one that shouldn't be approached lightly.

For more information, contact a company that offers quartz countertop installation.