Made from one of the hardest minerals on earth, quartz countertops are arguably the most durable option for kitchens. They’re also some of the most eye-catching. They come in a wide variety of colors, including fire-engine red and apple green, as well as earthy browns, blacks, and creams, with sparkles and veining for the look of granite or marble.
But unlike natural-stone slabs, which are mined, these slabs are engineered in a factory. Their primary ingredient is ground quartz (about 94 percent), combined with polyester resins to bind it and pigments to give it color. For some designs, small amounts of recycled glass or metallic flecks are added to the mix. The resins also help make these counters stain and scratch resistant—and nonporous, so they never need to be sealed. Compare that with granite, the reigning king of high-end countertops, which typically requires a new protective top coat at least once a year.
Stain Resistant
While natural stone is porous and can be stained, Engineered Stone is sealed with a polymer that resists staining.
Strength
Engineered quartz countertops have a ratio of 90% to 93% natural quartz with an 8% resin polymer binder, while natural stone usually consists of 60% quartz. This makes engineered stone slightly heavier, stronger and harder to chip than natural stone.
Seams
The consistent pattern, density and ease of fabrication are all factors that dictate whether or not a seam is noticeable.
Cleanliness
Another major upside to using an engineered stone in your kitchen is the non porous nature of the material which stops any bacteria, mold or other contagions from entering into your counter surface.
Stain Resistant
While natural stone is porous and can be stained, Engineered Stone is sealed with a polymer that resists staining.
Strength
Engineered quartz countertops have a ratio of 90% to 93% natural quartz with an 8% resin polymer binder, while natural stone usually consists of 60% quartz. This makes engineered stone slightly heavier, stronger and harder to chip than natural stone.
Seams
The consistent pattern, density and ease of fabrication are all factors that dictate whether or not a seam is noticeable.
Cleanliness
Another major upside to using an engineered stone in your kitchen is the non porous nature of the material which stops any bacteria, mold or other contagions from entering into your counter surface.
Stain Resistant
While natural stone is porous and can be stained, Engineered Stone is sealed with a polymer that resists staining.
Strength
Engineered quartz countertops have a ratio of 90% to 93% natural quartz with an 8% resin polymer binder, while natural stone usually consists of 60% quartz. This makes engineered stone slightly heavier, stronger and harder to chip than natural stone.
Seams
The consistent pattern, density and ease of fabrication are all factors that dictate whether or not a seam is noticeable.
Cleanliness
Another major upside to using an engineered stone in your kitchen is the non porous nature of the material which stops any bacteria, mold or other contagions from entering into your counter surface.
Stain Resistant
While natural stone is porous and can be stained, Engineered Stone is sealed with a polymer that resists staining.
Strength
Engineered quartz countertops have a ratio of 90% to 93% natural quartz with an 8% resin polymer binder, while natural stone usually consists of 60% quartz. This makes engineered stone slightly heavier, stronger and harder to chip than natural stone.
Seams
The consistent pattern, density and ease of fabrication are all factors that dictate whether or not a seam is noticeable.
Cleanliness
Another major upside to using an engineered stone in your kitchen is the non porous nature of the material which stops any bacteria, mold or other contagions from entering into your counter surface.
Have a question, suggestion, or simply want to get in touch?
We’d love to hear from you!
Copyright © 2009 – 2025 ASSI Fabricators All Rights Reserved.
Please complete the form below with your details and message. We will to get back to you promptly. Let's start a conversation!