Types Of Quartz Stone Slabs
Often referred to as engineered stone, quartz stone is a manufactured slab that is about 90 to 95% natural quartz. The remaining 5 to 10% consists of other resins and pigments that help in bonding the quartz grains. This makes quartz stone slabs come in a variety of colors and patterns suitable for virtually any decor.
That said, quartz stone slabs come in the following types:
Polished Quartz Stone Slabs
As mentioned, polishing involves grinding the slab’s surface using harsh grinding tool grits and eventually high grits to achieve a smooth mirror-like surface. It has a smooth, shiny finish that accentuates the slab's color and pattern added advantage of reflecting light to make the space look classy and sophisticated. Also, polishing makes the stone more nonporous and increases its stain-resistant ability. Thus, polished quartz stone slabs are mostly preferred for kitchens, bathrooms, and upscale residential interiors.
Honed Quartz Stone Slabs
Apart from polished slabs, honed quartz stone slabs are the most popular type of quartz stone slab. Honing involves grinding the slab using lower grits until a matte finish is achieved. Though the process of performing a honed slab is the same as polishing it, the final look is totally different. Rather than a glossy finish, honed quartz stones often have a nearly flat, dull luster. The lack of shine minimizes the visibility of fingerprints or smudges. Therefore, honed quartz stone slabs are commonly found in bathroom vanities, shower walls, and flooring in both residential and commercial buildings.
Leathered Quartz Stone Slabs
Leathering is where the slab surface is slightly melted using a special abrasive they call a radial wear, which creates a textured surface with low shine. The result is a matte finish with an embossed surface that feels more tactile and can be slightly polished on the higher points. Leathered quartz stone slabs have a unique and contemporary appearance. They provide a different feel from the typical honed or polished finishes. The textured surface adds depth to the stone and is handy in hiding fingerprints and smudges. Additionally, leathered quartz stone slabs are available in several colors, ranging from natural stone tones to vibrant hues.
Veined Quartz Stone Slabs
Veined quartz stone slabs are engineered slabs manufactured using similar technologies to other quartz slabs but are designed with vein-like patterns that mimic those of natural stones like marbles and onyxes. What makes veins quartz more appealing than natural stones is that while it looks like natural stones, it requires significantly lower maintenance to keep it looking good. Often, these veins run throughout the slab, contrasting elegantly with the base color, and occasionally, thinner veining may be accentuated on the surface only. Deep vein quartz stone slabs are more suited for large surfaces, while low accents can still be integrated into small surfaces.
Specs, Maintenance & Repair Of Quartz Stone Slabs
Technical Specifications Of Quartz Stone Slabs
- Dimensions: Quartz stone slabs typically come in standard sizes of 60 inches by 120 inches. However, they can also be customized depending on the user or project’s specific requirements.
- Thickness: Normally, the most common thickness for quartz stone slabs is 15 mm and 20 mm. However, they can be got in varying thicknesses, ranging from 5 mm to 30 mm.
- Compression Strength: Quartz stone slabs have an average compressive strength of 120 MPa. Notably, this varies depending on the brand and type.
- Water Absorption: Quartz stone slabs feature a maximum water absorption of 0.1% to 0.2% for enhanced durability and low maintenance.
- Flexural Strength: The average flexible strength of quartz stone slabs is 35 MPa.
- Thermal Resistance: In terms of thermal resistance, quartz stone slabs can withstand temperatures up to 150°C. This value also varies depending on the manufacturer.
- Chemical Resistance: Quartz stone slabs are resistant to chemicals and acidic substances. Nonetheless, it comes with some degree of caution to prevent damage.
Maintenance For Quartz Stone Slabs
- Daily cleaning: Clean the surface using mild soap and warm water with a soft cloth or sponge daily to prevent buildup of dirt and stains.
- Stain removal: For tougher stains, use a non-abrasive cleaner or a mixture of baking soda and water. Leave it on the stain for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
- Use of sharp objects: Avoid using knives and other sharp objects directly on the surface of the quartz slab to prevent scratching. Instead, use cutting boards.
- Heat protection: Though quartz can resist heat to some extent, it’s ideal to use trivets or hot pads when placing hot pots or pans on the surface to prevent damage.
- Chemical cleaners: Avoid harsh chemicals that contain bleaching agents, ammonia, or stronger solvents to prevent dulling the surface' shine and damaging the resin binding.
- Preventing dryness: Avoid allowing the slab to dry completely after cleaning. Ensure it’s rinsed well and wiped down to remove all cleaning product residue.
Repairing Quartz Stone Slabs
- Minor scratches: Buff out minor scratches using a quartz repair kit that contains resin and hardener designed to fix quartz surfaces. Mix the resin according to the manufacturer’s instructions and apply it into the scratched area using a putty knife. Allow it to dry fully before sanding it down to level it with the surrounding area.
- Chips: For small chips, use epoxy glue or resin from a repair kit for quartz countertops. They say put the glue onto a piece of foil or a plastic and use a razor to scrape a thin layer to first apply onto the chipped area. Apply the glue onto the foil, then place it into the chip. Once the glue sets, a sandpaper piece can be used to blend the repaired area with the quartz slab.
- Cracks: Small cracks can be filled using super glue or epoxy resin from a quartz stone slab repair kit. After applying, place a piece of clear plastic over the crack and flatten it. Once it dries, sand it down to smooth and blend with the quartz. For large cracks, it’s advisable to hire a professional as they might possess the right equipment and expertise to replace the cracked part.
- Severe damages: For severely damaged slabs that require replacing an entire quartz stone slab, the first thing to do is order a matching slab or call an expert to do it. Next, carefully remove the damaged quartz using a circular saw. Then, dry-fit the new piece, making sure the seams will align properly. Before installing the new slab, apply a layer of adhesive to the cabinets or substrate to secure it in place. Finally, install the new slab and apply seam glue if there are any seams.
Benefits Of Installing Quartz Stone Slabs
- Exceptional durability: Being a man-made stone, quartz stone slabs come with high durability and strength for resist anything like scratches, chips, cracks, and stains, which makes them ideal for high-traffic and heavy-use areas, such as kitchen countertops, tabletops, floorings, etc.
- Aesthetic versatility: Since quartz stone slabs are manufactured, they come with a wide array of colors, patterns, and finishes that are easily integrated into virtually any design and style. Even more, quartz stones can be engineered to imitate the look of more expensive natural stones like marble and onyx, giving them a more luxurious appeal at an affordable price.
- Nonporous surface: The nonporous nature of quartz stone slabs makes them highly stain-resistant. Moreover, this prevents the growth of bacteria and mold, making it a healthier option for spaces like kitchens and bathrooms.
- Low maintenance: Unlike natural stones, which require constant sealing and periodic maintenance, quartz slabs are easy to maintain, requiring only regular cleaning with soapy water and a soft cloth.
- Consistent appearance: One more great advantage of quartz stone slabs being man-made is that the materials used are mostly sourced from the same grains of natural quartz. Thus, quartz stone slabs have a more consistent look throughout the slab, allowing for greater uniformity and consistency in color and pattern distribution. This makes them more appealing.
- Affordable: Though looks more like high-end natural stone, quartz stone slabs are relatively cheaper because they are made using abundant materials like resins and pigments, in addition to natural quartz grains. This saves users a lot of money on remodeling expenses.
Buying Considerations For Quartz Stone Slabs
- Slab thickness: Quartz stone slabs come in a variety of thicknesses, each suited to a specific application. For instance, 1.5 cm (15 mm) to 2 cm (20 mm) thickness are usually preferred for wall applications. While thicknesses of 3 cm (30 mm) are ideal for countertops owing to its enhanced durability.
- Finish type: Consider the purpose and location where the quartz slab will be used when choosing the finish. A honed finish feels soft and looks natural, making it preferable in low-key places like bathrooms. A polished finish, on the other hand, looks shiny and reflective, suitable for luxury appeal in living areas and kitchens.
- Accent color for veining quartz slabs can be dramatic or subtle. Therefore, when choosing the vein color, buyers have to consider the overall design scheme. For veining prominent on the slab, it shall be the focal point of the place, so the vein should be subtle. On the other hand, if the slab has less prominence, it can afford to have a more discernible vein pattern that goes well with the overall theme.
- Backsplash: Quartz stone slabs are available in varying thicknesses, normally ranging from 1.3 cm to 3 cm. While both thicknesses can serve great purposes, a 3 cm thickness backsplash looks more elegant and is more durable than a 1.3 cm backsplash. A 3 cm also gives the opportunity of having edges customized to the user’s preferred style, further enhancing the quartz beauty. Nonetheless, a 1.3 cm thickness is more lightweight and easier to handle in case of installation.
- Edge Profile: Quartz stone slabs are available in various edge profiles that can make or break the overall look of the place. Traditionally, square edges give a more modern and sleek look, while rounded ones provide a softer, classic touch. Other more elaborate profiles, like ogie or bevel edges, offer decorative notches that add more sophistication to kitchen islands, waterfall ends, or other sightful areas.
Q&A
Q1. Do quartz stone slabs need to be sealed?
No, unlike some natural stones that require regular sealing to prevent staining and moisture absorption, quartz stone slabs are non-porous and do not require sealing at all.
Q2. Are quartz stone slabs heat resistant?
Though quartz stone slabs can be moderately heat resistant to about 150°C and can withstand daily kitchen heat activities like exposure to hot pans, it’s highly recommended to use trivets or hot pads for protection against any possible damage.
Q3. Can harsh chemical cleaners damage quartz stone slabs?
Though quartz stone slabs feature a high level of resistance against stains, scratches, and chemical substances, it’s still advisable to avoid harsh chemical cleaners that contain bleach, acetone, strong solvents, and ammonia. This is so they don’t damage the resins binding the quartz grains together.
Q4. How to choose between Quartz and Granite?
While quartz stones are factory engineered to offer uniform patterns and colors, which are easier to maintain, granite, being a natural stone, comes with unique patterns and requires more upkeep like sealing to maintain its beauty. Also, quartz stones are relatively cheaper than granite stones.
Q5. Are quartz stone slabs eco-friendly?
Yes, quartz stone manufacturers source the materials used to make them, such as natural grains of quartz, resins, and aggregates, from nearby recycling centers and quarries. So, they don’t go far to source them. Furthermore, many manufacturers have started making them from sustainable recycled materials.
