Homeowners and designers alike are always on the lookout for the most stylish and durable materials. When it comes to countertops, quartz is on the rise—especially those patterns that mimic the natural appearance of real stone. Read on to find out more about why veined quartz countertops are topping the trend lists for 2018 and 2019.
When it comes to kitchens or bathrooms, the countertop is the focal point. Not only is it likely to be the largest surface in the room and therefore the anchor of your décor, but it’s also where all the action takes place. A good countertop must be durable and stylish, so it’s no surprise that designers have used natural stone like marble. While beautiful, these materials can be fragile, higher maintenance, and more expensive.
Quartz is different
Made from 90-95% ground quartzite (a natural element) and 5 – 10% pigment, resins, and polymers, quartz is technically an engineered, rather than natural, material. Indeed, it is manufactured precisely to address the need for an economical, resilient, and tough substance. Where natural stone is porous and at risk of staining, scratching, or etching (a discolouration that can look like dark water spots), quartz is not. When stone is quarried it comes out in slabs but because quartz is a compound, it can be installed in curved, complicated, or unusual shapes. Finally, quartz is more cost-effective than marble or granite.
With all these benefits, you might wonder why anyone would use anything else. Traditionally, one reason has been that the same manufacturing process that makes quartz low maintenance, durable, and cost-effective also prevents it from having realistic natural patterns or finishes. In natural stone, veining is the appearance of lines of distinct colour caused by crystallized minerals embedded in the rock. They are typically meandering and unpredictable, and they’re a much sought-after feature both for their beauty and their ability to hide imperfections in the piece. Quite simply, veining adds style and character to a piece—and when that piece is your countertop, that’s a lot of décor bang for your buck.
Veined quartz
Until recently, veining in quartz was not quite as realistic as people would like because the manufacturing process would inevitably produce visible patterns or repetitions in the appearance. That’s why many consumers who chose quartz selected a more pebbled or neutral finish. That is, until recently. Advances in technology have allowed quartz manufacturers to push the limits of this material’s appearance, and judging by the reviews, consumers approve. Quartz has always been a popular choice for countertops, but this year there’s a twist. More than ever before, consumers are choosing veined quartz as the centrepiece of their kitchens and bathrooms. Now, veined quartz—particularly in soft whites and greys—is topping the year’s best-of lists.
If you’re looking for a low maintenance, cost-effective, gorgeous countertop, there’s never been a better time to consider quartz. It’s strong and adaptable, and now you can bring style and sophistication to your room with realistic natural veining.
