Home Decor

Quartz countertops have taken the market by storm. Ask any homeowner or builder and they are looking for quartz countertops.

The question is why is this so? What is so good about quartz countertops? Should you also join the wagon? It is good to be informed.

Here is why you should or shouldn’t use quartz countertops.

Pros of Quartz Countertops

• Durable

One feature that is making quartz countertops popular is their durability. While the mineral is hard, the engineered countertops are harder because of the ingredients and processes used to make them. The countertops do not crack as easily as natural stones such as marble.

• Low maintenance

Quartz countertops do not require a lot of maintenance, unlike other natural stones. Since they are non-porous, there is no need for sealing. They only need regular cleaning with mild soap and water.

• Non-porous

Quartz countertops are non-porous and so they do not allow germs and bacteria to seep through. This feature also ensures that they do not need to be sealed and they are not stained or discolored by liquids. This is unlike the porous natural stones that require regular sealing.

• There Is Wide Choice

Quartz countertops can be made in many designs and of different colors. For instance, there are calaccatta quartz, Carrara quartz, white, grey, Nero Marquina, Statuario, and many other subtypes. Since the product is engineered, most colors and designs are possible. So you should not be surprised to find calacatta quartz with subtypes such as calacatta Flutter, Gold, Huntington, Grace, Carze, all with different colors.

 Besides, you can also get imitations of natural stones such as granite and marble. If you are looking for a contemporary appearance, you just go for those with glass and metallic flecks. You can also choose between polished and honed.

With quartz, it is easy to find what you will prefer to from the many choices.

Now, this cannot be done on natural stone such as marble which leads to limited choices.

Cons of Quartz Countertops

• Heat damage

Quartz is said to be resistant to heat. However other ingredients used in making the quartz countertops such as the resin and polymers are not heat resistant. That is why you should not place a too hot item such as cookware or hairdryer on it because it can cause discoloration.

In that case, you will need to use trivets and hot pads on the surface.

How much heat resistant your countertop is depends on the quality of the ingredients used and the manufacturer.

• Costly

Quartz countertops cost more than natural stone countertops. This can be attributed to the benefits they provide. So, be ready to spend about $100 to $200 per sqft based on the quality and how complex you want the product to be.

• Limits sink options

With the quartz countertops, you can only use under-mount, drop-in, and flush mount sinks. You cannot use integrated sinks.

• Needs a professional to install

You will need a professional to install the slabs for you. So, if you are thinking DIY, then don’t. The place where the countertops are installed need to be leveled, measurements are taken and slabs secured. Seams should not be visible which means the slabs need to be placed carefully.

Bathroom vanities are one of the essential items in the bathroom space of any home, and its importance cannot be overstated. Despite being a utility item in the bathroom, vanity sinks provide a touch of style to the overall outlook of the room.

Vanity basins vary in use and application as well as style and size; so many considerations have to be put in place while acquiring one. What exactly should you look out for when setting out to buy a vanity basin for your bathroom? This article looks to answer this question explicitly.

Size matters: Before you set out to buy a vanity basin, it’s essential to take the amount of free space in your bathroom into consideration. An excellent way to do this is by taking an accurate measurement of the allowable area for the basin. You then use this measurement to decide on the size of the basin you want to buy; basins range from small size to medium size and the big size basins. Furthermore, sinks vary in depth, and this is usually dependent on the primary functions of the basin.

Storage options: Vanity sinks have become quite the trend due to the many options they provide in the bathroom. Apart from being primarily used for washing and makeover, vanity basins could also offer the ideal storage option for lots of bathroom accessories. Accessories like shampoo, brushes, shaving stick and towels can be neatly stored in the drawers beneath the vanity basin.

Mount type: There are various mount types for vanity basins and getting the most suitable mount should be a priority for anyone looking to get one. Mount types are usually a factor of the amount of space available in your bathroom, and this could be a significant difference when you’re short of ample space in your bathroom. Mount types include;

• Semi-recessed sink
• Undermount sink
• Wall-mount sink
• Pedestal sink

Material type: Due consideration should be given to the material used in the production of the vanity basin as it could go a long way in influencing the style of your bathroom. The material type also contributes to the sturdiness and durability of the vanity basin in no small way. Some materials are also prone to retaining dirt, and this makes such basins quite challenging to clean. Listed below are some materials and their qualities;

• Glass basins: Glass basins are made from tempered glass components that have undergone thermal and chemical treatments to enhance its strength. This type of basin is usually durable and less susceptible to scratch.
• Ceramics: Ceramic basins are probably the most popular of the lots as they have been in use for a while. Porcelain is the most commonly used ceramic material, and its topmost selling point lies in the fact that it can easily be cleaned.

Other materials include steel basins, acrylic basins and stone basins. Each material has its unique qualities, and these qualities should be considered when you set out to buy one.

Final thought

Buying new vanity sinks usually proves to be a tedious exercise for most people due to the many variations of the basins. This article highlights some of those essential factors to be considered when acquiring one; factors like size, mount type, and material type should be prioritized.

Quartz is a hard composition of both silicon and oxygen atoms. It can be defined as both compact and crystallized forms of silica. It can, therefore, be referred to as a mineral. It is used in several different manners daily across the globe. Its uses keep increasing by the day because the mineral has a lot of good attributes. One of the primary purposes of Quartz is as an abrasive. It is used in the manufacture of sandpaper and other items that fall under this category.

A form of Quartz is also used to sharpen edged items like knives. These are just but a few uses of Quartz. Quartz slabs supplier takes advantage of the numerous suitable characteristics of Quartz in manufacturing products like slabs.

Characteristics of Quartz

• Durability

One of the best qualities of Quartz is its hardness. The hardness of the materials steams from its composition (oxygen and silicon atoms). This makes it one of the hardest minerals in the world after diamond, which has a Mohs scale of 10. Secondly, since Quartz has a Mohs scale of 7, it means that materials made from Quartz are durable and resistant to damages like chemical or physical corrosion.

• Aesthetic beauty

Another attractive feature of Quartz is the aesthetic appeal. Most forms of Quartz come in a variety of beautiful colors. In addition to the colors, the mineral structure displays a variety of beautiful patterns. These patterns are unlike anything that can be manufactured. The designs are also exclusive to this mineral and cannot be found on any other naturally occurring rock.

For this reason, Quartz is used in the manufacture of slabs, kitchen, and bathroom countertops, as well as floor tiles. Manufacturers find that most clients prefer such items made from Quartz because they are unique and beautiful.

• Heat and electricity resistance

Another feature of Quartz is the resistance to heat. This feature influences the availability of the mineral as it can be found in all parts of the globe despite the varying temperatures. The rock can withstand very high temperatures. This means that when it is used as a countertop material, it cannot be damaged by hot pots and hot water. It is also an excellent insulator. This means that it is also resistant to electricity. For this reason, Quartz is used for different electrical purposes regardless of its poor conductivity.

• Variety

Quartz is available in a variety of colors and patterns. The rock is also susceptible to a wide range of synthetic and artificial treatments that can be used to change its appearance. This feature is significantly responsible for the several uses of the mineral. However, the susceptibility of Quartz to various treatments is greatly dependent on its features, and the location from where it was mined is also a determinant.

Conclusion

There are several types of Quartz, which can be categorized into two. The two categories of Quartz depend on the color of the rock and its structure. It is important to note that Quartz is commonly found in sedimentary rocks, the likes of sandstone and shale. 

There are several ways to amplify the appearance of your bathroom. All these fall under the interior design category. In interior design, different types of materials have been used on walls, floors, countertops, and other elements of the bathroom. For a while, the go-to solution for improving the appearance of the bathroom has been installing a vanity unit. Even then, vanity units have been done by almost every homeowner and have lost their appeal for uniqueness. Bathtubs have, however, become the in thing. Bathroom bunnings offer a variety of bathtub options from which to choose. However, there are factors to consider when choosing the right type of bathtub.

• Space

Different types of bathtubs take up different amounts of space. For instance, a freestanding tub will take up more space than a corner bathtub. The reason is that a freestanding bath is positioned at the center of a bathroom hence the space issue. On the other hand, a corner bathtub takes up less space because of the corner location. The shape of the bath also affects the area that the tub takes.

For instance, triangle tubs would take more space because of the edges. On the other hand, around or circle table would take less space, depending on how it is positioned. This element means that the choice of which bathtub to have constructed on your bathroom depends on the scope of both the bathroom and tub.

• Shape

Various elements affect the decision that you make concerning the shape of the tub. The shape of the tub affects the amount of space that is consumed by the tub as well as the comfort of the bathtub. For instance, a rectangular-shaped bath with sharp edges may not be as comfortable as a circle bathtub. The state of the sides also determines the shape. For example, a square or rectangle tub with smooth edges may be as comfortable as an oval tub.

• Weight

The weight is also an essential element to consider before getting a bathtub. It is always wise to find the right place with adequate structural support that can hold the weight of the tub. If a tub ends up being too heavy, it may cause damage to the floors of your bathroom. The weight of the tub is influenced by the material from which it is made. Different materials weigh different tones.

• Cost

Several factors influence the cost of a bathtub. Some of these factors include the material from which the tub is made, the style, and the size of the bath. More sophisticated designs like hot tubs are costlier than the latter. Materials like fiberglass are also more expensive than others. Larger sized tubs and custom designs also tend to cost more. Your choice of a bathtub should always depend on your budget.

Take Away

Other factors to consider when choosing a bathtub include the type of walls and corners you have. The overall interior design of your house and bathroom would also affect the choice you make.

If you are shopping for a new bathtub, you may be overwhelmed by the choices that you can have. These days, bathtubs come in different styles. No matter how small or big your bathroom is, you will find a bathtub that will fit your needs. To help you decide what you initially want before hitting the stores, here are the different bathtub styles that you can get as far as space is concerned:

Regular bathtub

This is the common bathtub that you are used to. The design has existed since the 1800s although you will see that today’s models come with a more modern flair. The regular bathtub is rectangular and needs to be installed in the wall of your bathroom so it requires space to fit in your bathroom.

Clawfoot bathtub

This is the traditional bathtub style. It is a freestanding bathtub that is supported by four legs or “claws” on the base. Think of the bathtubs that you see during early Victorian movies. Despite being an antique style, it is still very popular today as the design is considered to be very classy and stylish.

Freestanding bathtub

This style is one of the most popular bathtubs in the market today. They are called freestanding because they do not need to be connected to the walls to be installed. Because of this, a freestanding bathtub can fit a bathroom of any size. Aside from being an easy fit, a freestanding bathtub can be pleasing to the eyes as a vibrant centerpiece of your bathroom.

Oval bathtub

The oval bathtub is round in shape and often looks like a water basin. This style of bathtub is more suited for small bathrooms, which makes it popular for small home and apartment owners. An oval bathtub can give your bathroom a more sleek and modern vibe which will contrast well with the sharper edges and corners of your small bathroom space.

Angled bathtub

If you want something different from the norm, you can always go for an angled bathtub. This bathtub is designed to slope higher on one side so that it can provide support for the neck and back while you soak. They come in different sizes too so you can find one that fits a small bathroom and another for a larger space.

Soaking bathtubs

A soaking bathtub is usually circular or oval in shape. They are taller than most bathtub models. This is so that you can sit comfortably as you soak. They come in a wide variety of sizes. You can get longer soaking bathtubs for a larger bathroom and you can get a compact soaking bathtub for a smaller bathroom. This type of bathtub is also known as a Japanese style bathtub.

Alcove bathtub

This is a bathtub that you can consider if you have a small bathroom. Alcove bathtubs are installed in the recess of three connected walls with one finished side. This type of bathtub does not take up space and is usually the tubs being used in tub-shower combos.

Corner bathtub

The corner bathtub is very similar to an alcove bathtub but is larger in size because they are wider. Like alcove bathtubs, the corner bathtub is installed adjacent to three connected walls and usually, there is a window. A corner bathtub these days is more designed for therapy and relaxation so they function more like a hot tub.

Walk-in bathtub

The walk-in bathtub usually allows you to walk in and then sit down so you do not have to worry about slipping. This type of bathroom has grooves and notches so that you can walk around the tub. They usually are installed with hand-holders to assist your balance as you walk around the tub. This type of tub is recommended if you have elderly folks and children in your home.

Now that you know the different models of bathtubs available in the market, it is now easier for you to choose which one is a better fit for your bathroom.