1. www.buildersclubnorth.com • Builders Club News - June 2016 - Page 53
Tips from the trade
How much do you really know about the Quartz product you have
selected, one of the most popular countertop surfaces on the market?
There are many things you should consider before making your final
selections. The objective of this article is to provide you with the
knowledge you need before making this investment.
Most quartz countertops are comprised of 93% quartz, with the
remaining 7% consisting of binder and pigment. Quartz is extremely
heat and scratch resistant. High quartz composition gives you
additional design flexibility with the option of larger overhangs, as
opposed to natural stone.
Cambria, DuPont Zodiaq and Silestone are the national, branded
quartz providers with the most product information available.
These manufacturers use Breton technology to produce their
quartz slabs. They have, however, developed their own proprietary
mixing technology that makes each color pallet unique from each
other, as well as their non-branded competitors. Although each
manufacturer has different warranties, technical support is available
if a manufactured material defect reaches the end user. It is this
industry professional’s opinion that non-branded quartz providers
do not offer immediate assistance and your fabricator may have to
defray additional costs by passing them along. In lieu of acquiring
additional charges and expenses, customers sometimes elect or
except living with defects in their brand new countertops.
A few things to know about the
non-branded quartz manufacturers:
• Most are produced in China or Vietnam.
• Most don’t use Breton technology and have engineered
rudimentary equipment.
• Without the same quality control as the national, branded quartz products we remain uncertain of the
quartz content.
• With a lack of regulatory oversight, non-branded manufacturers may possibly add inferior ingredients.
• These manufacturers frequently undercut national, branded quartz by re-stamping their product for multiple
vendors in multiple markets. Although their price point may be less than the national branded providers, you
really do get the quality you pay for.
Questions to ask your fabricator?
• What quartz products do you offer, and
why? What kind of measuring technology
do you employ?
• How do you fabricate your seams?
• What seam options do you provide?
• Do material handlers inspect each slab prior
to fabrication?
• What installation techniques are you using?
• Do you provide ongoing training to
your employees?
In conclusion, when making your final countertop
selections, weigh the pros and cons for each
quartz manufacturer in your market. Survey the
color selection, warranty and type of product and
technical support available in your marketplace.
Simply Quartz
Want more information? Call Katrina Bigger
Direct: (612) 366-2259 • Main: (651) 437-1004 • Fax: (651) 480-8191
kbigger@innovativesurfaces.com
www.innovativesurfaces.com
Innovative Surfaces, Inc. awards 4 Club Points