m**********g
发帖数: 2661 | 1 This article is the archived version of a report that appeared in August
2009 Consumer Reports magazine.
Quartz
Best for busy kitchens and baths. It's stain- and heat-resistant and low-
maintenance. It doesn't need sealing and is available in vibrant colors and
in styles that mimic natural stone.
But edges and corners can chip. Rounded edges help. Stone finishes can
appear more uniform than natural.
Price $50 to $100 per sq. ft.
Granite
Best for a natural stone look. It can withstand heavy use in a kitchen or
bath. It resists stains when it's properly sealed and it also resists heat
and scratches. But it needs resealing to protect it from stains. Color and
grain can differ from samples, so it's best to choose at the
stone yard.
Price $45 to $200 per sq. ft.
Tile
Best for use near stoves because it's heat-resistant. It comes in many
colors, patterns, and prices.
But it chips. Grout between tiles stains and is prone to mildew, even when
sealed. Poor installation can increase those problems. Thinner grout lines
and darker grout might help.
Price $10 to $30 per sq. ft.
Laminate
Best for a wide variety of colors and patterns at a budget-friendly price.
It's excellent at resisting stains and heat damage and is simple to install.
But it's easily scratched by kitchen knives and isn't repairable. Most have
visible seams, though post-formed (seamless) options are available.
Price $10 to $30 per sq. ft.
Solid surfacing
Best for seamless installations, especially in baths. Many colors and styles
are available, including those that mimic concrete, stone, and quartz. It's
stain-resistant, and small nicks and scratches can be repaired. But it's
easily scratched. Stone finishes can look more uniform than natural.
Price $35 to $100 per sq. ft.
Stainless steel
Best for a modern kitchen. It repels stains and heat and doesn't rust or
discolor. The countertop can be made with anintegral sink for a seamless
look. But it can look cold in a bath. It shows fingerprints and dents and
scratches easily. Matte or grain finishes hide damage better.
Price $100 to $150 per sq. ft.
Concrete
Best for customizing. It can be dyed or textured. But it can develop cracks.
Its durability depends on the fabricator's skill and the sealers used.
Topical sealers, which resist stains but not heat, are best for bathrooms.
Penetrating sealers resist heat but stain and must be reapplied.
Price $80 to $120 per sq. ft.
Limestone
Best for a natural stone look without heavy veining or graining in a guest
bath, powder room, or low-traffic kitchen. It withstands heat very well. But
it's a very soft stone that is easily sliced, nicked, and scratched. It's
also porous, so it stains easily even when properly sealed.
Price $60 to $100 per sq. ft.
Butcher block
Best for a country kitchen and for cutting produce. It's easy to install and
repair.
But it might need periodic sealing or refinishing to remove cuts, dings, and
scratches. Its finish affects performance. Varnish improves stain
resistance and penetrating oils decrease it.
Price $30 to $65 per sq. ft.
Marble
Best for a classic stone look in low-traffic areas, like a baking zone or
guest bath. It's available in a wide range of natural colors. But it's more
porous than granite, so it's not as stain-resistant. It also scratches
easily, isn't very heat-resistant, and needs periodic sealing.
Price $50 to $140 per sq. ft. | d****2
发帖数: 6250 | 2 quartz不耐高温, 用的是resin, granite才是last forever， marble很容易腐蚀的，
红酒啥的马上要擦掉，保养很麻烦，quartz最省心，无须保养倒是。 | m**********g
发帖数: 2661 | 3 这里显示quartz灰常耐高温。
【在 d****2 的大作中提到】
: quartz不耐高温, 用的是resin, granite才是last forever， marble很容易腐蚀的，
: 红酒啥的马上要擦掉，保养很麻烦，quartz最省心，无须保养倒是。
| d****2
发帖数: 6250 | 4
hehe，听说quartz石头可以燃烧。
【在 m**********g 的大作中提到】
: 这里显示quartz灰常耐高温。
| a*****0
发帖数: 3319 | 5 Dealer told me quartz is heat resistant, but not heat proof. It cannot
resist heat of very high temperature.
【在 m**********g 的大作中提到】
: 这里显示quartz灰常耐高温。
| m**********g
发帖数: 2661 | 6 Check here
http://www.elitecountertops.com/learning-center/quartz-vs-grani
Quartz Versus Granite Countertop
On first glance, every countertop looks the same. There may be different
colors and different characteristics, but if you are planning a remodeling
project you should be familiar with the differences between quartz vs
granite counter tops. The two materials may look strikingly similar, but
there are key differences that should be taken in to consideration. The
purpose of this article is to help you determine whether quartz or granite
makes more sense based on your project details, needs, and budget.
Granite is natural material found in the continental plates of the Earth. It
is a very tough and hard material that has found great utility in homes and
commercial settings throughout the world. The typical density of granite is
between 2.65 to 2.75 grams per cubic meter and has compression strength
around 200 MPa. Granite forms under the crust of the Earth and has natural
variations ranging from color to crystal formations and veining
characteristics. When comparing quartz vs granite countertops, it is
important to note that granite is predominately composed of quartz. A
typical piece of granite will have 68-73% of quartz as its core composition.
The balance of the materials making up granite countertops are iron,
magnesium, titanium, calcium, sodium, potassium, and even silicon.
Quartz countertops on the other hand, are a man made material. Even though
quartz is the 2nd most available mineral found in the earth's crust, what we
know of as a quartz countertop is actually produced in a factory. When
comparing quartz vs granite countertops, it is important to note that quartz
countertops have a typical mixture of 93% quartz and 7% polyester resin.
The resin is what gives quartz countertops its unique characteristics.
Quartz is generally stronger in both structural flexibility and hardness.
Additionally a quartz countertop is far less porous than a granite
countertop.
An additional consideration when comparing quartz vs granite countertops is
price. Quartz is generally 30% to 50% more expensive than granite. However,
if you are considering purchasing a rare and premium variation of granite,
the price gap may be equal or considerably less. Quartz is more expensive
for several reasons:
Quartz is available in far more colors than granite
Quartz is maintenance free and requires no sealing
Quartz is stain resistant, chemical resistant, and fire-resistant
Quartz has much better anti-bacterial properties
When comparing quartz vs granite countertops, if you are working with a
small budget, you should stick to granite. If your needs are for a very
specific color, you should start by looking at quartz. If you want absolute
consistency in your countertops, quartz is the only option. Since quartz
countertops are man made in a factory, the color at one end of the counter
to the other end will be identical. The characteristics within the stone
will be extremely consistent and identical with quartz. In contrast, granite
from one end to the other can look like two completely different pieces.
Natural characteristics and variations are a normal part of granite. Some
home owners appreciate this aspect of granite, while others despise it.
【在 a*****0 的大作中提到】
: Dealer told me quartz is heat resistant, but not heat proof. It cannot
: resist heat of very high temperature.
| m**********g
发帖数: 2661 | |
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