What is Quartz?
Quartz is a natural, quartz surfacing product that has a variety of uses in your home or business such as countertops, floor tile, vanities, fireplace surrounds, wet bars, showers, etc. Quartz is pure, natural quartz, one of the hardest and most common minerals on Earth. Some of Quartz designs have the natural look and feel of granite, marble and other quarried stones, but features superior performance because of its strength and durability. It is nonporous and will not absorb food and liquids like granite does. And best of all, it is maintenance-free.
How durable is Quartz ?
Quartz is resistant to cracks, scratches and stains. However, like most materials, excessive force and/or pressure from objects can damage the surface.
Quartz is resistant to most stains caused by fruit juices, liquid food coloring, coffee, tea, wine, grapes and soft drinks.
Quartz non-porous nature provides maximum resistance to staining and fully eliminates the need for any sealing. The non-porous quality of the surface also greatly reduces the potential for bacterial growth.
Quartz is resistant to most stains caused by fruit juices, liquid food coloring, coffee, tea, wine, grapes and soft drinks.
Quartz non-porous nature provides maximum resistance to staining and fully eliminates the need for any sealing. The non-porous quality of the surface also greatly reduces the potential for bacterial growth.
How does quartz compare to granite?
Quartz is 93% quartz, a natural stone. Quartz is the extremely hard mineral that gives Quartz its strength. Granite is only about 40% to 60% quartz, along with other softer minerals and impurities. With Quartz, you get the look and feel of granite, but receive greater strength and the benefit of it being nonporous and maintenance free. Just wash it with warm water, and use a mild soap if desired. Quartz is stain resistant and never needs sealing or reconditioning. Granite is a porous stone and needs to be sealed regularly with a chemical treatment. It can absorb liquids and food, risking potential staining and bacterial growth within the countertop.
How should I remove stubborn or dried spills?
Use a damp, soft cloth with warm water and soap. If needed, apply common, non-abrasive, household cleaners such as Soft Scrub Liquid Gel with Bleach, or Comet Soft Cleanser Cream directly on a damp cloth or sponge and wipe the surface, rinsing thoroughly after cleaning. To avoid dulling the surface's shine, make sure to use a non-abrasive cleaner, and rinse off any cleaner with water. To remove adhered material such as food, gum, or nail polish, first scrape away the excess material with a plastic putty knife and then clean the surface with a damp cloth to remove any marks left behind and any residual dirt.
Is quartz a natural stone?
Yes. Is pure natural quartz. Quartz is the extremely hard mineral that gives quartz its strength. Granite is only about 40% to 60% quartz, along with other softer minerals and impurities. Our unique process results in a natural stone product of uncommon beauty and superior strength. It's stronger than granite and is nonporous.
Is quartz made or manufactured in a plant?
The produces natural quartz into slabs by combining pure quartz with a small amount of pigment and resin. Through the recombining process, we are able to recreate slabs that are nonporous, strong and compact.
What range of Quartz products are available?
Quartz is an excellent surface choice for a wide variety of uses, including kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, shower and tub surrounds, furniture tabletops and accent pieces, fireplace surrounds, desk tops, wet bar areas, and window sills. Various edge profiles can also create the appearance of a thicker slab
What are the unique benefits of Quartz ?
BEAUTY -Quartz is available in more than 30 designs. These distinct designs boast the natural beauty and variation of quarry cut stone.
STRONG - Diamond-like hardness, superior strength. Quartz s stronger than granite.
MAINTENANCE-FREE - No sealing or polishing required. Simply wash it with warm water, use mild soap if desired. It's that simple.
STAIN RESISTANT - Quartz will resist stains from common household items such as coffee, tea and wine.
STRONG - Diamond-like hardness, superior strength. Quartz s stronger than granite.
MAINTENANCE-FREE - No sealing or polishing required. Simply wash it with warm water, use mild soap if desired. It's that simple.
STAIN RESISTANT - Quartz will resist stains from common household items such as coffee, tea and wine.
Does Quartz require care and maintenance?
No, keeping with its care-free promise, Quartz requires no sealing, polishing or reconditioning…ever. Simply wipe with warm water and use mild soap if desired. Due to its nonporous nature, and unlike granite, it does NOT require regular sealing and is stain resistant.
Are there any chemicals or cleaners to avoid using?
We recommend using cleaning products between pH 5-8, as products outside this range may damage the surface. Avoid exposing Quartz to chemicals with pH levels outside this range, such as oven grill cleaners, floor strippers, toilet bowl cleaners, oil soaps, tarnish removers, furniture cleaners, drain products, etc. Should your surface accidentally be exposed to any potentially damaging products, rinse immediately with water to neutralize the effect.
Is Quartz resistant to surface damage?
Quartz is durable and more resistant to surface damage than other stone. However, all stone can be damaged by force and no stone is chip-proof. Objects hitting edges, particularly at sinks or dishwashers, may cause chips. Though a minor knife slip will dull the knife and not harm Quartz no stone surface is scratch-proof. Surface markings are more visible on monotone designs than multi-colored surfaces.
Can quartz be used outdoors?
While some customers have opted to install Quartz in outdoor applications - this use is not allowed . Quartz has not been tested in prolonged UV ray exposure settings.
Can I cut on my Quartz countertop?
Quartz surfaces are highly scratch resistant; however, avoid using sharp objects such as sharp knives or screwdrivers directly on the surface. The use of a cutting board is always recommended.
Does Quartz withstand heat? Can I put a hot pan or pot on it?
Natural stone surfaces can be damaged by sudden and/or rapid change of temperature, especially near the edges as well as direct and/or sustained heating of the top. Quartz may not withstand the direct transfer of heat from pots and pans and other cooking units such as electric frying pans and griddles, and some crock-pots or roaster ovens and heat lamps. Therefore, the use of a hot pad or trivet is always recommended to prevent heating the product.
Is Quartz resistant to staining?
Quartz nonporous and nonabsorbent surface is resistant to staining and eliminates the need for any sealing. Its nonporous surface also greatly reduces the potential for bacterial growth from food absorbing into your countertop.
Does the color go all the way through the Fortis quartz product?
Yes, quartz is natural quartz and rich colors go all the way through the material.
Is your quartz seamless?
Quartz is a natural stone product that does require seams for any application longer than 108" or wider than 48". These seams are generally visible, but often less noticeable than a typical granite seam.
What kind of sink can I use?
Quartz can be used with any under-mount or drop in sink, including stainless steel, cast iron, porcelain, or solid surface. Farm sinks can also be used.
How do I assure an accurate measure or template of my countertop area?
All cabinets must be installed and in the same plane. Also, sinks, faucet fixtures, and cook tops should be available at the site during initial measurements. To verify cutout dimensions, you must review what is covered in your Purchase Agreement to ascertain responsibility of your installer.
Do fixtures and appliances need to be on site during the installation?
Yes. For proper cutout size verification, it is necessary to have the sink and faucet fixtures as well as appliances available during installation.
Will my walls and other adjacent surfaces be protected during installation?
Every effort is made to protect your walls and other adjacent surfaces. However, when a heavy natural stone countertop is installed, some scuffing to walls or adjacent fixtures may occur. Some "touch ups" may be necessary and are the responsibility of the homeowner.