Quartz is an on-trend interior design element, especially as a countertop material. This engineered rock has several visual similarities to other popular materials, such as granite and quartzite, but it is more low-maintenance than natural stones without compromising durability.
If you’re planning to install a quartz countertop in your kitchen or bathroom, there are several steps you can take to help your project go as smoothly as possible, and your new solid surface countertop will be ready to enjoy in no time.
Confirm the Dimensions
Ensuring accurate measurements is crucial for home improvement projects. Use a flexible measuring tape to give yourself a realistic expectation of the exact size of the quartz slabs you need.
Start by measuring the length of all the counters and base cabinets, including the backsplash. Measure the width of the countertops, and multiply the value by the length to find the total area in inches square. Multiply the length of the counter by the proposed width of your backsplash to find the backsplash area.
Add the two area values together to get the total slab area in inches square. Divide by four to get the total area in square feet.
It can be helpful to draw a scale layout of the kitchen or bathroom with the countertops marked and the measurements included to show your Motor City Granite & Cabinets design team member.
Select Your Color and Pattern
Quartz comes in a variety of shades and patterns. Before you purchase, spend some time in our showroom to get a feel for what appeals to you. Our team is happy to answer any questions.
Some of our most popular options include Statuario Roma, creamy white quartz with delicate gray veining; Marin, speckled gray quartz; and Elegance, off-white quartz with silver lightning bolt veins.
Finalize the Style
Once you’ve worked out your dimensions and material, it’s time to finalize the finishing touches. For example, do you want rounded, squared, or waterfall edges? Will the finish be matte or glossy?
Waterfall edges are ideal for modern kitchens and bathrooms and are often easier to maintain because there are no grout lines that can develop bacterial growth. Rounded edge quartz counters are a good idea for households with young children to prevent injury.
In-Home Measurement
Before the day of your installation, our measurement team will make a house visit to double-check that they have the most accurate measurements of the countertops in your kitchen or bathroom.
Prepare Your Home
In advance of the installation team’s arrival, you can ensure that the pathways and entryways of your house are clear for us to carry our tools and the quartz slabs. You should also remove delicate or breakable items from the room the work will take place in.
Installation
Our professional installation team will arrive at the prearranged time and expertly fit your new quartz countertop. Once work is complete, our installers will clean up any dust or debris from the process, leaving you with a new countertop ready for use.
Contact Your Plumber
Arrange for a plumber to come and do a quick check-up on your kitchen or bathroom sink the day after your counter installation. If you had a new sink installed at the same time as your quartz surfaces, it will need to be connected to the plumbing.
You’ll need a professional to connect your plumbing to ensure that it meets the International Plumbing Code (IPC) standards. Currently, 35 states have adopted the IPC.
Maintenance
Once your new quartz countertops are installed, keep them looking good as new by wiping them down with a damp sponge at the end of every day. More serious stains can be treated using a mild detergent with a pH range of 5 to 8 or gentle non-bleach cleaning solutions.
Although quartz is highly durable, it is not scratch-proof; you should always use cutting boards to protect its surface. Similarly, hot pots and pans cause thermal shock when placed directly on quartz surfaces, so always use a suitable insulator.
Build Your Dream Bathroom or Kitchen With Motor City Granite & Cabinets
If you are remodeling your countertops, Motor City Granite & Cabinets has the products you need to bring your project to life. Our engineered quartz is available in various colors and patterns to suit your style, and our staff of professionals are happy to help at every stage of the process. Contact us using our online form or call (248) 988-0137 to request a free quote.