Not all quartz countertops are made equal. Some are better than others. Before buying one, it is a good idea to learn more about the stone.
That way, you will get the best value out of your money. This post tells you some things you need to know about quartz and Chinese quartz countertops’ quality.
Chinese Quartz Countertops Quality
Is quartz made in China good? Here are six things to know about quartz countertops from China.
1. Quartz in Brief
Before we talk about Chinese quartz countertops quality, let’s get to know about quartz in general. Let’s start with the definition. What exactly is quartz?
It is among the hardest minerals in the world. Due to its abundance and strength, quartz has become a reliable and very popular choice for countertops.
Like any other countertops, quartz countertops have pros and cons.
Pros |
Cons |
When it comes to durability, not many natural stones can match quartz. That includes even granite. Quartz is harder than granite. It is nearly indestructible. Unlike granite, however, quartz is not porous. That means it is a lot easier to keep the countertop bacteria-free.
Another pro of quartz countertops is that they require low maintenance. If you have good quality quartz countertops, the only maintenance you will need is regular cleaning. And you need water and soap for that. No resealing is needed.
One of the reasons why quartz countertops become the number one choice is their appearance. On the one hand, it has the look of a natural stone. On the other, it allows the owner to customize it as they like. That means whatever style you are going with, there will be quartz countertops that suit it. |
As durable as it is, quartz can still be damaged. It can be damaged by excessive heat. To prevent damage, always use heating pads.
The other con of quartz countertops is their price. Quartz countertops, especially high-quality ones, are quite expensive. However, since they are very durable and require little maintenance, they are worth the cost. |
2. Resin Pooling
When it comes to Chinese quartz countertops quality, one of the common issues is resin pooling.
Many countertops are made of 100% natural stone. Quartz countertops, however, are not among them. Instead of being made entirely of natural stone, quartz countertops are engineered stone.
A typical quartz countertop mix of roughly 90% quartz, resin, and dyes. Due to this mixture, a quartz countertop becomes durable, consistent in color, and non-porous.
No countertops made of 100% natural stone can compete with quartz countertops in this respect.
So, what is resin pooling exactly? The term resin pooling refers to an area on the countertop where resin settled in a single spot.
This, in turn, can leave dark spots on the countertop, which disturb its overall color pattern.
3. Inconsistent Material Quantities
Next, inconsistent material quantities. Unlike their American counterparts, Chinese quartz countertops are often inconsistent.
American quartz countertop manufacturers must follow strict standards, which Chinese ones may not follow.
This is why you can see variations when it comes to Chinese quartz countertops quality. Some manufacturers may even use less quartz stone and a higher percentage of resin.
Why are inconsistent material quantities a problem? Firstly, it can lead to unsightly resin pooling, which you don’t want in a countertop.
Secondly, the inconsistent material quantities may make the countertop more flexible. As a result, it might bend during transport.
Thirdly, inconsistent material quantities can also mean inconsistent countertop quality. This might not be apparent visually, but you certainly don’t want to invest in a quartz countertop that has poor quality.
4. Inconsistent Thickness
Another issue with Chinese quartz countertops’ quality is inconsistent thickness. A slab may be advertised to be 3 cm thick, but the delivered slab may be slightly thinner or thicker beyond a reasonable limit.
If the inconsistency is within a reasonable limit, it won’t be an issue. If it is beyond the limit, then problems may arise. And both too thin and too thick are problematic.
If the slab is too thin, the countertop could be less durable. Installing the countertop could be more difficult, too. If the slab is too thick, it may not fit in properly. Or it may cause misalignment.
When buying a quartz countertop, you want one that has a consistent thickness. You may need to spend extra for it, but it will pay off in the long run.
5. Dye Lot Inconsistencies
When buying a quartz countertop, you want a dye lot consistency slab. After all, a quartz countertop is not just functional but also aesthetical.
Chinese quartz countertops’ quality may not be as good as other quartz countertops because of the inconsistent dye.
Variations in dye lot are expected, but only to some degree. Color changes in a single slab are normal. They can be beautiful, even. Too many of it, however, is not.
The thing is, Chinese quartz countertops are likely to have this issue. This is due to their amount of resin, which causes variations in the amount of pigment.
This is unlikely to happen in American quartz countertops as there are strict standards that have to be followed by manufacturers.
6. Chinese Quartz vs. American Quartz Countertops
Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are a problem that occurs in many manufactured products.
For example, some chemicals used in the production process of a product may give off gas over the first few years of its lifespan.
This is why many states in the U.S. have regulations to control what chemicals can and cannot be used in products that will be used in kitchens and those near food.
Of course, how the U.S. and China define VOCs are very different. This is another issue with Chinese quartz countertops’ quality.
Countertops from China might give off volatile organic compounds that wouldn’t be present in countertops from the U.S.
You don’t want potentially unsafe anything, especially not when it will be placed in the kitchen and near food.
Now you know more about Chinese quartz countertops’ quality. Quartz countertops are expensive. So, you want to make sure that the one you are buying is worth the cost.
