What Are HanStone Quartz Countertops?
HanStone Quartz is a material made from approximately 93% mined quartz crystals. Although quartz is a naturally occurring material, quartz countertops are different from granite because quartz does not get mined in slab form. Instead, quartz crystals combine with polymers and resins to create smooth, non-porous surfaces you can use throughout your home or office space.
You may hear people compare quartz to another popular countertop material – granite. Although the two materials do have some similarities, quartz varies from granite because it’s human-made. Engineered quartz surfaces are smoother than granite, they have a more uniform appearance. The manufacturing process also means they are more durable and easier to take care of.
What Does a Quartz Countertop Look Like?
The appearance of a quartz countertop depends on the grinding method used. Finely ground quartz will have a smoother appearance, while coarse-ground quartz will have more flecks in the surface, giving it a varied and visually interesting look. HanStone Quartz surfaces are available in a variety of patterns and finishes. They fit right in with more elegant settings, but they look equally at home in more casual settings as well.
In their natural states, quartz is harder than granite. Quartz is a 7 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness – the measurement used to determine how hard minerals are – while granite ranks at a 6 to 7. Once quartz combines with the polymers and resins that hold it together, it becomes even more durable and resistant to scratches and dents.
Non-porous quartz surfaces also repel stains and resist bacteria and germs, making them an excellent choice for kitchens and other places where sanitation is critical, such as homes or offices that need to maintain a hypoallergenic atmosphere.
What Colors Does HanStone Quartz Offer?
One of the reasons quartz is such a popular material is that it comes in a wide variety of colors and designs.
HanStone Quartz colors are available in varying shades of white, gray, black and brown, that’s just the beginning of the color selection process. Among each of these categories are several variations of these shades, as well as choices to make regarding the pattern and finish of the material. In the end, there are approximately 18 different options to choose from when you’re considering HanStone Quartz.
So what does HanStone mean when they refer to the “finish” of their quartz? The “finish” of the quartz refers to its appearance – is it shiny or slightly dull in appearance? HanStone offers these finishes:
- Leather
- Polished
- River Washed
The finish you choose when selecting HanStone quartz countertops for your home will ultimately depend on your taste, as well as the design of the space where you are installing the quartz. For example, if you’ll be installing the quartz in an elegant reception area of your business, polished quartz will certainly be the way to go. On the other hand, if you’ll be installing quartz surfaces in the new kitchen of your mountain retreat, you may opt for the more casual river-washed option. HanStone countertops are also available in four patterns. The pattern refers to the positioning of the quartz pieces inside the slab. Unlike granite, quartz patterns are consistent throughout the slab because they have been manufactured. If you’re a person who prefers uniformity and consistency, this is a great option for you.
The four HanStone patterns include the following.
- Textured: More of a “natural” look, with small fragments throughout the slab
- Veined: Reminiscent of the marbling found in natural marble slabs
- Monotone: Sticks more closely to one shade with less variation in pattern
- Uniform: Less variation in appearance and colors within the pattern
The combination of color, finish and pattern is the best way to narrow it down and choose the right option for your home or business.
3 Ways to Use HanStone Quartz in Your Home or Office
Beautiful HanStone Quartz brings a level of sophistication and elegance to your countertops. Strong, durable and very attractive, this material has many benefits that draw homeowners and business owners alike to it. It comes down to this: You improve your space when you upgrade your countertops to HanStone Quartz.
Where can you use HanStone Quartz countertops?
1. Kitchen
One of the most common uses for HanStone Quartz countertops is the kitchen. Use quartz for counter space above your lower cabinets, as well as island counters and even backsplashes. Quartz is an excellent material to use in the kitchen because of the varied colors and patterns it comes in. Instead of matching your cabinets to your countertops, you can pick a countertop to match the existing decor or the cabinets you have your heart set on getting. Why? Unlike with granite, the patterns within a quartz slab don’t vary, which means they’re consistent and easier to match.
These make an ideal addition to a kitchen that sees a lot of regular activity. If you’re an aspiring home chef or the kitchen is the heart of your family’s home, quartz countertops are a smart investment because they’ll be able to handle the constant use and activity of a busy room.
2. Bathroom
Using quartz for bathroom countertops gives even the smallest bathroom an elegant look that will hold up to all the wear and tear it experiences coming into contact with water, soap, makeup and other beauty products. That’s because quartz is non-porous, which means it won’t absorb spills and end up with stains or cracks filled with bacteria. It’s also easy to clean, so you don’t have to spend a lot of time or money scrubbing it with expensive cleaners.
Besides the obvious use of a vanity countertop, you can also use HanStone Quartz to surface shower stalls, giving them an upscale, uniform look that is a fantastic alternative to marble. It has all the elegance of marble without the price tag.
3. Reception Areas
Many businesses also prefer to use HanStone Quartz countertops for the office because of the professionalism it conveys. When people come into your waiting room, office or restaurant, this countertop or vanity makes it clear you have invested in your space and you believe in aiming for the best. This type of first impression matters to patients, potential clients and customers of all kinds. Quartz surfaces look classic at a reception desk, concierge space or your restaurant’s bar. They also add professionalism to places like corporate kitchens and conference room side tables.
Pros of HanStone Quartz
When you’re considering a product for your home or office, you must understand how it will work for you and what makes it different from the other products on the market today. When it comes to HanStone Quartz, several positive characteristics of this material are worth considering, including the following.
1. Easy to Maintain
Just like any surface, the quicker you clean up a spill, the better off you will be. But one of the best things about quartz is that it’s non-porous. If you accidentally leave water or other liquids on the surface for a while before cleaning them up, they aren’t going to soak into the material and compromise its appearance. When you do clean quartz countertops, there’s no need to use expensive specialty products. Soap and water make the most effective cleanup method for everyday spills and wipedowns. Or, if you’re looking for a thorough clean, you can use a non-abrasive cleaner with a damp cloth and warm water on tougher stains.
Quartz is also a low-maintenance option because you do not need to seal the surface to get the hygienic benefits. During the process of manufacturing quartz, the polymers and resins that bind the quartz fragments together seal the material, leaving no room for bacteria, mold or other unwanted elements to soak into the surface. Even as it ages, it’s still easy to maintain with soap and water.
2. Durability
HanStone Quartz creates its products by combining natural quartz, one of nature’s hardest materials, with high-quality polymer resin and pigment to produce a durable, yet luxurious, stone surface. Natural quartz, which represents more than 12% of the Earth’s crust, is one of the strongest minerals in the world. What does this mean? It holds up to just about anything you can throw at it. Teenagers who sit on the counter to eat pizza? Quartz can handle that. A home chef who cooks elaborate meals every weekend? Quartz has it covered. The trendiest watering hole in town, serving drinks to hundreds of patrons every night? Quartz can stand up to that, too.
3. Variety
Because quartz is human-made, it’s available in a variety of colors and patterns. You’re almost guaranteed to find at least one option that goes perfectly with your home or office decor. And, even though quartz has a well-earned reputation for its elegant look, it also pairs well with more natural, casual decor. You can choose from a wide variety of colors, as well as patterns.
4. Resistant to Stains and Scratches
When you’re purchasing countertops, you’re investing in a product. You’re not looking for a material you will need to replace in a couple of years. Your goal should be to invest in someting that’s going to age gracefully and hold its beauty for a long time. Because quartz is one of the hardest minerals in the world, it doesn’t easily crack or scratch. It’s not susceptible to stains, which means nothing can mar its natural beauty.
5. Affordable
If you’re looking at materials like marble, granite or quartz, you’ll see a wide range of prices. However, on average, quality quartz costs less than granite or other natural stone surfaces like marble. If you’re considering how to achieve a high-end look without the price tag of granite or marble, quartz is an ideal option. Also, when you’re looking at costs, consider the cost of maintaining your surfaces over time. Granite requires regular resealing to prevent stains or other damage to the surfaces. With quartz, there’s no seal needed, meaning you won’t be spending time or money doing this over the lifespan of your countertops.
Cons of HanStone Quartz
Although HanStone Quartz is an excellent product that makes a great addition to a variety of spaces, there are some things to understand when you’re considering purchasing it.
1. It’s Not 100% Heat- or Scratch-Proof
Although quartz is one of the most durable materials on the market, it is still possible to damage it. If you’re using quartz in the kitchen, you should take precautions to protect it, such as slicing vegetables on cutting boards – not directly on the countertop – and using a hot pad between hot pans and the counter. It takes a lot to damage quartz, but it’s never a good idea to test how far this will go. You paid good money for these countertops. Do whatever is in your power to protect them.
2. Cost
The affordability of quartz is a positive aspect of this material, but don’t let this confuse you. Quartz is an excellent alternative to other high-end materials such as granite or marble. However, it is still a luxury material and is not comparable with traditional laminate countertops. Why is this important to understand? When you compare the price per square foot of quartz against Formica, it will be significantly higher. But that’s because you’re paying for a high-end product. Understanding what you’re looking at, as well as what you’re willing to pay, is crucial as you consider your options.
HanStone Quartz Countertops for Your Home or Office
All these qualities have made HanStone Quartz a top choice for builders throughout North America. As the leading manufacturer of natural quartz surfaces, HanStone creates these products at the most advanced, nature-friendly manufacturing plant in North America.
Are you ready to bring HanStone Quartz into your home or commercial property? Let Henry H. Ross & Son, Inc., handle the customization and installation of this superb material. We have more than 60 years of experience in the field and love providing our clients across Lancaster County with durable countertops and more that will last them for a long time. Our exceptional technology allows us to build custom countertops for your space. You will value the expertise and precision we bring to the process. Our experienced team can assist you with everything: choosing the right color, advising how to care for it and installing the custom pieces. We want to meet your needs, and we work to achieve your vision with every installation.
Let us assist you with your countertop needs. Contact us today to get a quote by calling 717-626-6268 or by filling out our online contact form.
