FAQ’s

Quartz, also called “engineered stone,” is one of the hardest minerals on earth, thus when used as a countertop option in homes, it is arguably the most durable choice. Unlike other mined natural stone slabs, quartz is produced in a factory. Here are some other reasons people love quartz countertops:

• They can be made in a variety of colors from bright red to lime green, as well as a popular brown, black and cream neutral colors.
• Quartz is less likely to crack or chip in compared to granite or marble since it is stronger.
• It is a non-porous material so it will not harbor bacteria in tiny cracks like other countertop materials.
• It is resistant to stains so oil, juice, wine, tomato, coffee and more have no effect on the color.

The primary ingredient in this type of countertops is 93% ground quartz, which is combined with polyester resins to bind it together. Pigments are added to give it color. Quartz is an attractive look in kitchens and some designs even incorporate small amounts of recycled glass or metallic flecks into it.

Due to the durability and special type of resins mixed within the quartz during production, quartz countertops are resistant to stains. They are a nonporous surface, which means staining substances do not settle in small pores, causing discoloration.

Quartz is among the most durable counter surfaces you can purchase, and they are scratch resistant under normal usage. It is not indestructible, as any surface can be damaged with extreme abuse. To keep its shine and luster, a cutting board is recommended when using knives.

Quartz is a low maintenance countertop, unlike granite which typically requires a new protective topcoat at least once a year. These surfaces never need to be sealed, unlike some natural stone options.

No. Quartz countertops are nonporous; thus, bacteria and other substances cannot get into the surface.

Quartz is better at resisting heat in comparison to laminate surfaces like Formica, but when compared to granite or other stone countertops, quartz is not as heat resistant and care should be used. The resin component of the Quartz surfaces makes it vulnerable to direct heat like placing hot pans directly from the oven etc. Trivets and hot pads should be used for hot pans or hot air tools in the bathroom to keep quartz looking its best.

In comparison to other high end countertop materials such as granite, slate and marble, quartz is very comparable.

We recommend using cleaning products with a pH between 5-8, as products outside this range may damage the surface. Cleaning products such as oven/grill cleaners, floor strippers, toilet bowl cleaners, oil soaps, tarnish removers, furniture cleaners, drain products, etc. could be damaging to your countertop. If your surface accidentally is exposed to any of these potentially damaging products, rinse with water immediately.

Quartz is perfect for kitchen counters, bathroom vanity tops, fireplaces, shower edges, windowsills and coffee tables. Using quartz in businesses for food service counters, conference tables and reception tops is also a popular choice. It is not recommended to use quartz for exterior purposes as too much exposure to ultraviolet light can discolor it.

Ultima USA Quartz slabs usually come 126” x 653. If countertops are longer than these sizes, they need to be seamed. It is similar to granite, marble and like natural stones in this aspect. Fabricators try and make this seam as inconspicuous as possible.

Yes, all types of sinks fit and will be measured and sized prior to countertop fabrication. Sink sizes are determined by the size of the sink cabinet. The sink needs to be on-site during installation to ensure proper fitting and sealing.

Granite is one of the hardest and most durable stone types, requiring little to no maintenance. Granite is a perfect candidate for indoor and outdoor applications. It is virtually impossible to scratch, stain or etch this stone.

The long and tedious process of sand compression and heating leads to create the incredibly dense and durable quartzite. Scratches should not be an issue when using quartzite in your home. Staining and etching will not be a problem either, since quartzite is relatively non-porous.

Marble is both durable and precious. Marble is a naturally softer stone when compared to Quartz, Granite or Quartzite. Therefore, it is more susceptible to staining, scratching, and acid etching through daily use.