How to choose and maintain a quartz worktop

Quartz worktops are a stylish solution for kitchens that see a lot of activity. There are many benefits to including quartz in your kitchen design:

• Hardwearing: Quartz is less porous than other stone worktops (like marble or granite), which means it's more resistant to stains, as well as chips and scratches.
• Hygienic: Because it's very dense and compact, bacteria doesn't grow or spread as readily on quartz worktops.
• Luxury look: In addition to its practical benefits, quartz has a refined quality that looks great in everything from contemporary industrial kitchens to classical, Italian-style schemes.

Quartz worktops come in a wide range of colours and finishes, and there's sure to be a perfect match for your dream kitchen. To find one that suits your design scheme, consider:

Quartz worktops tend to be available in natural tones, often in shades of white, brown, grey, and green. Because of the vast array of choices, quartz can work well across kitchens of all shapes, sizes, and styles.

Rich, solid shades of quartz, like Taurus, Midnight Starburst, and Graphite Ice, are ideal for contemporary kitchens. Pairing black worktops with dark wooden cabinets will create an elegant and sophisticated atmosphere. Alternatively, contrasting dark shades with light units and flooring has a modern effect and can help a small kitchen feel both bright and elegant.

Quartz worktops in pastel shades like Aspen Ice and Cement Lux are great for vintage-inspired kitchens. Choose light-coloured cabinets and pale flooring to create a soft, cosy atmosphere. You can also modernise a country-cottage kitchen with quartz worktops – consider warm tones or a chalky shade of grey, like Timberwolf.

Beyond the choice of colours, quartz worktops are also available in matt and gloss finishes, in both solid and multi-tonal designs.

Matt worktops are hugely versatile: they can update a room, providing a refined polish, and work well in traditional and contemporary kitchens alike. Gloss helps to reflect light around a room, and it can help create the illusion of space in a small kitchen, or an ultra-modern effect in a contemporary kitchen.

Quartz worktops also come in a variety of textural designs. The options for solid-coloured quartz worktops are virtually endless, as they can work across a variety of design schemes.

Multi-tonal quartz worktops feature different flecks of colours mixed in with the base tone. They have a luxurious and elegant effect, especially when paired with units or flooring that reference one of the colours in the pattern.

Quartz worktops are ideal for busy family kitchens as they're hardwearing and easy to clean. With a bit of simple maintenance, you can keep them looking pristine for years to come.

The strong, non-porous surface of quartz makes them quick and easy to clean. Simply use a bit of warm water, a non-abrasive cleaner (always check the label and do a test patch first), and a paper towel or soft cloth to wipe down the surface.

Though quartz is stain resistant, it's a good idea to wipe up any spills immediately – highly acidic materials can discolour the stone.

There are a few things you should protect your quartz worktops from:

• Hot pans and trays:Though it can withstand mild heat, placing very hot pans or trays directly on the surface can damage it.
• Harsh chemicals: Avoid cleaning products that contain harsh chemicals like bleach or chlorine, as these can stain the stone and discolour quartz worktops.
• Oil: Try to prevent oil from spilling onto the surface, and don't use cleaning products that contain oils, as it can leave a residue on the surface and dull a polished finish.

Quartz worktops are a stylish and practical option for any kitchen – they can face the everyday challenge of breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and they promise to look good while doing it! Browse our range of quartz worktops or book your free appointment at your nearest showroom to start planning your dream kitchen.