Calacatta White Quartz Countertops: What to Know Before You Buy

Calacatta white quartz countertops offer a clean and striking aesthetic that effortlessly complements a range of color schemes and design motifs in both kitchens and bathrooms. They stand out as a preferred option compared to alternative materials such as marble, laminate, granite, or solid surface due to their durability, low maintenance, and waterproof properties.

 

For those contemplating the installation of white quartz countertops, it's essential to delve into aspects such as cost, advantages and disadvantages, durability, and maintenance needs.

 

What color is Calacatta white?

 

The Calacatta White Quartz stone series is currently the most popular quartz stone product. It has clear gray veins and pure white background.

 

Under the trend of minimalist design, it is used in kitchen countertops, backsplash, bartops, bathroom vanity tops and waterfall islands etc.

 

What Are Quartz Countertops?


Quartz countertops are crafted from engineered materials, utilizing minerals such as quartz as the primary component. These dense slabs possess remarkable strength, closely resembling natural stone.

 

Comprising approximately 90% crushed granite, marble, quartz, and recycled industrial waste, quartz countertops boast a high concentration of materials. The remaining 10% consists of resin binders, contributing to their durability and resilience.


Calacatta White Quartz 


Advantages of Calacatta White Quartz Countertops

 

1. Durability: Calacatta white quartz countertops boast exceptional hardness thanks to the presence of quartz, surpassing glass and many metals in toughness.

 

2. Easy Maintenance: These countertops are effortless to clean compared to porous alternatives like marble, ensuring convenience in upkeep.

 

3. Scratch Resistance: White quartz countertops exhibit remarkable scratch resistance, capable of withstanding the abrasion of knives without damage.

 

4. Waterproof: Calacatta white quartz countertops are impervious to water, setting them apart from materials like white marble and ensuring high stain resistance.

 

5. Consistent Quality: Flaws commonly found in natural stone are eliminated during the manufacturing process, ensuring uniformity in white quartz countertops.

 

6. Natural Aesthetic: White quartz countertops closely mimic the appearance and texture of natural stone, enhanced by a resin content that simplifies maintenance.

 

7. Versatile Design: These countertops seamlessly blend into both contemporary and classic settings, offering flexibility in styling options from modern to traditional décors.

 

Durability

 

White quartz countertops exhibit remarkable durability due to their waterproof nature, resistance to cracking, and high hardness.

 

Quartz, which constitutes the majority mineral in most quartz countertops, ranks high on the Mohs Hardness Scale. For comparison, materials like talc and gypsum, rated around 1 or 2, can be easily scratched with a fingernail, while diamond ranks at 10. Quartz registers at 7 on the Mohs Scale, and most white quartz countertops contain approximately 25% quartz.

 

Despite their marble-like appearance and texture, white quartz countertops do not always behave like natural stone. While the 90% mineral content can withstand heat, the remaining 10% resin component cannot. Exposure to hot or even moderately hot pans can result in scorching of the material, causing it to turn brown or yellow. This discoloration, known as resin burn, necessitates the intervention of a countertop technician. Unfortunately, scorch marks may not always be removable, even by professionals.

 

Styles

 

Quartz countertops offer a diverse array of colors, ranging from black and gray to lighter and brighter hues, including white.

 

However, white quartz countertops are not limited to a plain white appearance. Exhibiting a chameleon-like versatility, they seamlessly blend into a wide variety of kitchen and bathroom designs.

 

1. Solid White Quartz Countertops:

 

Featuring a sleek, minimalist aesthetic, solid white quartz countertops offer a smooth surface devoid of veins or additional colors. Their clean look ensures they harmonize effortlessly with other colors in the room.

 

2. White Marbled Quartz Countertops:

 

Veining enhances the appearance of marbled white quartz countertops, mimicking the luxurious appeal of authentic Calacatta marble. Available in various veining colors, shades of gray are predominant among them.

 

3. Speckled White Quartz Countertops:

 

Resembling granite, speckled white quartz countertops are adorned with tiny dots of gray, blue, brown, or black. Some variations incorporate gold or silver speckles, creating a dazzling effect when catching the light.

 

How to Clean and Care for White Quartz Countertops

 

Maintaining the pristine appearance of Calacatta quartz countertops is straightforward, whether for daily upkeep or occasional deep cleaning.

 

Daily cleaning: Wipe down quartz countertops using a damp, warm cloth or microfiber towel and a mild soap solution. Ensure that the pH level of the soap falls between 5 and 8 to prevent damage. Avoid using abrasive cleaners, including baking soda, as they can scratch the surface of quartz counters.

 

Deep cleaning: Periodically, for more thorough cleaning, employ a soft-bristled nylon brush in conjunction with a specialized quartz or stone countertop cleaner. This gentle approach effectively removes stubborn stains and residues without compromising the integrity of the quartz surface.

 

FAQ

 

Is white quartz a durable countertop?


White quartz countertops are indeed durable. While highly stain-resistant, they are not entirely impervious to stains. Vigilance is necessary to promptly clean up aggressive stains, such as those from red wine or tomato sauce, to prevent them from reacting with the resins. Although very hard and resistant to scratching, white quartz countertops can be scorched by moderate heat, necessitating the use of trivets and hot pads.

 

Is white quartz more expensive than granite?


In general, quartz countertops tend to be less expensive than slab granite countertops. However, various factors, including style selection, can influence the relative cost. Opting for one of the white styles of quartz countertops may increase its price.

 

Can white quartz countertops turn yellow?


Yellowing or yellow-colored stains on white quartz countertops can result from various factors. Exposure to UV light, particularly for outdoor countertops, may cause yellowing over time. Implementing shade protection on windows or using a shade or awning for outdoor installations can mitigate this risk. Some quartz countertops rated for outdoor use offer additional protection from UV exposure and other elements. Additionally, substances like bleach and acidic or colored foods can contribute to yellow staining. Promptly cleaning spills is essential to prevent permanent staining. For tough stains, various cleaning agents such as multi-purpose surface cleaner, glass cleaner, quartz/stone countertop cleaner, or diluted rubbing alcohol can be used on white quartz countertops.

Calacatta White Quartz

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