quartz Archives - Arch City Granite & Marble https://www.archcitygranite.com/tag/quartz/ St. Louis Granite Countertop Specialist Wed, 16 Feb 2022 20:41:07 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.5 Quartz Kitchen Islands https://www.archcitygranite.com/quartz-kitchen-islands/ Fri, 18 Jan 2019 15:00:07 +0000 https://www.archcitygranite.com/?p=5444 If you are just now adding an island to your kitchen, you may be struggling with how to match it to your current countertops and kitchen design. A beautiful kitchen island can really bring a kitchen together, as well as provide a place to have snacks or quick meals, a more convenient cooking area and […]

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quartz kitchen island

Quartz kitchen island

If you are just now adding an island to your kitchen, you may be struggling with how to match it to your current countertops and kitchen design. A beautiful kitchen island can really bring a kitchen together, as well as provide a place to have snacks or quick meals, a more convenient cooking area and a central location for kids to grab lunches or snacks on their way to school or activities.

Quartz will not only give you the strength for a long-lasting investment, but this engineered countertop allows for more flexibility in design.

Should I Choose Quartz for My Kitchen Island?

Quartz is an excellent choice for a kitchen island. Quartz countertop is made from an industrial fabrication of quartz stone, resins and some other materials. Not only can you have a more customizable look, but quartz creation leads to it being non-porous. Whether the kids spill juice on the island or your water glass leaves a sweat ring, you’re in the clear. Waterproof quartz will hold its brilliance and wipe up clean.

Quartz’s waterproof nature also means you do not have to worry about bacteria infiltrating your quartz. Cooking can inevitably lead to the spread of bacteria and cross-contamination that even the best cleaning cannot always fix. Rest assured with quartz that bacteria won’t be lingering in after your countertop clean up.

Quartz is also quite durable, although the edges can chip, and it is not quite as heat-resistant as granite. However, you can round the edges to avoid chipping, and your quartz countertop should be fully resistant to normal kitchen wear and tear.

Selecting the Right Quartz for Your Kitchen

There are so many color and pattern possibilities when it comes to quartz countertops, and the only way to be sure you have found the right one for you is to see it up close. When you pick out your quartz at a showroom, you sidestep the potential disappointment of finding out your finished countertop doesn’t look like the picture or sample led you to expect.

Our showroom is open and experts available anytime between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and anytime between 9 a.m. and before 3 p.m. on Saturday. Visit us to pick out your kitchen island quartz this week, or contact us for more information!

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Visit Our Quartz Countertop Showroom https://www.archcitygranite.com/visit-our-quartz-countertop-showroom/ Fri, 21 Dec 2018 15:00:35 +0000 https://www.archcitygranite.com/?p=5433 One of the most prized materials when it comes to choosing a countertop is quartz. Low-maintenance, beautiful and available in a wide array of colors, this engineered stone can be fabricated to perfectly meet your needs with respect to your kitchen or bathroom countertops. Why Visit a Quartz Countertop Showroom? Quartz is one of the hardest […]

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Quartz Countertop

Quartz Countertop

One of the most prized materials when it comes to choosing a countertop is quartz. Low-maintenance, beautiful and available in a wide array of colors, this engineered stone can be fabricated to perfectly meet your needs with respect to your kitchen or bathroom countertops.

Why Visit a Quartz Countertop Showroom?

Quartz is one of the hardest and durable surfaces available for counters. It’s also far more customizable than granite or other natural stones. A quartz showroom is a place that features a wide selection of quartz slab options to help you choose the right one for your countertops.

While you can get some idea of what a quartz countertop will be like from a picture, keep in mind that your quartz countertop will probably be with you for a very long time. Before it becomes a permanent fixture of your home, don’t you want to know what it looks and feels like up close? When you come into our showroom, you can choose the exact slab of quartz we will use to make your countertop.

How to Select the Right Quartz for Your Home

Not sure exactly what you want? Are you struggling between two colors or patterns that both seem like appropriate choices? Are you unsure if the color of quartz you like will pair well with the cabinets and appliances you chose? With an investment like quartz, it’s normal to ask these kinds of questions.

Fortunately, when you come to our showroom, not only will you be able to choose your own quartz, you will get all the help you need. We offer free stone design consultations with our experts to help make sure you get exactly the quartz you want. Bring pictures of your cabinet doors, flooring, wall paint and other features of your home so we can better match you with the right quartz.

Our experts are always ready and waiting to help new customers find their dream quartz countertop material. So stop on in anytime between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday or 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday, and we can get started! You can also contact us anytime for more information.

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Spotlight on Calacatta Classique from Q-Quartz https://www.archcitygranite.com/calacatta-classique-from-q-quartz/ Fri, 14 Sep 2018 15:00:49 +0000 https://www.archcitygranite.com/?p=5305 There are many reasons why premium natural Q-Quartz from MSI is one of the most popular marble-like materials around for countertops. But with so many sophisticated quartz colors from which to choose, how do you know which hue best suits your style? Today, we’re spotlighting one particularly show-stopping shade of Q-Quartz: Calacatta Classique. Read on for a […]

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Calacatta Classique Countertops

There are many reasons why premium natural Q-Quartz from MSI is one of the most popular marble-like materials around for countertops. But with so many sophisticated quartz colors from which to choose, how do you know which hue best suits your style?

Today, we’re spotlighting one particularly show-stopping shade of Q-Quartz: Calacatta Classique.

Read on for a closer look at this attractive and enduring choice.

Dreaming of White Countertops?

Elle Decor recently declared, “There’s nothing more sleek and stylish than an all-white kitchen.” 

If you’ve fallen in love with the look of white countertops in your kitchen, bath, or other living space, you’re far from alone.

Clean, classic and oh-so-chic, white countertops are simultaneously trendy and timeless — making them a simple yet elegant selection for today AND tomorrow. Plus, white goes great with any decorating style — from cottage to contemporary and beyond.

Calcatta Classique close-up view

Calcatta Classique close-up view

Full slab view of Calcatta Classique from Q-Quartz

Full slab view of Calcatta Classique from Q-Quartz

Calacatta marble has long been celebrated for its pure white color, dramatic veining, and subtle brown and gold undertones.  However, marble isn’t the right choice for every homeowner. 

Enter Q-Quartz’s Calacatta Classique. Q-Quartz delivers the same luxurious look as marble all the way through to its bold veining, which penetrates the entire depth of the slab for a consistent and realistic look after cutting and polishing.

An Appealing Alternative

There’s no denying the classic beauty of marble. However, there’s also no denying that marble has its fair share of cons. For starters, this natural stone is soft, porous, and expensive.

In other words, you’ll pay a premium for marble and still have to deal with the likelihood of stains, etches, scratches and chips.

And as nearly anyone who’s ever fallen in love with marble and went for it knows, the naysayers have a point: When it comes to the question of form versus function, marble aces the former but fails the latter.

Indeed, it’s gorgeous, but it’s also extremely difficult — and oftentimes frustrating — to maintain.

The good news? You can still achieve the aesthetic impact of Calacatta marble courtesy of Q-Quartz — without the downsides.

Not only is Quartz a non-porous engineered stone which is impervious to germs, but it’s also scratch- and stain-resistant. So when it comes to actually living in your home (as opposed to maintaining it as a showpiece), the durability of quartz can’t be beat. Plus, quartz requires no sealing.

All Q-Quartz counters need to continue looking their best is a wipe down with soap and water.

And then there’s the price tag. While real Calacatta marble runs approximately $250 per square foot installed, Q-Quartz Calacatta Classique costs around $89 per square foot installed.  That means marble will set you back nearly three times as much as Q-Quartz while costing more for upkeep.

The takeaway?

If you’re smitten with the look of white marble countertops but not sure about the price or upkeep, Q-Quartz’s Calacatta Classique offers a sensible solution with no sacrifice of style.

Contact us at Arch City Granite & Marble to learn more about our granite, marble, and quartz countertops for kitchens, bathrooms, vanity tops, fireplace surrounds, outdoor kitchens and more.

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We Call it Quartz, You’ll Call it Amazing https://www.archcitygranite.com/call-quartz-youll-call-amazing/ Tue, 19 Dec 2017 14:41:40 +0000 https://www.archcitygranite.com/?p=4024 As you are looking around our show room at Arch City Granite, you will encounter a wide selection of quartz countertops. Immediately you will see the beauty that a quartz countertop can provide for your kitchen. Quartz is durable, while maintaining a sense of luxury. Like granite, quartz is made to last a long time. […]

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As you are looking around our show room at Arch City Granite, you will encounter a wide selection of quartz countertops. Immediately you will see the beauty that a quartz countertop can provide for your kitchen. Quartz is durable, while maintaining a sense of luxury. Like granite, quartz is made to last a long time. If quartz is on your list of potential countertops for your kitchen, here is a bit more information that will help you understand why it is so amazing.

Why Quartz for my Kitchen?

First off, quartz is unique. Unlike marble, granite or other natural stone, quartz is engineered. Quartz is still made from natural stone. In fact, it consists of over 90 percent natural quartz crystals. The crushed quartz is mixed with unique dyes and resins. The material then goes through the manufacturing process where it is heated, compressed and allowed to cure. What is left is an eye catching countertops that can come in hundreds of different colors. That is one of main benefits of quartz. You will find it in more color variations than any other stone countertop product.

  • Family needs: Quartz is an exceptionally durable material. If you have a children or grandchildren running around your home, then you will appreciate the durability of quartz. It can handle almost anything without being scratched or chipped. Quartz will take away any worry of what children, and some adults, can dish out. Your quartz countertop will eliminate any worries of scratches, chips and even stains.
  • Maintenance concerns: Quartz countertops are not porous and therefore do not need to be sealed. While sealing a natural stone is not overtly time consuming or difficult, there is no need to worry about it with quartz. If spills are not addressed right away, no problem. Most household cleaners are also approved to use on quartz countertops. You will not have to find a special cleaner to maintain it.
  • Finding the Right Color: When looking for the right quartz for your kitchen, be sure to bring a sample home. You can bring pictures of your kitchen, but it will be difficult to really get a feel for the product until you can see how it fits. Once you have narrowed down your options, bring a few samples home and see how they look. Remember that you will have different amounts of light at different times of the day, so it is a good idea to look at the sample pieces and see how they interact with your kitchen theme under different lighting conditions.
  • The Price is Right: Quartz is comparable in price to many different types of granite, but like all stone countertops prices will vary. With quartz, the higher priced materials contain less resin and more quartz. The best way to find the right price is to come to Arch City Granite and peruse our large inventory. We are dedicated to helping you find the countertop that meets all of your expectations, both esthetically and functionally.
  • Things to Know: While quartz is highly durable, you will want to avoid setting hot pots or pans down on the surface. The resin in the countertop can yellow at high temperatures. The best way to avoid damaging your quartz is to use hot pads or metal trivets. This will keep the heat off the surface and protect your new countertops.

Arch City Granite

Quartz is a great fit for any kitchen and you can find a wide selection at Arch City Granite. While visiting any of our locations, feel free to ask questions. Our knowledgeable staff is happy to help you make the right choice for your home and family. We work diligently to provide you with a superior product and the highest level of customer service. If quartz countertops are your goal, look no further than the experts at Arch City Granite & Marble.

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Move Over Granite, Quartz is in Town! https://www.archcitygranite.com/move-granite-quartz-town/ Tue, 21 Nov 2017 15:30:51 +0000 https://www.archcitygranite.com/?p=4007 For decades, the trend in counter tops has been moving in one direction: Granite. If your friends bought a new house or remodeled their kitchen you’d hear, “And it has granite countertops!” For many years that has been the ultimate upgrade. Granite has been king in the countertop industry and while it is still the […]

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For decades, the trend in counter tops has been moving in one direction: Granite. If your friends bought a new house or remodeled their kitchen you’d hear, “And it has granite countertops!” For many years that has been the ultimate upgrade.

Granite has been king in the countertop industry and while it is still the most popular choice, there is a new kid in town that is challenging granite’s place in the popularity contest. Quartz is the fastest growing segment in countertops. The hippest, trending kitchens in the last few years flaunt gorgeous quartz countertops. Also known as engineered stone, quartz can be made in nearly any color to fit your décor perfectly.

Let’s explain quartz countertops

This type of countertop might be confusing because it falls under the “stone countertop” category, but how can stone be blue or red or green? It is because quartz is man-made but uses natural materials. Quartz is made by combining 93% ground quartz crystal and binding them together with 7% poly-resin and color, it is then poured into slabs. The colors vary from the neutral greys, browns and whites to the vibrant red, yellow, blue, green, orange and other similar colors. In its early days, quartz was only available in solid colors with very little variation. In the last few years the technology has evolved to mimic the look of marble or granite with veining and natural stone patterns. So, whether you want that natural, organic style or a colorful, more modern look, it can be achieved with beautiful quartz countertops.

Durability unmatched from any other stone

One of quartz’s finest qualities is its durability. Quartz countertops are scratch resistant and very low maintenance. Quartz can have the look of marble but won’t etch, scratch or stain like marble can. It can also be made to appear like granite, yet it does not need to be sealed like granite and marble do because quartz is non-porous.

One of the qualities of a natural stone is that it has small pores. It is possible to stain natural stones if they are not properly sealed or treated. Quartz countertops will never need this type of care. This is a very attractive feature to homeowners. Remembering to seal your countertops every few years can be quite a pain. Forgetting to seal them altogether could lead to disaster. Quartz countertops are less stress, less hassle and will continue to look gorgeous for years to come with little or no maintenance.

Created in all textures to match your style

Quartz does not just come in one finish. Quartz has flexible finish choices. If you like soapstone with its soft, silky finish, you can get that with quartz as well. It can be polished or be made with a smooth, matte finish. The reason quartz is gaining acclaim and popularity is because of its flexibility of style and color and its superior durability.

Arch City Granite for the best quartz selection

At Arch City Granite, we are excited to help you with all your stone countertop needs. Our expertise in all things stone will help you in selecting the perfect countertop for your home or business. For the latest selections, please stop by our store where we have a fantastic selection of both natural stone and quartz. Our counter top experts look forward to assisting you with your selections and helping your dream kitchen become a reality.

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The Story of Quartz vs Quartzite https://www.archcitygranite.com/story-quartz-vs-quartzite/ Tue, 22 Aug 2017 14:11:50 +0000 https://www.archcitygranite.com/?p=3948 When you are looking to beautify and update your kitchen by replacing those worn out countertops, you are probably thinking about going with stone. While researching you have probably uncovered a lot of information about different types of stone, but there is a lot of confusion about quartz and quartzite countertops. At Arch City Granite, […]

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When you are looking to beautify and update your kitchen by replacing those worn out countertops, you are probably thinking about going with stone. While researching you have probably uncovered a lot of information about different types of stone, but there is a lot of confusion about quartz and quartzite countertops.

At Arch City Granite, we dedicate our time and resources to provide you with the best countertops in St. Louis. We understand that making a decision about your new stone countertops can be a lot of work. In order to help you make an informed decision, we want to provide you with the information you need. Here are the big differences between quartz vs quartzite.

Quartz Countertops

First off, the biggest difference you will discover with quartz is that it is not a natural slab of stone cut from a quarry. Quartz is an engineered countertop. Don’t worry though, even though it is engineered, it is still made from 92-94% quartz, the rest is epoxy resin. The main component that goes into the Quartz surfaces is a naturally found mineral or rock in the Earth, called Quartz. It is a naturally occurring stone that is just as hard as granite. The quartz is crushed and mixed with the resin. The resulting mixture is poured into a form under very high temperatures and very high pressures. Once the mixture sets and cures it becomes a hard slab. It can then be finished and installed.

Benefits of Going with Quartz

The biggest benefit with quartz is the selection. Since it is engineered, you can get hundreds of different colors. In recent years, quartz can even been engineered to look like marble. Veins of color can be inserted into the countertop. Quartz can give you the look of marble, with the durability of granite. Another advantage with quartz is its durability. Since the quartz and resin are nonporous, you won’t have to worry about stains. In fact, you won’t have to worry about sealing your quartz countertop at all. Any natural stone will need to be maintained by applying a sealer.

Disadvantages of Quartz

Even though the resin makes quartz countertops resistant to stains, that same resin makes it vulnerable to heat. If you place a hot pan from the oven onto your countertop, you can burn the resin. You will need to use hot pads or trivets. Make certain you avoid using abrasive cleaners.

Another significant disadvantage of engineered quartz surfaces is that they cannot be used in areas that are exposed to direct sunlight. The ultra violet radiation in the direct sunlight fades the colors of Quartz surfaces.

Quartzite Countertops

Quartzite is natural stone. Quartzite began its life as a sedimentary rock, which underwent extreme pressure. The pressure transformed the rock from sedimentary to metamorphic. You will notice beautiful swirling white and gray patterns in quartzite countertops. If there were other minerals present during its formation, you can have quartzite that is orange, yellow, blue, or even green. Since it is natural, quartzite is cut from quarries in large slabs. At Arch City Granite we take those slabs and are able to use specific measurements from your home and we are able to create stunning quartzite countertops.

Benefits of Going with Quartzite

You have probably heard that granite is one of the hardest countertop materials; well quartzite is just a bit harder. Since quartzite was formed under extreme pressure, it makes it a very hard substance and that translates into durability. You will be able to set hot things from your oven or stove, straight onto the surface. Your quartzite countertop can take the heat with ease. If you like the way natural stone looks, then you will definitely be moving toward quartzite.

Disadvantages of Quartzite

Since it is a natural stone, quartzite will need a bit of maintenance. When it comes to your home, your quartzite countertop is sealed. Every once in a while you will need to have your countertops resealed. The best way to identify if your seal coat is working is by sprinkling the surface with water. If the water beads up, your sealer is doing its job. If the water soaks into the stone, it is time for a new coat of sealer.

When the sealant is in place, cleaning your countertop will be a breeze. Just make certain you use a cleaner that is labeled for quartzite. Another disadvantage of quartzite is the color selection. While white and grey are very popular in kitchens right now, if you are looking for variety, you will notice that quartzite is very limited when you compare it with the manufactured quartz. Even though quartzite is extremely durable, you will want to use a cutting board to avoid the potential of scratching the surface. Many homeowners do in fact cut up food right on the surface, and never see a scratch, but there is always the possibility.

Arch City Granite

Now that you know more about Quartz vs Quartzite, you can decide on the type of countertop that you like most. No matter what surface type you decide to go with, both will absolutely beautify your kitchens, bathrooms, or laundry room. When you go with Arch City Granite, we will be able to provide you the skill and expertise you need to have a beautifully cut custom countertop.

We use specialized computer aided measuring and fabrication devises, to make certain that every countertop fits perfectly into you home. Our installation crew is friendly, courteous, and will work around your schedule. When you want to increase the value of your home and give it that aesthetic appeal that only beautiful countertops can achieve, come to Arch City Granite. You can tour our facility and see how new countertops are cut. You can watch the entire fabrication process from a rough slab of rock, to a new beautiful countertop. When you want the best countertops, come to Arch City Granite. Your kitchen will thank you.

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How to Choose the Best Type of Countertop for Your Bathroom https://www.archcitygranite.com/how-to-choose-the-best-type-of-countertop-for-your-bathroom/ Mon, 12 Sep 2016 15:00:14 +0000 https://www.archcitygranite.com/?p=2920 The bathroom is one of the most practical and necessary rooms in the house. But sometimes it ends up being the last room to be decorated and updated. Think of how often you are in the powder room or master bathroom? Invest a little money and time in this space, and you have the chance […]

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best countertops for bathroom

The bathroom is one of the most practical and necessary rooms in the house. But sometimes it ends up being the last room to be decorated and updated. Think of how often you are in the powder room or master bathroom? Invest a little money and time in this space, and you have the chance to start and end your day in with colors and styles that make you smile.

Except for the unusually large and luxurious bathroom, most vanity counters can be fabricated from remnants, the large pieces of granite or other stones leftover from bigger projects.

Particularly when it comes to higher-end granites with more unique patterns, remnants rarely match new slabs, meaning that fabricators will usually sell the remnants at a considerably discounted rate. These beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces are the best way to get a great, affordable vanity top.

Granite for Bathrooms

black granite countertops

Like in the kitchen, granite is the most versatile and durable countertop you could choose. Granite will easily hold up against the normal wear and tear of a bathroom. We still recommend sealing your vanity top once a year. Most fabricators will likely have a larger amount of granite remnants compared to other countertop types.

Quartz Surfaces for Bathrooms

white granite countertops for bathroom

Quartz counters are the next most popular choice for vanity counters. They will have the same durability level as granite when installed in bathrooms. However, your fabricator may not have as many remnants of quartz. The consistency of pattern and color across different quartz styles means that any remaining pieces can be used for future kitchen projects. If you visit a fabricator who stocks quartz, they can sell you a smaller piece at the normal price rate.

Marble for Vanity tops

bathroom marble countertops

White marble and white quartzite are two more popular and dependable choices for bathroom vanities. For those who would prefer marble in the kitchen, but are wary of the risks, the bathroom is a great place to enjoy a classic like White Carrara Marble.

In the bathroom, there are far less risks that an acidic substance or stray knife or heavy pot will be able to damage your marble. Properly sealed, there’s no reason a white marble can’t stay looking fresh and clean in the average bathroom.

Quartzite Stones for Bathrooms

quartzite bathroom countertops

If you are still not ready to put marble in your bathroom but love the look, consider quartzite. This natural, quarried stone can have a similar appearance to marble, but is harder and more resistant to etching and stains. Super White Quartzite and White Macaubas Quartzite are two popular choices for that classic marble top look without the risks of marble.

For a large selection of remnants and other bathroom vanity counter options in the greater St. Louis area, visit one of Arch City Granite and Marble’s two fully-stocked showrooms.

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Quartz Colors That Look Like Marble https://www.archcitygranite.com/quartz-colors-that-look-like-marble/ Thu, 18 Aug 2016 12:53:34 +0000 https://www.archcitygranite.com/?p=2856 There are several quartz countertop colors manufactured by reputable quartz brands like Caesarstone, Silestone, and Quartz that look like real marble stone colors. Marble stones like Calcatta marble, Carrara marble, Emperador Dark or Emperador light, Crema Marfil are very beautiful. But they may not be suitable for very active kitchens that are regularly used for […]

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There are several quartz countertop colors manufactured by reputable quartz brands like Caesarstone, Silestone, and Quartz that look like real marble stone colors. Marble stones like Calcatta marble, Carrara marble, Emperador Dark or Emperador light, Crema Marfil are very beautiful. But they may not be suitable for very active kitchens that are regularly used for cooking.

The new Quartz colors that look like marble but behave like granite are becoming the choice of many home owners for their kitchen countertops.

At Arch City Granite & Marble in St. Louis, Missouri we stock many slabs of Quartz that look like marble. Home owners need not depend on the small samples before they make final selection. We invite home owners to browse our vast inventory of Quartz colors that look like marble.

At Arch City Granite, you can select your Quartz slabs from our inventory, we measure your kitchen or bath room countertops, we fabricate and install with in-house teams. We are Silestone, Caesarstone and Q-Quartz Certified fabricator.

Here is a list of most liked Quartz colors from different brands:

Lyra quartz from Silestone

Lyra quartz from Silestone

Daria quartz from Silestone

Daria quartz from Silestone

Artic Quartz from Silestone

Artic Quartz from Silestone

Noble Grey from Caesarstone

Noble Grey from Caesarstone

Statuario Maximus from Caesarstone

Statuario Maximus from Caesarstone

Taj Royal from Caesarstone

Taj Royal from Caesarstone

Statuario Nuvo from Caesarstone

Statuario Nuvo from Caesarstone

Calcatta Nuvo from Caesarstone

Calcatta Nuvo from Caesarstone

Bianco Drift from Caesarstone

Bianco Drift from Caesarstone

Woodlands from Caesarstone

Woodlands from Caesarstone

Dreamy Marfil from Caesarstone

Dreamy Marfil from Caesarstone

Emperadoro quartz from Caesarstone

Emperadoro quartz from Caesarstone

London Grey quartz from Caesarstone

London Grey quartz from Caesarstone

Misty Carrera quartz from Caesarstone

Misty Carrera quartz from Caesarstone

Calcatta Classique from Q-Quartz of MSI Calcatta Vicenza Carrara Grigio from Q-Quartz of MSI Cashmere Carrara from Q-Quartz of MSI

Make sure to Visit our Showroom to see the FULL slab of Quartz before you make your final decision.

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Calcatta Classique Quartz: Great Alternative to Calcatta Marble https://www.archcitygranite.com/calcatta-classique-quartz-great-alternative-to-calcatta-marble/ Mon, 15 Aug 2016 15:00:04 +0000 https://www.archcitygranite.com/?p=2809 Calcatta marble has always fascinated common man to artisans across the world.  It is a premium marble quarried in the Carrara region of Italy, which is the same area of Italy where Carrara marble  originates.   But the white background with very subtle light gold and faint gray veining makes it as an exclusive choice of […]

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Kitchen Countertops with Calcatta Classique Q-Quartz, White and Espresso cabinets’ combination

Kitchen Countertops with Calcatta Classique Q-Quartz, White and Espresso cabinets’ combination

Calcatta marble has always fascinated common man to artisans across the world.  It is a premium marble quarried in the Carrara region of Italy, which is the same area of Italy where Carrara marble  originates.   But the white background with very subtle light gold and faint gray veining makes it as an exclusive choice of stone for palaces and luxury homes around the world.

Calcatta Marble is available in very limited quantities.  Many stone traders visit the quarries to pick the most desirable slabs. Palaces built for Middle East rulers and the new millionaires in the emerging economies like India and China are chasing the Calcatta marble, driving the cost of Calcatta marble prohibitively high.  It costs around $250 per Square feet (Sq. Ft.) installed across the United States.

White marble looks for kitchen countertops is a very popular trend in American homes.  Apart from being very expensive, Calcatta marble has problems of etching, chipping and staining when used in a functioning and working kitchen used on a daily basis.

The manufacturing of quartz surfaces that look like natural Calcatta marble has changed the countertops scenario.  Now you have the options of having a surface that looks like marble but behaves like granite or even better.

Calcatta Classique Quartz  from Q-Quartz (MS International) is one of the best looking in its class.  It is a show-stopper with a clean marble look and subtle veining of golden-gray tones.  This engineered surface offers all the beauty of the original Calcatta marble without the headaches of its high maintenance.

It is also much less expensive than Calcatta marble.  Installed cost per square feet ranges from $78 to $89 across the United States.  The compared price of $200 to $250 per sq ft. for real Calcatta marble makes the Q-Quartz an affordable option.

Calcatta Classique looks beautiful with white cabinets or off white cabinets.  It goes very well with black cabinets as well with espresso cabinets.  The beige to brown tones in the veining of this quartz also makes it suitable for any brown tone cabinets.

Veining that goes through the entire depth of the slab offers real marble like appearance

Veining that goes through the entire depth of the slab offers real marble like appearance

It is such a durable material that any upgraded edges like ogee; triple step edges can be done to suit the decor of the kitchen.

3” Mitered Apron built up edge on Calcatta Classique Quartz Island

3” Mitered Apron built up edge on Calcatta Classique Quartz Island

Mitered Apron built up edge has become a fashionable trend of European kitchens.  It is slowly catching up in American homes.  A mitered edge can be constructed up to a 2″ to 3″ side profile by cutting the stone at a 45-degree miters angle and gluing edges together to give an appearance of a thick countertop.

The veins flowing through the depth of the slab in the Calcatta Classique offers an appearance of real marble look when we fabricate mitered edge profiles.  Waterfall edge is another trending addition to the islands of modern kitchens.

The subtle golden and grey veining on the Calcatta Classique offers real marble appearance

The subtle golden and grey veining on the Calcatta Classique offers real marble appearance

Great looks, ease of maintenance, and affordability has made this quartz surface a popular choice for the home owners looking for clean white countertops that look like marble.

Arch Granite & Marble, Inc. has introduced Calcatta Classique Quartz to St Louis metro area.  We stock the full slabs of this quartz so that you can see the full slabs before finalizing your selection.

Now homeowners in St. Louis area can have the luxury of having Calcatta marble kitchens that fit into their budget without worrying about the marble maintenance.  We know you’ll agree with us if you see the full slabs!  Visit our showroom in St. Louis or O’Fallon, Missouri, no appointment required.

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Kitchen Countertops: Which Is More Durable? Granite or Quartz? https://www.archcitygranite.com/kitchen-countertops-durable-granite-quartz/ Mon, 01 Aug 2016 15:00:20 +0000 https://www.archcitygranite.com/?p=2762   One of the key factors homeowners will consider before investing in natural stone or quartz kitchen countertops is durability. Granite and quartz counters are designed to stay in your home for many, many years, so it’s important understand how these countertop materials will hold up under everything from normal wear and tear to destructive […]

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Calcatta Classique Quartz (man-made stone)
 

One of the key factors homeowners will consider before investing in natural stone or quartz kitchen countertops is durability. Granite and quartz counters are designed to stay in your home for many, many years, so it’s important understand how these countertop materials will hold up under everything from normal wear and tear to destructive teenagers to the heavy pots and pans of avid cooks.

It is pretty widely accepted that, among the standard stone and engineered stone counters (granite, quartz, quartzite, soapstone, and marble), granite and quartz are the least likely to be scratched, chipped, stained, or otherwise irreparably marred.

But which of these two counter materials are the most durable? Well, the answer is not exactly straightforward. A lot depends on your lifestyle and where the counters will be. Let’s look at some of the factors that go into a durable counter so that you can make an informed decision about which elements are most important to you.

Granite Countertops

Granite countertops are extremely hard to scratch. In fact, if you cut directly on granite, you are more likely to ruin your knives than to scratch your granite. Some knives can leave unsightly steel marks, so for the sake of your stone and cutlery, we recommend using a cutting board. If you do ever chip or scratch your granite somehow, it can be repaired.

Granite naturally has a low risk for staining, and if you seal it annually, it is stain resistant. That’s one more thing you won’t need to worry about.

Granite counters are completely heat resistant, so you don’t have to worry about granite being damaged in any way by heat. You can comfortably take your pots and pans from the stove or oven and place them directly on the granite.

Granite is extremely weatherproof (that’s why it’s used on so many buildings) and will not fade or discolor under direct sunlight.

Quartz Countertops

Quartz is extremely hard to scratch. Like granite, it will dull your knives, so use a cutting board. Granite and quartz are about equal when it comes to resisting scratches or chips. The only difference is that quartz cannot be repaired (although this doesn’t really matter when you consider the extremely low likelihood of either countertop being damaged in this way).

Quartz countertops are completely stain resistant, and they don’t need to be sealed. So, even if you have a lighter colored quartz counter, you can use it confidently knowing that it’s safe from stains no matter what ingredients get spilled.

One difference between quartz and granite is that quartz counters are only heat resistant up to a certain point. Most quartz manufacturers recommend you use hot-pads as a precaution.

It is usually not recommended to use quartz in outdoor settings as certain colors may fade under intense direct sunlight (they are completely fine indoors even if you have sunlight in the kitchen). If you are considering quartz outdoors, talk to your fabricator about your unique project and how individual quartz choices will hold up.

The bottom line is that both granite and quartz are extremely durable. Both are reliable choices for a hardworking kitchen counter, and the only factors to consider when choosing one or the other based on durability is heat and location.

Both granite and quartz are popular choice for kitchen countertops in St. Louis, Missouri area. Visit Arch City Granite to view the full slabs of granite and quartz before you make your choice.

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