Strength and Durability: It is harder and heavier than granite, and because it is more flexible, it is somewhat easier to handle and install. It will not chip or fracture during everyday use as granite can.
Maintenance Free: The extremely hard, non-porous surface retains its high-polished luster and never needs sealing. It is easily cleaned with warm, pH neutral soapy water.
Consistent Appearance: Most patterns resemble natural stone, but with a consistent pattern and color, so that, unlike granite, your countertop will look very much like the sample you chose.
Scratch Resistant: Since only diamonds, rubies, sapphires and topaz are harder than quartz, it resists scratches from such objects as stainless steel knives, ceramic pots, and mugs, which can scratch solid surfacing. However, the use of cutting boards is recommended because cutting on quartz will dull knives.
Heat and Burn Resistant: Engineered stone counters are resistant to heat from hot plates of up to 350 degrees, though the use of trivets or hot pads is recommended.
Food Safe: Because nothing can penetrate the nonporous material, it resists growth of mold, mildew and bacteria and will not stain from oil, acids, wine, soda, and most common household cleaners.
Wide Color/Pattern Selection: Manufacturers continue to expand the colors, patterns and textures available, ranging from those that resemble natural stone to bright variations of orange, red, blue, green, and yellow. Some manufacturers offer products in a matte or "honed" finish, so it's a good idea to compare several different brands to find the color that works best for you.
Manufacturer's Warranty: Engineered Stone Manufacturers typically offer a 10-year warranty.
Drawbacks to Engineered Stone / Quartz Surfacing
Uniform Appearance: Engineered stone counters lack the natural color and pattern variations, "beauty marks" and flowing veins, known as "movement" of the stone, which makes each natural granite slab unique and more attractive to many.
Visible Seams: Because it is installed in solid slabs, there will be visible seams along the front edges and in the deck of the countertop, as will natural stone. However, the seams are often less noticeable than those in granite and darker colors also tend to minimize their appearance.
