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Quartz is a beautiful, durable material and is one of the most highly-touted, in-demand countertop materials in the market today. It’s available in a wide variety of patterns and designs that mimic natural stone such as marble and granite. In addition to many patterns and designs, there are also multiple quartz countertop edge styles available that will suit your every need.
Despite the fact that quartz is an engineered stone, the sizes available are still quite limited, and in most cases, the same slab won’t work for your entire countertop. Of course, this has to do with the preservation of the quality of the stone. In order to get larger sizes, two separate stones will have to be molded together to get the right size and match perfectly, which leads to the formation of visible seams.
What are quartz seams? Is seam visibility a cause for concern? Do they affect the quality of the stone? Whether you’re building your dream kitchen or you’re curious about how you can hide seams, here’s everything our team at Granite Selection wants you to know.
As we mentioned, conspicuous seams are formed when two separate stones are molded together to create a larger countertop piece. In a perfect world, seams wouldn’t exist and you’d be able to find your favorite stone piece with the perfect size, shape, and configuration. But in reality, these cases are rare. Instead, stone manufacturers simply minimize the addition of seams, or simply make the quartz countertop seam as inconspicuous as possible.
Now, do seams actually affect the quality of your quartz countertop? Not necessarily. Industry standards are in place to make sure seams in quartz countertops are tight and durable. Add to the fact that stone manufacturers will do everything to create invisible seams, allowing you to enjoy your high-quality stone countertop with beautiful, smooth edges.
Subtle and almost invisible. That’s what our quartz seams are about. Our Ocean Jasper quartz project is a live example.
Quartz countertops are prized for their beauty and durability, making them an excellent choice for many kitchen countertops. An impressive benefit of quartz is its ability to be installed as a continuous piece without the need for any seams.
In fact, depending on the actual thickness of the countertop material used, it’s possible to make quartz countertops up to 10 feet long without needing any unsightly seams. This makes quartz a great countertop solution if you’re looking for one large piece.
Although there are several manufacturers that offer nearly seam-free pieces at even longer lengths, homeowners should be aware it can be cost-prohibitive due to extra fabrication and installation requirements.
Seams are inevitable in many cases. The best way to enjoy your perfect quartz countertop is to accept the seams and never be afraid of them. But just because they’re inevitable doesn’t mean they’re all the same. Here are a few tips on how to check the quality of the seams on your countertop surface.
While many homeowners know that seams can never be truly invisible, they can still be made inconspicuously. Your choice of colors and patterns will dictate how visible the seams will be, making it important to stay up-to-date with the most popular quartz countertops in 2023. Light colors with fewer patterns create more contrast between the stone and the seam, which makes it more visible. That is why it’s best to select darker colors with more patterns when seams are inevitable. As you look through different slabs or you’re deciding between two stones, this is something that you’ll want to keep in mind.
When manufacturing stone countertops, you have to make sure that the stones used have the same properties, especially regarding their width and thickness. Both stones should be even to create an even seam. Different slab thicknesses, varying elevations for cabinets, and a warped material may cause seams to be even more visible. Even minor lippage due to damage to the stone can cause seams to pop out.
When seams are formed on the stone, manufacturers use very durable materials to ensure that the bond is strong. However, the seam is still a vulnerable spot on the stone. That is why it’s important to first understand the configuration of your countertop inside your home to carefully plan the seam location. The best way to ensure a safe installation and that the countertop remains strong is by adding the seam on the supports so the stones are still supported on both sides. Never have the seams placed in the middle with no support whatsoever as this is a recipe for disaster.
The adhesive used can lead to the pristine condition of your countertops. Check for the quality of the adhesive that was used to bond the two slabs together. Stone manufacturers typically use epoxy to ensure that the strength and durability of the seam are there. Also, the color of epoxy used in the seam should be the same color as your stone to make the seam less noticeable.
Before giving the go signal to begin the countertop manufacturing process, you’ll want to ask for a sample. In addition, ask for a sample of the materials that’ll be used to manufacture the countertop. Viewing the quartz countertop seams on a finished stone allows you to gauge the skill of the manufacturer as well as the seam quality and visibility. That way, you can rest easy knowing that your stone is in good hands.
Above all, the best thing to do is to manage your expectations regarding your quartz countertop seams. While stone manufacturers will do everything in their power to make sure the countertop will look great, remember that in some instances, seams are inevitable. On top of that, they’re integral to the strength of the stone. Furthermore, while seams may be inconspicuous, they are still not invisible. The best thing to do is trust the manufacturer and set realistic expectations when deciding on countertop designs.
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The seam doesn’t have to be perfect during the earlier stages of manufacturing your stone countertop. Typically, fabricators lay out the tops and carry out a “dry fit.” Later, they make adjustments based on the dry fit, which is repeated until they achieve a perfect seam. If possible, be present during this process so you can communicate any concerns.
If you have a quartz countertop in your kitchen, chances are it’s seen its fair share of wear and tear over the years. Unfortunately, this can sometimes result in an eye-catching fault in the flat surface.
The good news is that repairing a bad seam in quartz countertop slabs isn’t overly complicated. All you need is some 100-grit sandpaper and some kind of quartz countertop seam filler (like resin glue) to patch up the gap and get everything back like new.
However, you need to be careful not to apply too much pressure while sanding and clean off any residue left behind before gluing. Once your seam is sealed again, you should apply some sealer or stone wax to help protect against further damage.
With a little bit of effort, your quartz countertop will look just like it did when it was first installed!
The quality of the seam for each countertop depends highly on the skill level of your stone manufacturer. Experience matters in such cases. When looking for the best quality seam, look for a stone manufacturer, and look for consistency and experience. Granite Selection is your perfect partner for everything stone. In addition to providing granite countertop options, we’re a manufacturer and installer of beautiful Cambria, Caesarstone, and MSI Q quartz countertops. With a combined experience of over 50+ years, our experts have been manufacturing countertops with perfect seams that are subtle but effective.
If you are in the Chicagoland area, be sure to stop by our depot. We’re located in Elk Grove Village, IL and we proudly serve customers within a 70-mile radius. Schedule a consultation and give us a call at (888) 906 3317. We’ll be more than happy to assist you!
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Are quartz countertop seams durable and easy to maintain? I am looking for a countertop that is durable as well as easy to maintain. I have heard that quartz is durable. What about seams?