Surface special | PRODUCT FEATURE
Laura Davie, marketing manager at Cosentino UK, says: “Silestone HybriQ takes traditional quartz to new heights with added dedication to sustainability. HybriQ surfaces are equal to or better than quartz, make use of 100% renewable energy and 99% reused water in production processes. The composition of the surfaces includes a minimum of 20% recycled materials.”
Confidence in surface treatments is a must, as illustrated by Steve Vanhinsbergh, director of StoneCircle. He says: “Natural stone is unique and is one of the most environmentally friendly of all kitchen surfaces, using much less energy to produce than either quartz or laminates, with a lower carbon footprint.
“Marble in particular used to be more prone to wear and staining than other surfaces, but we now have surface treatments that will keep the stone pristine. “We used it on a pink onyx for the hairdressing salon in Harrods. We treated it, and then they threw all the chemicals they had on it, including bleach, hair colour, champagne, and it didn’t mark the surface at all… so we now have no hesitation in recommending marble for use in kitchens.” Vanhinsbergh also points out the advantages
of Cosentino Graphite Grey Sensa
textured granite, protected with the company’s Carese finish
Portofino
– the latest quartz design to be added
to the Königstone collection, replicating natural marble
10 Sensa by Cosentino Graphite Grey
buying quartz, and
other surfaces, from reputable manufacturers. “It’s not so much difference in quality but the backup that is available,” he says. “With the well-known brands you get the whole package from marketing support and brand advertising to up to 25-year guarantees for your clients – and this gives both you and your customer peace of mind.”
Joanne Bull, marketing manager at Königstone,
highlights
the knowledge needed when choosing or recommending
work
surface materials, and reminds dealers of the limitations of natural stone.
enables designers to
Blue Roma island surface in quartzite by StoneCircle
August 2022 ·
granules, combined with pigments and polymers to create slabs. Quartz has increased in popularity, with superior performance to many natural stones – with impact strength, flexural and compression strengths outper- forming marble and granite. “As well as the practical benefits, good quality quartz meets consumer desires for natural-looking surfaces with matt and textured finishes.” Consumers are increasingly inter- ested in the eco qualities of their new project choices, and retailers can gain a little win by pointing out applicable green and eco-friendly qualities.
“The strength of a quartz worktop utilise
it in a
variety of different applications,” she says. “With natural stone, each type and colour varies in strength due to different natural compositions. Long runs with large cutouts that are easily achievable in quartz will almost always require extra joints when produced in granite or quartzite.”
Bull emphasises the consistency of an engineered, man-made quartz surface, versus the variables of natural materials. “Natural stone, extracted in blocks and processed, can produce completely unique slabs. “We always recommend clients view a photograph of the actual slab or, if possible, view it in person.”
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