January 2016

During the annual Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) in Las Vegas, held as part of the third annual Design & Construction Week January 19 through 22, Neolith unveiled their very latest color offerings. The largest trade show dedicated solely to the kitchen and bath industry, the event is the venue through which the latest products, trends, and ideas are introduced to the U.S. marketplace.

For those of you not familiar with Neolith, it’s an ultra-compact surfacing material that we’ve offered here at Marble & Granite, Inc. for the past few years. Though manmade, Neolith is comprised of all natural materials. It’s made of 100 percent clay or sand (including quartz, feldspar, silica, and mineral oxide), brought directly from the quarry to the manufacturing facility in Spain. Its properties make Neolith the ultimate in durability and resiliency. Neolith slabs are resistant to scratching, stains, extreme changes in temperature and moisture, high traffic, chemicals, and even ultra violet rays. In addition to its remarkable durability, Neolith is an exceptionally slim surface, making it lighter and easier to transport than most other surfacing options. 

Q: We’re working on a kitchen remodel. I’ve been reading a lot about quartz surfacing. Is it really more popular than granite? Is it a better choice?

A: First of all, it’s great that you’re doing your homework on kitchen countertop surfacing. There are so many options available and you really should know a bit about each type of surface before you decide. It’s likely that if you talk with your friends and neighbors, they’ll tell you that granite is the only way to go. And while granite is still the most popular countertop choice today, it’s important to note that it’s not the only choice for a high-end kitchen remodel.

Quartz surfaces, such as ColorQuartz, are growing in popularity. They’re still behind granite, statistically, when it comes to countertops. However, as consumers like you begin to understand this surface, there is a good chance that it may reach the same heights as granite. But it is a “better” choice? That’s a hard question to answer. The truth is that both granite and ColorQuartz have their advantages. So it’s really just a matter of opinion. Here are a few reasons why some think that quartz surfaces are superior:

• ColorQuartz is rock solid. It’s made of 93% actual quartz, the hardest mineral on earth. So, for those looking for “natural” countertops, it does contain natural stone.

• Since it’s made of quartz, the hardest material on earth, ColorQuartz offers more resistance to scratches and stains than granite. For homeowners who like a surface that always looks brand new, this is a big advantage.

• ColorQuartz is a hygienic surface that offers peace of mind. Since it’s non-porous, bacteria and germs can’t take hold. This makes it easy to clean and gives it antibacterial properties. This is especially advantageous in hardworking sink and food prep areas.

And finally, one very big reason that quartz surfaces have been catapulted in popularity is that today’s engineering techniques have made it possible to create surfaces that very closely mimic natural stone, such as granite. Many feel it’s a no-brainer because the look can be so similar to granite, yet ColorQuartz is a stronger, more durable material. For example, here are a few of the latest colors from ColorQuartz. These warm and inviting shades bear a very strong resemblance to real granite. 

Blue Planet Marble from Crystaline Stone. Photo courtesy of Crystaline Stone.