COMPOSITE QUARTZ
Also known as engineered stone, composite quartz combines a high percentage of ground quartz crystals with recycled glass, resins, polymers and pigments to form a super-tough solid slab. It can be made to imitate natural stones such as granite and marble, and is available in speckled or flat colours as well as in a number of finishes including polished, antiqued and honed. ‘Quartz is exceptionally hardwearing, non-porous and resistant to cracks, scratches and stains, so does not require sealing,’ says Jon Stanley, VP of marketing at Caesarstone.
HOW TO USE
Supplied in large slabs, quartz needs to be templated, cut and installed by a specialist fabricator. Worktops can be formed with decorative edges, deeper surfaces built using mitred joints, and kitchen islands can be wrapped with the material to create a monolithic look. Low maintenance, quartz works well as cladding and as flooring, too.
BRANDS TO KNOW
SileStone by Cosentino is made in more than 100 colours, from natural shades to vibrant, contemporary hues, while the cool new ‘Loft’ series is inspired by concrete (from £400 per sq m; silestone. co.uk). Caesarstone offers 49 colours, plus a range of outdoor surfaces for gardens, kitchens and BBQ areas. A new white collection is due soon (from £410 per sq m; caesarstone.co.uk).