One of the exciting parts of kitchen remodeling is choosing the right material for countertops. They are the part of your kitchen that people notice immediately. Choosing the right material is crucial and it is essential to consider your family's lifestyle. Among the many options available, quartz stone has dramatically risen in popularity due, in part, to its versatility and many advantages. While it can be a little pricey, quartz stone's benefits far outweigh the cost issues and may actually save money over time.

One misconception is that quartz stone is natural stone. Quartz is a natural occurring mineral which is composed of silicon and oxygen and is one of the most abundant minerals on Earth. Quartz surfaces, however, are man-made. Manufacturers engineer quartz surfaces by grinding natural quartz into dust and combining it with other natural and synthetic materials such as polymers, resins and pigments. The resins and polymers bind the quartz together, making it hard and durable and the pigments are added to give the product color. Occasionally, recycled glass or metal flecks are added for additional pizzazz. Natural quartz makes up about 90% of the final product.

Among its many advantages, quartz stone is stain, abrasion and chemical resistant, airless (no microscopic air pores), durable, color consistent, requires little maintenance and is aesthetically pleasing. Unlike natural stone which is porous and must be sealed periodically or risk being stained and damaged, engineered quartz stone is non-porous so requires no sealing. In fact, it is approved for use in health care and food service as it is non-porous and resists scratches, heat and impact. Most of the engineered quartz surface manufacturers are eco-friendly and have had their products certified for low chemical emissions and earned the UL (Underwriters' Laboratories) 2818 - 2013 Standard for Chemical Emissions for Building Materials, Finishes and Furnishings. The GREENGUARD certification especially certifies products that have been scientifically proven to meet some of the world's most rigorous third-party chemical emissions standards, helping to reduce indoor air pollution as well as the risk of chemical exposure.

Quartz is not only a fabulous product for kitchen countertops but also for bathrooms, fireplaces, bars and other areas of your home. While other materials are limited by their design and ability to withstand certain elements, quartz has nearly limitless applications.

Stockdale Tile and Flooring Center carries several brands of quartz surfaces, including Radianz, daltile ONE, Teltos and Premium Natural Quartz from MSI.

The knowledgeable sales staff at the three stores located in Bakersfield, Visalia and Tehachapi are available to help you with any of your redecorating or remodeling needs. Contact the Tehachapi store at (661) 771-7229 or visit them at 20700 South St., Tehachapi.