Just when you thought that you were familiar with every stone countertop available, welcome to a new revolutionary slab of engineered stone called Printed Quartz or a High-Resolution Print (HRP) Quartz. Printed Quartz started to emerge in 2024. Simply put, Printed Quartz utilizes a high-resolution digital inkjet printing technology allowing the application of intricate patterns directly on to the quartz surface resulting in a more natural looking stone like a marble with veining. The result includes vivid veining, depth and dimension to each slab. Each design captures the beauty of natural stone while maintaining the natural strength, non-porosity and easy maintenance of quartz. Designers, Architects and Homeowners are choosing printed quartz for it’s beauty, performance and sustainability as an alternate option to porcelain or natural stone slabs.
Advantages of Printed Quartz:
- Low Maintenance meaning Nonporous (No Sealing)
- Stain and Scratch Resistant
- Exceptional Durability
- Design versatility which mimics a natural stone similar to a porcelain slab
- Cost effective compared to the cost of quartzite or a marble
- Uniformed appearance. Each design is digitally mapped including color and vein uniformity
- Slab thickness is 2cm (3/4”) or 3cm (1 ¼”) compared to a porcelain slab which is ¼” to ¾”. This can omit the cost to do a mitered buildup in order to increase the thickness such as in a porcelain slab which is ¼” to ¾” thickness.
- One of my most favorite advantages is that the slab sizes can come in 136” x 79”.
This allows for larger island countertops to not have a seam as long as access into the project site allows for the fabricator to be able to transport the top in and make any necessary turns in order to place on the cabinetry safely.
In comparison to a porcelain slab which is approximately 126” x 64” to 130” x 65”, The printed quartz allows for less seams if the slabs are jumbo size. This can be a game changer for a project design.
Disadvantages to Printed Quartz:
- Printed quartz is similar to any quartz composition which has a heat sensitivity compared to porcelain slabs or natural stone. If a pan is too hot to touch taking it out of the oven or microwave, then you will need to place the pan or bowl on a trivet or on top of the range.
- Through Body Veining has not been perfected yet so the subtle veining on the edges may not line up to the veining on the top and some versions only include a surface level design leading to white edges or whatever the color base may be.
- Lack of UV resistance
- Can be more expensive than traditional quartz
In the end Printed Quartz offers endless design potential for both residential and commercial settings. Elegantly Set in Stone specializes in design, fabrication and installation of high-quality countertops. Contact us today to explore our wide selection of premium materials and expert services.
