Quartz countertops are an increasingly popular option for kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects. Unlike natural stone countertops like granite or marble, quartz is an engineered stone made from crushed quartz particles combined with resin and pigments. This manufacturing process allows quartz to be fabricated with greater consistency and customization options compared to natural stone. One key advantage of quartz is the ability to finish and polish both the top and bottom surfaces, giving quartz a cleaner, more finished look compared to stone countertops.
What Does It Mean for a Countertop to Be Finished on Both Sides?
When a countertop is described as being “finished on both sides”, this means that both the top visible surface that you see as well as the underside surface against the cabinet base have been given a polished, smooth finish.
For a natural stone like granite, marble, or soapstone, the top surface is typically polished, but the bottom surface is left with a rough, unfinished texture. This is because natural stone countertops are fabricated by cutting stone slabs to size, then polishing and finishing only the top surface. It would be time-consuming and costly to also finish the underside, and not critical for functionality.
However, with engineered quartz countertops, both the top and bottom can be given a smooth polished finish. This results in a cleaner, more refined look, especially for areas like the edges and backsplash. The ability to finish both sides is a key benefit of quartz over natural stone.
Why Finish Both Sides of Quartz Countertops?
There are several advantages to having quartz countertops with two finished sides:
Aesthetics
Finishing both sides gives quartz a more uniform, seamless look. The edges and backsplash look cleaner without the rough texture of an unfinished underside. This gives the countertop a neater appearance from all angles.
Durability
Having both sides polished creates a stronger seam and edge. Unfinished edges on natural stone can be more prone to chipping or cracking over time. Finished quartz edges hold up better.
Cleanliness
The smooth underside of quartz is easier to keep clean. Food or debris cannot catch in an uneven surface. Unfinished stone can trap crumbs and spills.
Versatility
The double-sided finish allows quartz countertops to be installed in more ways. For example, a finished bottom enables waterfall-style edges, backsplashes, or unusual shaped cutouts.
Value
The added labor and effort to finish both sides improves the overall quality and durability, increasing the value of the investment in quartz countertops.
How Manufacturing Process Allows Both Sides to Be Finished
Quartz countertops can have both sides polished because of how they are engineered and fabricated:
Quartz Material
Natural mined quartz crystals are crushed into a consistency similar to sand. This material is combined with pigments for color and a resin binder. It is then compacted into slabs under high pressure. This creates uniform slabs without natural pits, cracks, or fissures like stone.
Computerized Cutting
The quartz slabs are cut into countertop sizes and shapes using computer-controlled machines for precision. This optimized cutting minimizes excess material waste.
Edge Profiles
Edge profiles like bullnose, ogee, or ease can be machined into the edges. This edgework is smoothed and polished.
Polishing Process
Special abrasives are used to finely polish and hone all surfaces, including underside and edges. The smooth resin binds the crushed quartz, allowing a consistent smooth finish.
Extra Fabrication Steps
More time, tools, and labor are required to finish the second side during fabrication. This is generally more feasible with engineered quartz than natural stone.
The manufacturing and fabrication process of quartz makes it possible to have both the top and bottom finished to the same smoothness, gloss, and polish. Natural stone cannot be fabricated to the same consistency.
Pros and Cons of Double-Sided Quartz Finish
Here is an overview of some of the key pros and cons to consider about having a two-sided finished quartz countertop:
Pros
- Enhanced durability and stain resistance
- Visually appealing uniform look from all sides
- Easier cleaning without texture to trap debris
- Allows for more design options like waterfall edges
- Perceived higher value over unfinished underside
Cons
- Increased fabrication time and cost to finish underside
- Minimal impact on functionality or everyday use
- Little effect on bacteria resistance or hygiene
- Less noticeable in areas like undermounted sink cutouts
Overall, most experts recommend opting for the double-sided finish, as the advantages outweigh the extra cost. However, it is an optional upgrade, so can be omitted to save on expenses if needed.
How Much More Does It Cost to Finish Both Sides?
Having both the top and bottom sides finished will incur an additional charge from your fabricator or installer. Exact pricing will vary, but expect to pay roughly 15-30% more compared to finishing just one side.
For a typical 30-square-foot quartz countertop costing around $2,500, you may pay $375-$750 extra to have the underside polished too.
The additional steps of finishing the second side involves extra:
- Materials (abrasives, polish)
- Labor hours
- Tooling and equipment
However, the cost difference is usually marginal compared to the overall investment in new quartz countertops. Many homeowners feel the added aesthetic benefits and durability make the upcharge worth it.
Does Quartz Brand Affect Double-Sided Finishing?
While most major quartz manufacturers offer the option of finishing both sides, you may find some differences between brands:
Caesarstone – Provides finishing on both sides as standard, no upcharge for second side.
Cambria – Offers polished undersides, typically for an upcharge around 15-20% of total.
Silestone – Double-side polishing available, generally costs an extra 10-30% depending on fabricator.
Vicostone – Both sides can be finished, pricing varies by retailer and complexity of project.
Hanstone – Underside can be done for added charge, about 25% over normal cost.
The quartz brand itself does not limit the ability to be double-side finished – it comes down to the local fabricator’s capabilities and pricing. Be sure to inquire with potential installers on options and costs.
Should Both Sides of Quartz Backsplash Be Finished?
For a full quartz backsplash, having both sides finished can provide a cleaner look from all views. However, for a standard 4-6 inch backsplash, there is often minimal visible benefit to finishing the bottom since so little underside shows.
Given the additional cost, many homeowners opt to only finish the top side of their quartz backsplash. This lets you invest the budget just on visible areas.
However, for a full-height backsplash, consider requesting pricing for double-sided finishing. This allows your backsplash to have waterfalls or protruding shapes.
Can You Finish Underside of Quartz Later if Unfinished at Install?
While possible, it is not recommended to try finishing the underside of your quartz countertop later if left incomplete at initial installation. Here’s why:
- Difficult to get tools and polish into tight underside space
- Matching sheen and smoothness would be tricky after the fact
- Seams and edges may be compromised trying to access underside
- Risk of damaging top visible finish during additional work
- More cost effective to do both sides during fabrication
For best results, decide on double-side finishing when first planning and budgeting your quartz countertops. Leaving one side unfinished then attempting to complete it later will generally yield disappointing results.
Maintaining Both Finished Sides of Quartz
Caring for your quartz countertop is relatively simple whether one or both sides are polished. Follow these tips:
- Use mild soap and water for routine cleaning
- Blot spills quickly to avoid stains
- Avoid abrasive scrubbing pads or cleansers
- Reseal quartz every 1-2 years with a specialty sealant
- Don’t use countertop as a cutting board
Be extra careful to keep the polished underside free of adhesive, paint, or other materials during any renovations. Avoid placing dirty or abrasive objects on the underside surface. With proper care, your double-polished quartz can stay looking great for decades.
Quartz vs. Granite: Single or Double Sided Finishing
How does quartz compare to granite when it comes to finishing both sides?
- Quartz is engineered for consistency, allowing both sides to be smoothly finished.
- Granite is a natural stone with variations that make it difficult to finely finish the underside.
- Quartz offers more customization in edge profiles and polishing.
- Granite typically only has top surface polished, with unfinished bottom to reduce cost.
- Quartz underside finishing costs 15-30% more, while granite adds 50% or more to do second side.
- Quartz double-sided finish seen as an upgrade, while granite finish is usually for select areas only.
In general, having both sides finished is more feasible and worthwhile with quartz countertops compared to natural granite. The uniformity of quartz lends itself better to achieving a seamless double-sided polish.
FAQ About Double-Sided Quartz Countertops
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about quartz countertops with two finished sides:
Does finishing both sides make quartz more sanitary?
Not significantly. Having a smoother underside does not provide meaningful hygiene or bacteria resistance benefits. Proper cleaning and maintenance practices impact germs more than surface texture.
Is the underside warranty the same as the top?
Most quartz warranties cover both sides, but confirm with your specific manufacturer. Damage or defects on the underside are usually covered but may require more proof it wasn’t caused by improper use.
Can you finish just part of the underside (like sink area)?
It is possible but unusual to finish only part of the underside. Most fabricators charge for total square footage. Finishing only sections can also create an uneven appearance.
Does thickness of quartz impact double-sided finishing?
Thicker quartz of 3 cm or more is best for finishing both sides. At 2 cm, some manufacturers may only allow one side. Thinner quartz is more prone to cracks or warping with over-polishing.
What’s the easiest way to clean crumbs from under finished quartz?
Use a handheld vacuum with brush attachment to easily suck up any loose debris without having to wipe. Be gentle to avoid scratching the smooth polished underside.
Is it worth extra cost to finish quartz areas people can’t see (like under stove)?
For high-traffic zones or areas prone to damage, it can be worth finishing even non-visible sections. Otherwise, you can likely save costs by not polishing undersides that will be completely hidden or blocked.
Conclusion
Having quartz countertops finished on both sides is an optional upgrade that offers aesthetic and durability benefits compared to only polishing the top. While it does add 15-30% to the installation cost, many homeowners feel it provides increased value and design versatility.
The manufacturing process of engineered quartz makes it possible to achieve a smooth polish and finish on both the top visible surface and underside, which is harder with inconsistent natural stone. Coordinating two-sided finishing with your fabricator from the start of the project helps ensure the best results.
With a double-polished quartz countertop, you can enjoy the attractive uniform appearance from all angles, easier cleaning and maintenance, and enhanced sturdiness from edges to backsplashes. Just be sure to care for both sides properly to maintain the smooth finishes. With the right expectation of added costs, choosing to have your quartz countertop finished on both sides can provide a worthwhile return on investment for years to come.