Quartz countertops are popular options for kitchen and bathroom remodels due to their durability, low maintenance, and stylish appearance. One question that often comes up when considering quartz countertops is whether both sides look the same. The short answer is no – the bottom side of a quartz countertop typically has a different aesthetic than the top side. However, there are some factors to consider regarding the look of both sides of a quartz countertop.
An Overview of Quartz Countertops
Before diving into whether both sides of quartz countertops look the same, it helps to understand what quartz countertops are. Quartz countertops are engineered stone surfaces made from quartz particles blended with resins and pigments.
Here are some key facts about quartz countertops:
- Made from 90-94% ground quartz – Natural quartz crystals are mined, processed, and ground into a fine powder that makes up the bulk of the material.
- Contains resins and pigments – Around 6-10% of a quartz countertop consists of polyester or epoxy resins that act as a binder. Pigments are added to achieve different colors and patterns.
- Manufactured into slabs – The quartz mixture is compacted into molds under intense pressure and vibration. This forms large slabs that are cut to size for countertops.
- Harder and more durable than granite – Quartz scores higher on the Mohs hardness scale than natural stone. It is non-porous and resists scratches, stains, and heat.
- Low maintenance – Unlike granite or marble, quartz does not need yearly sealing. It is easy to clean and keep looking like new.
- Variety of colors and patterns – From solid white to dramatic dark colors, quartz offers immense design versatility. Metallic, sparkling, and natural stone looks are available.
The Bottom Side of Quartz Countertops
When a quartz countertop is fabricated, it typically has one side that is considered the “top” or front side. This is the finished side that will be visible when installed. The other side is known as the bottom or back side.
The bottom side of a quartz countertop usually looks different from the polished front side for the following reasons:
It Has a More Basic Finish
The top side of a quartz countertop goes through extra finishing steps such as polishing to achieve a smooth, glossy look. The bottom side does not get the same treatment and is often left with a flatter, matte texture. Any embellishments like metallic flecks or veining patterns are only applied to the top side.
The Color May Not Extend All the Way Through
On some quartz slabs, the color and pattern goes all the way through the thickness of the material. On others, it is only applied to the top portion. When the color does not extend through, the bottom side will look like the neutral quartz base.
The Fit and Finish Is Not Perfected
Precise cuts, edges, holes, and seams are critical for the top side of a countertop. The bottom side is not meant to be seen, so less work goes into finessing the details. The edges and seams especially tend to have a rougher look.
Branding Logos May Be Visible
Quartz slabs often have the brand name and logo etched into the back. This is meant to be hidden from view once installed but gives an industrial look to the bottom side.
So in summary, the bottom side of a quartz countertop generally does not have the polished, perfected look of the top. It tends to be duller in color, lack decorative patterns, and have a more basic finish. The extent of the difference depends on the brand and color.
When Both Sides of Quartz Countertops Match
While the bottom side of a quartz countertop usually looks different than the top, there are some instances when you can achieve a countertop with both sides looking virtually identical:
Opt for Full Slabs
Ordering your countertop to be cut from a full slab, without seams, will allow the pattern and finish to flow smoothly from top to bottom. The edges can be done without abrupt breaks in the material.
Select Quartz Products with Through-Body Patterns
Some brands, like Caesarstone, offer quartz lines where the color and pattern go all the way through the slab’s thickness. This creates a consistent look on both sides.
Specify You Want Both Sides Finished
Let your countertop fabricator know that you want the bottom side processed to the same quality standard as the top. This includes polishing, edge details, and precision on any cutouts. There is usually an upcharge for this additional work.
Consider a Thicker Countertop
Opting for a thicker quartz countertop gives the fabricator more material to work with on both sides. A 2cm slab is thin and often needs to be reinforced on the bottom. A 3cm slab can have both sides finely finished.
Add a Matching Backsplash
Having the same quartz on your countertop and backsplash completes the polished look on the visible surfaces. The transition to the bottom side of the counter will be seamless.
Cost Impact of Matching Both Sides
When specifying that you want both sides of your quartz countertop to match, expect that to add to the total price:
- More quartz – Avoiding seams may require a thicker slab or purchasing an entire slab even for small pieces. More raw material means higher cost.
- Extra fabrication time – The time involved doubles when the fabricator has to do detailed work on two sides instead of just one.
- Increased installation effort – Precise attention to the bottom side may complicate installation and limit cost-saving measures like reinforcement strips.
The exact cost increase will depend on the size and layout of your countertops. In general, expect a matching double-sided finish to be about 25-50% more than a standard one-side polished job. The added expense may be worth it for areas where the bottom side will be prominently visible.
Is a Finished Bottom Side Necessary?
Whether you should invest extra money to have both sides of your quartz countertop finished identically comes down to visibility:
Not Needed for Standard Countertop Areas
For sections of a countertop against a wall or with cabinets underneath, the bottom side is not seen. Saving on only finishing the visible top side is reasonable.
Consider It for Island and Peninsular Countertops
Any areas of the countertop that will have open space underneath warrant finishing the bottom as well. Islands and peninsulas especially have exposed undersides.
Must-Have for Special Design Features
Unique quartz features like cutouts for vessel sinks or cooktops, waterfall edges, or textured surfaces should match top and bottom for a cohesive look.
Weigh the Cost vs. Benefits
If your budget is tight, focus first on the visible top side. If you have the funds and want a seamless all-around look, do both sides. Prioritize areas that need it most.
Achieving Both Sides Matching on a Budget
If you want the look of both sides matching but need to limit the cost, there are some budget-friendly options:
- Ask your fabricator about discounts – They may cut you a deal on double-side finishing if you are purchasing multiple slabs.
- Use a less expensive quartz variety – Steer away from premium designer brands and choose a mid-range color instead.
- Stick with a simple design – Intricate slab patterns and embellishments drive up the price. Opt for a solid color.
- Size down the finished underside – Only pay for double sides on sections that truly need it, like an island overhang.
- Install yourself – DIY installation means you only pay for both sides to be fabricated, not the labor to install.
- Make your top side design multi-level – Tricks like a stepped island can give the illusion of a matching bottom from certain angles.
With smart design choices and custom quotes from your fabricator, both sides of your quartz countertop can closely match, even on a limited budget.
FAQ About Both Sides of Quartz Countertops
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about whether both sides of quartz countertops look the same:
Do both sides of Caesarstone quartz countertops look the same?
Many Caesarstone designs are through-body, meaning the color and pattern extends through the entire slab. Choosing one of their through-body varieties allows both sides of the countertop to closely match.
Should you get both sides of a quartz countertop finished?
It depends on the location. For visible areas like kitchen islands, finishing both sides is recommended. For sections against walls, only the top side finish is needed. Evaluate each section of countertop separately.
Can you tell the difference between the front and back of a quartz countertop?
In most cases, yes. The top will have a glossy polished finish while the bottom has a flatter texture. Brand logos and reinforced edges make the bottom clearly distinguishable too.
Is there a right and wrong side to quartz?
Technically the bottom is not the “wrong” side, but it does not have the finish quality and precision of the top side. Whether or not the bottom matters depends if that side will be visible after installation.
Should I pay extra to have both sides of a 3cm quartz countertop finished?
With a 3cm thickness, it is reasonable to finish both sides since that provides enough material for the fabricator to work with. For a high-use kitchen island for example, it is likely worth the upcharge.
Does quartz color go all the way through?
It depends on the specific quartz variety. Some have through-body color, though most are only finished on the top portion. Checking with your fabricator or quartz supplier will verify if the color extends through the slab.
Finishing both sides of a quartz countertop to achieve a matching appearance is possible with the right product, fabrication, and budget. For high visibility areas, it can be a worthwhile investment to have a polished, cohesive look. Most quartz tops however only require finish work on the top side that will be seen after installation. As long as the bottom side structural integrity is intact, imperfections are not problematic on surfaces that will be hidden from view.
Conclusion
In most cases, the bottom side of a quartz countertop does not match the polished look of the top finished side. Factors like less precise fabrication, duller textures, and lack of patterns result in a visibly different aesthetic that is usually not an issue since the bottom is not meant to be seen. However, it is possible to have both sides closely resemble each other by selecting through-body quartz materials, paying for double-side finishing, using full slab layouts, and strategic design choices. Achieving both sides that look identical does add cost. Whether or not it is worth the investment depends on the location of the countertop and visibility of the bottom side after installation. With smart planning and communication with your fabricator, you can get the look you want on both sides of your quartz countertop within your budget constraints.