Spectrum Quartz is a popular brand of engineered quartz countertops known for its stylish designs and durability. Serenity is one of their most sought-after color collections, featuring soft neutral hues like cream, taupe, and gray. If you’re considering Serenity quartz for your home remodel or new construction project, here is a deep dive into the pros, cons, reviews, and prices – so you can determine if it’s the right choice for your countertops.
What is Spectrum Quartz?
Spectrum Quartz is a brand of engineered stone manufactured by a company called Spectrum Quartz Surfaces based in Virginia. It’s made from roughly 90% ground natural quartz crystals and 10% polymer resins and pigments that bind the quartz together.
The quartz crystals come from quarries around the world. The resins make the material non-porous, stain-resistant, and strong – while the pigments introduce vibrant colors and patterns into the material. Spectrum Quartz slabs are made in large manufacturing facilities using extreme heat and pressure to compact the mixture into solid slabs.
Unlike natural stone, Spectrum Quartz has very low maintenance requirements and is less prone to damage and wear. The resins make it resistant to scratches, chips, cracks, and stains that can mar natural stone over time. Spectrum offers a 10-year commercial and lifetime residential warranty, attesting to the durability and longevity of their engineered quartz.
Spectrum Quartz Serenity Collection
The Serenity collection is one of Spectrum Quartz’s most popular selections. It features ten tasteful neutral shades ranging from warm creams to cool grays. The muted tones and subtle veining patterns create a relaxed, spa-like aesthetic perfect for calm and inviting kitchens and baths.
Here is a brief overview of the 10 Serenity colors:
- Serenity White – A bright, clean white with faint gray mottling.
- Windham Cream – A warm ivory tone with a subtle marble-like pattern.
- Ridgecrest – A light gray base with delicate taupe and silver veining.
- Montvale – A pale, misty gray with creamy white striations.
- Snowfall – A crisp white overlaid with thin gray veins.
- Silver Strand – A medium gray with a subtle silver shimmer.
- Weathered Slate – A hazy, blue-gray slate color.
- Dover Gray – A soft, warm medium gray with brown undertones.
- River Rock – A taupe/gray with dramatic dark gray veining.
- Shadow Cliff – A dark charcoal gray with bold white veining.
With its subdued, neutral hues and varieties of gray shades, the Serenity collection emits a soothing, spa-like vibe perfect for modern, transitional, or farmhouse styles. The colors work beautifully together, so mixing and matching Serenity tones within one space is easy.
Benefits of Serenity Quartz Countertops
There are many benefits that make Serenity an excellent choice for kitchen and bathroom countertops:
Aesthetic Versatility – With 10 elegant, on-trend neutrals to choose from, Serenity can match any design style. The soft tones and veining add visual interest without overpowering.
Durability – As an engineered quartz, Serenity is harder and more scratch, stain, and heat resistant than granite and marble. It can withstand heavy daily use.
Low Maintenance – Due to the resin binders, Serenity needs very little maintenance compared to natural stone. Simple cleaning with soap and water keeps it looking like new.
Hygienic – The nonporous surface inhibits germs and bacteria growth. This makes it an excellent choice for kitchens and baths.
Stain Resistance – The dense surface resists stains from spills, oils, juices, hair dyes, and more that can permanently mar natural stone.
Seamless Appearance – Long, wide quartz slabs allow for a seamless look. Serenity can be installed without grout lines for a smooth, continuous appearance.
Non-Toxic – Spectrum Quartz contains no harmful chemicals and emits zero VOCs, making it a healthy, non-toxic choice for homes.
Wide Availability – As a major brand, Spectrum Quartz is distributed nationally. Serenity slabs are readily available through most stone suppliers and fabricators.
With its stylish, spa-like aesthetic, durability, and easy maintenance, Serenity offers everything you could want in a kitchen or bathroom countertop material.
Real Customer Reviews of Serenity Quartz
Reviews from actual homeowners who have Serenity quartz countertops in their homes can provide helpful insights into the pros and cons of living with this material. Here are a few real customer reviews:
Sarah B. from Florida says:
“I love my new Serenity quartz counters! I chose Montvale for a light, airy look in my kitchen remodel. The soft gray pairs beautifully with my white cabinetry. I have two little kids so I wanted something durable, and Serenity has held up great to spills, stains, and scratches. The surface is so easy to clean too. I would definitely recommend Serenity!”
Robin K. from Oregon says:
”We used the Dover Gray Serenity quartz in our master bath renovation. It looks so high-end but didn’t break the budget. The warm gray is a perfect neutral that gives the space a spa-like vibe. I was worried about staining but it has resisted everything – even hair dye and nail polish spills from my teenage daughters! Clean-up is a breeze.”
James R. from Minnesota says:
“I love the look of natural stone but not the maintenance, so I took a chance on quartz. The River Rock Serenity has beautiful variation that mimics granite and marble but barely needs any upkeep. We use our island heavily for meal prep and homework and it still looks immaculate. I would definitely choose Serenity again.”
Linda T. from California says:
”We used Windham Cream Serenity for our kitchen overhaul. I wanted something light and bright but not stark white. The cream color is perfect – it feels warm, bright, and airy. With two kids and a dog, durability was essential. No stains or scratches so far, even with daily abuse. I’m so glad we picked Serenity quartz!”
The consensus among Serenity owners is high satisfaction with the durability, easy maintenance, and stylish neutral tones. Many mention they would happily use Serenity again or recommend it to others seeking an elegant,functional quartz.
Cost of Serenity Quartz Countertops
The cost of Serenity quartz countertops will depend on several factors:
- Your geographical location
- The size and layout of your space
- The thickness and edge treatments selected
- Whether you purchase slabs or prefabricated countertops
- Additional custom design elements
However, Serenity quartz generally costs $80-100 per square foot installed. This makes it a mid-priced option, comparable to other premium branded quartzes.
Here are some examples of estimated costs for common kitchen counter scenarios:
- Small galley kitchen (35 sq ft) – $2,800 – $3,500
- Medium kitchen (50 sq ft) – $4,000 – $5,000
- Large L-shaped Kitchen (75 sq ft) – $6,000 – $7,500
- Island (25 sq ft) – $2,000 – $2,500
Serenity quartz will generally cost more than lower-end quartz options but is still significantly less than natural stone. The 10-year commercial/lifetime residential warranty also provides great long-term value.
Your exact quote will depend on your specific plans. Be sure to get an itemized estimate from 3+ fabricators before finalizing your counters.
Pros & Cons of Serenity Quartz
Here is a summary of the key pros and cons to weigh when considering Serenity quartz:
Pros
- Stylish, spa-like neutral color options
- Extremely durable and scratch/stain/heat resistant
- Easy daily maintenance
- Resists harboring bacteria and germs
- Non-porous so spills don’t stain
- Seamless look possible with wide slabs
- Less expensive than natural stone
- Lifetime warranty provides peace of mind
Cons
- Less color/pattern options than natural stone
- Can show seams in certain applications
- Quartz lacks the prestige of exotic granite/marble
- More expensive than entry-level quartz brands
- Needs sealing for heavily used food prep areas
- Can chip from excessive impact
Overall, Serenity quartz offers significant durability and maintenance benefits over natural stone, with a beautiful spa-like aesthetic. The neutrals pair well with all color schemes. Just be aware seams may be visible in certain installations.
Is Serenity a Good Choice for Your Countertops?
Serenity quartz provides an excellent combination of aesthetics, functionality, and durability. Here are a few key questions to consider when deciding if it will meet your needs:
- Do you prefer soft, muted neutral tones over bold colors and dramatic patterns?
- Is it important your countertops withstand heavy daily use without showing wear?
- Do you want a low maintenance material that cleans up easily?
- Is having a sleek, contemporary look more important than an old-world stone aesthetic?
- Is staying within a mid-range budget critical?
If you answered yes to these questions, Serenity will likely be a perfect quartz selection for your home. Be sure to order samples to view tones in person before finalizing. Also, ask your selected fabricator about Serenity’s performance relevant to your specific plans.
While natural stone conveys a prestigious, Old World feel many love, the practical benefits of engineered Serenity quartz may be ideal for your needs. Consult with experts to determine if it’s the right surface material for your space and lifestyle.
Has Anyone Used Spectrum Quartz Serenity for Their Countertop?
Yes, many homeowners, designers, and builders have installed Serenity quartz. As you can see from the real customer reviews shared earlier, the feedback is very positive.
Owners love the soft, spa-like aesthetic Serenity provides. More importantly, they rave about the durability and low maintenance required. Serenity resists scratches, stains, and heat damage that can ruin natural stone surfaces over time.
Those with busy households and kids appreciate how impervious Serenity is to heavy usage and accidents. The quartz easily stands up to rowdy families and high-traffic spaces.
People who value easy cleaning also praise Serenity’s non-porous surface that simply needs a wipe down with soap and water. No sealants required. This keeps it looking pristine for years.
In summary, many real homeowners report being extremely satisfied after installing Serenity quartz counters. They find it an ideal combination of tranquility, functionality, and longevity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about Serenity quartz:
What colors in the Serenity collection are most popular?
The most popular Serenity shades appear to be Windham Cream, Ridgecrest, and River Rock based on customer reviews. These warmer beiges, grays, and taupes suit a wide range of styles.
What finish options are available?
Serenity slabs come in polished or satin finishes. Polished has a glossy shine, while satin is softly matte. Both are smooth and non-porous. Distressed finishes are not an option with quartz.
Can you add special touches like inlays or metallic accents?
Yes, fabricators can cut Serenity slabs to accommodate unique inlays, metallic mesh, stone or glass accents, runnels, and more. This lets you customize the look.
Does Serenity have heat resistance?
Yes. Serenity quartz is engineered to withstand brief exposure to temperatures up to 212°F without damage. However, prolonged direct heat can cause cracks or discoloration. Using trivets is still recommended.
How thick should Serenity counters be?
A thickness of 2 or 3 cm is best for residential kitchen counters. Go with 3 cm for floors or heavy commercial use. Thicker quartz is more resistant to impacts but also costlier.
Does Serenity need to be sealed?
Sealing is not required. However, sealing once a year can improve stain protection for heavily used food prep zones. A penetrating quartz sealer maintains the natural appearance.
Can you repair damage to Serenity quartz?
Minor damage like scratches or scuffs can be buffed and re-polished by a pro. But deep cracks, chips, or stains will likely require a replacement slab. The good news is damage is rare!
How long do Serenity countertops last?
With proper care, Serenity quartz can easily last 15-25 years or longer before needing replacement. This makes it a solid long-term investment that retains its value.
Conclusion
Serenity quartz countertops offer a beautiful, durable, and low-maintenance option perfect for modern kitchens and baths. If you love the look of natural stone but not the hassles, Serenity provides the best of both worlds.
With 10 elegant neutral colors to suit any design style, unbeatable scratch and stain resistance, and a sleek non-porous surface that cleans easily, it’s no wonder Serenity is one of Spectrum Quartz’s most popular collections.
Many real homeowners rave about the relaxed, spa-like energy Serenity brings to their spaces, along with enduring practically anything busy households can throw at it.
While the cost falls in the middle of the quartz price range, the long lifespan and warranty make it a valuable investment. Serenity quartz stands up beautifully over time with minimal care required.
If you have any other questions about Serenity, shopping for slabs, installation, or maintenance, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re happy to help you determine if these sophisticated yet sturdy quartz countertops are the right choice to outfit your dream home.