Choosing quartz countertops for your kitchen or bathroom remodel? With so many options on the market, it can be tricky to discern high-quality quartz from lower-end products. Here’s a detailed guide on how to assess the quality of quartz countertops before you buy.
Check the Quartz Brand
The brand of quartz is your first indication of quality. Not all quartz is created equal. Stick with top manufacturers like Caesarstone, Cambria, Silestone, and Zodiaq. These companies have stringent quality control standards and use high-purity quartz in their engineered stone slabs. Lesser known or generic brands often cut corners in production, resulting in lower-quality quartz.
Examine the Pattern Consistency
High-end quartz has very consistent speckling and veining patterns throughout each slab. There should be no blotches or abrupt changes in the pattern. Seams between slabs should be barely noticeable when installed. Lower quality quartz can have blotchy or uneven pattern distribution or obvious seams where slabs meet.
Look at the Edge Finish
Inspect the edges and make sure they are smoothly finished. Quality quartz slabs will have crisp, clean edges cut to uniform dimensions.stay away from slabs with rough, uneven, or chipped edges, which indicate lower manufacturing standards.
Evaluate the Surface Texture
Glide your fingers across a few quartz samples. Top-tier quartz has a glass-like feel that’s smooth and consistent across the surface. Low-grade options may have areas with a rough texture or uneven spots across the slab.
Assess Durability
High-quality quartz countertops are extremely hard and scratch resistant. They can withstand heavy daily use without showing signs of wear. Test hardness and durability by firmly pressing your fingernail into a few samples. Lesser quality quartz will be more prone to scratches and indentations.
Check Thickness
Higher-end quartz slabs are usually 1.25 inches thick or more. Thinner options under 1 inch sacrifice durability. Make sure your quartz countertops will be at least 1.25 inches thick, or ideally 1.5 inches for heavy duty use.
Confirm Non-Porousness
Quartz should be non-porous and stain resistant. To check, splash a few drops of water on a sample and see if they bead up on the surface. If the water absorbs immediately, it indicates lower quality, porous quartz.
Evaluate Warranty Coverage
Top quartz brands offer warranties of 10 or 15 years. Make sure any quartz you choose comes with at least a 10 year manufacturer warranty for defects and durability. Lesser warranties can signify lower confidence in quality.
See Slabs in Person
Never select quartz slabs from just a small sample. Visit the distributor or fabricator to inspect full size slabs firsthand. This allows you to thoroughly evaluate the color, pattern consistency, surface finish and edge details on actual slabs you’ll be purchasing.
Ask About Certifications
Reputable quartz brands will have certifications like Greenguard Gold that indicate their products meet stringent standards for low VOC emissions. These certifications are signs of manufacturing excellence and product quality.
Get References on the Fabricator
Even high-quality quartz can be ruined by a poor fabrication job. Ask for references on the specific fabricator who will be cutting and installing your slabs. Be sure they have extensive experience with quartz and a reputation for flawless cutting, seaming, and installation.
Understand Pricing
Quartz is priced per square foot based on quality, pattern, color, and other factors. Better quartz costs $70-$120 per square foot installed. Very cheap quartz under $50 per square foot is likely to be lower in quality and durability.
By keeping these tips in mind when selecting quartz, you can feel confident you are getting long-lasting, high-end countertops that will perform beautifully for years in your home. Carefully inspect each factor, ask the right questions, and take your time deciding. Although quality quartz is an investment, it’s one that will pay dividends every time you use your beautiful new countertops!
Frequently Asked Questions About Quartz Countertop Quality
How thick should quality quartz countertops be?
Quality quartz slabs are usually 1.25 inches thick or thicker. 1.5 inches thick is ideal for heavy use areas. Thinner, cheaper slabs under 1 inch are more prone to damage.
Can you repair chips or cracks in quartz countertops?
Minor chips and cracks can be filled in with color-matched filler. But extensive damage is hard to repair seamlessly. High-quality quartz is less likely to chip or crack with proper care.
What makes some quartz more expensive than other quartz?
Higher-end quartz brands command higher prices due to factors like reputation, quality control, pattern uniqueness, consistency, durability, and warranty coverage.
How durable and heat-resistant is high-quality quartz?
Top quality quartz is extremely durable and can resist scratches, stains, chips and heat up to 212°F. Lower quality options are more vulnerable to damage.
Should quartz countertops have seams?
Seams are typically necessary between quartz slabs but should fit together tightly and be barely noticeable. Poor quality fabrication can result in highly visible, unsightly seams.
What does quality certification mean for quartz countertops?
Certifications like Greenguard Gold indicate quartz meets strict standards for low VOC emissions during manufacturing. They verify product quality and safety.
Is a higher warranty always better when buying quartz?
Generally, yes. Longer warranties of 10 or 15 years indicate the brand’s confidence in the quality and durability of their quartz products.
What are signs of low-quality quartz countertops?
Signs include uneven texture, blotchy patterns, rough edges, thin slabs under 1 inch thick, low durability, porosity, quick water absorption, and limited or no warranties.
Should I ask for references from a quartz fabricator?
Absolutely. A fabricator’s experience and track record with quartz is crucial. Verify they can deliver flawless slabs and fabrication for your project.
Conclusion
When shopping for quartz, patience is key – take time inspecting brands, patterns, samples, certifications, warranties, and fabricator referrals. Refuse to compromise on quality, even if it means extending your timeline slightly. By doing your homework, you can ensure your investment yields beautiful, long-lasting quartz countertops that stand the test of time and add value to your home.