How is Quartz Countertop Sold?

Quartz countertops have become an increasingly popular option for kitchen and bathroom remodels in recent years. Made from engineered stone, quartz combines natural quartz crystals with resins and pigments to create a durable, stylish, and low-maintenance surface. Understanding how quartz countertops are sold can help homeowners make the right choices when selecting and installing these countertops in their homes.

Selecting a Quartz Brand and Style

There are many reputable quartz brands on the market to choose from. Top manufacturers like Caesarstone, Cambria, Silestone, and LG Viatera offer a wide selection of colors, patterns, and finishes. Homeowners should review quartz samples from their preferred fabricators to select the specific brand and style that best fits their design vision and budget.

Some things to consider when selecting a quartz style:

Color – Quartz comes in a nearly endless array of colors from neutral whites and creams to bold blues and blacks. Subtle patterns add depth and dimension.
Finish – Matte, polished, or textured finishes impact the look and feel of the surface. A glossy polished finish offers shine while textured options add interest.
Veining – Many quartz slabs incorporate veining in different colors and patterns to emulate the look of natural stone.
Thickness – Standard thickness is 3cm but thicker options like 4cm are available for a sturdier feel. Thinner 1-2cm pieces can be used for non-weight bearing surfaces.
Slabs vs. Tiles – Quartz is typically sold in large slabs but can also be purchased in smaller tile sizes. Tiles offer more design flexibility.

Selecting quartz material that fits within budget constraints and aesthetic goals is an important first step in the purchase process.

Finding Quartz Suppliers and Fabricators

Once a preferred quartz style has been chosen, the next step is finding local suppliers and fabricators to purchase and cut the slabs. Homeowners have a few options:

Quartz Retailers

Specialty showrooms that exclusively sell quartz. Allow you to view slabs in-person. May have limited fabricator connections.

Kitchen and Bath Design Stores

Showrooms focused on kitchen and bath design. Carry many brands of quartz and work with fabricators.

Big Box Home Improvement Stores

Large retailers like Home Depot and Lowe’s that sell quartz along with other building materials and products. Limited slab selection but offer installer connections.

Direct from Fabricators

Working directly with a qualified quartz fabricator can provide the best custom options. Skilled fabricators can source any slab material to cut precisely to your specifications.

Visiting showrooms and comparing quartz sample pieces is recommended to get a feel for the materials prior to purchase. Be sure to verify that the retailer or fabricator will handle professional installation.

How Quartz Slabs Are Priced

Quartz is an investment, typically priced between natural stone like granite and more affordable options like laminate. Exact quartz countertop costs depend on:

Quartz brand – Premium designers like Caesarstone are more expensive than value collections from Home Depot.
Slab size – Larger slabs cost more while smaller pieces like tiles are cheaper.
Color and pattern – More exotic styles with bold colors or intricate patterns increase cost.
Thickness – Thicker quartz slabs 3 cm+ are pricier than thinner 2 cm pieces.
Fabrication – Fabrication fees for cutting, edging, and installation impact total project investment.
Region – Pricing varies across different geographic regions. More options exist in high demand areas like major cities.

To budget for a new quartz countertop, expect to invest $80 – $120 per square foot for the combined materials and professional installation. Be sure to get a detailed quote from the retailer or fabricator.

Ordering Your Quartz Countertop

Once you have selected a supplier and settled on a specific quartz product, it’s time to place the order. This involves a few key steps:

Slab Selection – Visit the distributor or fabricator’s warehouse to personally select the exact slabs for your project. This ensures you get the aesthetic you want.
Measurements – The supplier will measure your existing space and create a template to ensure accurate cuts.
Fabrication Details – Discuss edging styles, sink and stove cutouts, overhang, and any other custom fabrication needs.
Project Timeline – Confirm expected order, fabrication, and installation timeframes. Most projects take 2-4 weeks from ordering to countertop installation.
Contract – Review and sign a contract detailing the product specifications, costs, production timeline, warranty information, and payment terms.
Deposit – Put down a deposit, typically 50% of the total balance due. This locks in your order and materials.

Be sure to frequently check-in during the fabrication process and inspect the final product before installation. Pay any remaining balance owed upon completion.

Professional Installation

Proper installation is critical to ensuring your new quartz countertop looks and performs as expected. Professional fabrication shops will handle removing old countertops, preparing the base cabinets, accurately cutting and securing the new quartz pieces, and cleaning up the workspace.

Here are some best practices for quartz installation:

Securely attach the quartz to base cabinets and undermount sinks with specialty adhesives, brackets, or other supports.
Carefully seal seams between countertop pieces and any joints near walls or between sections.
Smooth any rough or uneven edges for a flawless look.
Clean thoroughly to remove excess adhesives, dirt and dust from fabrication.
Inspect closely for any cracks, chips or defects before considering the job complete.

A reputable, experienced installer follows proven techniques to provide a hassle-free installation and professionally finished quartz countertop.

Caring for Quartz Surfaces

Once installed, quartz countertops require minimal maintenance to keep them looking like new for many years. Here are some best practices:

Use cutting boards and trivets to protect from knives, hot pans, etc. Quartz can be scratched or scorched without proper care.
Clean regularly with a mild soap and water. For stubborn messes, use a non-abrasive cleaner specifically designed for stone surfaces.
Avoid excessive pressure and harsh chemicals which can etch or discolor the quartz.
Reseal with a stone sealer every 1-2 years. Sealing minimizes stains from spills.
Inspect annually and re-caulk joints as needed to prevent moisture damage.

With routine care, a quartz countertop will maintain its radiant, like-new appearance and enjoy a long service life of 15-20 years or longer. Proper maintenance protects your investment in this attractive, functional and durable surface.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes quartz different than natural stone countertops?

Quartz combines ground quartz aggregate with polymer resins and pigments, making an engineered stone that is harder, less porous, and more flexible to work with than natural stone. It offers advantages like consistent coloring, limited veining, and resistance to scratches, cracks and heat.

What thickness should I choose?

The standard thickness for quartz countertops is 3cm, ideal for most applications. Go thicker (4cm+) for heavy usage areas like bakers’ benches. 2cm can work on vertical surfaces like bathroom walls.

What edge profiles are best for quartz?

Simple polished and rounded edges are great choices that complement most quartz styles. Decorative ogee, bevel, and eased edges also work well. More ornate edges may clash with quartz’s uniform patterns.

Can quartz be damaged by heat?

Quartz is heat resistant but prolonged direct heat exposure can cause discoloration or cracks. Always use trivets and hot pads to protect the surface. Accidental burns can often be sanded out by a pro.

How long does quartz fabrication and installation take?

Expect the whole process from order to installation to take 2-4 weeks. Fabrication typically takes 5-10 business days once slabs are in. Installation can often happen shortly after countertops are complete.

Does quartz need to be sealed?

Sealing quartz every 1-2 years can help minimize staining from spills. But it’s not strictly required. Quartz is non-porous unlike natural stone, but sealing provides an added layer of protection.

Quartz delivers the look of high-end stone coupled with low-maintenance durability. By understanding the purchasing process, care, and costs associated with quartz, homeowners can make smart choices installing this versatile material in their kitchens, baths, and other living spaces. With the right selection and fabrication, a quartz countertop will provide endless design options and lasting quality for years of daily use.

Conclusion

Quartz countertops offer unparalleled performance, beauty, and value. By researching reputable quartz brands, working with professional fabricators, carefully inspecting slabs, and following best practices for installation and maintenance, homeowners can enjoy worry-free, long-lasting quartz countertops that elevate their space. With the information provided in this article, you are now well-equipped to successfully purchase quartz, have it professionally installed, and keep it looking like new for years to come.