Quartz countertops have become one of the most popular options for kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects in recent years. But exactly how long have these engineered stone surfaces been around? The origins of quartz countertops can be traced back to the 1960s.
A Brief History of Quartz Countertops
The engineered stone we know as quartz was first developed by DuPont in the 1960s under the brand name Corian. While Corian was marketed more as a solid surfacing material rather than a countertop at the time, it did provide the technological basis for the quartz surfaces to come.
In the 1980s, more companies began experimenting with blending ground quartz crystals with resins to create a durable, non-porous surface material that could be molded into countertops and other surfaces. These early quartz products, including DuPont’s Zodiaq, were primarily marketed for commercial and industrial use.
By the 1990s, quartz surfaces finally started entering the residential countertop market. Companies like Cambria, Silestone, Caesarstone, and others began offering quartz countertop options designed for homes. Adoption was slow at first as granite and solid surface materials like Corian were more popular.
Quartz Countertop Popularity Takes Off in the 2000s
Quartz countertops really began gaining steam in the 2000s as technology improved, more color options became available, and prices started to fall. Major brands offered more quartz choices and better distribution, making the material more accessible.
Design trends also shifted to favor quartz’s clean, contemporary aesthetics and neutral palette. By the mid-2000s, quartz became one of the fastest growing countertop materials. By 2013, quartz represented over 10% of the annual countertop market.
Why Quartz Countertops Became So Popular
There are several key reasons why quartz surged in popularity for residential settings:
- Durability – Made from crushed quartz and resin, these countertops are incredibly hard and scratch resistant compared to natural stone and other materials. They hold up well to heavy daily use.
- Low Maintenance – Quartz resists stains, etching, and heat damage and never needs to be sealed like natural stone. Simple cleaning is all it needs.
- Consistent Patterns – The speckled patterns and veins in quartz are engineered for consistency. There are no major variations like with granite and marble.
- Neutral Tones – From sparkling whites to warm grays, quartz offers versatile, contemporary colors that fit with almost any design style.
- Affordability – As manufacturing costs fell, quartz became competitive cost-wise with higher-end granite and solid surface materials.
With this winning combination of practical advantages and aesthetic appeal, it’s no wonder quartz became the “go-to” material for upgrading kitchens and baths. After 50+ years of steady evolution, quartz now reigns supreme.
The Future of Quartz Countertops
Quartz has enjoyed an impressive rise over the past three decades to become a premier countertop choice. And this engineered stone product shows no signs of fading from popularity any time soon.
If anything, advancements in manufacturing and design will only make quartz an even more appealing option moving forward:
- New Styles – Expect to see more realistic marble and granite patterns along with creative styles mimicking concrete, wood, and other textures.
- Enhanced Durability – We’ll see quartz that’s optimized to resist heat, stains, and damage better than ever.
- Thicker Slabs – Slabs up to 2cm thick give quartz a more substantial, luxurious look and feel.
- Lower Prices – Increased competition and production improvements will help lower costs and make premium quartz more affordable.
- Eco-Friendly Materials – Greener resins and manufacturing will reduce quartz’s carbon footprint.
After transforming the countertop industry over the past 30+ years, the future looks bright for quartz surfacing. It has proven to offer an immensely popular combination of beauty, durability, and value that will keep it at the forefront of kitchen and bath design trends for decades to come.
FAQ About Quartz Countertops
How does quartz compare to granite countertops?
Quartz offers better stain, scratch, and heat resistance than natural granite. It also has more consistent coloring and patterns. But granite remains popular for its distinctive natural beauty and prestige.
What are the disadvantages of quartz countertops?
Quartz can be damaged by heavy impacts and doesn’t have the unique natural stone appearance that some homeowners prefer. Quartz also can’t be fabricated into as many ornate edge profiles as granite.
Do quartz countertops need to be sealed?
No, quartz countertops never require sealing like granite does. The resin binder makes quartz non-porous and highly resistant to stains and moisture.
Can you cut on quartz countertops?
Yes, quartz holds up exceptionally well to cutting and prepping tasks. Use a cutting board to be safest. The hard surface does dull knife edges faster than wood cutting boards though.
How long do quartz countertops last?
With proper care, quartz countertops can last 25 years or longer before needing replacement. Their durability and longevity are big selling points.
The Bottom Line
After debuting in the 1960s as an industrial material, quartz countertops gradually gained steam in residential settings over the 1990s and 2000s. Thanks to quartz’s ideal mix of fashionable aesthetics, lasting durability, and affordable pricing, it has emerged as one of today’s most popular and fastest growing countertop materials. With ongoing innovations, quartz surfaces are well positioned to remain at the forefront of kitchen and bathroom design trends for many years to come.