Quartz countertops have become incredibly popular in recent years as a beautiful, durable, and low-maintenance option for kitchen and bathroom remodeling. With many colors, patterns, and textures to choose from, it’s no wonder so many homeowners are opting for quartz. But with so many options, one question homeowners often have is – how many manufacturers of quartz countertops are there?
A Look at the Major Quartz Countertop Brands
While there are over 100 quartz manufacturers around the world, only a handful dominate the US marketplace. The top 5 quartz countertop brands by market share include:
Cambria
As the first company to manufacture quartz surfaces specifically for countertops in the US, Cambria has become one of the most recognized and trusted brands. They offer a wide variety of stylish designs and textures. Cambria quartz is made in the USA.
Caesarstone
One of the early pioneers of engineered quartz, Caesarstone was founded in Israel in 1987. They offer one of the largest color collections, including popular designs like White Attica and Piatra Grey. Caesarstone quartz is made in Israel and the USA.
Silestone
Part of the larger Cosentino group based in Spain, Silestone entered the US market in 2000. With over 90 color and pattern options, they are known for constantly releasing new on-trend designs. Silestone quartz is made in Spain and the USA.
LG Viatera
As part of the LG Corporation, Viatera is the luxury brand of quartz countertops. They offer unique high-end styles and delicate patterns. Viatera quartz is made in South Korea and the USA.
Quartz Master
Quartz Master was founded in Southern California in 2000 as a more affordable quartz option. They offer styles similar to Caesarstone and Silestone at lower price points. Quartz Master quartz is made in Vietnam.
Other Notable Quartz Brands
While not as widely available as the major brands, there are many other quartz manufacturers to consider:
- Hanstone – Founded in South Korea in 1982, they create natural-looking designs.
- Vicostone – A leading manufacturer in Vietnam with 200+ colors and patterns.
- Wilsonart – Using their laminate experience, Wilsonart launched their quartz line in 2006.
- Quartzforms – Known for their vibrant colors, unique textures, and 3D designs.
- Pental – A family-owned company creating premium quartz in the USA since 1976.
- MSI – MSI entered the quartz market in 2013. They offer lower-priced styles.
- Belenco – A Belgian company with an eclectic mix of modern and classic designs.
The Advantages of Variety Among Quartz Brands
With over a dozen major brands and many smaller manufacturers, quartz offers an extensive range of options for homeowners. The differences between quartz brands include:
- Unique colors, patterns, and textures that set them apart.
- Innovations in style, technology, and durability.
- Varying price points to suit different budgets.
- Blends of natural quartz with materials like glass, shells or metals for distinctive looks.
- Regional availability, as some brands are less common on the national level.
Having so many high-quality quartz manufacturers results in healthy competition within the industry. Brands are continuously striving to develop new styles and technological enhancements. This variety gives homeowners, builders, designers, and fabricators many choices when selecting the perfect quartz countertops.
How Are These Brands Making Quartz Countertops?
While techniques vary between different manufacturers, quartz countertops are all made in a similar way:
- Step 1: Natural quartz crystals are mined and then crushed into smaller pieces. This provides the strength, durability and sparkle.
- Step 2: The crushed quartz is combined with resins, pigments, and other proprietary ingredients. Different formulations impact the look and performance.
- Step 3: The mixture is compacted under intense pressure to create a solid slab. State-of-the-art vibrocompression technology is used for precision.
- Step 4: The slab is molded and heat cured in a kiln. This ensures a consistent surface and establishes the permanent color.
- Step 5: The slab is precision polished on both sides, resulting in the beautiful glossy finish of quartz.
- Step 6: Slabs are inspected and shipped to fabricators for installation.
While the process is fundamentally the same across brands, each manufacturer adds their own technologies and innovations to enhance the durability, aesthetics, and eco-friendliness of their quartz.
Key Takeaways: Understanding Your Quartz Options
- There are over 100 quartz manufacturers worldwide but 5 major brands in the US market – Cambria, Caesarstone, Silestone, Viatera, and Quartz Master.
- Beyond the top brands there are many other excellent quartz manufacturers to consider like Vicostone, Pental, Hanstone, and Quartzforms.
- Having multiple high-quality quartz brands results in more choices for colors, patterns, pricing, and regional availability.
- With so many options, it is important to review quartz samples from different brands to find the perfect one for your home.
- While production techniques vary, all quartz countertops start with mined quartz crystals and combine them with resins for durability.
So when embarking on your kitchen or bath remodel, keep in mind there are numerous quartz countertop manufacturers to choose from. Consult with a professional fabricator to view slabs in person and find the ideal quartz countertop to suit your style and budget. With the right brand choice, you can enjoy beautiful, practically maintenance-free countertops for years to come!