Quartz countertops have become extremely popular in kitchen and bathroom remodels due to their durability, low maintenance, and stylish appearance. However, with the rise in popularity comes an increase in low-quality or fake quartz being sold to unsuspecting homeowners. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to spot fake or poor quality quartz countertops.
Examine the Surface Closely
The first thing you want to do is take a close look at the surface of the quartz. Real quartz has a non-porous surface that is glossy and smooth. Run your fingers along the surface and see if you detect any pits, bubbles, or rough spots. Fake quartz often has a porous, bumpy or uneven surface.
Check the edges as well. High quality quartz slabs will have clean, smooth edges. Fake quartz may have rough, uneven edges.
Look for Consistent Veining and Coloring
Authentic natural quartz has very consistent veining and coloring throughout the slab. Manufacturers go through great lengths to ensure uniform distribution of grains and pigments.
Examine the entire surface and look for blotchiness or uneven color tones. Fake quartz often lacks uniformity.
Also check that the pattern alignment is continuous across seams. Poor quality quartz may not match up from one slab to the next.
Test Hardness with Everyday Items
Real quartz is extremely hard and scratch resistant. Try scratching the surface with a knife, nail, penny or other household metal item. Authentic quartz should be very difficult to scratch.
Fake or poor quality quartz may show light scratches. This test is one of the best indicators of authenticity.
Look for Chips, Cracks or Pits
Run your fingers along the entire surface, joints, edging and cutouts to check for any small chips, cracks, pits or gaps.
High quality quartz is fabricated from a single mold with precision cutting. Any damage or defects suggest a lower grade material.
Check Thickness of the Slab
Standard quartz countertops are 1.25 inches thick. Anything significantly less, like 0.75 inches, indicates a lower quality or compromised product.
Measure the thickness in several spots, especially around cutouts. Fake quartz is often thinner or irregular.
Ask About Country of Origin
Most major quartz manufacturers produce their slabs in the United States or Europe. Slabs imported from China or India are more likely to be low grade.
Reputable fabricators should know the brand and origin of the quartz. Be wary if this information is unknown.
Confirm Warranty Coverage
Authentic quartz comes with a warranty of 10-15 years. This covers any defects in materials or fabrication.
Ask to see a copy of the warranty. Fake or low quality quartz often has no or limited warranty.
Order a Sample Before Committing
Don’t decide on a quartz product by seeing a small sample alone. Order a full size slab sample before finalizing your decision.
Examine the full slab for consistency, thickness, hardness and quality. This will help avoid disappointment later.
Only Use a Trusted Fabricator
Find a fabricator that exclusively deals in reputable high-end quartz brands such as Caesarstone, Cambria, Silestone or LG Viatera.
Avoid shops that offer many lesser known or ambiguous quartz products. This is often a red flag.
By carefully inspecting the counter and asking the right questions, you can avoid buying a lower grade quartz sold as premium. For long lasting beauty choose quality over price alone. With an expert eye and patience, you’ll get authentic quartz countertops that will perform beautifully for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can you tell if quartz countertops are real?
Authentic quartz can be identified through consistent patterning, hardness, smooth surface, thickness (1.25 in), high-end branding, warranty coverage and trusted fabrication. Fake quartz lacks uniformity, is porous, easily scratched and thin.
What thickness should quartz countertops be?
Standard quartz countertops are 1.25 inches thick. High quality quartz does not vary significantly from this thickness, while fake quartz may be 0.75 inches or less.
Can quartz countertops stain?
Authentic quartz resists stains very well. However, lower quality or porous fake quartz can absorb stains over time. Always test stain resistance on a sample.
How much do quartz countertops cost?
Quartz countertops range from $80 – $140 per square foot installed. Very low prices under $50 sq ft often indicate fake or low quality materials.
How long do quartz countertops last?
Real quartz countertops last 10-15 years with proper care. Low quality quartz may need replacement much sooner due to damage or wear.
Conclusion
Spotting fake or low grade quartz is possible if you carefully inspect for surface quality, consistency, hardness, thickness, warranty coverage and trusted fabrication. Taking the time to test and validate the authenticity of the product will give you peace of mind and avoid disappointment. With an eye for detail, you can be confident your new quartz countertops are legitimate and built to last.