Caesarstone

Caesarstone is one of the leading engineered stone brands worldwide. They offer a wide array of colors and patterns including natural stone looks, concrete, and semi-precious metals. Caesarstone pros:

Highly durable and scratch resistant surface
Stain, heat, and burn resistant
Low maintenance
Lifetime limited warranty

Some popular Caesarstone collections include: Supernatural, Metropolitan, and Classico.

Cambria

Cambria is an American company that produces natural quartz surfaces. They are known for their innovative designs and variety of colors and patterns.

Benefits of Cambria quartz:

Made in the USA
NSF certified for food safety
Does not need to be sealed
Limited lifetime warranty

Popular Cambria lines include: Brittanicca, Marble, and Coastal Collection.

Silestone

Silestone originated in Spain and is now available worldwide. They have over 90 colors to choose from with unique textures and finishes.

Silestone is praised for:

Extremely durable surface
Stain, scratch, and heat resistant
Silestone Institute 25-year transferable warranty
Greenguard Gold certification

Some bestselling Silestone collections are: Eternal, Ocean Jasper, and Blanco Zeus.

Vicostone

Vicostone is a leading global quartz manufacturer founded in Vietnam. They specialize in premium Italian quartz.

Pros of Vicostone:

Highly scratch, chip, and heat resistant
Impressive variety of natural stone designs
Germ-resistant
Vicostone Lifetime Limited Warranty

Top Vicostone selections include: Ravini, Taj Mahal, and Roman Empire.

MSI

MSI offers an affordable collection of quartz countertops made in the United States. They have a wide spectrum of colors from neutral grays and beiges to bold blues and greens.

Benefits of MSI quartz:

Budget-friendly pricing
Low maintenance
Resistant to scratches, stains, and burns
15-year warranty

Favorite MSI collections are: Bianco Carrara, Calacatta Laza, and Starlight.

Other Notable Brands

There are many other reputable quartz brands that provide high-quality countertops, such as:

LG Viatera – known for metallics and unique glossy finish
Wilsonart – huge variety of colors and patterns
Hanstone – premium Korean-made quartz
Dupont Zodiaq – made in the USA, Greenguard Gold Certified
Quartzforms – budget-friendly brand with natural stone collections

What to Look for When Choosing Quartz Countertops

With many quartz brands to pick from, it helps to know what features to consider when selecting quartz countertops for your next kitchen or bath remodel. Important things to look for include:

Appearance

Quartz offers a wide array of colors, patterns, finishes, and textures to fit your style. Look through the full color selections of a brand to find an attractive option.

Popular neutral hues are whites, grays, and beiges. For a pop of color, many brands offer blues, greens, reds, and blacks. Metallic and glass fleck finishes are also available.

Determine the aesthetic you want and ensure the brand has those options.

Durability

Quartz countertops are arguably the most durable kitchen and bathroom option next to granite. They resist scratches, stains, burns, and damage from daily wear and tear.

Select a reputable brand that offers at least a 10-year warranty. Higher priced quartz tends to be of better quality and come with longer warranties up to lifetime coverage.

Price

Quartz is priced within the range of $50-150 per square foot installed. Materials, complexity of installation, and branding will affect the cost.

MSI, Vicostone, and Quartzforms are good options for budget quartz around $50-80 per square foot.

Higher-end Silestone, Caesarstone, and Cambria cost $100-150 installed.

Set a budget and find options within your desired price point. Consider it an investment into a countertop that will last for years.

Certifications

Look for quartz that has earned certifications from reputable organizations. These include:

NSF – screens for food safety hazards
Greenguard – tests for chemical emissions
BREAAM – focuses on sustainability and environmental health

Certifications indicate responsible manufacturing processes.

Warranty

A strong warranty gives you peace of mind your countertops are covered. Standard quartz warranties range from 10 years to lifetime:

10-year limited – MSI, Vicostone
15-year limited – LG Viatera
20-25 year limited – Silestone
Lifetime limited – Cambria, Caesarstone

Be sure to read what damage is covered, warranty transferability to new owners, and non-prorated coverage.

Popular Uses for Quartz Countertops

Thanks to their unparalleled durability and stain resistance, quartz countertops are well suited to the high traffic areas of kitchens and bathrooms. Here are some of the most popular uses of quartz in home remodels:

Kitchen Counters

Quartz withstands hot pots, sharp knives, spills, crumbs, and all the messy wear that kitchen counters endure. Neutral colored quartz is ideal for either contemporary or traditional kitchen designs.

Kitchen Islands

Large kitchen islands can act as a gathering place and bar area. Quartz offers an attractive, no-maintenance surface for kitchen islands that matches surrounding cabinetry.

Bathroom Vanities

Bathroom vanities see their fair share of splashes, drips, and beauty products that can damage surfaces. A quartz vanity top is an excellent choice to withstand bathroom conditions.

Backsplashes

Quartz backsplashes beautifully coordinate with countertops of the same material. Full slabs are often cut to size for a seamless transition from countertop to backsplash.

Bathroom Showers

Quartz makes a practical yet luxurious shower wall and floor surface. Non-porous quartz won’t harbor mold or bacteria growth common in showers.

Laundry Rooms

Laundry rooms require durable surfaces that can handle bleach, dyes, and other laundry chemicals. Quartz delivers on safety, cleanability, and moisture resistance.

Benefits of Quartz Countertops

There are many advantages that make quartz an exceptionally functional and low maintenance choice for countertops. Benefits include:

Extreme Durability

Quartz surfaces are engineered with quartz crystals and resins for superior durability. They resist scratches, chips, cracks, and dents better than granite or marble.

Stain Resistance

Quartz repels water and oil-based stains from wine, coffee, food, and more that can ruin other surfaces. Simple soap and water cleaning keeps quartz looking like new.

Heat Tolerance

Quartz can withstand heat up to 212°F without damage. This makes it safe for hot pots and pans in kitchens. However, prolonged heat exposure should be avoided.

Non-Porous

With very low porosity, quartz does not require sealing or harbor bacteria growth. This makes quartz an ideal choice for kitchens and bathrooms.

Easy Maintenance

No sealing or polishing is needed for quartz countertops. Simple cleaning with soap and water keeps quartz in impeccable shape for years.

Stylish Options

From sleek modern designs to convincing natural stone looks, quartz offers endless options to match any style. New patterns and finishes are frequently released.

Considerations When Choosing Quartz

While quartz has many perks, there are a few considerations to keep in mind when weighing your countertop options:

High Initial Cost

The upfront cost of quartz is notably higher than laminate countertops. Quartz runs $50-150 per square foot installed compared to $10-40 per square foot for laminate. The investment pays off long-term in durability and longevity.

Requires Professional Installation

Quartz countertops must be cut and installed by experienced professionals. This adds labor costs versus DIY-friendly tile or laminate. Be sure your installer has expertise specifically with quartz.

Seams May Be Visible

Depending on layout, quartz often requires sections to be seamed together. Well-done seams are barely noticeable but not invisible like a natural stone slab.

Avoid Prolonged Sun Exposure

Quartz can be prone to discoloration when exposed to bright, direct sunlight. Ensure countertops get minimal direct sunlight.

Can Chip if Mistreated

While very durable, quartz can potentially chip from excessive force or pressure from hard objects. Avoid abuse and quick impacts.

Limited Recyclability

Due to the resins used in manufacturing, quartz cannot be recycled like natural stone. However, some brands may offer trade-in programs.

Caring for Quartz Countertops

Caring for quartz is simple with proper cleaning and avoidance of damage:

For day-to-day cleaning, use a mild detergent or stone soap and warm water. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth.
Immediately wipe up spills, especially oils, wines, and acidic substances that may stain if left over time.
Avoid using abrasive cleaners, scouring pads, and powders that can dull the finish.
Do not expose to strong chemicals like paint removers, oven cleaners, etc. Rinse off immediately if contact occurs.
Prevent damage by using cutting boards and trivets for hot items. Never cut directly on a countertop.
Avoid sitting or placing heavy loads on countertops that may cause unrepairable chips and cracks.
Re-seal countertops annually as regular maintenance, using a product formulated for quartz.

With proper care, quartz countertops will withstand years of use and continue looking like new in kitchens and bathrooms. Be sure to follow manufacturer guidelines for maintenance. Contact a pro immediately for chip and scratch repairs to prevent further damage.

Quartz Countertop FAQs

What makes quartz different than granite or marble?

Quartz is an engineered stone made from crushed quartz, resins, and pigments. Granite and marble are natural stones mined from quarries. Quartz offers better consistency, durability, and stain resistance versus natural stone.

How durable is quartz?

Quartz is remarkably durable and resistant to scratches, chips, cracks, heat, stains, and bacteria growth. With proper care, quartz countertops can last decades.

Do quartz countertops need to be sealed?

Quartz does not require regular sealing like granite or marble. However, annual sealing is recommended to ensure surfaces remain stain-resistant.

Can you cut on quartz countertops?

Avoid cutting directly on quartz. Always use a cutting board to protect from scratches, chips, and damage that cutlery can inflict.

Can quartz chips be repaired?

Yes, minor chips and cracks in quartz can often be repaired by professional technicians. Ensure any damage gets fixed quickly before expanding.

Can you etch designs into quartz?

Yes, custom etching is possible with quartz to create unique designs. This must be done by a specialized fabricator prior to installation.

Is quartz more expensive than granite?

On average, both materials are similarly priced at $50-150 per square foot installed. However, high-end granite may exceed quartz, while lower tiers of quartz can be cheaper than common granite.

Do quartz countertops increase home value?

According to realtors, upgrades like quartz countertops can increase resale value 3-5x their cost. Quartz offers visual appeal and longevity buyers are willing to pay more for.

Conclusion

With an outstanding combination of durability, visual appeal, and low maintenance, it is easy to see why quartz has become the fastest growing countertop material. There are many reputable quartz brands to choose from that offer their own unique selections of colors, patterns, and textures to complement your space. Be sure to review important considerations like appearance, durability, price, certifications, and warranties when selecting the perfect quartz surfaces. With proper care and cleaning, quartz countertops will stand the test of time and provide lasting beauty in your home.

What are quartz countertop brands?