Quartz countertops have become incredibly popular in recent years, and for good reason. Made from engineered stone, quartz combines the elegant look of natural stone with the consistent coloration, durability, and low maintenance of solid surfaces. When shopping for new countertops, quartz tops the list for many homeowners. But with so many options on the market, how do you determine the best quartz countertops? Here’s an in-depth look at the qualities that make quartz an excellent choice, along with the top quartz countertop brands to consider.
What Makes Quartz Such a Great Countertop Material?
Quartz countertops offer a winning combination of aesthetics and functionality:
Appearance
- Quartz mimics the veined, patterned look of natural stone but delivers more uniform coloring. It comes in a diverse array of styles, from solid colors to aggregate patterns that incorporate recycled glass, shells, and stones.
- Sleek and sophisticated, quartz offers the high-end look of granite and marble without the maintenance hassles.
- Seamless appearance, as quartz can be fabricated into large slabs with fewer seams.
Durability
- Extremely hard and scratch-resistant, more so than granite. Stands up well to heavy usage.
- Non-porous so spills don’t stain or soak in.
- Resists cracks and chips better than natural stone.
- Heat resistant, so hot pans can be placed directly on the surface.
Low Maintenance
- Never needs sealing or polishing to maintain its finish.
- Easy to clean with just soap and water.
- Does not harbor bacteria growth.
- Keeps its beautiful glossy finish for years with minimal upkeep.
With this winning combination of form and function, it’s no wonder quartz has surpassed granite as the most popular countertop material.
What Are the Top Quartz Countertop Brands?
Many companies now offer quartz countertops, but several top brands stand out above the competition. When selecting a manufacturer, consider reputation, selection, warranties, and pricing. Here are five of the best quartz countertop brands currently available:
1. Cambria
As the first company to produce quartz surfaces for countertops in the U.S., Cambria has established itself as a premier brand. They offer a vast array of stylish designs like Brittanicca, Ella, and Summerhill. Cambria’s quartz countertops come with a 10-year limited product warranty.
2. Caesarstone
This pioneering brand helped introduce quartz surfaces back in 1987. Caesarstone is known for technological innovations that make their quartz tougher and more flexible. Their Metropolitan and Rugged Concrete designs are very popular. They provide a 15-year limited product warranty.
3. Silestone
With over 90 color and texture options, Silestone gives homeowners abundant design flexibility. They also utilize proprietary HybriQ+ technology to make their quartz surfaces more durable and stain resistant. Silestone provides a 15-year limited product warranty.
4. MSI
Under their Q Premium Natural Quartz collection, MSI offers unique options like the vivid blues of Sea Pearl and bold greys of Bianco Flash. Their products come with a 15-year limited product warranty.
5. Vietri
Made in Alabama, Vietri quartz counters feature Italian craftsmanship and American manufacturing. Distinctive designs like Emperador Chrome and Ravinia Cream showcase artistic veining. Vietri offers a lifetime limited product warranty.
While these brands lead the quartz countertop market, there are many other reputable manufacturers to evaluate. Be sure to review warranties, prices, and color/pattern options as you shop. Consult a kitchen design showroom to see slabs in person.
How Much Do Quartz Countertops Cost?
Quartz countertops range in cost from $80-150 per square foot installed. Factors impacting quartz pricing:
- Brand – Higher-end manufacturers like Cambria charge more than value brands.
- Color/Pattern – Unique or intricate designs cost more. Solid colors are simplest and most affordable.
- Thickness – Standard thickness is 3 cm (1.2 inches). Go thicker for a sturdier feel.
- Edge Profiles – Decorative edges like bullnose and ogee raise the price. Basic square edges are the least expensive.
- Installation – Complex projects with greater fabrication/installation labor will cost more.
While quartz is pricier than materials like granite and laminate, it offers better durability and maintenance value in the long run. And advancements in manufacturing have made quartz more affordable in recent years.
Pros & Cons of Quartz Countertops
Like any material, quartz has both advantages and drawbacks. Consider these pros and cons when deciding:
Pros
- Highly durable and scratch resistant
- Requires minimal maintenance
- Resists staining, etching, and heat damage
- Antimicrobial, inhibits bacteria growth
- Available in myriad colors, patterns, and textures
- Seamless appearance achieves clean, contemporary look
Cons
- More expensive than laminate or tile
- Can chip if subjected to heavy impact
- Occasional appearance of hairline cracks due to natural settling
- Limited ability to repair seams or damage vs. natural stone
- Resists stains but not indestructible if subjected to strong chemicals
FAQs About Quartz Countertops
Q: How durable is a quartz countertop?
Quartz is one of the most durable countertop materials available today. It’s harder than granite and resists scratches, chips, cracks, and heat damage. However, quartz can be damaged by heavy impacts, so avoid slamming heavy objects on the surface.
Q: Can you cut on a quartz countertop?
Yes, quartz stands up well to normal kitchen wear and tear including cutting. Use a cutting board to protect the surface and avoid deep cuts and scratches.
Q: Do quartz countertops stain?
Quartz resists stains remarkably well because it’s non-porous, so spills cannot penetrate the surface. However, prolonged exposure to strong chemicals like paint removers or oven cleaners could potentially stain the surface.
Q: How do you clean quartz countertops?
For routine cleaning, simply wipe your quartz counters with a soft cloth and mild soap and water. No harsh chemicals needed. You can also use a stone cleaner formulated for engineered stone.
Q: Can you set hot pans on quartz?
Yes, quartz can withstand brief exposures to temperatures up to 300°F without damage, so hot pans are fine. However, prolonged direct heat could potentially cause cracks or discoloration. Use trivets for very hot cookware.
Q: Do quartz countertops need to be sealed?
No, quartz does not require sealing to prevent staining and damage. This is one of the major advantages over natural stone counters like granite or marble that must be regularly sealed.
Conclusion
With their elite combination of beauty, durability, and easy maintenance, quartz countertops offer homeowners an exceptional material to upgrade their kitchens and bathrooms. Leading brands like Cambria and Caesarstone provide an outstanding array of colors, patterns, and textures. While pricier than options like granite or laminate, quartz delivers excellent long-term value thanks to its longevity, stain resistance, and hassle-free upkeep. If you seek high-end elegance and performance for heavy use spaces, quartz undoubtedly ranks among the best countertop materials available today.