Quartz countertops, also known as engineered stone, have become an increasingly popular option for kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects in recent years. But not all quartz countertops are created equal. There are different grades and quality levels to choose from when shopping for quartz countertops. Understanding the differences can help you select the best quartz countertop to fit your needs and budget.
An Overview of Quartz Countertop Grades
Quartz countertops are typically grouped into three main quality tiers:
Low (or Economy) Grade
This bottom-tier option includes basic, no-frills quartz countertops. Low grade quartz is composed of about 90% ground quartz mixed with 10% polymer resins and pigments. The quartz particles tend to be more coarse and varied in size. The resin also tends to be lower quality.
Low grade quartz is budget-friendly but lacks the consistency, durability and aesthetics of higher quality options. It’s best suited for rental properties or DIY installations where looks are less important. Brands include Silestone Valente, Caesarstone Classico, and Viatera Basis.
Middle (or Standard) Grade
The mid-range quartz grade offers better performance and visuals than low grade options. The quartz content remains around 90% but higher purity quartz and higher quality polymer resins are used.
The quartz particles are more finely ground and uniform in size. This results in a smoother, more consistent appearance. Middle grade quartz performs well for most kitchen or bath applications. Brands include Silestone Lyra, Caesarstone Clamshell, and Cambria Brittanicca.
High (or Premium) Grade
Top-tier quartz incorporates the highest purity quartz particles and most advanced resin technology. The quartz content can exceed 93% on premium brands. The particles are finely ground and carefully screened to ensure flawless consistency.
Premium grade quartz offers superior stain, scratch, and heat resistance. It comes in the widest variety of colors and patterns to mimic natural stone. High end quartz countertops offer exceptional beauty and durability for a refined, luxury look. Brands include Silestone Eternal, Caesarstone Supernatural, and Cambria Ellesmere.
Evaluating Visual Characteristics by Grade
Beyond the material composition, the different quartz grades can be distinguished by their aesthetic qualities:
Color Consistency
- Low grade quartz often has blotchy areas or color variations throughout the slab.
- Middle grade quartz has improved color uniformity but may still have some faint color inconsistencies visible on close inspection.
- Premium quartz exhibits extremely consistent, uniform coloring across the entire slab surface.
Pattern Consistency
- Low grade quartz tends to have more variation in the pattern and veining distribution.
- Middle grade has decent consistency but some pattern irregularities may be visible.
- High end quartz has flawless pattern consistency and Convincing Movement across the slab.
Particulate Visibility
- In low grade quartz, individual quartz particles and specks are more noticeable to the eye.
- Middle grade has reduced particulate visibility but some grains may be faintly discernible upon close inspection.
- Premium quartz has a smooth, uniform appearance with no visible particles or specks.
Clarity
- Low grade quartz is prone to pitting, pinholes and surface irregularities that detract from clarity.
- Middle grade quartz has moderate clarity with few pits or blemishes. Some waviness may be visible at certain angles.
- High end quartz has exceptional clarity and smoothness for a glass-like surface luster.
How Performance Differs by Quartz Grade
Aside from looks, the grades of quartz also differ significantly in their durability and performance:
Hardness and Scratch Resistance
- Low grade quartz rates about 5-6 on the Mohs mineral hardness scale, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the hardest. It’s prone to knicks and scratches from knives or abrasive cleaners.
- Middle grade quartz rates around 7 on the hardness scale. It holds up moderately well to regular wear and tear. Some scratches may occur over time.
- Premium quartz rates up to 9 on the hardness scale, nearing the hardness of diamond. It maintains its smooth surface for years even with heavy usage.
Stain Resistance
- Low grade quartz can absorb stains from spills, especially pigmented liquids like red wine. Stains may or may not be removable.
- Middle grade quartz has decent stain resistance properties. Stains won’t absorb but may leave a residue if not cleaned promptly.
- High end quartz has maximum stain resistance and will repel most spills. Even if stains try to set in, they can be easily removed.
Heat Tolerance
- Low grade quartz can scorch or crack under moderate heat exposure, especially from hot pans directly on the surface. Trivets are needed.
- Middle grade quartz can withstand some heat but prolonged direct contact may still cause damage. Trivets are recommended.
- Premium quartz is engineered to resist temperatures up to 212°F-482°F for short periods. No trivet needed for typical cooking usage.
Chip and Crack Resistance
- Low grade quartz chips fairly easily on the edges and corners. Cracks can form over time from normal use.
- Middle grade quartz has improved resilience but chips and cracks are still possible under impact or excessive force.
- High end quartz rarely chips and stands up exceptionally well to daily wear and tear without cracks forming.
Popular Brands by Grade
Some of the top quartz manufacturers produce different product lines to cover low, middle and high grade offerings. Here is a look at some of the most popular quartz brands categorized by grade:
Low Grade
- Silestone Valente – Basic Silestone quartz line at opening price points.
- Caesarstone Classico – Most affordable option from Caesarstone.
- Cambria Jura – Lower tier Cambria quartz with smaller quartz pieces.
- LG Viatera Basis – Entry level quartz from LG’s Viatera brand.
- Quartzforms Ovation – Low priced quartz available at home improvement chains.
Middle Grade
- Silestone Lyra – Well-priced Silestone option with vibrant colors.
- Caesarstone Clamshell – Mid-grade Caesarstone with added quartz content.
- Cambria Brittanicca – Popular mid-range Cambria quartz in various colors.
- MSI Q Premium – Middle tier quartz lines from MSI.
- Hanstone Bella – Mid-range Hanstone quartz line.
Premium Grade
- Silestone Eternal Collection – Highly engineered, top of the line Silestone quartz.
- Caesarstone Supernatural – Caesarstone’s high end designer quartz line.
- Cambria Ellesmere – Luxury Cambria quartz with striking designs.
- LG Viatera Hi-Lite – Premium Viatera quartz from LG with 93% quartz content.
- Quartz Master Sparkling – High end quartz marketed for its brilliance and radiance.
How Much Does Each Grade Cost?
Pricing varies somewhat by brand and color, but here are some typical installed price ranges for each grade level:
- Low Grade: $40-$65 per square foot installed
- Middle Grade: $65-$100 per square foot installed
- High Grade: $100-$150+ per square foot installed
The premium high-end quartz options offer the most dramatic and luxurious looks, but come at a price. Middle grade quartz provides the best value for money, offering decent durability and aesthetics at moderate price points compared to low and high grade products.
Should I Choose Low, Middle or High Grade Quartz?
Choosing the right quartz grade comes down to your budget, needs and design priorities:
Consider Low Grade If:
- You are on a tight budget.
- Looks are not a top concern.
- You want a basic no-frills option.
- It’s for a rental or secondary property.
Choose Middle Grade For:
- A good value balance of quality and price.
- Dependable mid-range performance.
- Kitchens or baths that get moderate usage.
Splurge on High Grade For:
- Maximum durability under heavy usage.
- Minimal maintenance and upkeep over time.
- Luxurious looks and designer styles.
- Large open concept kitchens as a focal point.
Achieving the Look You Want Within Your Budget
The key is to find the sweet spot between the visual appeal, performance level and price point that best suits your situation. Here are some tips:
- Set a firm budget and stick to it. Prices climb rapidly from low to high grade.
- If budget is limited, focus spend on kitchen counters or high use areas vs. bathrooms or laundry rooms.
- Weigh the trade-offs of going with middle grade throughout vs. high grade on key surfaces.
- Use low grade quartz for backsplashes or secondary surfaces to offset higher grade counters.
- Ask your installer about combining different grade slabs to maximize looks while minimizing cost.
Properly Caring for Your Quartz Countertops
To get the most out of your investment in quartz counters regardless of grade, be sure to properly care for them:
- Always use cutting boards, trivets and hot pads to minimize impact and heat damage.
- Clean up spills immediately to prevent possible staining.
- Use non-abrasive gentle cleaners and avoid scouring pads.
- Reseal quartz every 1-2 years with an impregnating sealer to maintain stain resistance.
- Use furniture leg pads under heavy appliances or objects to prevent stress cracks.
Proper care extends the beauty and longevity of any quartz countertop installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the main difference between low and high grade quartz?
The key differences are in the purity of the quartz used, grinding and consistency of quartz particles, quality of resins, and manufacturing process precision. Higher grades use purer quartz, finer grinding, better resins and tighter quality control for superior aesthetics, hardness and durability.
Does low grade quartz stain more easily?
Yes, low grade quartz is more prone to absorbing stains from spills compared to higher grade options, especially darker pigmented liquids like wine, juice or sauces. Quick cleanup is critical.
Will low grade quartz crack or chip more easily?
Low grade quartz lacks the strength and resilience of higher grades, making it more susceptible to chipping on corners or edges, as well as hairline cracks forming over time from regular use.
Does premium quartz require less maintenance?
Yes, top tier quartz stands up exceptionally well to heavy daily use, keeping its smooth polished surface for years with minimal care needed. It offers maximum stain, scratch and heat resistance.
Is middle grade quartz durable enough for commercial use?
It depends on the specific application, but middle grade quartz can potentially work for some commercial settings like office break rooms, bathrooms or service counters that don’t see extremely heavy traffic and abuse.
Does quartz grade make a big difference in appearance?
There can be a noticeable difference between low, middle and high grade quartz in color consistency, particulate visibility, pattern distribution and clarity. Higher grades provide a more uniform, smoother and refined visual look.
Final Thoughts
When shopping for quartz, it pays to understand the performance and aesthetic differences between low, middle and high grade options. Paying a little extra for middle or high grade quartz is typically worth it for a beautifully durable countertop surface that maintains its good looks for the long haul. A reputable fabricator can help guide you through the grades and colors to find the best quartz countertops for your needs and budget. With a bit of care and maintenance, quality quartz countertops should provide many years of enjoyment.