Quartz countertops are becoming an increasingly popular option for kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects. Unlike natural stone, quartz is an engineered stone made from crushed quartz crystals combined with resins and pigments. This allows quartz to come in a wide array of colors and patterns not found in natural stone countertops. Here is an overview of the many colors and styles that quartz countertops are available in.
White Quartz
Crisp, clean white quartz countertops are a popular choice for modern, minimalist kitchen designs. White quartz options include:
- Pure White – A bright, crisp clean white with no flecks or veining. Provides a smooth, streamlined look.
- White Diamond – Sparkling white background with occasional flecks of silver mica for added dimension.
- Snowy White – Has a bright white background with subtle gray veining for a marble-like aesthetic.
- Cloud White – A warm white tone with faint gray veining throughout. Perfect for farmhouse style kitchens.
White quartz countertops pair beautifully with light or dark cabinetry and add a spacious, airy feel to kitchens and baths. The nonporous surface resists stains better than white marble.
Gray Quartz
Gray quartz brings a soft, elegant mood to kitchen and bath designs in lighter, dove greys to dark charcoal hues. Choices include:
- London Gray – Subtle gray tone with faint white veining. Has an understated, organic look.
- Concrete Gray – Medium gray with a mottled appearance like a weathered concrete sidewalk.
- Nightfall – Dramatic dark gray, nearly black background with white veining. Stunning and sophisticated.
- Uba Tuba – Rich gold and gray swirls resembling natural stone. One of the most popular quartz colors.
The versatility of gray quartz allows it to work with stainless steel, white, or dark cabinets for transitional to modern designs. The darker options add cozy warmth.
Black Quartz
For a bold, dramatic look, black quartz countertops are sure to make a statement. Options range from matte black to styles with shimmering mica flakes.
- Jet Black – A deep, inky solid black material with a smooth, matte finish.
- Blackstone – Black background with faint gray veining and white quartz chips for dimension.
- Nero Marquina – Inspired by the luxurious marble, this quartz has elegant white spiderweb veins.
- Black Pearl – Silvery-black base with pearlescent shimmer. Mimics onyx stone.
Black quartz pairs well with stainless steel appliances and light cabinetry to offset the dark drama. It also makes small spaces feel more intimate versus expansive.
Beige & Brown Quartz
Warm, earthy beiges and browns bring a touch of nature into home interiors. Great for rustic, farmhouse, or traditional spaces.
- Beach Sand – Light beige with a subtly textured look emulating natural sand patterns.
- Desert Gold – Rich creamy beige swirled with faint brown mineral-looking streaks.
- Chocolate Brown – Matte deep cocoa brown tones. Works well for masculine designs.
- Mountain Ridge – Dark brown background with prominent waves of darker grays and black. Resembles natural stone.
Softer beige and brown quartz countertops complement cabinets in lighter wood stains very nicely in more traditional kitchen settings. The colors reflect natural earth elements.
Colorful Quartz
While whites, blacks, grays, and beiges are prevalent, quartz also comes in vibrant hues to add pops of color to kitchens.
- Navy Blue – Deep blue tones create a moody, elegant look. Paired with white, it’s quite striking.
- Emerald Green – Vivid green tones ranging from sage to jewel tones can add youthful flair.
- Fiery Red – From rich cranberry to orangey reds, this hue provides a daring, energetic vibe.
- Vivid Yellow – Sunny, joyful shades of yellow from pastel to neon brighten up rooms.
Colorful quartz works best for very modern, eclectic spaces versus traditional designs. These dramatic colors make smaller kitchens appear even smaller though.
Patterned & Speckled Quartz
Unique quartz offerings feature speckled, flecked, or visual patterns to emulate natural granite, terrazzo, and other designs.
- Raincloud – White background with gray and black raindrop shaped flecks throughout.
- Terrazzo – Multicolored chips resemble vintage terrazzo floors popular in the 1950s-70s.
- Sandstorm – Warm beige tones with scattered black and copper flecks. Dimensional appearance.
- Taj Mahal – Vivid yellow with black and gray streaks resembling exotic granite.
Patterned quartz provides added visual interest over plain solid colors. The busier patterns work best in expansive kitchens and on large surfaces. Avoid speckled varieties if seeking a seamless look.
Quartz Countertop Edges & Finishes
In addition to selecting the color and pattern, coutnertop edges and surface finishes allow for further customization of the final look.
Edges:
- Straight – A flat 90-degree angle. Clean lined but prone to chipping.
- Bullnose – A rounded, smooth short curve. Most popular edge style.
- Ogee – An elegant indented s-shaped profile. Provides a decorative upscale appearance.
- Chiseled – Beveled edges resemble natural stone. Casual, textural look.
Surface Finishes:
- Polished – Ultra shiny, glossy, mirrors finish. Enhances solid colors. High-maintenance.
- Honed – Has a matte, soft, suede-like finish. Helps hide fingerprints and scratches.
- Textured – Special finishes such as metallic flecks or leathered textures for added interest.
Pros & Cons of Quartz Countertops
In comparison to other countertop materials like granite or marble, quartz has both advantages and disadvantages to weigh:
Pros:
- Extremely durable and scratch resistant surface
- Stain, heat, and acid resistant
- Easy maintenance with no sealing needed
- Wide array of colors and patterns
- Consistent pattern throughout versus natural stone
- Does not require conditioning oils
Cons:
- Less resale value than natural stone
- Can scorch at very high temperatures
- Slightly less heat resistance than granite
- Seams more noticeable than granite
- Limited exotic patterns compared to real stone
- Made from non-renewable resins and polymers
Cost of Quartz Countertops
Quartz is priced in the mid-range of popular countertop options, typically running $80-120 per square foot installed. It is less expensive than natural stone but pricier than materials like wood, laminate, tile, or concrete. Exact pricing varies by color, pattern, and edge treatments selected. White, beige, and grey quartz tend to be most affordable.
Is Quartz a Good Choice for Your Kitchen or Bath?
With the wide spectrum of colors and patterns available, quartz makes an excellent countertop choice for nearly any design style. For those seeking an attractive, low-maintenance surface that is ultra-durable, yet budget-friendly, quartz is sure to impress. Consult with a kitchen or bath designer to view quartz slabs in person and confirm it is the right material selection for your space and needs. With proper care and maintenance, a quartz countertop can provide many years of beauty and enjoyment.
In summary, quartz countertops are available in an endless array of whites, grays, blacks, beiges, browns, and vivid colors to suit any decor. From solid matte finishes to flashy speckled varieties, quartz provides unlimited options for customizing your kitchen or bath design. Consider important factors such as patterns, edges, and surface sheens when making your quartz countertop selection. With minimal maintenance requirements, superior durability, and timeless aesthetic, quartz is sure to be a cherished addition to your home for years to come.