Quartz countertops have become an increasingly popular option for kitchen and bathroom remodels in recent years. Made from engineered stone, quartz combines natural quartz crystals with resins and pigments to create a durable, stylish, and low-maintenance surface. With many colors, patterns, and finishes to choose from, it’s easy to find quartz countertops to match your design aesthetic. But what companies actually manufacture quartz slabs and countertops? Here’s an overview of some of the major brands to know in the quartz countertop industry.
Caesarstone
One of the pioneers of engineered quartz surfaces, Caesarstone was founded in Israel in 1987. They remain one of the largest quartz manufacturers in the world today. Caesarstone offers a wide range of colors and patterns like their popular White Attica and Piatra Grey. They have selections from subtle solid surfaces to dramatic designs like their Metropolitan and Excava collections. Caesarstone quartz is known for quality, durability, and style.
Silestone
Part of the Cosentino group based in Spain, Silestone is another leading producer of quartz surfaces for countertops and other applications. They’ve manufactured quartz since 1990 and offer unique textures and finishes like suede, polished, and volcanic. Some popular Silestone quartz collections include Blanco Zeus Extreme, Calacatta Gold, and Eternal Marquina. Cosentino also produces Dekton, an ultracompact surface composed of a mixture of raw materials used to make glass, porcelain, and quartz.
Cambria
Based in Minnesota, Cambria is a major American-made producer of quartz surfaces. Launched in 2000, Cambria has grown rapidly and is now sold throughout the United States and Canada. Cambria offers designs like Brittanicca Gold, Ella, and Seagrove Beach in a polished or matte finish. They focus on creating natural-looking quartz with plenty of depth and movement. Cambria quartz comes with a lifetime limited warranty.
MSI
Headquartered in Orange County, California, MSI (M S International) manufactures a wide range of quartz, porcelain, ceramic, and other engineered stone products. Their branded Everest Quartz line includes popular options like the white Destiny, beige Sandstone, and bold Emerald colors. MSI quartz comes in polished and concrete finishes and is made in the USA.
Viatera
Viatera is a quartz surface brand offered by LG Hausys, a subsidiary of the LG Corporation based in South Korea. Available in the US and Canada, Viatera quartz comes in unique styles like metallics, sandblasted textures, and large format slabs. Some bestselling options are Super White, Italian Marfil, and Scandinavian Blue. Viatera can be purchased from local distributors and fabricators.
HanStone Quartz
HanStone Quartz is manufactured by Hanwha L&C, a global construction products company based in South Korea. HanStone offers quartz surfaces for residential, commercial and industrial applications. Their color collections include Classico, Prime, and the vivid Velvet series. HanStone has state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities using Bretonstone technology. They distribute their quartz products worldwide.
Other Major Brands
Some other popular quartz countertop manufacturers include:
- Samsung Radianz – Made by Samsung, available in several countries.
- Compac – A Spanish company selling quartz worldwide since 1988 under the Compac and Filarte brands.
- Vicostone – A high-end quartz producer from Vietnam with distribution across Asia, Europe, the US and Canada.
- Quarella – Manufactured in Turkey and available in over 50 countries worldwide.
- Quartzforms – A made-in-the-USA brand available nationwide.
- Santa Margherita Quartz – An Italian company making quartz slabs since 2005.
So in summary, while quartz was first popularized by European companies like Caesarstone and Silestone, today quartz is manufactured globally by brands big and small. Made from natural quartz and resins, it remains one of the most popular choices for kitchen countertops worldwide.
What is Quartz Countertop Material Exactly?
Before getting into the specific manufacturers, it helps to understand what quartz countertops are exactly. Quartz countertops are made from engineered stone. Natural quartz crystals are combined with resins and pigments under heat and pressure to form slabs. The slabs are then cut to size and polished to make countertops and other surfaces.
Here are some key facts about quartz countertops:
- Made from about 90% ground natural quartz and 10% polymer resins and pigments.
- Much harder and less porous than natural stone like granite.
- Resists stains, scratches, heat, and chips better than other countertop materials.
- Contains natural bactericidal qualities.
- Available in a wide range of colors and patterns.
- Offered in different surface finishes – polished, matte, concrete, etc.
- Needs very little maintenance compared to natural stone.
So in a sense, quartz combines the look of high-end natural stone with excellent durability and practicality. The resins make quartz non-porous and resistant to damage. This explains why quartz has surpassed granite as the most popular material for today’s kitchen countertops.
Leading Manufacturers of Quartz Countertops
Now that we’ve covered the basics of engineered quartz, let’s look at some of the major companies manufacturing quartz slabs and countertops today.
Caesarstone
Founded in 1987, Caesarstone is one of the original innovators and largest producers of quartz surfaces. Based in Israel, they operate factories in several countries and have global distribution. Caesarstone has been a leader in developing technology and methods for engineering quartz. Some of their most popular colors include:
- White Attica – A bright, clean white with subtle gray veining.
- Pure White – A crisp, stark white quartz.
- Symphony Grey – A dark, dramatic charcoal color with white veining.
- Clamshell – A light beige with faint gray patterning.
In addition to solids, Caesarstone offers quartz slabs with bold designs like Metropolitan and Excava that mimic natural stone, concrete, metals, and other materials.
Silestone
Owned by the Spanish company Cosentino, Silestone is another pioneering brand in quartz manufacturing. Founded in 1990, they were one of the first companies to produce engineered quartz on a large scale. Some popular Silestone colors include:
- Blanco Zeus Extreme – A top selling, ultra-white Silestone quartz.
- Eternal Calacatta Gold – Mimics the look of rare, premium Calacatta marble.
- Eternal Marquina – Inspired by black Marquina marble with distinctive white veining.
- Miami Vena – Has subtle gray veins against a clean white background.
Silestone offers polished, suede, and even volcanic textures. They also produce Dekton, an ultracompact engineered surface made of glass, porcelain, and quartz.
Cambria
Based in Le Sueur, Minnesota, Cambria is a leading American-made producer of natural quartz surfaces. Founded in 2000, Cambria has rapidly grown into a popular brand found in thousands of kitchens and bathrooms across the USA and Canada. Some bestselling Cambria quartz collections include:
- Brittanicca Gold – A rich gold color with faint white veining.
- Ella – A bright, clean white quartz.
- Seagrove Beach – Neutral tone with wispy light blue and gray veins.
- Langdon – Dramatic deep blue gray with a matte finish.
Cambria offers their quartz in polished and matte finishes. Their designs are inspired by natural stone but engineered with ideal performance characteristics.
MSI
Headquartered in Orange County, California, MSI (M S International) is a major producer of quartz, porcelain, ceramic, and other engineered stone. MSI operates several manufacturing facilities in the United States. Their in-house branded quartz line is Everest Quartz, with popular options like:
- Destiny – A bestselling, bright white quartz.
- Sandstone – A light beige quartz with a stone-like texture.
- Valentino – Vivid blue gray color inspired by natural minerals.
- Emerald – Deep green with light veins and movement.
MSI quartz comes in polished and concrete-style matte finishes. It competes well on aesthetics, quality, and price.
Other Major Players
The quartz countertop industry is global, with manufacturers large and small located around the world. Some other leading brands besides the top players outlined above include:
- HanStone Quartz – Made by South Korean company Hanwha.
- LG Viatera – Manufactured by electronics giant LG’s surface division.
- Samsung Radianz – Produced by Samsung and sold in Asia, the US, and Europe.
- Compac – A Spanish company making quartz since the late 1980s.
- Vicostone – A high-end quartz brand based in Vietnam.
- Santa Margherita Quartz – Quartz producer from Italy available worldwide.
- Quarella – Turkish quartz manufacturer supplying products globally.
Finding the Best Quartz Countertops for Your Project
With so many options to choose from, selecting the right quartz can be overwhelming. Here are some tips for finding the best quartz countertops for your kitchen, bath or other applications:
- Look at quartz samples in person – photos don’t always capture the true color and finish.
- Consider how the tone fits your overall design – light, dark, neutral or colorful.
- Choose a finish (polished, matte, etc) based on your style preferences.
- Look for patterns and veins that provide visual interest.
- Ensure the brand offers the size you need – large islands need big slabs.
- Read reviews and comparisons to evaluate quality and durability.
- Make sure the manufacturer offers a solid warranty. Many warranties run 10-15 years.
- Ask about lead time – some popular colors and brands may require ordering weeks in advance.
- Get quotes from experienced, reputable fabricators and installers.
While all the major quartz brands offer quality products, comparing options directly can help you make the best choice. Be sure to review the full color palette and sizing options for brands on your short list. With some smart planning, you’ll end up with gorgeous, durable quartz countertops that stay looking like new for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What company makes the best quartz countertops?
Some of the highest rated and most popular quartz brands include Caesarstone, Cambria, Silestone, and MSI Everest. All manufacture high quality, stylish engineered quartz slabs. However, the “best” quartz ultimately depends on your personal design tastes and needs.
Is quartz better than granite?
Quartz is harder, more stain resistant, and requires less maintenance than natural granite. Quartz also comes in more color options. But granite remains popular for its unique natural patterning. Both can work well in kitchens.
What quartz colors are most popular?
Whites, beiges, grays, and darker neutrals tend to be most in demand. Caesarstone White Attica and Silestone Blanco Zeus Extreme are two of the most popular white quartz colors. Cambria Brittanicca Gold is also widely installed.
Is quartz expensive?
Quartz is priced similarly to natural stone, averaging $60-100 per square foot installed. More premium designer quartz brands can be costlier. The total depends on slab size and thickness, edging treatments, etc. Quotes from experienced professionals are recommended.
How long do quartz countertops last?
With proper care, quartz countertops can last many decades. Most quartz comes with a 10-15 year manufacturer warranty. But many countertops continue looking great for 20+ years with minimal maintenance.
Conclusion
Engineered quartz has boomed in popularity thanks to key manufacturers like Caesarstone, Cambria, Silestone, and MSI. Made from ground quartz and resins, quartz offers the look of high-end stone with more durability and easier care. With so many color options available, it’s easier than ever to find the perfect quartz countertops to fit your home’s style. Be sure to review samples firsthand, evaluate quality and warranty coverage, and work with experienced local professionals to get beautiful, lasting results from your quartz countertop project.