Diamond quartz is an engineered stone made from quartz crystals combined with resins and pigments. It is an increasingly popular material for kitchen and bathroom countertops due to its durability, low maintenance, and stylish appearance. Here is a detailed overview of what diamond quartz countertops are, their benefits and drawbacks, price range, and how they compare to other countertop materials.
What is Quartz?
Quartz is one of the hardest minerals found in nature, made up of silicon and oxygen atoms. It is commonly found in granite and sandstone. Quartz is valued for its hardness and resistance to both physical and chemical damage.
Engineered quartz slabs are made by combining ground quartz crystals with resins, polymers, and pigments under heat and pressure. The resins bind the quartz particles together to form a durable, non-porous surface. Varying the ratio of quartz to resins results in different levels of strength and flexural properties.
How Diamond Quartz Countertops Are Made
- Quartz crystals are mined and then crushed into a fine powder.
- The powdered quartz is combined with polyester resins, polymers, and color pigments.
- The mixture is compacted into slabs using a vacuum and vibration process.
- The slabs are molded into the desired thickness and polished to a smooth, glossy finish.
- Slabs are cut to size for installation as countertops, backsplashes, vanities, and other applications.
Benefits of Diamond Quartz Countertops
Diamond quartz offers many advantages over natural stone and other countertop options:
Extremely Durable
- Highly resistant to scratches, heat, and stains.
- Does not easily chip or crack.
- Non-porous surface inhibits bacteria growth.
Low Maintenance
- Little to no sealing required.
- Resists most household chemicals and cleaners.
- Easy to clean with soap and water.
Stylish Appearance
- Available in a wide variety of colors and patterns.
- Realistic stone and marble looks.
- Modern and contemporary aesthetic.
Non-Toxic
- Does not emit radon gas like some natural stones.
- Safe for food prep surfaces.
- hypoallergenic.
Drawbacks of Diamond Quartz
While quartz offers significant advantages, there are some potential drawbacks to consider:
- Higher cost than laminate and some stone surfaces.
- Can be damaged by excessive heat.
- Seams are visible between slabs.
- Limited number of suppliers.
- Repairs and replacements may be challenging.
- Cannot match natural stone patterns.
Diamond Quartz Countertop Cost
On average, expect to pay $50-100 per square foot installed for diamond quartz countertops. The total cost depends on:
- Slab quality and pattern – Prices range from value collections ($50/sq.ft) to premium designer collections ($100+/sq.ft).
- Edge treatments like bullnose or ogee edges. Built-up edges increase labor time.
- Complexity of the installation – More cutouts and seams will increase labor costs.
- Local market prices for installation.
Diamond quartz usually costs more than laminate but is competitively priced with many natural stones and solid surface materials like Corian. The durability and low maintenance make it cost-effective in the long run.
How Diamond Quartz Compares to Other Countertop Materials
Here is how diamond quartz compares to popular countertop options on key factors:
Granite
- Durability – Quartz is harder than granite.
- Maintenance – Quartz requires less sealing than porous granite.
- Cost – Similar installed cost, granite may be cheaper for basic grades.
- Styles – Granite has more distinct natural patterns.
Marble
- Durability – Quartz is much more scratch and stain resistant than marble.
- Maintenance – Marble requires frequent sealing.
- Styles – Marble has a classic, elegant look quartz cannot duplicate.
- Cost – Marble is often cheaper than quartz.
Laminate
- Durability – Quartz is superior in durability, heat and scratch resistance.
- Maintenance – Laminate requires more frequent cleaning.
- Cost – Laminate is typically 3-4 times cheaper than installed quartz.
- Styles – Quartz offers more pattern choices than laminate.
Solid Surface (Corian)
- Durability – Both materials are highly durable.
- Maintenance – Similar non-porous, low maintenance.
- Cost – Corian is often cheaper.
- Styles – Corian has fewer patterns but unlimited seamless looks.
FAQs
Does diamond quartz need to be sealed?
No, diamond quartz does not require sealing due to its non-porous nature. This provides an advantage over natural stone counters like granite and marble that must be regularly sealed.
Is diamond quartz heat resistant?
Diamond quartz has moderate heat resistance but can be damaged by extreme heat. It is suggested to use trivets or hot pads when placing hot pans directly from the oven or stove top. Brief exposure to normal cooking heat should not cause damage.
What are the best diamond quartz brands?
Some of the top brands for diamond quartz countertops include Caesarstone, Cambria, Silestone, MSI, LG Viatera, and DuPont Zodiaq. Many brands offer their own unique colors, patterns, warranties, and price points.
Is diamond quartz environmentally friendly?
Diamond quartz contains over 90% natural quartz, giving it some eco-friendly attributes. Production does use resins and energy for manufacturing, but quartz counters are non-toxic and inert once installed. They can last decades, avoiding replacement waste.
Can you repair damage to a diamond quartz countertop?
Minor damage like light scratches may be repaired by a professional through polishing. For chips, cracks, or major damage, the affected section of the countertop will likely need replacement. Fortunately, quartz rarely chips or stains through normal use.
Conclusion
Diamond quartz offers a stylish, low maintenance, and extremely durable alternative to both natural stone and laminate countertops. The engineered stone combines the resilient properties of quartz minerals with the flexibility of polymers and resins to create a strong, non-porous surface. With competitive pricing and designs mimicking high-end marble and granite, quartz is increasing as a favorite choice for busy kitchens and baths. While no material is flawless, diamond quartz provides an optimal balance of form and function.