Quartz countertops have become one of the most popular choices for kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects in recent years. But what exactly is quartz countertop material and what makes it such an attractive option for homeowners?
An Introduction to Engineered Stone Countertops
Quartz countertops fall under the category of engineered stone. Engineered stone is made from about 90% ground natural quartz crystals combined with around 10% polymer resins and pigments. The quartz crystals come from granite, marble, and other natural stones. This combination results in an incredibly durable, non-porous, and low-maintenance countertop material.
Engineered stone goes through a manufacturing process to create the countertop slabs. The quartz crystals and resins get combined and poured into a mold to form a slab. The slab then goes through vibrations and vacuum sealing to remove any air pockets. This compacting process gives quartz its renowned density and hardness. The slabs get polished into the lustrous, glossy finish that quartz is known for.
So in summary, quartz countertops consist mainly of quartz aggregates held together by polymer resins. The end result is a man-made engineered stone that replicates the look of natural stone but with added benefits. Let’s explore the pros and cons of quartz countertops next.
The Pros and Cons of Quartz Countertops
Pros:
- Extremely durable and scratch resistant: Quartz scores very highly on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, rating around a 7 or 8 out of 10. This makes it much more scratch resistant than other countertop materials like granite (6 on the Mohs scale) or marble (3 on the Mohs scale). It can withstand years of regular use without marked signs of wear.
- Low maintenance: Quartz requires very little maintenance compared to natural stone. It does not need regular sealing or polishing. Simple cleaning with soap and water is enough to keep it looking like new.
- Resistant to stains, heat, and burns: The non-porous surface makes quartz highly resistant to stains from spills. It can withstand brief exposure to hot pots and pans without burning or discoloration.
- Consistent pattern and color: The manufacturing process creates a uniform look. The pattern and color tone remain consistent across the entire countertop with no natural variation.
- Wide range of colors and patterns: From neutral whites and creams to bold blues and blacks, quartz comes in a vast array of colors. Metallic flecks and veining effects mimic natural stone. There are endless options to match any design aesthetic.
Cons:
- Higher cost: Quartz typically costs more than granite or marble, ranging from $80-150 per square foot installed. It is one of the more expensive countertop options.
- Man-made material: As an engineered stone, quartz lacks the uniqueness and natural beauty of genuine granite or marble. The uniformity of the pattern can seem artificial to some.
- Seams are more noticeable: The quartz slabs come in smaller sizes, so countertops often require more seams that are visible. Natural stones can have fewer, less noticeable seams.
- Limited heat resistance: While quartz can withstand brief exposure, prolonged direct heat can cause damage. Using trivets for hot pans is recommended.
- Requires professional installation: Quartz countertops must be cut and installed by experienced professionals. Homeowners cannot easily DIY the installation.
Popular Brands of Quartz Countertops
The engineered stone industry has been steadily growing since quartz was first introduced as a countertop option in the 1990s. Several leading brands have emerged as top choices among homeowners and designers:
Cambria:
As one of the early pioneers of quartz countertops, Cambria has built a reputation for crafting beautiful designs. They offer a wide variety of neutral and bold patterns tailored to any style. Cambria provides a lifetime limited warranty, making it a sound long-term investment.
Caesarstone:
This leading brand is known for technological innovations like enhanced heat and scratch resistance. Caesarstone’s vast color palette includes unique options like oceanic blue tones. Their quartz surfaces are designed for long-lasting quality and performance.
Silestone:
Known for constantly updating its collection, Silestone provides over 90 color and texture options. They have an eclectic mix of tones from serene whites to vivids like emerald green. Silestone offers a 25-year transferable warranty.
MSI:
With nature-inspired styles, MSI has organic-looking quartz featuring realistic veining, shells, fossils, and geodes. Their Q Premium Natural Quartz comes with a 15-year warranty.
DuPont Zodiaq:
This quartz manufacturer pioneered many innovations in engineered stone and continues to be a leader in the industry. Zodiaq provides a diverse array of premium styles and reliable performance.
How Quartz Countertops Are Made
Understanding the manufacturing process helps explain why quartz makes such a superior countertop material in terms of durability, hardness, and range of design. Here is an overview of how quartz countertops are made:
- Quartz material like crystals and aggregates get mined and then finely ground into a powdery resin.
- Pigments get added to achieve the desired colors and patterns. The resin gets tinted to create quartz slabs that mimic natural stone appearances.
- The ground quartz gets combined with polymer resins and other binders then poured into molds.
- The molded slabs go through a high-pressure vacuum process to compact the material together and remove any air pockets.
- Vibrocompaction vibrates the slabs, further densifying the quartz to create a solid slab.
- The slabs get cured in a kiln then polished on both sides into a smooth, consistent finish.
- After inspection, the slabs are ready for cutting and fabricating into custom countertop sizes.
- At the installation site, the fabricated quartz countertop gets securely attached to the cabinetry using adhesive and seam sealers.
So quartz countertops start as waste byproduct from other stone processing then get meticulously engineered into an extremely hard, non-porous slab ideal for countertops. The manufacturing innovations allow quartz to mimic luxury stones like marble and granite.
The Appearance of Quartz Countertops
One of the appeals of quartz is that it comes in a diverse array of colors, patterns, finishes, and textures. Here’s an overview of the different visual styles available:
Solid Color Tones:
The most basic quartz countertops feature a single, uniform pigment throughout the slab. Options range from creamy whites to bold dark colors like crimson red or midnight black. The tone stays consistent across the entire surface.
Patterned and Veined:
Many quartz slabs incorporate veining, speckles, and streaks that emulate the look of natural stone like marble or granite. Metallic mica flecks can create sparkling styles. The patterns are created from added pigments so the veining does not go all the way through like a natural stone.
Iridescent and Translucent:
Some quartz incorporates ground semi-precious stones and recycled glass pieces to achieve an ethereal, translucent effect. The crystals and glass create a luminescent, shimmery appearance.
Multi-Layered:
By pouring different colored resins into the mold, manufacturers can create quartz with a layered look. For example, a neutral taupe topped with grey veining across the surface. The layered effect adds depth and dimension.
Textured Finishes:
On top of the color and pattern, different finishing techniques alter the overall texture. A glossy polished finish gives a smooth, glassy impression. Matte and honed finishes make the surface feel soft and almost suede-like. Different quartz can mimic surfaces like concrete, linen, marble, or leather.
With limitless color and texture combinations, quartz offers extreme versatility in design styles. Even within the same quartz line, no two slabs will be exactly alike due to the use of natural quartz crystals and other materials. This gives each countertop a unique look.
Pros and Cons of Quartz Patterns and Finishes
The different patterns and surface finishes of quartz each have their own advantages and disadvantages:
Solid colors
- Pros: Provides a uniform, seamless look. The minimal pattern shows less wear over time. Pairs well with bold cabinetry.
- Cons: Can seem plain without any veining or mottling for added visual interest. Shows fingerprints and water spots more readily compared to busier designs.
Veined patterns
- Pros: Mimics high-end natural stone for an elegant look. Hides signs of normal wear better than solid colors. Provides depth and texture.
- Cons: Veins may not perfectly match up across seams. Busy granite-like patterns show soil more than solid colors.
Polished finish
- Pros: Deep, glossy shine. Easier to clean. Highlights the vibrant colors and shimmer of the quartz.
- Cons: More likely to show water spots, fingerprints, and any etchings over time. Requires sealing for protection.
Honed/matte finish
- Pros: Soft, smooth, almost suede-like finish mutes shine. Hides surface markings better than polished.
- Cons: Requires more frequent cleaning and maintenance to keep free of grease buildup. Marks can appear etched into the surface.
How Durable and Heat-Resistant is Quartz?
Two of the biggest selling points of quartz countertops are durability and heat resistance. But how well does quartz actually perform?
Durability:
The compressed quartz crystals make engineered stone extremely dense, hard, and scratch-resistant compared to other natural stones. In fact, quartz measures about a 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, compared to a 6 for granite and a 3 or 4 for marble.
In home use, quartz stands up remarkably well to heavy usage without significant nicks, cuts or abrasions. The resins create a waterproof surface that will not etch or corrode from regular exposure to liquids.
However, quartz is not impervious to damage. Cuts from sharp knives or blows from heavy, pointed objects can potentially chip the edges. Dropping a very heavy item on a corner can cause cracks as well. But with proper care, quartz counters should perform extremely well for decades before signs of deterioration.
Heat Tolerance:
While resistant, quartz does have its limits regarding heat exposure. The resins can lose their adhesion when exposed to very high temperatures. This means direct contact with extremely hot pots and pans fresh off the stove could potentially cause small cracks or discoloration.
Quartz manufacturers generally advise using trivets or hot pads when placing cooking items directly on the surface. Temperatures above 300°F can start to carry a risk of damage. Brief contact with hot plates or mugs is not an issue, but prolonged exposure to extreme heat may cause gradual damage over time. With routine care and trivet use, quartz has excellent heat tolerance for a busy kitchen.
Quartz vs. Granite: Key Differences
For many homeowners, the decision comes down to quartz versus natural granite for their new countertops. Here are some key differences and similarities between these two premium surfaces:
- Appearance: Granite has an organic, natural beauty with random veining and patterns. Quartz offers more consistent speckles and veins. Granite can have dramatic color variations within a slab while quartz provides uniform coloring.
- Durability: Both offer excellent durability. Quartz rates slightly higher on hardness while granite remains very resilient. Granite can potentially etch from acidic liquids.
- Maintenance: Quartz requires virtually no maintenance while granite needs periodic sealing. Granite is more prone to staining.
- Heat tolerance: Quartz can withstand brief contact with hot items but prolonged heat can damage the resin. Granite is very heat tolerant.
- Cost: Quartz is typically more expensive, ranging from $80-150 per square foot installed compared to $40-100 per square foot for granite.
- Application: For heavy day-to-day use, quartz often gets recommended over granite due to the lower maintenance requirements. Granite can work well when proper sealing is maintained.
Both offer attractive options that add value and luxury to a home. Quartz provides modern uniformity while granite delivers timeless natural elegance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Quartz Countertops
Does quartz need to be sealed?
Unlike granite, quartz does not require sealing. The resins create a non-porous surface that will not absorb stains. However, sealants can be applied to help protect the surface from etching or water damage.
How often do quartz countertops need to be polished?
Proper cleaning is typically adequate to keep a quartz surface shining like new. Polishing is generally not required except perhaps once every 3-5 years for a worn or damaged top. Professional refinishing can restore the glossy polished sheen.
Is there a big difference between quartz brands?
While manufacturing processes are similar, quality can vary somewhat between brands. Market leaders like Caesarstone, Cambria, and Silestone tend to offer exceptional durability, patterns, warranties, and overall performance.
Is quartz environmentally friendly?
As an engineered stone containing recycled content, quartz has some eco-friendly attributes. But the mining and production of the material does entail environmental impacts. Overall, quartz falls somewhere in the middle of the sustainability spectrum.
Can you cut on quartz countertops?
It’s best to use a cutting board to protect from deep cuts in the surface. The edges and delicate areas around sinks can chip if impacted with hard, sharp objects. But normal chopping and slicing will not significantly damage a quartz counter.
Does quartz stain easily?
Quartz has excellent resistance to stains thanks to its non-porous surface. Spills do not absorb into the material. However, certain materials like ink, dye, or wine can leave a residual stain if not wiped up quickly. But quartz is far less prone to staining than marble or limestone.
Do quartz countertops give off radon?
Natural granite contains trace amounts of uranium that can produce radon gas emissions. However, quartz uses ground quartz crystals rather than full slabs of natural stone so radon is generally not a health concern. Quartz should not produce any measurable radon.
How thick are quartz countertops?
A standard quartz countertop slab is 1.25 inches thick. Thicker options like 1.5 inches can provide even greater strength and durability. The thickness ensures the countertop can support heavy use for years without cracking.
Conclusion
With its many advantages, it is easy to see why quartz has become such a coveted material for kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects. The durability, minimal maintenance needs, resistance to scratches and stains, and custom appearance make quartz a sound investment in your home’s surfaces.
While the initial cost is higher than other countertop options, the longevity and performance of quartz pays off in the long run. By understanding what quartz countertop material consists of and how it compares to natural stone surfaces, homeowners can make an informed choice on the perfect material to match their needs and design vision. With proper installation and care, quartz countertops will retain their elegant beauty for decades.