Quartz countertops have become increasingly popular in recent years as a beautiful, durable, and low-maintenance alternative to traditional countertop materials like granite, marble, and solid surface. But with so many quartz brands and options on the market, how do you determine what is truly the best quartz countertop? There are a few key factors to consider when selecting a top-quality quartz countertop for your home.
Durability and Strength
One of the biggest appeals of quartz is its extreme durability and strength. Made from ground natural quartz crystals combined with polyester resins and pigments, quartz countertops are engineered to be non-porous, stain-resistant, scratch-resistant, and heat-resistant – making them an ideal choice for busy kitchens.
When evaluating quartz countertops, look for brands that have high quartz content (93% or more). The higher the quartz composition, the harder and more impervious to damage the countertop will be. A high-quality quartz countertop should easily withstand heavy usage, drops, scratches, stains, burns, and more. It can last for decades with proper care.
Some of the most durable quartz countertop brands include:
- Caesarstone – Up to 93% natural quartz with excellent scratch, stain, and heat resistance.
- Silestone – Made with up to 94% quartz for superior durability.
- Cambria – Contains up to 93% quartz and is backed by a lifetime limited warranty.
- Vicostone – Up to 93% quartz composition. Extremely hard and dense.
- LG Viatera – 93% quartz for a surface that can withstand heavy impacts.
Aesthetic Options
In addition to strength, today’s quartz offers an incredibly diverse range of colors, patterns, and visual textures to give your kitchen or bath a unique look. From muted solid tones to bold variegated designs, there are endless options for personalizing your space.
Some brands known for their stellar aesthetic options include:
- Silestone – Over 90 distinct color and texture choices from vivid solids to stunning marbled looks.
- Caesarstone – Elegant designs including pops of color, minimalist concrete effects, and swirled marbling.
- Cambria – Beautiful natural stone and geode looks with delicate veining and crystals.
- PentalQuartz – Crisp solid colors, creative patterns, and designs inspired by natural stone.
- MSI – Stylish solid hues, subtle movement from aggregates, and unique decorative accents.
When choosing for aesthetics, select a color and pattern that aligns with your overall design vision for the space. Look for tone-on-tone patterns for a subtle effect or bold variances for high visual impact. View slabs in person to get a true sense of the look.
Non-Porous Properties
A key advantage of quartz over natural stone is that it does not need to be sealed. Because it is non-porous, quartz repels liquids, preventing stains from absorbing into the surface.
When shopping, inquire about the porosity factor of specific quartz brands. The lower the porosity, the better the stain resistance. Here are some low-porosity quartz lines:
- Silestone – Extremely low 0.04% porosity with integrated Microban® antimicrobial protection.
- LG Viatera – Under 1% porosity for maximum stain protection.
- Wilsonart – Non-porous and backed by a 15-year stain protection warranty.
- Hanstone – Ultra-low porosity design to prevent deep stains.
- Cambria – Impervious non-porous surface with zero sealing required.
Avoid porous quartz options, which can harbor bacteria and require frequent sealing. The best quartz countertops have negligible porosity.
Price Considerations
Quartz is priced as a premium countertop material, ranging from $50-150 per square foot installed depending on the brand. In general, higher quartz content, pattern complexity, brand reputation, and special features will increase the price.
However, quartz remains comparable or lower in cost than natural stone, with the added perks of consistent coloration, non-porousness, and greater flexibility in fabrication.
Here are some factors to weigh regarding quartz pricing:
- Quartz Percentage – Higher quartz content equates to higher cost.
- Pattern Details – Intricate veining and mottling is pricier than solids.
- Thickness – Thicker slabs 3+ cm have greater material costs.
- Special Finishes – Unique polished, matte, or textured finishes can increase cost.
- Brand Reputation – Leading brands like Caesarstone and Silestone come at a premium.
- Fabrication Requirements – Complex edging, cutouts, etc. can raise installation price.
While cost is a consideration, it’s worth investing in a top-tier quartz brand you love rather than settling for a lower-priced option with questionable durability or looks. Quality quartz should last for many years, making it a worthwhile investment in your home.
Leading Quartz Brands
With so many quartz suppliers currently on the market, it can be difficult deciding which brands rise to the top. Here is an overview of some of the highest-rated and most recommended quartz brands when choosing a countertop:
Caesarstone
One of the pioneers of engineered quartz, Caesarstone remains a leader in innovation and durability. Pros include:
- Provides over 90 distinctive color and finish options including convincing marble and concrete visuals.
- Made with up to 93% crushed quartz for superior strength and hardness.
- Has stain, scratch, chip and heat resistance comparable to granite but requires no sealing.
- Offers a lifetime limited warranty.
- Available in polished, textured and matte finishes.
Silestone
Known for its stunning range of colors and enduring performance, Silestone is a popular choice. Highlights include:
- Contains up to 94% quartz for extreme durability.
- Provides over 90 unique color and texture options with striking visual depth.
- Integrated Microban® helps inhibit bacteria growth.
- Backed by Silestone’s 25-year transferable warranty.
- Stainproof and scratch-resistant.
Cambria
Made in the USA, Cambria’s designs mimic the look of exotic natural stones. Key advantages:
- Made from up to 93% pure quartz.
- Features creative designs like marbling, geodes, and semi-precious crystals.
- Stain, scratch, chip and heat resistant.
- Remains glossy without polishing or sealing.
- Offers a lifetime limited warranty.
Vicostone
Known for outstanding strength and resistance to damage, Vicostone is ideal for busy kitchens. Notable features:
- Contains up to 93% premium quartz for exceptional durability.
- Provides resistance to impacts, scratches, stains, heat, and more.
- Distinctive designs ranging from polished solids to textured finishes.
- Backed by a lifetime limited warranty.
- Non-porous so no sealing is required.
LG Viatera
A high-end option, LG Viatera combines superior performance with stunning aesthetic options:
- Made with 93% quartz for maximum toughness and density.
- Over 80 beautiful patterns including realistic marble and stone visuals.
- Less than 1% porosity provides formidable stain resistance.
- Withstands scratches, chips, cracks, heat, and more.
- Comes with LG’s limited lifetime warranty.
No matter which brand you select, always check durability certifications and warranty coverage. And don’t hesitate to request free samples to see slabs in person before deciding. This helps ensure you get the look and performance you want from your quartz investment.
Pros and Cons of Quartz Countertops
Quartz has many advantages that make it a top choice for today’s kitchens and baths. But it’s important to also consider a few potential downsides before making your decision.
Pros:
- Extremely strong and durable
- Resists scratches, stains, burns, and more
- Easy maintenance with no sealing required
- Hygienic non-porous surface
- Greater flexibility for complex designs than natural stone
- Color and pattern consistency between slabs
- Long lifespan if properly cared for
- Comparable or lower cost than natural stone
Cons:
- Requires periodic reconditioning to keep glossy
- Can chip if subjected to abrupt heavy impacts
- Limited heat resistance (use trivets for hot pans)
- Seams more noticeable than with granite or marble
- Not completely heat or scratch proof
- Manmade appearance lacks natural stone variation
Cost Breakdown
Here is an overview of typical installed costs for quartz countertops per square foot:
Quartz Materials
- Low-end: $40-60
- Mid-range: $60-100
- High-end: $100-150
Fabrication & Installation
- Kitchen countertops: $40-100
- Bathroom vanities: $50-120
Total Estimated Costs
- Simple white quartz kitchen counters: $100-150 psf
- High-end quartz with textures/patterns: $140-200 psf
- Quartz bathroom vanity tops: $100-170 psf
Most kitchens require 25-40+ square feet of countertop, so total costs for installing premium quartz in a kitchen often range from $3,500-$8,000+. Smaller bathrooms require 5-15 square feet.
Selecting a top-tier quartz can be a sizable investment, but the long lifespan and minimal maintenance make it worthwhile in the long run. Be sure to get an itemized estimate of total costs from fabricators before selecting materials.
How to Care for Quartz Countertops
To keep your quartz counters looking like new for decades, follow these care recommendations:
- Clean regularly with a mild soap and water using a soft cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners and pads.
- Disinfect surfaces frequently with dilute bleach or alcohol solutions.
- Blot spills immediately as prolonged exposure can stain. Acidic substances like wine or fruit juice can etch quartz.
- Avoid exposing quartz to strong chemicals like paint removers, oven cleaners, etc.
- Use cutting boards and trivets for food prep and hot cookware to prevent scratches and burns.
- Reseal seams every 1-2 years with a flexible silicone caulk to prevent moisture intrusion.
- Use flat bottomed pans, not irregularly shaped cookware, which can damage and discolor the surface.
- Consider sealing quartz every 3-5 years to renew gloss and minimize etching and staining from acidic liquids.
- Avoid sitting or placing heavy loads on counter overhangs which can crack materials.
With regular cleaning and resealing of seams, quality quartz countertops will retain their original beauty and durability for many years before needing replacement. Be sure to review your chosen manufacturer’s care instructions as well. Proper maintenance maximizes the longevity of your investment.
Are Quartz Countertops Right for You? Key Questions to Ask
If you’re still undecided whether quartz is the best option for your next countertop installation or remodel, ask yourself these key questions:
How durable and damage-resistant must my counters be?
- Quartz is one of the most scratch, chip, stain, and heat resistant materials available. It can withstand years of heavy usage with minimal signs of wear.
How important is ease of maintenance?
- Quartz requires very little maintenance compared to natural stone. No sealing or polishing needed. Just clean and disinfect regularly.
What aesthetic am I looking for?
- Quartz offers a diverse array of colors and patterns from minimalist concrete visuals to exotic marbling. Great for contemporary to traditional styles.
What is my budget for countertop materials?
- Quartz has a wide range of pricing but remains comparable to natural stone. Shop sales and slabs carefully to find deals.
How quickly must my new counters be installed?
- Quartz is readily available through retailers and fabricators with quick turnaround times. Minimal wait compared to custom natural stone.
Am I concerned about hygiene and limiting bacteria?
- Quartz’s non-porous surface limits microbial growth. Perfect for medical facilities, bathrooms, food prep areas.
If your priorities align with quartz benefits of strength, easy care, aesthetic range, reasonable cost, quick fabrication, and resistance to germs, it is likely an ideal choice. Quartz provides unparalleled durability with less maintenance than natural stone.
FAQs
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about quartz countertops:
Is Quartz Stronger Than Granite?
Quartz is generally considered harder and more scratch resistant than granite. Made from engineered stone versus natural, quartz can be formulated at 93%+ mineral quartz content, making it very hard and impervious to cuts and scratches in everyday use. However, granite resists chipping from sudden impacts better than quartz.
Is Quartz Completely Waterproof?
While not 100% waterproof, quartz is non-porous so liquids and moisture will not penetrate the surface. Spills and cleaning liquids stay on top and can be wiped away. However, prolonged exposure to fluids can still damage sealants and seams. Quartz requires occasional resealing just like other countertop materials.
Can You Cut on Quartz Countertops?
It’s not recommended. Quartz is highly scratch resistant, but cutting directly on the surface can still damage the integrity given enough force. Always use a cutting board for food prep. Over time, cutting can lead to dulling of the surface finish.
Does Quartz Stain Easily?
Quality quartz is engineered to be extremely stain resistant and non-porous. However, highly pigmented liquids like wine, juice, and oil can stain if left for prolonged periods. Quartz requires prompt wiping of spills before they set. Acidic fluids may etch the surface given extended exposure.
Is Quartz Toxic?
Quartz surfaces contain small amounts of crystalline silica locked safely within the material. When fabricating slabs, dust containing silica particles can be produced which should not be inhaled. Professional installers follow regulations to limit exposure. Installed counters are not hazardous.
How Long Do Quartz Countertops Last?
With proper care and maintenance, quartz counters last 15-25 years on average. Some premium quarts boasts lifetime expectancies of over 50 years. Factors impacting lifespan include quality, thickness, installation, care, and frequency of use. Avoid excessive impact and acidic exposure for maximal longevity.
Conclusion
With outstanding durability, low maintenance needs, hygienic properties, and endless design options, quartz has cemented itself as a top choice for modern countertops alongside classic materials like granite and marble. When selecting the best quartz for your home, carefully evaluate leading brand offerings based on quartz content, aesthetics, warranties, cost, and maintenance requirements.
See slabs in person before finalizing your decision, as color patterns and textures can vary between samples and actual large format slabs. And don’t hesitate to invest in a quality quartz you love, as your new countertops should serve you flawlessly for at least a decade with basic care. With minimal upkeep quartz provides unparalleled function, beauty, and value for your kitchen or bath.