What is the Best Type of Quartz Countertop?

Quartz countertops have become an increasingly popular option for kitchen and bathroom remodels in recent years. Made from ground natural quartz crystals combined with resins and pigments, quartz offers an attractive, durable, and low-maintenance alternative to natural stone and solid surface countertops. But with so many different types, colors, and styles of quartz countertops on the market, how do you determine which is the best option for your needs? We’ll examine the pros and cons of different quartz countertop varieties to help you make the right choice.

How Quartz Countertops Are Made

Before diving into the different types of quartz countertops, it’s helpful to understand what they are and how they are constructed.

Quartz countertops, sometimes referred to as engineered stone, are made from approximately 90% ground natural quartz crystals combined with around 10% polyresin binders and pigments. The quartz provides strength and durability, while the resins give the material its color and pattern. This mixture is compacted under high pressure to create a slab, which is then polished to a glossy finish.

Unlike natural stone countertops which are cut directly from solid stone, quartz slabs are manufactured. This allows much more customization and consistency in the final product’s appearance. It also makes quartz an ideal surface for demanding kitchen and bath applications.

Primary Factors To Consider When Choosing Quartz

With many great quartz options to pick from, it’s important to think about your priorities when selecting a countertop. Here are some of the top factors to consider:

Appearance

Color – Quartz comes in a vast array of colors from subtle whites to bold blues. Be sure to choose a hue that fits your overall design vision.
Pattern – Many quartz slabs incorporate interesting veining and patterns that mimic natural stone. Others offer a more uniform solid color look. Decide whether you want a unique visual or prefer a seamless appearance.
Finish – Most quartz has a polished finish but some textures like concrete can provide more grip. Consider if you need more traction, especially for bathrooms.

Performance

Durability – Quartz is very resilient against scratches, stains, and heat. But some types may be more durable than others.
Maintenance – Basic cleaning is all that is needed for most quartz. But some darker colors or textured surfaces may require a bit more upkeep.
Hygienic – The nonporous surface inhibits bacterial growth, an important factor for kitchens and baths. Look for options touting antimicrobial properties.

Cost

Price – There is quite a range when it comes to quartz pricing depending on quality, brand, and other attributes. Set a budget to narrow options.
Installation – More intricate edge profiles, backsplashes, and cutouts will increase installation costs. Factor this into your budget.
Longevity – Higher-end quartz will retain its beauty better over time. Weigh cost vs long-term wear and tear.

By identifying the characteristics most important for your space, you can zero in on the best type of quartz for your project.

The Top Contenders: Most Popular Quartz Brands And Lines

With a better understanding of what to look for in a quartz countertop, we can now examine some of the leading options on the market. The most popular quartz countertop manufacturers include:

Cambria Quartz

As the only major brand that manufactures exclusively natural quartz surfaces, Cambria tops many best quartz lists.

Top benefits:

Huge variety of stylish designs from lookalikes of marble, soapstone, and other natural stones to solid surfaces.
Lifetime limited warranty.
Nonporous and antimicrobial.
Durable and heat resistant.
Premium appearance.

Considerations:

On the higher end of pricing.
Occasional complaints about spots with darker finishes.
Limited size options for very large surfaces.

Best Cambria Quartz Choices:

Brittanicca – Vivid white background with bold veining in grey, brown and gold. Often chosen to mimic marble.
Weybourne – Neutral light brown base with a multi-dimensional blend of white, greys and tans reminiscent of natural soapstone.
Ella – Rich crisp white with just a touch of grey veining for subtle contrast and interest. A brighter alternative to popular white marbles.

Caesarstone Quartz

One of the first brands to popularize quartz surfaces, Caesarstone remains a leader in quality and design.

Top benefits:

Innovative patterns and finishes from the natural look of marble and concrete to futuristic designs.
Highly scratch and stain resistant.
Available in large format sizes.
Includes recycled and low VOC options.

Considerations:

Limited warm greys and tans in their color line-up.
Prone to finger prints on some dark finishes.
Can chip if subjected to impact.

Best Caesarstone Quartz Choices:

Fresh Concrete – Captures the texture and appearance of weathered concrete with subtle tonal variations in grey.
Rugged Concrete – A darker version of concrete with more contrast to mimic grout lines.
Clamshell – Soft and inviting neutral beach tones perfect for coastal aesthetics.

Silestone Quartz

Backed by over 20 years in the industry, Silestone delivers a diverse collection of quartz countertops.

Top benefits:

Over 90 color and texture options from refined marbles to bold granites.
Stain, scratch, and chip resistant.
25 year transferable warranty.
Good for heavy use kitchens.

Considerations:

Can be prone to fingerprints on darker finishes.
Needs frequent sealing to avoid staining.
Some colors feature more movement for an active look.

Best Silestone Quartz Choices:

Blanco Zeus – Extremely white background with thin grey veins in a marble motif. A lighter quartz surface.
Calypso – Vibrant Caribbean blue with white swirling veins that brings life to any space.
Kensho – Multi-toned neutral palette with layers of grey, taupe and subtle white veining. Organic yet modern aesthetic.

Other Notable Quartz Brands

While Cambria, Caesarstone, and Silestone lead in popularity, other quartz manufacturers also offer quality options worth considering:

LG Viatera – Offers large format slabs and stylish designs like metallics. 25 year warranty.
Hanstone Quartz – Budget-friendly option with fully customizable sizing. Resists stains.
Quartz Master – Known for dramatic patterns including artistic mosaics and medallions.
Samsung Radianz – High-tech luminescence and hygienic options available. Stainproof warranty.
Corian Quartz – Made by trusted solid surface company DuPont. Antimicrobial and nonporous.

How To Choose The Best Quartz Countertop For Your Needs

Now that you are familiar with the most popular options, here are some final tips on selecting the right quartz countertop for your home:

Take material samples home to see how the color and finish actually look in your space under various lighting conditions.
Carefully evaluate how the style of quartz complements your existing cabinets, appliances, flooring and other finishes.
Confirm what size slabs are available. Very large islands may require multiple seams if oversized options are unavailable.
Ask about warranty coverage. More durable materials offer 10 or more years of protection.
For heavy-use kitchens, prioritize more resilient quartz grades that resist impact damage.
In bathrooms, watch for very porous patterns that may allow moisture to seep into seams.
Set a budget and get quotes from different authorized fabricators, including installation. Prices can vary greatly.

While all quartz makes an excellent countertop choice, identifying the characteristics most important for your kitchen or bath will help determine which specific type is the best fit. Carefully comparing performance, aesthetics, pricing and warranties allows you to maximize the beauty and value of your investment. With proper installation and care, a quality quartz surface can look amazing for many years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions About Quartz Countertops

Still have some questions about selecting and living with quartz countertops? Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions:

Is quartz healthier than granite?

Quartz is considered one of the most hygienic countertop materials because it is nonporous and resists bacteria growth. Granite can absorb bacteria over time if not properly sealed.

What thickness of quartz should I choose?

The standard thickness is 3 cm (1.2 inches). If you have a large overhang, ask your fabricator about options like 2 cm thick material with added support brackets.

Can quartz get scratched or stained?

Quartz is very scratch resistant, but not completely scratch proof. Follow manufacturer instructions to keep surfaces looking pristine.

Is quartz expensive to install?

Installation averages $40-$100 per square foot. Complex projects with specialty edges can cost more. Always get multiple estimates.

How long does quartz last compared to other countertops?

With proper care, quartz can last 25 years or longer before needing replacement. Granite and marble last 12-15 years on average.

What’s better about quartz versus solid surface?

Quartz outperforms solid surfaces like Corian in stain, scratch and heat resistance. It also requires less maintenance.

Can quartz chips and cracks be repaired?

Small chips can be filled but cracks require replacing the entire slab. Selecting durable quartz minimizes chipping.

Is quartz sustainable?

Many brands use recycled materials. Quartz itself is non-porous and never needs sealing, making it an eco-friendly alternative to natural stone.

Conclusion

With so many options on the market, choosing the best quartz countertop involves carefully weighing priorities like appearance, durability, maintenance, hygiene, and cost. Leading quartz manufacturers like Cambria, Caesarstone, and Silestone each offer unique styles catering to different aesthetics and needs. Taking home samples and evaluating warranties helps ensure you select an option that will retain its beauty for years while withstanding the demands of everyday use. Ultimately, identifying the most practical type of quartz for your kitchen or bath provides a gorgeous, worry-free countertop that adds value to any home.