Quartz countertops have become an immensely popular option for kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects over the past couple of decades. But when exactly did quartz counters first emerge on the scene? Here is a look at the history and origins of quartz countertops.
The Invention of Engineered Stone
The invention of engineered stone, also known as reconstituted stone or composite stone, paved the way for quartz countertops. Engineered stone was first developed in Italy in the 1960s as a low-cost alternative to natural stone for building and construction applications.
The Breton company pioneered technology that allowed small fragments of quarried stone like granite, marble, and quartz to be combined with resins and pigments and compacted into slabs under high vibration and pressure. This created a durable, stain-resistant, and low-maintenance artificial stone product.
The Advent of Quartz Surfacing
In the late 1980s and 1990s, engineered stone technology evolved to focus more specifically on ground quartz combined with polymers. Caesarstone claims to have pioneered the first quartz surface in 1987 using around 90% ground quartz aggregates with polymer resins.
Other companies like Cambria, Silestone, and DuPont soon introduced their own proprietary quartz countertop products in the 1990s. This second generation of engineered stone was marketed as “quartz surfaces” or “quartz countertops” to highlight the high quartz content.
Growing Popularity in the 2000s
In the early 2000s, quartz counters started gaining steam over other materials like granite, marble, laminate, and solid surface acrylic. Homeowners were attracted to quartz for its durability, stain resistance, low maintenance needs, and custom color options.
Major brands expanded their quartz collections with new styles, colors, and patterns. Prices also became more competitive with materials like granite. By the mid-2000s, quartz had established itself as a leading countertop choice.
Recent Trends
Quartz counters continue to dominate today as one of the most popular options for kitchen and bath remodeling projects. Current trends include:
- Super white quartz colors remain in high demand.
- Mottled, multicolored styles are also trending.
- Natural stone and concrete aesthetic looks are growing.
- Quartz countertop prices have stabilized and even dropped.
- Larger quartz slabs up to 130” long are now available.
- New antimicrobial and UV-resistant quartz products.
When Was Quartz Most Popular?
Quartz countertops saw massive growth in popularity in the mid-2000s as prices dropped and new styles emerged. By 2008, quartz had surpassed granite as the fastest-growing countertop material.
Industry experts cite the mid to late 2000s as the peak period when quartz established itself as a leading consumer choice for kitchen and bathroom countertops. Today it remains one of the most widely installed premium countertop materials.
The Future of Quartz Counters
Quartz counters are expected to continue dominating the high-end countertop market in coming years. Potential future trends include:
- Metallic, pearlescent, and translucent styling.
- Nature-inspired textures and patterns.
- More recycled and eco-friendly quartz options.
- Next-gen antimicrobial and antibacterial enhancements.
- Potential smart surface technologies.
Innovation will continue with quartz countertops to bring unique new aesthetics and performance enhancements to this popular engineered stone material.
Key Events in the History of Quartz Countertops
- 1960s – Engineered stone invented in Italy using quarried stone fragments and resins.
- Late 1980s – Quartz surfacing pioneered by Caesarstone using ground quartz.
- 1990s – Major brands debut proprietary quartz countertop lines.
- Early 2000s – Quartz gains popularity over natural stone and laminates.
- Mid 2000s – Quartz hits mainstream and becomes a top countertop choice.
- Today – Quartz remains one of the leading countertop materials on the market.
FAQ About Quartz Countertop History
When did quartz counters first come out?
The first engineered quartz surfaces emerged in the late 1980s and early 1990s from companies like Caesarstone. Quartz did not gain widespread popularity until the 2000s.
What was used before quartz countertops?
Laminate, granite, marble, and solid surface acrylics like Corian were among the most popular countertop options before quartz became widely available.
Were quartz countertops popular in the 1990s?
In the 1990s, quartz counters were just coming onto the scene as a new engineered stone product. But quartz did not gain mass appeal until 15-20 years later.
How long have quartz countertops been around?
While invented in the 1980s, quartz has only been a leading consumer countertop choice for around 20 years since the mid 2000s. It is still considered a relatively new material compared to natural stones.
Are quartz countertops going out of style?
Quartz remains highly popular and does not appear to be going out of style anytime soon. If anything, quartz is becoming more fashionable with unique new styles and aesthetics.
Conclusion
While engineered quartz surfaces were invented in the late 1980s, quartz did not emerge as a leading countertop choice until the 2000s. It saw explosive growth in popularity in the mid to late 2000s and today remains one of the most widely used premium countertop materials. With continued innovation in aesthetics and technology, quartz counters are expected to remain fashionable and in-demand for today’s modern kitchens and bathrooms.