Quartz countertops have become an increasingly popular option for kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects in recent years. Made from engineered stone, quartz combines natural quartz crystals with resins and pigments to create a durable, low-maintenance, and stylish surface. If you’re considering quartz for your next renovation, here is a detailed guide on where to find and purchase quartz countertops near you.
What is Quartz?
Quartz countertops, also known as engineered stone, are made from approximately 90% ground natural quartz combined with polymers and pigments. The quartz provides strength and shine, while polymers act as a binder and pigments add color and pattern.
The result is a manufactured material that resembles natural stone but offers more consistency in color and patterning. Quartz is also non-porous, making it stain and scratch resistant compared to natural stone.
Benefits of Quartz Countertops
There are many reasons why homeowners and builders opt for quartz countertops:
- Durable – Quartz is incredibly strong and long-lasting. It stands up well to heavy usage in kitchens.
- Low Maintenance – Requiring very little ongoing maintenance, quartz resists scratches and stains.
- Stylish – Available in a wide array of colors and patterns that mimic high-end natural stone.
- Non-Porous – Unlike granite and marble, quartz won’t absorb liquids and harbor bacteria.
- Heat and Fire Resistant – Quartz can withstand heat up to 212°F making it ideal for kitchens.
With this winning combination of form and function, it’s no wonder quartz has surged in popularity for countertops, backsplashes, tub surrounds, and vanities.
Where to Shop for Quartz Countertops
When you’ve decided on quartz for your next project, you’ll want to know where to shop for the best selection, service, and prices in your area. Here are some of the top options to source quartz slabs and have them fabricated and installed:
Big Box Stores
- Home Depot – Carries its own Martha Stewart Living brand of quartz along with options from Cambria, Caesarstone, and Silestone. Offers in-store design services.
- Lowe’s – Sells quartz countertops from brands like LG Viatera, Caesarstone, Silestone, Cambria, and MetroQuartz. Provides measurement and professional installation.
- IKEA – Offers prefabricated quartz countertops in popular sizes and styles to fit IKEA kitchen cabinets at affordable prices. Limited color options.
Specialty Stone Suppliers
- Bedrosians – Family-owned national chain supplying slabs from top brands like Cambria, Caesarstone, Silestone, and LG Viatera. Can fabricate and install.
- Arizona Tile – Massive selection of natural stone and quartz sold at their retail showrooms.Handles fabrication and installation projects.
- Emser Tile – A major tile and natural stone distributor with design centers to browse quartz slabs. Fabrication and installation available.
Quartz Manufacturers
- Cambria – Made in the USA, they have a retail locator to find Cambria quartz at different showrooms and suppliers. Order samples online.
- Caesarstone – Leading manufacturer with an online locator to find retailers and distributors that carry Caesarstone slabs.
- Silestone – Global quartz brand with an online tool to find local Silestone showrooms and view inventory.
- LG Viatera – High-end quartz maker, their website shows different suppliers based on zip code.
Countertop Fabricators
- Countertop Guys – Local countertop shops that focus on fabrication and installation services. They source materials from vendors.
- Kitchen Craft – Smaller regional businesses that handle everything from slab supply to custom cutting, edging, and installing.
- TopMaster – Specialty shops equipped for fabrication and installation of quartz counters. Materials often supplied by client.
- Counters Supreme – Custom fabricators working with materials like quartz. Provide templating, fabrication, and install.
Kitchen Remodelers
- Bayless Custom Kitchens – Full service remodeling contractors that include quartz supply, custom fabrication, installation.
- Cooks Kitchen & Bath – Local design-build firms that remodel kitchens with quartz fabrication and installation.
- Highmark Construction – General contractors specializing in kitchen upgrades with quartz countertops turnkey services.
Questions to Ask About Quartz Countertops
When selecting a location to purchase your quartz countertops, here are some helpful questions to ask:
- What brands of quartz do you carry? Do you have samples I can see?
- Do you have quartz slabs in stock or do you have to order them? How long does it take to get new slabs?
- Do you offer design services to help me choose the right color and style of quartz?
- Do you handle the template creation, fabrication and installation or do you outsource it?
- Do you remove and dispose of old countertops or is that an additional service fee?
- What does your warranty cover? How long is the warranty period?
- What are your payment terms? When is a deposit required?
Doing some upfront research will ensure you select the right quartz provider that offers the best value, service, and conveniences in your local area.
Factors that Impact Quartz Countertop Costs
Since no two quartz countertop projects are exactly alike, it helps to be aware of certain variables that can influence the total investment:
Selected Quartz Brand and Color
The brand and specific color choice will impact cost, with premium designer quartz lines from Cambria, Silestone, Caesarstone generally priced higher than value lines from Home Depot or IKEA. Rare, imported or trendy colors also cost more.
Edge Profiles
Edges with intricate edge details and profiles, such as an ogee or chamfer, have extra fabrication time and labor costs. Simple eased or straight edges are most affordable.
Thickness
Standard quartz thickness is 3/4″ thick but heavier 1-1/4” slabs are available for added durability and seamless appearance on larger surfaces. The thicker quartz comes at a higher price.
Fabrication
Simple countertop layouts with clean lines are faster to fabricate. Complex designs, intricate cutouts for sinks and faucets, and L-shaped sections take more time and run up fabrication fees.
Installation
Basic installation on a stable existing cabinetry is straightforward. If structural work, repairs, or additional supports are needed, it can drive up costs. Difficult access areas or tear-outs also cost more.
Local Market Conditions
Pricing can vary regionally based on local labor rates, demand, and material transportation costs. Seek multiple bids to find the best value installer.
Average Quartz Countertop Costs
Nationally, expect to pay between $75 to $150 per square foot for materials, fabrication and installation of quartz countertops. This breaks down to the following typical price ranges:
- Basic Flat Countertop Sections
- Low end: $75 per sq. ft.
- Mid Range: $100 per sq. ft.
- High End: $150 per sq. ft.
- Countertops with Edges, Cutouts
- Low End: $80 – $100 per sq. ft.
- Mid Range: $125 – $150 per sq. ft.
- High End: $175 – $200 per sq. ft.
- Full Kitchen Quartz Countertop Installation
- Budget: $3,000 – $5,000
- Mid Range: $5,000 – $15,000
- Luxury: $15,000 – $30,000+
Many factors specific to your project will determine the final investment. Always obtain 2-3 detailed quotes from leading local quartz suppliers and fabricators before deciding.
FAQs About Purchasing Quartz Countertops
What should I expect during templating and measurements?
The installer will come measure by placing template strips along the cabinets to get an exact impression of your countertops. This is required for precision cutting at the fabrication facility. Professional installers use laser templating for very exact digital measurements.
How long does it take to fabricate after templating?
You can expect it to take 7-14 days for your custom quartz slabs to be fabricated based on the template. More complex projects can take up to 3-4 weeks if sink cutouts must be routed by a CNC machine. Communicate time constraints when ordering.
What if I need a warranty repair later on?
Quality quartz comes with 10-15 year manufacturer warranties. If a defect appears, like cracks or seams separating, contact the fabricator or installer who should remedy warranty issues at no charge by removing and replacing defective sections.
Should seams be visible after installation?
For proper structural support, seams are necessary for larger countertops. The joints should be tightly bonded and barely noticeable after installation. Some patterns cleverly hide seams. Tell fabricator if seams are poorly aligned or excessively visible.
How durable and heat resistant is quartz?
Quartz is very resilient and unlikely to burn or etch under normal use. However, prolonged direct heat exposure over 150 degrees can damage the solid surface. Always use trivets for hot pots and pans to prevent burns.
Find the Best Local Quartz Supplier
Quartz offers an unparalleled combination of beauty, durability and functionality that makes it an excellent choice for countertops that get heavy daily use. Take time to visit showrooms, examine sample slabs, and get project quotes. Look for an experienced local supplier that offers the quartz color, edges, and style you want at a fair price, backed by strong warranties and fabrication expertise.
With an extensive selection of natural looking patterns and tones, quartz can elevate the aesthetic appeal of any kitchen or bath. By selecting a reputable quartz provider to handle your purchase, custom fabrication and professional installation, you can enjoy stunning, headache-free countertops that last for years to come.