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 beautiful countertop surface. If you’re considering a quartz countertop installation, here is a comprehensive guide on where to buy quartz countertops.
Check Local Stone Suppliers and Fabricators
One of the best places to buy a quartz countertop is through a local stone supplier or fabricator. These businesses import slabs of quartz, cut them to size, shape edges, and polish to finish countertops for installation. Purchasing through a local company has several advantages:
- You can see and touch slab samples in person to get a feel for colors and patterns before committing to a purchase. This allows you to inspect the material quality.
- Local suppliers may have inventory in stock ready for fabrication, shortening turnaround time.
- Established local companies have experience measuring, templating, fabricating, and installing to ensure a proper fit.
- You support local businesses and jobs when using local suppliers.
- Personal service and advise from knowledgeable local professionals.
Look for suppliers of major quartz brands like Caesarstone, Cambria, Silestone, and Viatera. Be sure to get quotes from 3-5 fabricators to compare pricing.
Order Through Home Improvement Stores
Major home improvement chains like Home Depot and Lowe’s have become major distributors of quartz countertops. They work with fabricators to supply and install for customers. Consider ordering through home improvement stores for:
- Convenience of one-stop shopping for countertops along with other renovation supplies and materials.
- Special financing offers, rebates, or discounts may be available.
- Online shopping with in-store pickup can be time saving.
- Installation services can be bundled for a potential discount.
Be aware that selection is limited to brands or colors carried in inventory. And employees may have less countertop expertise than specialists. But major retailers provide a more budget-friendly quartz countertop option.
Purchase from Online Retailers
For wider selection and potential price savings, consider ordering quartz slabs online through retailers like:
- Granite Transformations – Offers Silestone quartz with online design studio to preview countertops. Provides nationwide fabrication and installation.
- Stone Source – Carries popular brands like Caesarstone and Cambria with online buying. Limited locations install or partners with local fabricators.
- KLEAR – Specializes in quartz slabs with online design center. Fabricates and installs directly in 20 states or arranges for customer pick-up.
- Direct Material Services – Online selling of quartz and other countertop materials, partners with installers nationwide or facilitates customer pick-up.
Benefits of purchasing online include expanded selection, discounted pricing, and design visualization tools. Be sure to factor in shipping or third party installation costs. And online slabs will still require measurement and templating.
Buy Remnants for DIY Installation
For the most budget-friendly option, consider purchasing remnant pieces of quartz. Remnants are leftover cutouts from previous jobs. Stone yards and fabricators often sell these at a steep discount since they would otherwise go to waste.
Buying a remnant allows you to install the countertop yourself as a DIY project. However, key considerations for remnant use include:
- Limited size and shape options to work with existing pieces.
- May require compromises in layout or design.
- Responsibility for accurate measurements templates falls on you.
- Must arrange own edged, polishing or fabrication.
- Self-installation is complicated, requires specialty tools.
Remnants provide an opportunity for major cost savings but require more effort and compromise. Make sure pieces are adequate size for your space before purchasing.
Understand Pricing Factors
Quartz pricing can range dramatically based on factors like:
- Brand – Premium designers like Caesarstone cost more than value alternatives.
- Color – An exotic pattern or rare stone look usually costs extra.
- Thickness – Standard 2 cm runs cheaper than heavy-duty 3 cm options.
- Fabrication – More complex edge profiles, cutouts or shaping inflate costs.
- Installation – Getting a pro to template and install is far pricier than DIY.
A good rule of thumb is budget $50-100 per square foot for an installed quartz countertop, with many variables affecting final price. Be sure to get a complete itemized quote accounting for all specifications and options.
Comparison Shop Different Options
Don’t decide on the first quartz supplier you encounter. Visit multiple showrooms and get quotes. Compare:
- Pricing on similar quartz selections
- Included services like templating, fabrication, installation
- Reputation and reviews for quality workmanship
- Variety of inventory and brands offered
Shopping around allows you find the best combination of competitive pricing, top quartz brands, and service guarantees. Don’t automatically choose the cheapest quote, instead make sure everything needed for your project is included.
Request Samples to Make Selection
Never select a quartz countertop color based solely on a website image. The pigments and patterns can look dramatically different in person. Always request physical samples directly from brands like:
- Caesarstone
- Cambria
- Silestone
- Viatera
- MSI
Many fabricators also provide sample cards showing all available quartz options. With samples in hand, you can:
- Evaluate how colors, tones, and patterns truly look
- View undertone flecks that may not be visible online
- Assess the finish texture and feel of the real material
- Test stain resistance and durability
- Match potential designs to your existing cabinets or floors
Taking home samples avoids surprises and helps you make the most informed quartz selection.
Get Professional Measurement and Templating
Quartz requires precise measurement and templating to cut and install correctly. Even if you plan to install yourself, consider hiring a pro for this important step. They will:
- Take exact measurements of your existing countertops and cabinets
- Create detailed paper templates outlining the dimensions
- Map out placement of seams, cooktops, sinks, or other special considerations
Templating services remove the most complex barrier to a DIY install. And pros have the expertise to handle challenges like angled corners or non-square rooms that could ruin a quartz piece if measured improperly.
Understand Maintenance Requirements
While quartz resists stains, scratches, and heat better than marble or granite, it still requires some routine care:
- Wipe up spills quickly, especially acidic substances like wine that may etch the surface over time
- Use a gentle cleaner instead of abrasive chemicals
- Avoid exposing to very high temperatures from pots, pans etc that could scorch
- Don’t cut directly on the countertop surface
- Use trivets under hot dishes to prevent cracking
With proper maintenance, a quartz countertop should retain its durability and luster for many years before needing replacement. Be sure to follow all manufacturer care guidelines.
Quartz Offers Appealing Benefits
When purchased and installed properly, a quartz countertop provides:
- Attractive styles from modern to natural looks
- Superior durability and scratch resistance
- Easy cleaning with minimal maintenance
- Hygienic non-porous surface
- Long-lasting quality with sound investment value
- Customizable sizing, edges, and cutouts
For a beautiful, functional, and hassle-free countertop, quartz is hard to beat. Evaluate local and online sources to find product availability and pricing that fits your budget. Be sure to utilize samples, expert templating, and pros when needed to ensure satisfactory results from your new quartz surfaces.
Frequently Asked Questions about Purchasing Quartz Countertops
Q: Is quartz cheaper than granite?
Quartz often costs less than premium granite but more than lower-end granite options. Typical installed prices are granite $40-150 per square foot and quartz $50-100 per square foot.
Q: What thickness of quartz should I get?
Standard thickness is 2 cm which provides durability for most homes. 3 cm is recommended for heavy commercial use or substantial raised bar overhangs.
Q: How much does quartz cost for kitchen countertops?
For a typical 10×10 kitchen with 20-25 sq.ft. of counter space, expect total costs between $1,000-2,500 installed. Price varies based on quartz brand, edge profiles, and installation factors.
Q: What are some good quartz brands?
Top brands rated for quality and selection include Caesarstone, Cambria, Silestone, Viatera, and MSI. Some cost more but provide better durability and warranties.
Q: Is DIY quartz countertop installation doable?
DIY install is possible but very difficult. Precise measurement templates and specialized tools for cutting, edging, and polishing are required. Hiring a pro is recommended unless you have substantial experience.
Q: How long does a quartz countertop last?
With proper maintenance, a quartz countertop should last 20-25 years before needing replacement. Some high-end materials like Caesarstone offer limited lifetime warranties.
Conclusion
A quartz countertop can greatly enhance the beauty and functionality of your kitchen or bath at a reasonable cost. Take time to shop around, compare prices, and evaluate different suppliers both online and locally. Careful planning and expert help with templating can make installation more budget-friendly. With sound research and preparation, you can install an elegant quartz countertop that provides lasting satisfaction.