Quartz countertops are becoming increasingly popular for Cincinnati home kitchen and bathroom renovations due to their durability, easy maintenance, and customization options. When shopping for quartz counters in Cincinnati, there are a few key factors to consider to ensure you find the best product at the right price.
What is Quartz?
Quartz countertops, sometimes called engineered stone, are made from ground quartz crystals combined with resins and pigments. The result is a non-porous, stain-resistant, and scratch-resistant surface that is more affordable than natural stone and requires minimal maintenance compared to other countertop materials.
Some key benefits of quartz counters include:
- Extremely durable and resistant to scratches, heat, and stains
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Available in wide variety of colors and patterns
- Non-porous so does not require sealing
- Mold and bacteria resistant
- Warm to the touch unlike natural stone
- Customizable sizing and design options
Where to Shop for Quartz in Cincinnati
There are several options when shopping for quartz counters in the Cincinnati area:
Big Box Stores
Major home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s offer a selection of popular national quartz brands like Silestone, Cambria, Caesarstone, and Viatera. The advantage of big box stores is you can see a range of colors and patterns in person, but selection is limited compared to quartz specialists. Home Depot and Lowe’s also routinely run promotions and discounts on countertops.
Quartz Specialty Showrooms
For the biggest selection from premium quartz brands, visit a dedicated quartz and surface provider. Top options in Cincinnati include:
- Cincinnati Granite & Marble – Located in Springdale, they carry leading brands like Cambria, Caesarstone, Silestone, Viatera, and offer full templating and fabrication.
- Dubeck Granite – Family owned for over 40 years, they fabricate and install quartz from brands like Cambria, LG Viatera, and Silestone.
- MSI Surfaces – MSI offers its own house-brand quartz called Q Premium Natural Quartz along with leading brands. They have various locations around Cincinnati.
- Bedrosians Tile & Stone – Carries high-end quartz from brands like Caesarstone and Silestone. Locations in Liberty Township and Hyde Park.
The advantage of quartz specialists is you get to see large slabs of each pattern and color option. They also offer more custom design, edging, and installation services. Keep in mind showroom quartz tends to fall in the premium price range.
Local Countertop Fabricators
For affordable quartz options, consider local countertop fabricators in Cincinnati. They purchase quartz slabs in bulk from suppliers like MSI, Hanstone, Wilsonart, and others. This allows them to offer discounted installation on quartz counters. The tradeoff is you won’t necessarily see all the design options in person before purchasing. Be sure to verify they work with reputable quartz suppliers.
Some top local fabricators for quartz counters in Cincinnati include:
- Countertops Cincinnati
- Cincinnati Custom Countertops
- Cincinnati Countertops LLC
- Premier Countertops
- Cincy Custom Countertops
Be sure to get at least three quotes before deciding on a local fabricator. Review their quartz brand options, pricing, warranties, and recent reviews.
What to Look for When Buying Quartz
When selecting quartz counters in Cincinnati, here are some key factors to consider:
- Pick a Reputable Brand – Stick with major brands known for quality like Silestone, Caesarstone, Cambria, MSI Q Premium Quartz. Avoid cheap unbranded quartz.
- Select the Slab Yourself – Be sure to personally inspect the actual slab used for your counters. Look for any imperfections beforehand.
- Quality of Fabrication – Choose an experienced installer who offers precision cutting and seamless seams. Ask about their experience with quartz.
- Warranty Coverage – Opt for installers who offer at least 10-15 years warranty on materials and labor.
- See Reviews – Read reviews of local quartz installers online to gauge quality of work and customer service. Avoid companies with low reviews.
- Compare Pricing – Get at least three quotes. Beware of prices that seem too good to be true. Expect to pay $50-$100 per square foot installed.
FAQ About Cincinnati Quartz Counters
Here are answers to some common questions about buying quartz counters in Cincinnati:
Is quartz cheaper than granite?
Quartz is generally 30-50% cheaper than granite. The price per square foot installed for quartz averages $70-100, while granite averages $100-150.
What thickness quartz countertop should I get?
The standard thickness is 3 cm (1.2 inches). Go with at least 3 cm for residential kitchen counters for proper support. Some prefer thicker 2 cm (1.5 inch) quartz for more durability.
What edge profiles work best for quartz?
Simpler edge profiles like square, bevel, or small eased work well for quartz. Elaborate edges can chip over time. Ask to see edge samples beforehand.
Can you repair chips or cracks in quartz?
Minor chips can be sanded down and filled with an epoxy resin blend. However, cracks and major damage are difficult to repair seamlessly.
Is it better to get quartz locally or online?
Buying locally allows you to inspect the actual slabs. Online quartz sellers offer lower prices but you won’t see the material until it’s installed.
Final Thoughts on Finding the Best Cincinnati Quartz Countertops
With the right research and an experienced installer, quartz can be an excellent countertop choice for Cincinnati kitchen and bath renovations. Be sure to take the time to review brands, inspect slabs in person, compare fabricator pricing and reviews, and evaluate warranty coverage. Shopping locally allows you to see the material firsthand while online ordering can offer deep discounts. Consider both options to find the perfect balance of quality quartz materials, fabrication, and affordable pricing for your next countertop project.