China
China has emerged as the leading global supplier of quartz slabs over the past decade. The country has an established infrastructure of quartz mining, manufacturing, and distribution. Some of the major quartz brands produced in China include Vicostone, Pokarna, Bitto, and Cosentino.
Key factors that contributed to China’s rise in quartz manufacturing:
- Abundant quartz reserves, especially in Sichuan province
- Lower labor and regulatory costs compared to other major producers
- Heavy investment by companies in advanced quartz fabrication technology
- High production capacity to meet global export demand
- Proximity to Asian export markets like India, Singapore, and Australia
Currently, China supplies over 70% of quartz surfaces to the United States market. Lower prices and consistent quality have made Chinese quartz a popular choice for budget-conscious homeowners and contractors.
India
India is another leading exporter of engineered quartz surfaces. Major companies like Caesarstone and Cambria have production facilities in India.
The country possesses high-quality quartz resources. It also has an established ceramics and stone processing industry. Key factors driving India’s position as a top supplier:
- Huge natural reserves of quartzite in states like Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh
- Lower labor costs compared to western counterparts
- Incentives from the government’s “Make in India” initiative
- Foreign investment in manufacturing facilities catering to export markets
- Skilled workforce in stone mining and processing
India provides affordable quartz slabs to the U.S., Middle East, and Australia. Quartz exports are projected to expand as more foreign companies set up manufacturing hubs in the country.
Turkey
Turkey has a long history of marble and natural stone mining and processing. In recent decades, companies based in Turkey have transitioned to becoming major quartz producers.
Some leading quartz brands from Turkey include Temmer, Vicostone, and Santa Margherita. The growth of Turkey’s quartz industry can be attributed to:
- Presence of high-purity quartz reserves.
- Strong existing infrastructure for stone quarrying and fabrication.
- Geographic proximity to European export markets.
- Lower labor costs than the EU.
- Investment in advanced manufacturing facilities.
- Skilled technical workforce.
Turkey supplies quartz mainly to EU countries where the product has gained popularity. Quartz export revenues are likely to expand as more urbanized consumers seek quartz for home interiors.
Italy
Italy is synonymous with high-end natural marble and stone. So it is no surprise that Italian companies also produce premium engineered quartz for export. The country has a long tradition of stonemasonry and processing.
Some leading Italian quartz brands include Santa Margherita, Quarella, and Technistone. Below are some factors enabling Italy to be a key quartz supplier:
- Strong reputation for high-quality stone work.
- Existing infrastructure and skills for quarrying, fabrication, and processing.
- Design innovation by Italian manufacturers.
- Marketing focusing on luxury and aesthetics.
- Supply to high-end construction projects and couture brands.
Italy has found a niche exporting quartz to upmarket segments in Europe and the Middle East who value the “Made in Italy” brand.
United States
The United States may not be among the top global exporters of quartz. But it is one of the major consumers, fabricators, and innovators when it comes to quartz countertops.
American companies like Cambria and Cosentino have been pioneers in quartz manufacturing. Key US contributions:
- Early research and development into quartz surfaces.
- Designing innovative patterns, colors, and finishes.
- Investments in scaling up quartz fabrication and processing.
- Highly skilled workforce and advanced production techniques.
- Marketing of quartz for upscale residential and commercial spaces.
While domestic production caters mostly to the US market, American quartz brands do export limited volumes to Canada, Latin America, and Europe.
Other Producers
Beyond the major quartz manufacturing hubs above, several other countries have growing quartz production and export:
Spain – Companies like Cosentino and Lágrimas produce quartz mainly for domestic and EU markets.
Middle East – Countries like Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Israel have seen local quartz production emerge to cater to construction booms.
Vietnam – Abundant raw materials and low costs have attracted foreign quartz companies to set up manufacturing here.
Brazil – Its natural quartz deposits and ceramics industry enable growing engineered quartz output.
Germany – Reputed for stone processing expertise, and home to brands like Technistone and Pural.
In summary, China and India are currently the top global exporters of quartz slabs based on their established manufacturing ecosystems and value positioning. However, developed countries like Italy and Turkey supply premium quartz largely for their domestic and regional markets. With quartz popularity rising globally, the top exporting nations are likely to keep expanding production capacity and export volumes.
What Are the Key Characteristics of Quartz Surfaces?
Quartz surfaces have unique properties that make them ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and other interior applications:
- Hardness – Made from ground quartz crystals combined with resins, quartz surfaces are exceptionally hard and scratch resistant. This durability makes them ideal for heavy usage areas.
- Non-Porous – Being impervious to liquids, quartz does not require sealing and resists staining much better than natural stone.
- Flexibility – Manufacturers can engineer quartz in a nearly unlimited range of colors, patterns, and textures. This allows designers to customize for different tastes.
- Low Maintenance – Quartz requires very little maintenance besides cleaning with a damp cloth and mild detergents. No sealing or polishing needed.
- Hygienic – With their non-porous nature, quartz surfaces inhibit the growth of bacteria and mold. This makes them hygienic choices for kitchens and hospitals.
- Consistency – As engineered slabs, quartz offers consistent color and patterns. Natural stones can have more variation in their veining and markings.
- Heat Resistance – Quartz holds up to hot pans much better than other stones due to its resins. However, prolonged heat exposure can still cause damage.
- Non-Toxic – Made from natural quartz crystals and polymer resins, quartz slabs comply with health and environmental regulations.
How Did Quartz Surfaces Become Popular?
Engineered quartz gained mainstream popularity as a countertop material in the 1990s and 2000s due to a combination of technological innovations and market trends:
- Development of Bretonstone Technology – The Breton company pioneered a process in the 1980s using vibro-compression under vacuum to produce slabs from ground quartz blended with resins. This created a durable engineered stone product.
- Rise of DIY Home Improvement – As DIY home remodeling became more popular, homeowners looked for new surfaces beyond laminate and solid surfaces. Quartz provided a high-end look without the maintenance needs of marble or granite.
- Growth in Kitchen Remodeling – Kitchen upgrades grew as a major segment of home remodeling. Quartz offered the ideal blend of aesthetics, durability, and practicality for kitchen countertops.
- Desire for Low Maintenance – Busy homeowners increasingly wanted low-maintenance surfaces. Quartz was more resistant to stains, scratches and did not require annual sealing like natural stone.
- Innovative Designs – Manufacturers created stunning new quartz patterns and aesthetics that replicated luxury marble and exotic stones, but with more consistency.
- Brand Marketing – Major brands like Silestone, Caesarstone and Cambria heavily marketed quartz for upscale and stylish kitchens. This expanded public awareness.
- Price Declines – Growing economies of scale and competition lowered quartz prices. This made quartz more affordable to the mass market compared to natural stone.
What Makes Quartz Countertops So Popular Now?
The popularity of quartz surfaces has soared over the past decade owing to several practical and aesthetic advantages that make it an appealing countertop choice:
Durability – Quartz’s hardness and scratch resistance allow it to better endure years of heavy usage in kitchens. Materials like solid surfaces and laminate chip and show wear much sooner.
Stain Resistance – Being non-porous, quartz repels stains from spills that would be absorbed by natural stone and require treatment. This makes maintenance easy.
Stylish Appearance – With myriad colors and patterns, quartz allows creating countertops that are works of art. Quartz can beautifully mimic luxurious marble for a fraction of the cost.
Consistency – While natural stones have distinct veining that varies slab-to-slab, quartz provides reliable uniformity in colors and patterns. This allows for seamless visual flow.
Hygiene – Being impervious to moisture makes quartz resistant to germs and bacteria growth. This important in kitchens. Granite and marble can harbor more bacteria in the pores.
Heat Tolerance – Quartz holds up to hot pans much better than solid surfaces, laminate or real stone. Just avoid placing extremely hot items directly on the surface.
Value – Durability, low maintenance, and aesthetic enhancements make quartz a valuable investment that adds equity to homes. It offers the prestige of stone for less expense.
Eco-Friendly – Made from abundant natural quartz and recycled content, quartz satisfies growing consumer preference for green materials with low carbon footprint.
What are the Most Popular Quartz Countertop Colors?
Quartz manufacturers offer a vast spectrum of colors and patterns. Here are some of the most sought-after and on-trend quartz colors for countertops:
- Whites – Clean and bright white quartz is perennially popular. It creates a timeless, minimalist look. Variations include marble-inspired Calacatta Nuvo and the crisp White Arabesque.
- Grays – From pale dove gray to charcoal, gray quartz provides an elegant and versatile neutral backdrop in kitchens. Popular choices include London Gray, Thunder Grey and Uba Tuba.
- Beiges – Warm beiges like tawny brown and camelmimic natural stone while still feeling contemporary. Go-to options include Beach Dune, Taj Mahal Quartzite and Dolce Vita.
- Blacks – Bold, dramatic black countertops make a sophisticated style statement. Leading blacks include Nero Quartzite, Cosmic Black Quartz and Onyx Quartz.
- Blues – Cool and calming blues range from breezy sky blue to deep denim. Top picks include Azul Platino Quartz, Midnight Ocean and Blue Quartzite.
- Greens – Verdant green quartz brings vitality to kitchens. Choices like Mint Ice Quartz, Amazonia Ubatuba Quartzite and Jade Quartzite satisfy the ongoing affinity for green.
- Patterns – Speckles, veining, aggregates and swirls lend quartz visual depth. Popular patterns include Taj Mahal Quartzite, Calacatta Laza Quartz and Brittanicca Gold.
How Much Does Installing Quartz Countertops Cost?
Quartz countertop installation costs depend on the slab quality, complexity of project, countertop size, and labor. Here is an overview of typical installed costs:
- Quartz Slab Cost – Mid-range quartz slabs ($40-$70 per sq.ft.) are ideal for most budgets. High-end slabs can cost $100+ per sq.ft.
- Basic Installation – Simple flat countertop installation averages $40-$75 per sq.ft. Highly complex projects with special cuts can cost $100+ per sq.ft.
- Average Kitchen Cost – Total costs for quartz countertops in a medium-sized kitchen (30 sq.ft. area) generally ranges from $1,500-$4,500 with installation.
- Edges and Backsplash – Edge treatments like bevels and built-up edges add $5-$15 per linear foot. Quartz backsplashes average $50 per linear foot installed.
- Additional Factors – Site conditions, custom features like islands, appliances cutouts, demolition fees and local labor rates also impact overall project costs.
- Best Value – Mainstream quartz brands like Caesarstone offer excellent durability and aesthetics at reasonable price points for most homeowners.
Quartz usually costs more upfront than materials like laminate. But proper installation and reasonable slab choice results in beautiful, long-lasting countertops that add value and enjoyment to living spaces.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Quartz Countertops?
Pros
- Extremely durable and scratch resistant
- Easy maintenance without sealing needed
- Resists stains and inhibits bacterial growth
- Available in endless colors, patterns and textures
- Consistent appearance slab-to-slab
- Heat and scorch resistant
- Less likely to chip or crack than natural stone
- Non-porous so spills cannot penetrate or cause stains
- Adds value and stylish appearance to kitchens
- Long lifespan of 15-20 years with proper care
- Made from natural quartz making it eco-friendly
Cons
- More expensive than laminates or ceramic tile
- Can be damaged by excessive heat or strong impacts
- Seams may be more apparent than seamless materials
- Non-repairable, so cracks and chips require slab replacement
- Requires skilled installation to ensure tight seams
- Not as glossy as polished granite unless treated
- Limited high-end exotic aesthetics compared to real marble/granite
- Doesn’t have the prestige or uniqueness of natural stone
FAQ about Quartz Countertops
How durable are quartz countertops?
With a Mohs hardness of 7-8, quartz countertops are extremely scratch resistant and ideal for heavy-use kitchen areas. The durability comes from quartz crystals bonded by polymer resins. Properly installed quartz can last unchanged for decades with minimal maintenance.
Do quartz countertops need to be sealed?
No. Since quartz is non-porous, it does not require sealing to prevent stains and damage like natural stone countertops. However, it is recommended to occasionally apply a surface sealant to enhance stain protection and make cleaning easier.
Can you cut on quartz countertops?
Yes, quartz offers good knick and scratch resistance allowing regular kitchen tasks like cutting and chopping. Use cutting boards to prevent dulling knives. Avoid excessive pressure while cutting to prevent chips and cracks along joints.
How heat resistant is quartz?
Quartz has better heat thresholds than solid surfaces or natural stone. Brief contact with hot pans and setting down warm dishes is fine. However, prolonged direct heat exposure can damage the resin binders. Using trivets is recommended.
How are quartz countertops installed?
Quartz requires professional installation. Slabs are cut to size, polished, reinforced and bonded to the substrate using adhesives or brackets. The seams between slabs are also glued and held together with brackets. Good installation is vital for performance and seamless appearance.
Does quartz need ongoing maintenance?
Quartz requires very little regular maintenance. Simple cleaning using a soft cloth or sponge with mild soap and water is typically enough to keep your quartz surfaces looking like new for years. No sealing or polishing is needed.
Are quartz countertops eco-friendly?
Quartz contains high percentages of natural quartz along with recycled content. Manufacturing emissions and energy use continue to reduce with advances in technology and binders. Most brands comply with green standards and use non-toxic materials, making quartz a eco-friendly option.
Conclusion
Quartz engineered stone has cemented itself as a highly popular and versatile material for kitchen and bathroom countertops. Manufacturing hubs in Asia and Europe supply various grades of quartz catering to everything from affordable residential projects to high-end luxury installations.
Combining the beauty of natural stone with excellent resistance to wear, heat and stains, quartz offers homeowners an attractive, practical, and durable surface. Advancements in design technology also allow stunning visuals that rival marble, granite and other exotic stones. With the right selection and quality fabrication, quartz countertops can provide lasting beauty and everyday utility.