Quartz Countertops Buying Guide: Cost, Maintenance, and ...

Quartz countertops are one of the most durable and varied options for kitchens. You can find quartz kitchen countertops in many colors&#;from bright whites to cool grays, warm creams, and rich browns and blacks. Some quartz has veining that makes it look like marble. And some options contain mirror chips that reflect light and appear to make the countertops sparkle.

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Quartz is a great choice for its durability, ease of cleaning, and color selection. Here are some facts to know about this material and what makes it a top pick.

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

What Is a Quartz Countertop?

Quartz countertops are a form of engineered stone made from ground-up particles of quartz bound together with resins. The industry is increasingly using the term engineered stone to refer to this type of countertop in order to differentiate it from natural stone.

How Much Do Quartz Countertops Cost?

Quartz countertops cost $50 to $150 per square foot on average and are generally cheaper than granite and marble, yet more expensive than options like laminate or butcher block. Grade-specific quartz prices vary as follows:

• Low-quality quartz: $50 to $65 per square foot

• Mid-quality quartz: $65 to $75 per square foot

• High-quality quartz: $75 to $150 per square foot

The main difference between low-quality and high-quality quartz is the makeup of the mixture. For example, low-quality quartz has about 12% resin and high-quality quart has about 7% resin. Other factors that may drive up the cost of quartz include features and customizations, including edge treatments, corner treatments, sink installation, and plumbing add-ons.

Is Quartz Better Than Granite?

Quartz is more durable and less porous than slab granite, which is a natural stone. For years, quartz tried to play the natural stone game, and it was all about deciding between quartz kitchen countertops vs. granite. These days, the popularity of quartz has driven down the price of granite.

The popularity of quartz has increased because it is easier to maintain than granite and natural stone, and it doesn't require sealing to ward off stains. It's also more durable.

Here are a few of the key differences between quartz and granite countertops:

Quartz

• Easier to maintain

• Doesn't require sealing

• Resistant to staining

• More durable

Granite

• More involved maintenance

• Must be sealed

• Stains easily

• Less durable

How Are Quartz Countertops Made?

Quartz countertops are not made of solid quartz, but a waste by-product mix of 90% crushed granite, marble, natural stone, or recycled industrial waste, such as ceramic, silica, glass, and mirrors, mixed with 10% polymeric or cement-based binder. The mix of these materials gives quartz countertops the look and feel of stone.

Tip

All quartz countertops are made using a patented process called Bretonstone Technology.
This process consists of blending pulverized natural stone aggregate with a mix of polymers, removing the air, and then heating and shaping the material into slabs that have the hardness and appearance of natural stone.

Benefits of Quartz Countertops

• No Sealing Required: Quartz kitchen countertops are nonporous, so they don't need sealing like granite or marble do.
• Don't Get Water Stains: Even though they aren't sealed, quartz countertops are water-resistant. That means quartz does not get water stains easily.
• Does Not Scratch or Chip Easily: Quartz does not scratch easily; in fact, granite tends to scratch easier than quartz. However, extreme pressure can cause a scratch, chip, or crack.
• Possible to Fix Scratches: If you do get a light scratches, you can buff it out with polish. It&#;s also possible to fix deep scratches using an epoxy filler. However, the key is scratch prevention by doing things like always using cutting boards.
• Easy to Clean: Mild soap or cleaner is all you need to clean quartz countertops and get them gleaming.

Tip

Though quartz countertops are very durable, placing a hot pan or baking dish directly on the surface will cause discoloration or even warping. To exercise caution, always use a trivet or coaster.

Disadvantages of Quartz Countertops 

• Can Be Damaged By Heat: Quartz countertops can be damaged by hot skillets or baking dishes.
• More Expensive Than Some Other Options: Quartz may be less expensive than natural stone, but it is still more expensive than other synthetic options.
• Cannot Be Used In An Outdoor Kitchen: Unlike granite and other natural stone options, quartz cannot be used outdoors.
  

Quartz Countertop Maintenance and Care 

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Quartz Stone Slabs.

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Minerals & Metallurgy

Quartz countertops are known for their low maintenance nature and easy-to-clean surface. All you need to do is wipe them with a soft cloth and warm water. If you need a little more power behind your cleaning after a big cooking experiment, try a cloth with dish soap or mild cleaning spray.

Because they do not need to be sealed, there's no annual maintenance. All you have to do is clean them when they need it!

You can easily keep quartz countertops spotless with the occasional wipe with a soft cloth and warm water. Tougher messes will benefit from a small amount of dish soap or a cleaning spray that is safe for quartz countertops. Fortunately, quartz countertops are resistant to staining and don't require sealing like granite, so you don't have to worry about everyday messes.

Popular Brands

There are over 50 companies worldwide that are licensed to make quartz countertops. Some of the most popular quartz countertop brands include Silestone, Cambria, and Caesarstone. Each of these has their own look that they are known for, and you can find one that works for your design style. Some smaller but still well-rated brands include Viatera, allen + roth, Daltile ONE Quartz, and Pental. 

FAQ

• How much should I budget to install quartz countertops in my kitchen?

  Your budget to install quartz countertops will be determined by multiple factors including the size of the project, any customizations (such as a sink cutout or beveled edges), and the quality of the quartz. But, generally, installing quartz countertops can range from $1,500 to $12,000. Labor costs will vary by location.

• How long do quartz countertops last?

  Most companies will offer a warranty on quartz countertops for up to 15 years, however you can expect your countertops will last longer than that.

• Do quartz countertops have to be sealed?

  The beauty of quartz countertops is that they do not need to be sealed.

Quartz countertops, a staple in modern home design, are renowned for their durability, elegance, and versatility. Crafted from one of the hardest minerals on earth, quartz countertops offer a perfect blend of natural beauty and engineered resilience. The wide range of quartz colors, patterns, and finishes make them a popular choice for homeowners and designers alike, fitting seamlessly into various decor styles from minimalist to luxurious. Ideal for both kitchen and bathroom spaces, quartz counters not only elevate the aesthetic appeal of a room but also promise long-lasting functionality and ease of maintenance. As a focal point in any space, they provide a balance of practicality and style, making them a wise investment for both residential and commercial properties.

As countertops are a long-term investment in your home, it's important to select the right quartz counter style and color. Here are some expert tips to guide you in making the best choice.

Assess Your Entire Space

Calacatta Karmelo® Quartz

Room Size and Layout: Evaluate how the countertop will fit into the room's size and layout. A larger space might allow for a bolder design, while a smaller area might benefit from a more subtle pattern.

Color Coordination: Consider how the countertop's color will blend with or accentuate the existing color scheme of the room, including walls, cabinets, and flooring.

Style and Design Theme: Make sure the countertop complements the room's overall aesthetic, be it modern, traditional, rustic, or eclectic. With options from solid colors to marble-look quartz, there's a design to suit every preference.

Functionality Needs: Consider the countertop's purpose and the room's function. In high-traffic areas, choose a more durable and low-maintenance quartz design.

Color Palette Consideration

Arctic White&#; Quartz

Understand Color Theory: Utilize color theory to select hues that complement or contrast effectively with your existing decor.

Visualize with Samples: Bring home multiple quartz samples in different shades and observe how they interact with your cabinetry, wall colors, and flooring.

Consider Future Changes: Choose a color that not only works with your current design but is also versatile enough to accommodate future decor changes.

Bring Your Samples

Calacatta Viraldi&#; Quartz

Match with Existing Elements: Compare quartz samples directly with existing elements like cabinets, tiles, and paint to ensure a cohesive look.

Texture and Finish Considerations: Look at how the texture and finish of the quartz sample interact with other textures in your space.

Consistency in Patterns: If your room has a dominant pattern, ensure the quartz pattern doesn't clash but rather complements or subtly contrasts with it.

Consider Lighting

Calacatta Miraggio Cielo&#; Quartz

Natural vs. Artificial Light: Observe how the quartz looks under both natural daylight and your home's artificial lighting to understand its true color and pattern.

Different Times of Day: Quartz can appear differently at various times of the day. Checking the sample in morning, afternoon, and evening light can offer a comprehensive view.

Impact of Light on Color Perception: Understand how different light temperatures (warm or cool) can influence the perceived color and feel of the quartz.

Allow Time for the Countertop to Settle

Calacatta Idillio&#; Quartz

Adaptation Period: Give yourself time to adjust to the new countertop and observe how it fits within the overall space.

Final Touches: Once the countertop is installed, experiment with different accessories and accent colors to find the perfect match.

Balance and Harmony: Aim for a balanced look that enhances the countertop while ensuring it remains the focal point of the room.

Find Your Perfect Quartz Countertop

Choosing the right quartz countertop is an essential step in creating a space that is both beautiful and functional. With their durability, diverse range of styles, and ability to fit into various design themes, quartz countertops are an excellent choice for enhancing your home or commercial space. Whether you're drawn to a modern, traditional, rustic, or eclectic look, there's a quartz countertop that can meet your specific needs and preferences.

To explore the full potential of quartz countertops for your project, we encourage you to reach out to MSI for personalized assistance. Chat with our experts online, visit an MSI showroom to experience the array of styles and designs firsthand, or contact an authorized MSI retailer to help bring your design vision to life with the perfect quartz countertop!

READ MORE ABOUT QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS

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For more Quartz Stone Manufacturerinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.