Quartz Countertops: Buying Guide, Costs, and Care

Made from one of the hardest minerals on earth, quartz countertops are arguably the most durable option for kitchens. They&#;re also some of the most eye-catching. They come in a wide variety of colors, including fire-engine red and apple green, as well as earthy browns, blacks, and creams, with sparkles and veining for the look of granite or marble. But unlike natural-stone slabs, which are mined, these slabs are engineered in a factory.

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Is Quartz is Better Than Granite?

Their primary ingredient is ground quartz (about 94 percent), combined with polyester resins to bind it and pigments to give it color. For some designs, small amounts of recycled glass or metallic flecks are added to the mix. The resins also help make these counters stain and scratch resistant&#;and nonporous, so they never need to be sealed. Compare that with granite, the reigning king of high-end countertops, which typically requires a new protective top coat at least once a year.

In the past, the biggest knock against quartz was that it lacked the patterns and color variations you get with natural stone. But that&#;s a moot point now, with all the manufacturers offering multihued slabs with enough flecks, swirls, and random patterning to make them almost indistinguishable from the real thing.

They were once available only with a polished finish; now you can get one with a honed, sandblasted, or embossed treatment. So if it&#;s the look of matte limestone, textured slate, or glossy granite that you want, there&#;s a quartz countertop for you. Read on for help picking one to match your budget, your cooking and cleaning needs, and your style. We&#;ll go over the pros and cons of quartz countertops so you can make the best choice.

How Much Do Quartz Countertops Cost?

Expect to pay about the same as you would for natural stone, around $60 to $90 per square foot, including installation.

How are Quartz Countertops Made?

Natural-quartz crystals are mined, then ground into a dust or an aggregate that&#;s fused with resin binders under intense heat and pressure to form a solid slab. Pigments added during the process impart color to the countertop.

Key Questions Answered

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DIY or hire a pro?

Like natural stone, quartz slabs are very heavy. And though the added resins make them more flexible, they, too, can crack if not properly handled. Work only with certified installers.

Where can you buy it?

Order through kitchen-design showrooms or from home centers and big-box stores, such as The Home Depot, IKEA, and Lowe&#;s.

How long do they last?

For as long as you have your kitchen. Quartz countertop manufacturers provide warranties ranging from 10 or 15 years to lifetime, depending on the company.

Is a Quartz Countertop Right for You?

Here are the pros and cons to consider when deciding to go with quartz.

Pros

It&#;s low-maintenance.

Unlike natural stone or wood, it never needs to be sealed. Just wipe with soapy water for daily upkeep. Surface stains can be removed with a gentle cleansing scrub. Avoid scouring pads, which can dull the surface, and harsh chemicals that could break down the bonds between the quartz and resins.

It&#;s antimicrobial.

Resin binders make quartz counters nonporous, so stain- and odor-causing bacteria, mold, and mildew can&#;t penetrate the surface.

It&#;s design-friendly.

Some makers offer jumbo slabs for uninterrupted runs of countertop. But even with standard slabs, typically 60 by 120 inches, the seams can be almost imperceptible; added resins allow cleaner cuts without chipping as stone does. The resins also make quartz more flexible than natural stone, allowing fabricators to bend and shape it into sinks or the sides of a curved island. And it&#;s versatile enough to be used on floors and walls&#;fabricators can even cut the slabs into standard tile sizes.

Cons

It&#;s pricey.

Compared with DIY options, such as wood, laminate, and concrete, which can cost less than $10 per square foot, quartz, like granite, is expensive&#;about $60 to $90 per square foot, including installation. Acrylic solid surfacing, another competing option, costs about $40 to $80 per square foot installed.

It can&#;t take extreme heat.

Quartz counters are heat and scorch resistant, but only up to a point. Most manufacturers say their products can handle up to 400 degrees F, but a sudden change in temperature or sustained heat from a pan left on the counter may cause the surface to crack. To be safe, always use a trivet or a hot pad.

It can&#;t weather outdoor use.

Install it outdoors in an uncovered area, and you&#;ll void the warranty. Direct sun beating down on it day after day can cause colors to fade or the countertop to warp or split over time. Currently, none of the major manufacturers offers an outdoor-approved quartz counter.

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Quartz Countertops Buying Guide and Timeline

1. Compare Colors and Prices

Shop around to compare colors and prices. Some quartz makers sell exclusively through big-box stores; other slabs are available only through independent kitchen and bath showrooms.

2. Select Your Brand and Color

Pick your brand and color, and set up a time for a fabricator to visit your home to take measurements and make a template of the tops of your base cabinets.

Unless you are keeping existing fixtures, you supply the dimensions for the sink and faucet cutouts as well as any drop-in appliances, such as a cooktop.

3. Get Price Quotes and Place Your Order

Get a price quote and place your order. Once the fabricator knows the complexity of the installation, including the edge profile, number of slabs, and cutout details, they can quote the actual cost of the entire job.

4. Wait (About a Week)

Wait, but not too long. Assuming your base cabinets are in and your kitchen is otherwise complete, the fabricator can get the slab from the distributor or direct from the manufacturer and shape it to your specs in about a week.

If you&#;re using multiple slabs, consider asking the fabricator to get them from the same manufacturing batch to ensure the best possible match.

5. Schedule Your Installation

Schedule the installation. The fabricator lays the slab directly on top of cabinets; in general, no plywood underlayment is required. It&#;s held in place with silicone-based construction adhesive, and any seams between slabs are filled with color-matched epoxy resin.

Undermount sinks are installed with clips (and sometimes wood braces) that attach to the underside of the countertop. Expect installation for a typical kitchen to take from a few hours to a day.

Pick Your Color and Pattern

Crema Marble

Brown veining against a sand background. Giallo Michelangelo, Zodiaq by Dupont, about $60-$100 per sq. ft.*

*All prices include installation.

Watery Hue

Recycled-glass flecks glisten in a blue-gray base. Calm Springs, Zodiaq by Dupont, about $60-$100 per sq. ft.

Terrazzo Effect

Earthy recycled-glass particles add sparkle. Forest Snow, Eco by Cosentino, about $62-$78 per sq. ft.; ecobycosentino.com

Tone on Tone

Tan watermarks speckle a brown base. Vintage Limestone, Viatera by LG, about $67-$72 per sq. ft.; lgviaterausa.com

Cobalt

Vibrant blue highlighted with translucent particles. Celestial Blue, Zodiaq by Dupont, about $60-$100 per sq. ft.

Crystallized

Small iridescent blue and charcoal flecks. Waterford, Cambria, about $75-$80 per sq. ft.; cambriausa.com

White Marble

Gray striations for the look of Carrara. Tranquility RU613, HanStone, $55-$95 per sq. ft.; hanwhasurfaces.com

Cool Tone

Solid turquoise with a contemporary feel. Slice of Ice CW102, HanStone, about $55-$95 per sq. ft.; hanwhasurfaces.com

Travertine Style

Reddish-brown lines mimic veining. Ivory Wave MV620, HanStone, about $55-$95 persq. ft.; hanwhasurfaces.com

Bold Swirls

Black and gray-blue streaks against taupe and cream. Praa Sands, Cambria, about $75-$80 per sq. ft.; cambriausa.com

Crisp Green

A lively solid. Green Fun, Silestone by Cosentino, about $54-$74 per sq. ft.; silestoneusa.com

Warm Gray

Subtle cream veins look nature-inspired. Piatra Grey, Caesarstone, about $65-$85 per sq. ft.; caesarstoneus.com

Earthy Speckles

Granite-like veins and light-reflecting crystals. Canterbury, Cambria, about $75-$80 per sq. ft.; cambriausa.com

Polished Steel

Metallic flecks impart shine. Chrome, Silestone by Cosentino, about $70-$89 per sq. ft.; silestoneusa.com

Pebbled

Gray-toned particles and swirls on white. Atlantic Salt, Caesarstone, about $65-$85 per sq. ft.; caesarstoneus.com

Subtle Striations

Thin white lines overlay a jet-black base. Black Knight , Caesarstone, about $65-$85 per sq. ft.; caesarstoneus.com

SoapStone-Like

A matte-finish warm gray. Altair, Silestone by Cosentino, about $54-$74 per sq. ft.; silestoneusa.com

Metallic Chips

Copper-colored flecks add depth. Mariposa Buff MV410, Samsung, about $50-$60 per sq. ft.; staron.com

Warm Neutral

This sandy hue has faint color gradations. Sugar Storm, Viatera, about $67-$72 per sq. ft.; lgviaterausa.com

Light Limestone

A granular texture imitates fossil and shell fragments. Natural Limestone, Viatera, about $67-$72 per sq. ft.; lgviaterausa.com

Geode Look

Like a slice of blue mineral chunks. Ocean Palace , Caesarstone, about $65-$85 per sq. ft.; caesarstoneus.com

Rare Jewels

Wendell T. Webber

It doesn&#;t get much more luxurious than a semiprecious-stone countertop formed from real slices of colorful quarried crystals, such as agate and amethyst. Added resins work like a glue to bind the gems together into a continuous countertop while also making it stain and scratch resistant. These opulent tops would add a dramatic look to a small kitchen island, a built-in bar, or a powder-room vanity.

Shown: Concetto Collection in Brown Agate, Rose Quartz, and Tiger Eye, about $400 per sq. ft.; caesarstoneus.com

The Finishing Touch

Just about any edge profile that you can get with stone can be replicated with quartz. The standard eased edge, slightly rounded over so that there aren&#;t any sharp angles, and the more fanciful ogee, which resembles an S curve on its side, are two of the most popular treatments.

Your fabricator will help you select an edge that suits your kitchen&#;s style and the countertop&#;s thickness&#;typically ½, ¾, or 1¼ inches&#;and will shape the profile using a template provided by the manufacturer. Fabricators can also do custom designs, such as a chiseled, raw edge (shown) or a gently cascading three-level waterfall-style profile. Keep in mind that the more complex the edge, the higher the cost.

Shown: Desert Limestone with chiseled edge, about $65-$85 per sq. ft.; caesarstoneus.com

Quartz Countertops to Suit Every Style

Relaxed Farmhouse

Wendell T. Webber

This slate-gray countertop has a muted, lived-in look to match the zinc stools and the weather-beaten-steel pendant light. Open shelves and painted cabinets with bin-pull drawer hardware add to the kitchen&#;s homey appeal.

Shown: Fieldstone, about $75-$80 per sq. ft.; cambriausa.com

Xinyun supply professional and honest service.

Streamlined Modern

Wendell T. Webber

A white countertop with subtle gray veining, a glossy finish, and a simple eased edge makes a crisp contrast with the green-painted cabinets and sleek stainless-steel fixtures and appliances.

Shown: Misty Carrera, about $65-$85 per sq. ft.; caesarstoneus.com

Earthy Traditional

Two warm countertop colors complement the stained wood cabinets. A washstand-style curved backsplash behind the range adds a vintage note. On the island, a 5-inch mitered edge profile gives the work surface a chunky, furniture-like look.

Shown: Nottingham (perimeter), and Sussex (island), about $75-$80 per sq. ft.; cambriausa.com

Timeless Elegance

Mick Frangou/IPC + Syndication

A black-and-white color combination is always a classic. Here, the dark countertop pairs with the lighter perimeter cabinets. The contrasting scheme is reversed on the island, where an ogee edge profile adds an extra dose of sophistication.

Similar to shown: Zodiaq Galaxy Black and Cloud White, $60-$100 per sq. ft.

Prefab Options

You won&#;t find ready-made slabs for kitchen counters, but home centers now offer smaller bathroom vanity tops with faucet drillings and undermount-sink cutouts. Expect to pay $350 to $900 for a vanity top, depending on the size and color.

Home-furnishings manufacturers are also catching on to the pluses of quartz. Room & Board offers dining, cocktail, accent, and counter-height tables with five different quartz-top options and a choice of bases.

Get a custom-look vanity for less by wedding a prefab counter (sink included) with a stock cabinet.

Shown: Solieque Bisque Baroque, from $640; homedepot.com

Bonus: Beyond The Kitchen

You aren&#;t just limited to using quartz in the kitchen, check out these smart and unique use-cases.

Mix and Match

Mix and match quartz tops and wood bases for an updated farmhouse table.

Shown: Linden walnut table with white quartz top, from $1,700; roomandboard.com

Tub Deck

Unlike marble, quartz won&#;t be marred by an errant splash of bath oil.

Shown: Blizzard, $65-$85 per sq. ft.; caesarstoneus.com

Laundry Counter

Quartz is antimicrobial, so it won&#;t harbor bacteria from soiled clothes. Just be sure to clean up bleach spills quickly to prevent damage.

Shown: Brentwood, $75-$80 per sq. ft.; cambriausa.com

Shower Seat

Jason Varney

In a fully tiled shower, a corner seat crafted from a quartz remnant means fewer grout lines to keep clean.

Similar to shown: Ultra White, $67-$72 per sq. ft.; lgviaterausa.com

Dining Room Server

You can stop worrying about red-wine rings; because quartz is nonporous, vino can&#;t penetrate it.

Similar to shown: Tranquility, about $55-$95 per sq. ft.; hanwhasurfaces.com

Fireplace Surround

Quartz can withstand very high temperatures as long as the heat is indirect. So go ahead and surround your firebox with it.

Shown: Concrete, $65-$85 per sq. ft.; caesarstoneus.com

Bedside Table

A wooden bedside table with drawers and a brown and black marble quartz countertop.

By topping your nightstand with quartz, you won&#;t need a coaster to keep morning coffee or tea spills from staining.

Shown: Ashford, $75-$80 per sq. ft.; cambriausa.com

Have you ever gazed at your quartz countertop and wondered, &#;What exactly makes this material so strong and beautiful?&#; Quartz countertops have become a popular choice for homeowners because of their unique blend of durability, style, and low maintenance.

At Granite Selection, we&#;ve spent years working with this engineered stone and want to share our knowledge on what makes quartz such an exceptional choice for your home. In this blog, we&#;ll break down exactly what quartz countertops are made of and why they stand out from other natural stones like granite and marble.

What Are Quartz Countertops Made Of?

Quartz countertops are primarily made of natural quartz, one of the hardest minerals on Earth, combined with polymer resins. Typically, the composition includes about 90-95% crushed quartz and 5-10% resins and pigments, which help bind the stone and add color.

The quartz used is ground into various sizes, with coarser grains creating a more textured look, while finer grains result in a smoother, more uniform surface. Some manufacturers also add glass or metallic flecks to create a reflective, luxurious appearance.

Also quartz is a sustainable material. Many manufacturers use recycled materials in production, reducing the need for new resources. Unlike natural stones like granite, quartz doesn&#;t require extensive quarrying, which lowers environmental impact. Additionally, quartz&#;s long lifespan means fewer replacements, contributing to less waste over time. Some manufacturers also use low-VOC resins, making quartz safer for both the environment and indoor air quality. Overall, quartz is a durable, sustainable choice for homeowners looking to reduce their ecological footprint.

Quartz Features

Quartz countertops bring more than just aesthetic appeal to your home. Their unique composition provides a range of practical benefits that make them stand out from other countertop materials. Let&#;s break down some of the key features that make quartz the go-to choice for many homeowners.

Whether it&#;s the durability that allows quartz to withstand daily wear or the customizable designs that fit any style, these features make quartz a versatile and reliable option for your home. With little maintenance required and high resistance to stains, scratches, and heat, you can enjoy your quartz countertops for years to come.

Design Tips for Quartz Countertops

Quartz countertops are not only known for their durability and low maintenance but also for their versatility in design. Whether you&#;re renovating a kitchen, bathroom, or any other space, quartz can adapt to a variety of styles and layouts.

To help you make the most of your quartz countertop selection, we&#;ve put together some design tips that will elevate the aesthetic of your home:

• Choose Light Colors for Small Spaces

Lighter shades of quartz, such as whites and soft grays, can make smaller spaces like bathrooms or compact kitchens feel larger and more open.

• Go Bold with Dark Quartz for Contrast

If you want to create a dramatic look, pair dark quartz countertops with lighter cabinetry. Shades like black or deep brown can add striking contrast and sophistication to modern spaces.

• Match the Veining to Your Aesthetic

Quartz can mimic the veining patterns found in natural stones like marble. Choose a subtle veining for a classic look, or opt for bold veining patterns to make your countertop the focal point of the room.

• Consider a Waterfall Edge for a Modern Look

For a sleek and contemporary design, consider adding a waterfall edge where the countertop extends vertically down the sides of the cabinetry. This creates a continuous, modern flow in the space.

• Pair Quartz with Warm Wood Tones

Combining quartz with natural wood elements can create a warm and inviting atmosphere. This works particularly well for rustic, farmhouse, or transitional kitchen designs.

• Use Neutral Quartz to Complement Bold Backsplashes

If you&#;re planning on a bold, patterned backsplash, balance it with neutral quartz countertops in shades like beige, cream, or white to avoid overwhelming the space.

• Select Matte Finishes for a Subtle, Sophisticated Look

While polished quartz is the most common finish, consider matte or honed finishes for a more understated and contemporary look.

With these design tips, you can create a space that is not only functional but also stylish and tailored to your personal taste. Whether you&#;re aiming for a sleek modern kitchen or a warm, inviting bathroom, quartz countertops provide the flexibility to achieve your vision.

Engineered Stone vs. Natural Stone

Consumers get many benefits from using engineered quartz over natural stones like granite and marble. Before we go too far into this conversation, you can take a look at our blog that breaks down granite and quartz differences. In this conversation, we will focus on the advantages of quartz.

#1. Stronger Stone

Engineering the quartz countertop provides a stronger, longer-lasting stone than natural stones. The polymers that bind the rock also increase the strength.

The strength of the stone makes it easier for contractors to install the slabs in your kitchen or bathroom without it breaking.

#2. Resistant to Chemicals

These same polymers also make them resistant to household chemicals and cleaners. The non-porous nature of these counters makes them 99.9% bacteria-free as well.

The polymers also make the counters non-porous. Their non-porous nature is why you do not need cleaning products as you might with other stones.

#3. Customizable

As we mentioned above, the quartz manufacturing process offers a broader variety of countertop options than you would get for granite or marble. The natural stones are great but limit you to what is available on the market.

Quartz counters variety depend on:

• How finely or coarsely you grind the stone.
• The type of quartz you mine from the earth.
• The percentage of resins you use.
• Whether you use metallic flakes or other stones to give your counter a little flair.

Often customers select quartz countertops to mimic granite or other stones they like without the professional installation hassles. The more options just make it easier for them to choose something that works with the aesthetic of their kitchen countertops. With the help of quartz slabs you can bring an unusual zest to your kitchen design. Our experts at Granite Selection have prepared a blog dedicated to 7 quartz countertop ideas.

Cost Comparison of Quartz vs. Natural Stone Materials

Quartz offers a range of benefits, from intense heat durability to low maintenance, making it a popular choice for countertops. However, when considering quartz for your home, it&#;s important to understand how its cost compares to other popular natural stone materials, such as granite, marble, and travertine. In this section, we provide a cost comparison to help you see how quartz measures up against these natural stone countertops alternatives, ensuring you make an informed decision based on both budget and material performance.

Material Price Range (per sq. foot)* Quartz $50 &#; $150 Granite $40 &#; $100 Marble $75 &#; $250 Travertine $50 &#; $100

*Approximate cost according to HomeAdvisor

When comparing countertop materials, it&#;s essential to consider both the upfront cost and the long-term value to choose the right material. Quartz offers a balanced price point with minimal upkeep, making it an ideal choice for many homeowners. Granite countertops provides more affordable entry point into natural stone, while marble and travertine, though beautiful, come with higher maintenance requirements and costs. Carefully evaluating these factors will help you choose the best countertop material for your home and lifestyle. If you want to dive deeper into quartz countertop prices, you can check our blog with quartz prices in .

Still undecided? Take a look at our fine collection of stones and find the one that would suit your design style!

View All Stone Collection

Conclusion

Now that you have a better understanding of what quartz countertops are made of, you can see why they&#;re such a popular choice for both kitchens and bathrooms. Their durability, low maintenance, and design versatility make them a top option for any home renovation. If you&#;re still undecided or want to explore your countertop options further, Granite Selection is here to help.

We provide a wide range of natural stone materials and professional installation services to ensure your project is completed to the highest standards. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you find the perfect countertop for your space.

For more quartz stoneinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.