Quartz countertops, also known as engineered stone, have become an increasingly popular option for kitchen and bathroom remodels due to their durability, low maintenance, and customizability. There are different grades or levels of quartz countertops available on the market, which vary in quality, price point, and performance. Understanding the differences can help homeowners select the right quartz product for their needs and budget.
Levels of Quartz Countertops
Economy Quartz
The most affordable quartz option is economy or entry-level quartz. Here are some key features of economy quartz:
- Contains the lowest amount of natural quartz, around 10-20%.
- Highest amount of polymers and resins. These binding agents impact appearance and performance.
- Limited color and pattern options. Mostly solid colors and very few patterned varieties.
- Prone to scratching, staining, and heat damage. Lacks durability compared to higher quality quartz.
- Seams are more visible. Difficult to get seamless look.
- Cost range of $40-70 per square foot installed.
While economy quartz is budget-friendly, it may not stand the test of time and heavy usage like higher quality options. Best suited for low traffic areas or projects on a tight budget.
Standard Quartz
Standard or mid-range quartz offers better performance at a moderate price point. Features include:
- Quartz content of around 90%. Provides enhanced surface hardness and scratch resistance.
- Moderate amount of polymers and resins. Better binding performance.
- More color and pattern options like granite-look and marble-look.
- Stain, scratch and heat resistant. Suitable for busy kitchens.
- Less visible seams. Easier to get seamless look.
- Cost range of $70-100 per square foot installed.
Standard quartz offers better durability than economy quartz while still being budget-conscious. Provides nice options for most kitchen and bath remodels.
Premium/Luxury Quartz
On the top end, premium or luxury quartz delivers maximum performance, durability, and aesthetics. Key premium quartz features:
- Highest amount of quartz at over 90%. Provides maximum density and scratch resistance.
- Minimal polymers and resins. Reliant mostly on natural quartz for binding.
- Widest selection of colors, patterns, finishes. Options like marble, granite, and concrete look.
- Highly resistant to scratches, stains, heat damage. Best for active kitchens.
- Seamless look. Almost invisible seams.
- Cost range of $100-150 per square foot installed.
Premium quartz stands up beautifully to heavy usage over time. The highest quality option for those wanting superior performance and endless customization.
How Quartz Level Impacts Performance
The percentage of natural stone vs. polymers and resins significantly impacts how a quartz countertop performs.
- Durability – Higher quartz content makes a harder, denser surface resistant to daily wear. Premium quartz is most durable.
- Appearance – More polymers create an artificial plastic-like look. Premium quartz appears most natural stone-like.
- Heat Tolerance – Natural quartz withstands heat better than polymers. Premium quartz endures hot pots better.
- Scratch Resistance – Quartz mineral makes a harder surface. Premium quartz with high quartz content resists scratches.
- Stain Resistance – Natural quartz is less porous than polymers. Premium quartz is least stain-prone.
- Seams – Polymer-rich quartz expands and contracts more, causing visible seams. Premium quartz seams are barely noticeable.
Choosing the Right Quartz Level
When selecting a quartz level, consider factors like budget, usage, and design aesthetics.
- For moderate use and more budget-friendly projects, standard quartz provides nice performance and options.
- For heavy-use areas like busy kitchens, premium quartz holds up best long-term.
- If wanting a specific marble or granite patterned look, premium quartz offers the most realistic stone-like aesthetics.
- For low maintenance bathrooms or laundry rooms, economy quartz may suffice at the lowest price point.
Carefully examine quartz samples to evaluate color, pattern, finish and quality firsthand. Be sure to read warranty details to understand what defects or flaws are covered. With this knowledge, homeowners can confidently invest in a quartz countertop that fulfills their needs for both beauty and function.
Frequently Asked Questions About Quartz Levels
What are the major differences between economy, standard, and premium quartz?
The main differences are the percentage of quartz content, variety of colors/patterns, durability, stain/scratch resistance, seaming, and price point. Economy quartz has the lowest quartz content and higher polymer content, resulting in lower performance. Premium quartz has the highest quartz content and less polymers, creating greater durability.
Does a higher quartz level guarantee better quality?
Generally, yes. Higher amounts of natural crushed quartz make a harder, denser surface less prone to damage. Premium quartz contains over 90% crushed quartz for optimal performance. Evaluate quartz samples carefully and read warranties to verify quality.
What quartz level is best for busy kitchens?
Premium quartz is highly recommended for busy kitchens. The higher percentage of quartz minerals creates an exceptionally hard, durable surface that can withstand heavy daily use. Premium quartz resists scratches, stains, burns, and stands up well over time.
Can economy or standard quartz have a marble-look pattern?
While possible, marble-look patterns tend to be limited to premium quartz brands. The higher resin content of economy and standard quartz creates difficulty replicating the complex veining and swirling found in natural marble. For authentic marble aesthetics, premium quartz is the best option.
Is economy quartz durable enough for kitchen countertops?
Economy quartz can work in low-to-moderate use kitchens on a tight budget. However, for busy kitchens, standard or premium quartz are better options. Their higher quartz content makes them more scratch, stain, and heat resistant. Evaluate your usage and budget to decide which level fits best.
Conclusion
When exploring quartz for your home, carefully examine the different levels available. While economy quartz is most affordable, its lower durability may cost you in repairs or replacement down the road. For most kitchens and baths, standard quartz gives you nice performance for the price. And for best longevity in high traffic areas, premium quartz truly shines with its remarkable durability to withstand years of busy daily use. Evaluating quartz levels helps ensure you select the ideal countertop to fulfill your unique needs and lifestyle.