An Introduction to DuPont Quartz
DuPont is an American company that has been manufacturing high-quality engineered stone surfaces since the 1960s under the Zodiaq brand name. In 2015, DuPont sold its Zodiaq quartz surface business to Cosentino, another leading producer of quartz surfaces.
However, DuPont still remains a major player in the quartz countertop industry through licensing partnerships. DuPont licenses its Quartz technology and branding to other manufacturers to produce and distribute quartz products. So while DuPont itself no longer directly manufactures the slabs, its trademark and technology live on through other brands’ quartz lines.
Some popular quartz product lines that are made with DuPont technology include:
- Caesarstone DuPont Quartz
- Cambria Quartz
- Cosentino Dekton
- Silestone Quartz
- Viatera Quartz
So in summary – while DuPont does not make its own quartz slabs anymore, it does license its trusted technology and name to other major brands. Let’s look further into the benefits of DuPont quartz.
Benefits of DuPont Quartz Countertops
There are many reasons why real estate developers, interior designers, and homeowners love DuPont quartz:
- Durability: DuPont quartz is highly scratch, chip, and stain resistant due to its high quartz content. It stands up extremely well to heavy usage in kitchens.
- Low Maintenance: Unlike natural stone, DuPont quartz requires very little ongoing sealing or polishing. Simple cleaning with soap and water keeps it looking like new.
- Stunning Appearance: DuPont quartz comes in a wide array of colors and patterns that mimic natural stone. The finish has an elegant, polished look.
- Hygienic: The nonporous surface does not harbor bacteria or microorganisms that can cause illness. It’s ideal for food prep areas.
- Versatility: DuPont quartz can be custom fabricated into any shape and size. It works well for kitchen counters, backsplashes, vanities, and flooring.
- Non-Toxic: DuPont quartz does not emit harmful VOCs and meets health and eco-safety standards. It’s GREENGUARD Gold certified.
Thanks to these outstanding traits, DuPont quartz countertops are one of the most popular choices for upscale homes and commercial spaces today.
Leading Brands of DuPont Quartz Countertops
As mentioned earlier, DuPont licenses its technology to the top quartz manufacturers. Here are some of the leading brands producing DuPont quartz slabs and countertops:
Caesarstone DuPont Quartz
The Caesarstone brand offers one of the largest color collections of any quartz maker, with options ranging from dark emperador to white Attica. Their Caesarstone DuPont Quartz collection includes unique patterns like the Meteorite and Fresh Concrete designs.
Caesarstone quartz with DuPont technology has exceptional stain, scratch, and heat resistance. It comes with strong warranties: lifetime limited residential and 15-year commercial.
Cambria Quartz
Based in Minnesota, Cambria’s US-made quartz countertops have been popular choices for 20 years. Their Cambria Quartz collection made with DuPont technology includes striking designs like Brittanicca, Ella, and Seagrove.
Cambria is known for quality craftsmanship and strong warranties: lifetime limited residential and 10-year commercial. They also offer quartz sinks and tiles perfectly matching their slabs.
Cosentino Dekton
Cosentino, the Spanish company that acquired DuPont’s original quartz business, produces Dekton ultracompact surfaces with the help of DuPont technology. Dekton uses a proprietary manufacturing process to create an extremely hard, durable surface with superior stain, scratch, and heat resistance.
Dekton comes in large format slabs, making it ideal for seamless countertops. Many unique colors are available like Sirocco, Kira, and Kreta.
Silestone Quartz
One of the first quartz manufacturers, Silestone has been producing quality countertops since 1987. Their partnership with DuPont has allowed them to develop the Silestone Quartz collection of over 70 colors and textures like Pearl Jasmine, Cyanite, and Kensho.
Silestone quartz is famous for its vibrancy and reliability. They offer 15-year residential and 5-year commercial warranties.
Viatera Quartz
Viatera is a relative newcomer, launching in 2010. Their quartz surfaces created with DuPont technology come in striking designs like White Zeus, Super White, and Matte Oyster.
Key traits of Viatera quartz countertops include high performance, unique beauty, and reliability. They come with a lifetime limited residential warranty.
How to Select the Best DuPont Quartz Countertops
If you’re considering a DuPont quartz surface for your home or business, keep these tips in mind:
- Review all the color and pattern options across brands to find your perfect look. DuPont quartz ranges from solid whites to bold variegated designs.
- Consider the warranty coverage offered by each manufacturer to get the best long-term protection.
- Determine whether you want specialized features like molded sinks or backsplashes. Some brands offer coordinating products.
- Look for the GREENGUARD Gold certification to ensure low emissions and sustainability.
- Pick an experienced local fabricator to cut and install your countertops properly.
- Compare prices across brands and suppliers. DuPont quartz is often competitive with natural stone.
With the right choice, you can enjoy beautiful, worry-free DuPont quartz counters that will last for decades in your home or facility. Take your time to weigh all the options!
Frequently Asked Questions about DuPont Quartz Countertops
Here are answers to some common questions about quartz products made with DuPont technology:
Does DuPont make a quartz countertop?
DuPont itself no longer manufactures quartz slabs. However, it does license its technology and name to several major brands like Caesarstone, Cambria, Silestone, and Viatera that produce their own DuPont quartz lines.
What brands use DuPont quartz?
Popular quartz brands utilizing DuPont’s licensing and expertise include Caesarstone, Cambria, Cosentino, Silestone, and Viatera. Each produces its own unique collections of DuPont quartz countertops.
Is DuPont quartz a good product?
Yes, quartz made with DuPont technology offers superior performance, beauty, and reliability. Key benefits include durability, low maintenance, styling, and hygiene. Leading brands stand behind their DuPont quartz with strong warranties.
Does DuPont still make quartz?
While DuPont itself no longer manufactures slabs, it continues to play a pivotal role in the quartz industry through its licensed trademarks, technology, and expertise provided to major brands globally. So DuPont quartz lives on through partnership products.
Is DuPont quartz expensive?
DuPont quartz counters are priced competitively with natural stone surfaces, ranging from $50-120 per square foot installed. While not cheap, DuPont quartz offers excellent value given its longevity and luxury look compared to more affordable options like laminate.
Conclusion
While DuPont no longer directly manufactures quartz slabs, it remains a driving force in engineered stone surfaces through its licensed partnerships with premier global brands. Quartz products made with DuPont technology, such as Caesarstone, Cambria, Silestone, and Viatera, provide exceptional performance, aesthetics, and reliability. With the right choice of color, pattern, and fabricator, DuPont quartz countertops can beautifully withstand decades of use and become a focal point in your space. They offer natural stone beauty with little maintenance. For quality and value, DuPont quartz remains a top choice.