Cloudy white quartz has become an increasingly popular choice for kitchen and bathroom countertops in recent years. With its dreamy, ethereal aesthetic and practical properties, it’s easy to see why. But who actually manufactures this gorgeous engineered stone? Let’s take a closer look at the major players in the cloudy white quartz market.
What is Cloudy White Quartz?
Cloudy white quartz, sometimes called frosted white quartz, has a soft, muted appearance thanks to its gentle blending of whites and pale grays. Unlike a pure bright white solid surface, it has more visual depth and complexity. The cloudy veining makes each slab unique.
Quartz countertops are composed of ground natural quartz aggregates combined with polymer resins. The resins bind the quartz particles together to form a hard, non-porous surface. Cloudy white quartz typically contains 90-95% crushed quartz and 5-10% resins.
Compared to natural stone like marble, quartz is more consistent in color and patterning. It also requires very little maintenance, and resists stains, scratches, and heat. This makes it an ideal choice for busy kitchens.
Major Manufacturers of Cloudy White Quartz
The quartz countertop industry is dominated by several large manufacturers who operate plants worldwide. Here are some of the top companies producing cloudy white quartz slabs and countertops today:
Cambria
Cambria is a leading American-made natural quartz surfacing brand. Their Brittanicca collection features a popular cloudy white quartz called Bellingham with an exquisite marbled appearance. Cambria slabs are made in their manufacturing plant in Le Sueur, Minnesota.
Caesarstone
This prominent manufacturer headquartered in Israel offers a few cloudy white options like the dreamy Blizzard quartz. Their surfaces are made using up to 93% natural quartz. Caesarstone has factories in several locations including the United States, Israel, and Australia.
Silestone
Part of the Spanish Cosentino Group, Silestone produces a lovely cloudy white quartz called Blanco Zeus. It has subtle grey veining on a bright white background. Silestone makes their quartz slabs in plants in Spain and the U.S.
LG Viatera
The LG Viatera collection includes a few stunning cloudy whites like the popular Super White quartz with a frosted appearance. Their state-of-the-art facility in Adairsville, Georgia crafts each slab.
HanStone Quartz
This Canadian company offers a shade called Cloud White from their Hanex line, which features subtle grey patterning. Their manufacturing facility is located in London, Ontario.
MSI
MSI’s quartz lineup includes options like the frosty Venatino Super White. Their slabs are produced at plants in Canada, India, Turkey, and the United States.
How to Choose the Best Cloudy White Quartz
With so many options on the market, it can be tough deciding which cloudy white quartz is right for your project. Here are a few tips:
- Look at slabs in person before purchasing to check the exact coloration and pattern. Photos don’t always capture the true look.
- Consider how much maintenance you want to do. Some cloudy quartz options resist stains and etching better than others.
- Think about whether you want a more consistent overall look or dramatic veining patterns. This varies between manufacturers.
- Choose a reputable brand that offers a solid warranty and quality fabrication/installation. An authorized fabricator is key.
- Ask about lead times. Stock availability can vary. Made-to-order quartz often has longer lead times.
The Bottom Line
When sourcing that dreamy cloudy white quartz slab, you have plenty of excellent options from top manufacturers like Cambria, Caesarstone, Silestone, and more. Carefully inspecting samples and ordering through an authorized dealer is key to getting the look you want. With cloudy quartz’s durability and visual appeal, it’s sure to provide many years of happiness in your kitchen or bath.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cloudy White Quartz
What are the benefits of choosing cloudy white quartz?
Some key benefits of cloudy white quartz include its low maintenance needs, resistance to staining/etching, durability, and beautiful dreamy aesthetic. It offers more visual depth than a flat bright white solid surface.
Does cloudy white quartz need to be sealed?
No, quartz countertops do not require regular sealing like some natural stone surfaces. The resin binds the crushed quartz particles together to form a non-porous material that resists moisture. Proper cleaning is all that is needed.
How durable is cloudy white quartz?
Quartz has excellent durability due to its high quartz content and polymer resins. It’s harder and less prone to damage than natural stone. However, cloudy quartz can be etched by acidic substances, so spills should be cleaned promptly.
Is cloudy white quartz cheaper than marble?
Cloudy white quartz is generally cheaper than marble when comparing natural slabs. However, the installed price for a complete countertop also reflects fabrication and installation costs. Overall, quartz tends to provide better value than marble.
Does cloudy white quartz need to be professionally installed?
Yes, quartz countertops should always be cut and installed by an experienced professional fabricator. The slabs are very heavy, and the installation process involves precision cutting and seam placement. Do-it-yourself installation often leads to problems down the road.
Conclusion
With its unbeatable blend of aesthetics and performance, it’s no wonder cloudy white quartz is gaining popularity for kitchens and bathrooms. Major quartz manufacturers like Cambria, Caesarstone, and Silestone offer stunning options that will provide a lifetime of enjoyment. Just be sure to inspect samples first, choose a reputable fabricator, and properly care for your investment. Durable, dreamy cloudy quartz can be the perfect addition to create a serene yet practical space.