Quartz countertops are an increasingly popular choice for Ottawa homeowners looking to remodel their kitchens or bathrooms. Made from engineered stone, quartz combines the elegant look of natural stone with the consistent coloration, durability, and low maintenance of solid surfaces. With many options for colors, patterns, and finishes, quartz allows you to customize your countertops to match your unique style. But with so many quartz brands and fabricators in the Ottawa area, how do you decide where to buy your new quartz countertops? This guide will walk you through the top options for purchasing quartz countertops in Ottawa.

Understanding Quartz Countertops

Before deciding where to buy, it helps to understand what sets quartz apart from other countertop materials like granite or marble. Here are some of the key features and benefits of quartz:

Durability – Quartz is incredibly strong and scratch-resistant, making it ideal for busy kitchens. It stands up well to heavy use without chipping or staining.
Low maintenance – Since quartz is non-porous, it does not need to be regularly sealed like natural stone. Simple cleaning with soap and water is all it requires to keep it looking fresh.
Consistent coloring – While natural stones have unique veining and patterns, the color and pattern of quartz is uniform. This allows for a seamless look.
Stain resistance – Quartz repels liquids, grease, and food stains much better than granite or marble. However, prolonged exposure can still result in some staining.
Options for customization – With different color patterns, finishes like matte or polished, and edge profiles, quartz offers plenty of room for personalization in your space.
Integrated sink options – Many quartz fabricators give you the choice to integrate a sink right into your countertop for a streamlined look.

Where to Shop for Quartz Countertops in Ottawa

When you’ve decided that quartz is the right material for your next countertop project, Ottawa offers several excellent options for purchasing and installing your slabs. Here are some of the top places to shop for quartz countertops:

Big Box Stores

For convenient one-stop shopping, big box home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s carry many popular national quartz brands. You can view slab samples in-store, get quotes, and schedule installation. While you pay for the convenience, selection is more limited than specialty stores. Home Depot and Lowe’s primarily carry brands like:

Cambria
Cosentino (Silestone)
LG Viatera
Hanstone
Caesarstone

Kitchen and Bath Showrooms

For a wider selection of quartz brands, colors, and patterns, visit a kitchen and bath showroom. Stores like Bathworks, Strathearn Kitchens, or Creative Kitchens and Millwork offer displays of quartz slabs from various manufacturers so you can view the subtle differences. Their designers can help you select the right style for your home. Showrooms work directly with fabricators and installers to handle the complete renovation process.

Specialty Stone Suppliers

Companies like Stone Supercenter, Italian Marble & Granite, and Marble Unique that supply natural stone products to contractors also carry quartz options. They have a wide selection of slabs in inventory from leading brands. You can work with their knowledgeable staff to find the perfect colors and patterns in your price range. They’ll fabricate and install the counterop as well.

Direct from Fabricators

To cut out the middlemen, order quartz straight from a local fabricator like Capital Countertops, CounterFit Quartz, or Precision Countertops. They have relationships with various quartz suppliers and can source the slabs you want. Fabricators offer competitive pricing since they manufacture and install the counters themselves. They’ll also customize the edges and cuts to your exact specifications.

Pros and Cons of Quartz Brands in Ottawa

With so many quartz manufacturers to choose from, it helps to weigh the pros and cons of some of the most popular brands carried by Ottawa dealers:

Cambria Quartz

Pros

Large color selection, including bold variegated designs
Durable, high-quality product
Made in the USA

Cons

Premium price point
Limited size options for very large counters

Caesarstone Quartz

Pros

One of the first engineered quartz brands, established reputation
Highly durable and scratch resistant
Large range of classic and contemporary colors

Cons

Less vivid patterns than some newer brands
Higher price point

Silestone Quartz

Pros

Integrated sink options available
Stain resistant and ideal for heavy use
Popular range of neutral, earthy tones

Cons

Few dramatic color variations
Higher cost than value brands

Hanstone Quartz

Pros

Flexible sizing for seamless look, including large slabs
Unique designs like metallic, marble-look, and color-blend
Mid-range pricing

Cons

Smaller distributor network than major brands
Not widely available at big box stores

How to Select the Best Quartz Countertop

With the wide range of quartz options in Ottawa, selecting the best countertop for your home may feel overwhelming initially. Here are some tips for choosing the right quartz:

Visit showrooms to view many brands and colors in person. Natural light shows the slabs’ true hues.
Bring samples home to see how they pair with your cabinetry and floors. Coordination is key.
Consider your style. Cool modern spaces suit bold quartzes like Caesarstone’s Calacatta Nuvo. Traditional homes pair well with softer quartz that mimics marble.
Examine closely for any irregularities in pattern or coloring. Quartz is generally consistent, but some variance can occur.
Compare pricing between fabricators as costs can range widely for the same materials. Weigh value versus quality.
Ask about warranties to understand what defects or damage the product and installation will cover. Aim for at least 10 years of coverage.
Be open to suggestions from showroom staff and installers. They have valuable insights to help guide your decision.

Common Brands of Quartz Countertops in Ottawa

While quartz manufacturers are always innovating with new styles and patterns, some of the most prevalent quartz brands carried by Ottawa suppliers include:

Caesarstone – One of the pioneers of engineered quartz, known for natural stone looks like Statuario Nuvo and Vanilla Noir.
Cambria – Offers a huge range of colors and finishes, including striking designs like Brittanicca, Ella, and Seagrove.
Silestone – Popular for speckled neutrals and deep solids in matte and polished finishes.
LG Viatera – High-quality brand with large slabs and ornate marble-like designs.
Quartz Master – Budget-friendly option with all the durability of quartz at lower price points.
Vicostone – Offers unique patterns including recycled glass and shell accents in the quartz aggregate.
Hanstone – Known for nature-inspired colors and metallics like the Azure Night and Ubatuba gold collections.

Costs of Quartz Countertops in Ottawa

The cost of quartz countertops in Ottawa ranges widely depending on the brand, color, and edge treatments you select. Here’s an overview of average quartz countertop pricing:

Low – $70-$100 per square foot – This is the range for affordable quartz options from home improvement stores. Brands include Quartz Master, IKEA, and Cosentino D.
Mid – $100-$150 per square foot – The middle tier includes leading brands like Caesarstone, Cambria, and Silestone. Most showrooms and fabricators supply these.
High – $150-$250+ per square foot – Designer brands like LG Viatera and exotic handmade looks from Italy occupy the high end. These offer unique veining.
Edge Profiles – Standard eased or beveled edges add $3-$10 per linear foot. Specialty edges like waterfall cost $15+ per foot.
Installation – Count on spending $40-$100 per hour for fabrication and installation. Simple countertop swaps take less time than complex projects.
Sink cutouts – Expect to pay an extra $100-$300 if you’re integrating sinks and faucets into your quartz countertops.

FAQs About Purchasing Quartz in Ottawa

What thickness should I choose for quartz countertops?

The standard thickness for quartz countertops is 3 cm or 1 1/4 inches. For longer spans, undermount sinks, or heavier use, thicker 3/4 inch (2 cm) countertops are recommended to prevent any sagging or cracking over time.

How seamless can quartz counters be installed?

Many fabricators offer large format quartz slabs exceeding 125 inches, allowing for a seamless appearance on standard 10 or 12 foot runs. Sections can also be intricately cut to minimize any visible seams.

Should I consider prefabricated quartz counters?

While prefab quartz options like IKEA’s Kasker countertops provide cost savings, the seams are more visible and sizing options limited versus custom fabricated quartz. We recommend custom for the best results.

What edges work well for quartz counters?

With its uniform patterning, quartz looks great with modern eased or beveled edges. Full bullnose edges also create a refined finish. Decorative ogee, chamfered, or dupont edges further elevate the style.

Can you repair chips or cracks in quartz counters?

Minor chips or scratches can often be buffed out by a professional installer. However, cracks require replacing the damaged section. Be sure your installer provides suitable warranty coverage for potential repairs.

Where to Buy Quartz Countertops in Ottawa: Key Takeaways

With its durability, low maintenance, and customization options, quartz makes an excellent investment for countertops that will impress for years to come. Ottawa offers many excellent options for purchasing quartz slabs from leading brands like Caesarstone, Cambria, and Silestone. Getting quotes from big box stores, kitchen designers, stone suppliers, and fabricators allows you to shop around for the best combination of quality, selection, and value for your project. Be sure to carefully inspect any slabs before finalizing your order to ensure even patterning and uniform coloring. With proper care and maintenance, your new quartz counters can stay looking pristine for decades.

Conclusion

Quartz countertops provide homeowners in Ottawa with an attractive, functional, and durable surface that can withstand heavy daily use. With colors, finishes and patterns that range from elegant marbles to modern concrete, quartz offers endless design possibilities to create your dream kitchen or bath. Purchasing through specialty kitchen designers, fabricators, and stone suppliers gives you access to top brands and expert guidance to select the perfect slabs. Taking the time to carefully inspect your chosen slabs, compare pricing, and understand warranty terms ensures you invest in a quality quartz counter that will impress for years to come. With proper care, quartz requires little maintenance while providing beauty, charm and convenience. For homeowners seeking to upgrade their space with a countertop that combines beauty, durability and style, quartz is a top choice for many Ottawa homes and businesses.