IKEA offers a wide selection of affordable and stylish countertops, but quartz countertops specifically are not part of their current product lineup. Here is a detailed overview of IKEA’s countertop offerings and some guidance for finding quartz counters from other retailers.
An Introduction to IKEA Countertops
IKEA provides many budget-friendly options for kitchen and bathroom countertops to match their signature minimalist style. Their countertop materials include:
- Laminate – Most affordable option, made from layers of kraft paper infused with melamine resin. Durable and scratch-resistant but not heat or water-proof.
- Wood – Typically oak, ash or beech veneer. Warm, natural look but requires regular sealing.
- Stainless Steel – Sleek and modern but prone to scratches and fingerprints. Requires frequent polishing.
- Ceramic – Made from natural clay, fired at high temperatures. Resistant to scratches but can chip or crack.
- Stone – Compressed quartz agglomerate engineered for durability. Resists heat, scratches and stains.
Why IKEA Doesn’t Sell Quartz Countertops
While IKEA offers some stone countertops made from quartz particles, they do not carry 100% natural quartz slab countertops. There are a few likely reasons for this:
- Cost – Natural quartz slabs are more expensive than IKEA’s budget-focused product lineup. The retailer prioritizes value and affordable style.
- Weight – Quartz slabs can be very heavy, which adds shipping costs. IKEA products ship flat-packed whenever possible.
- Installation – Quartz counters require precise professional measuring and installation. IKEA products are designed for convenient DIY assembly.
- Style – IKEA favors clean, contemporary designs. Quartz counters come in busy natural stone patterns that don’t necessarily match their aesthetic.
So in summary, while beautiful, real quartz counters are not aligned with IKEA’s core business strategy and brand identity. But there are still plenty of options to achieve the look of quartz within an IKEA kitchen.
Achieving a Quartz Look with IKEA Countertops
If you love the look of white, gray, or black quartz, IKEA offers a few budget-friendly options to emulate the aesthetic:
- Laminate – Many IKEA laminate countertops come in solid white, gray, or black looks that resemble quartz at a fraction of the price.
- Ceramic – IKEA carries ceramic counters in black, white, and light gray that offer the shiny, stone-like look of quartz in a durable material.
- Engineered Stone – IKEA’s stone countertops are made of crushed quartz blended with resin for a patterned quartz-like finish.
- contact paper – For a temporary quartz makeover, use white or gray contact paper on existing counters. Peel off when ready for a new look.
With some creative problem-solving, you can achieve the clean, contemporary style of quartz counters to match the spare IKEA aesthetic. Focus on color, sheen, and minimal pattern.
Where to Buy Quartz Countertops
If you have your heart set on real quartz, check with these retailers that specialize in natural stone countertops:
- Home Depot – Offersinstallation services forSilestone,Caesarstone, Cambria,and other leading quartz brands. Price depends on material, color and design complexity.
- Lowe’s – Sells quartz countertops including MSI, Caesarstone, Cambria, Silestone, Viatera and more. Provides measurement and professional installation.
- Local stone yards – Check stone distributors or fabricators in your area for slabs and custom cutting. More options at possibly lower cost but need own contractor.
- Online retailers – Materials like MSI quartz can be ordered online and shipped to local installers. Convenient but fewer color/pattern options.
Be sure to account for total costs including purchase price, shipping, taxes, installation, countertop edges, backsplashes, and any custom modifications your space requires. With careful planning, you can find quartz counters to fit your budget.
FAQ About IKEA and Quartz Countertops
Does IKEA sell real quartz countertops?
No, IKEA does not sell real quartz slabs. Their stone counters contain crushed quartz but are not made from pure natural quartz.
What is the most quartz-looking IKEA countertop?
The white, gray or black ceramic counters likely have the most realistic quartz aesthetic at IKEA. The solid colors and glossy finish emulate the look of quartz.
Can you add quartz to IKEA countertops?
Unfortunately IKEA countertops cannot be upgraded to real quartz since they are pre-fabricated to standard IKEA sizes. You would need to purchase custom-cut quartz slabs.
Is IKEA laminate good for countertops?
Yes, IKEA laminate makes an affordable, durable countertop option. It resists scratches, stains, and moisture. Just avoid direct heat exposure and cut with care to prevent chips.
Can you DIY install an IKEA quartz countertop?
IKEA does not sell real quartz countertops, and quartz would be too heavy and fragile for DIY installation. Leave quartz installation to trained professionals.
The Bottom Line
While beautiful, quartz counters don’t quite align with IKEA’s affordable, contemporary style. But with smart choices like laminate or ceramic, you can achieve a gorgeous quartz-inspired look for your IKEA kitchen. For real stone quartz counters, connect with local fabricators or major home retailers like Home Depot or Lowe’s. With some creative thinking, you can get the sleek quartz style you love, even on an IKEA budget.