Quartz countertops have become incredibly popular in recent years for use in kitchens and bathrooms. But what exactly are quartz countertops made of? Here is an in-depth look at the materials, manufacturing process, and composition of quartz countertops.
What is Quartz?
Quartz is a mineral found abundantly in nature. It is composed of silicon and oxygen atoms bonded together in a crystalline structure under high heat and pressure. Quartz is one of the hardest minerals on Earth and is very durable and scratch-resistant.
Some key facts about quartz:
- Chemical formula: SiO2
- Hardness on Mohs scale: 7
- Abundant natural mineral found in granite and other rocks
- Transparent to translucent crystal with white, grey, yellow, pink, purple, or black colorations
- Piezoelectric properties allow it to generate electric charge under pressure
- Heat resistant up to 1,670°C
Natural quartz crystals are too brittle for countertop use, so engineered quartz was developed that combines ground quartz with resin and pigments.
Engineered Quartz Countertops
Engineered, or cultured, quartz combines ground quartz aggregate with polymer resins and pigments. The resins bind the quartz particles together into a durable, non-porous slab.
Engineered quartz typically contains:
- 90-94% ground quartz – Provides hardness, structure, and scratch resistance
- 6-10% polymer resins – Bind the material together into a slab
- Pigments – Add color and pattern
Quartz slabs are made by combining the raw materials, molding into slabs under vacuum and pressure, and curing in ovens. This produces a homogeneous, consistent product in a wide variety of colors and patterns.
The resulting engineered quartz material is much tougher and more flexible than natural quartz crystal while maintaining excellent hardness and durability.
Benefits of Quartz Countertops
There are many good reasons why quartz has surged in popularity for countertops:
- Extremely durable – Made from one of nature’s hardest minerals
- Scratch resistant – Much harder to scratch than granite
- Heat and stain resistant – Will not burn or stain from hot pans or spills
- Low maintenance – Does not require regular sealing
- Non-porous – Prevents bacteria growth
- Consistent patterning – Does not have natural veining variations
- Flexible installation – Can be fabricated into any shape needed
- Wide range of colors and patterns – From natural stone looks to bold solid colors
The combination of durability, low-maintenance, and modern style makes quartz an excellent choice for busy kitchens.
How Quartz Countertops Are Made
Manufacturing quartz countertops is a multi-step process:
1. Raw Materials
The quartz aggregate, polymer resins, and pigments are combined in precise ratios and mixed thoroughly. Different ratios create different product grades and quality levels.
2. Molding
The mixture is molded into thick slabs under intense hydraulic pressure and vacuum conditions. This removes air pockets and compacts the materials into an even slab.
3. Curing
The slabs are moved into ovens and cured at high temperatures which causes the resin binders to solidify and harden. This process makes the slabs extremely hard and durable.
4. Finishing
Once cured, the slabs are finished by polishing and buffing to achieve the desired smoothness and shine. Most slab have one polished finish.
5. Fabrication
The slabs are cut to size, edges finished, holes cut for sinks, and installed as countertops in homes and businesses. Experienced fabricators are needed to work with the hard quartz material.
6. Maintenance
Quartz requires very little maintenance – just cleaning with soap and water. Re-sealing or polishing is not needed like with natural stone.
Quartz Countertop Grades
There are different quality grades of engineered quartz based on the ratio of quartz to resins:
- Low grade – 80% quartz, 20% polymer binders
- Medium grade – 90% quartz, 10% polymer
- High grade – 93-95% crushed quartz, 5-7% polymer
Higher quartz content results in increased density, durability, scratch resistance, and price. Lower resin content can mean less flexibility in shaping intricate designs.
Major quartz brands like Caesarstone, Cambria, and Silestone are all high quality, high quartz grades around 93%+ pure quartz aggregate.
Popular Brands of Quartz Countertops
The engineered quartz industry has rapidly expanded in recent years. Here are some of the top brands:
- Caesarstone – One of the first quartz manufacturers, founded in 1987. Known for quality and style.
- Cambria – Founded in 2000 in Minnesota. Focus on natural looking designs.
- Silestone – Founded in Spain in 1990, part of the Cosentino group. Modern and bold designs.
- LG Viatera – High-end quartz from electronics maker LG. Has anti-microbial protection.
- QuartzMaster – Budget-friendly brand sold at Home Depot. Costs 25-50% less.
- PentalQuartz – Made in Washington state. Has recycled glass and seashells.
- Hanstone – South Korean company focused on technology and performance.
- Vicostone – High-end brand that uses Bretonstone technology.
The brand dictates the price, styles, colors, and warranties available. Prices range from $50-$100 per square foot installed.
Composition Comparison to Granite Countertops
Since granite is the other leading material for countertops, it helps to compare the composition and properties of quartz vs. granite:
| Property | Quartz | Granite |
|-|-|-|
| Main Composition | Ground quartz + polymers | Natural granite rock |
| Hardness | Very hard and scratch resistant | Hard but can scratch |
| Porosity | Non-porous | Slightly porous |
| Heat Resistance | Very good | Good to moderate |
| Stain Resistance | Excellent | Good to moderate |
| Appearance | Consistent patterns | Natural unique patterns |
| Maintenance | None required | Periodic sealing needed |
| Durability | Excellent | Good to moderate |
| Price Installed | $50-$100 per sq.ft. | $40-$100 per sq.ft. |
Granite is a beautiful natural stone but requires more maintenance and sealing. Quartz offers better durability and stain resistance.
Pros and Cons of Quartz Countertops
No material is perfect. Here are some key advantages and disadvantages of quartz:
Pros
- Extremely durable and scratch resistant surface
- Easy maintenance and no sealing needed
- Resists stains, heat, and burns
- Consistent coloring and patterns
- Can be fabricated into any shape
- Neutral tones suit modern and traditional styles
Cons
- Less unique than natural granite and stone
- Limited exotic colors and bold patterns
- Visible seams in some designs
- Higher cost than laminate or tile
- Heat and UV light can slowly fade some colors
Overall quartz offers outstanding performance, durability, and low maintenance ideal for kitchens. But the limited color options may be an issue for some buyers.
Cost of Quartz Countertops
Quartz countertops range from $50 to $100 per square foot installed. This is 2 to 3 times the cost of laminate but competitive with many granite and solid surface options.
The total installed cost factors in:
- Quartz slab cost – Ranges from $40 to $80 per square foot
- Fabrication – Cutting, finishing, and installing adds $10 to $25 per square foot
- Edges – Edge treatments like bullnose or ogee cost $5 to $15 per linear foot
- Backsplash – Matching 3-6 inch backsplash adds $10 to $25 per linear foot
- Shipping – Transporting the slabs can cost a few hundred dollars
Higher-end boutique quartz brands can cost up to $125 per square foot installed. Budget-friendly options like QuartzMaster can cost as little as $45 per square foot installed.
Should You Choose Quartz Countertops?
Quartz is one of the best options for kitchen and bathroom countertops available today due to its unmatched durability, longevity, and low maintenance. For homeowners that want a beautiful, stylish, and highly functional surface, quartz is hard to beat.
Consider quartz countertops if you want:
- Extreme durability and scratch resistance
- Stain, heat, and burn resistance
- Modern neutral tones and bold colors
- Lower maintenance than natural stone
- Seamless appearance with integrated sinks and backsplashes
The only downsides are the higher cost compared to laminate, and limitations with exotic colors and patterns. For most buyers looking for the ideal worry-free countertop, quartz is an excellent choice that will last for many years. Carefully compare brands, colors, and prices to find the right quartz countertops for your home at the best installed price.
Frequently Asked Questions
What colors and patterns are available with quartz?
Quartz comes in a huge range of colors from whites, blacks, grays, beiges to vivid blues and greens. Patterns include natural stone looks, aggregates, grains, and uniform solids. However, exotic natural patterns are not possible like with granite.
Is quartz more expensive than granite?
Quartz often costs more than granite on average. Quartz runs $50-$100 per square foot installed. Granite can be found for $40-$80 per square foot installed. High-end quartz can be significantly more expensive than low-cost granite.
Is quartz stain resistant?
Yes, quartz has excellent stain resistance properties and resists most common beverage and food stains. However, oils and grease can stain quartz if not cleaned promptly. Acidic substances like lemon juice should also be wiped up quickly.
Does quartz need to be sealed?
No, quartz countertops do not require any sealing, polishing or special maintenance unlike natural stone. Simply clean with soap and water occasionally. This makes quartz very low maintenance.
Is quartz environmentally friendly?
Some quartz contains recycled materials like glass and mineral waste. Quartz has less waste in the fabrication process. And quartz does not require chemical sealants over its lifetime like stone. So quartz is reasonably eco-friendly compared to other surfaces.
Conclusion
Quartz countertops provide unparalleled performance and durability for kitchens and bathrooms. Composed mainly of ground quartz aggregate bound with polymer resins, quartz forms a hard, non-porous, and scratch resistant surface. The manufacturing process creates slabs that are molded under pressure and cured in ovens into a consistent, strong material available in a wide range of attractive colors and patterns. With easy maintenance and stain resistance, quartz countertops are a smart long-term investment for your home remodeling project.