Quartz countertops have become increasingly popular in kitchen and bathroom remodels thanks to their durability, low maintenance, and stylish appearance. With many brands of quartz on the market, it can be tricky to determine which provides the best value and quality. This article will compare the major quartz countertop brands and outline the key factors to consider when selecting the best quartz countertop for your home.
An Overview of Quartz Countertops
Quartz countertops, also known as engineered stone countertops, are made from ground natural quartz crystals combined with polymer resins and other materials. The mixture is molded into slabs and hardened. The end result is a durable, non-porous surface resistant to scratches, stains, and heat.
Unlike natural stone countertops such as granite or marble, quartz does not need to be sealed. The main benefits of quartz countertops include:
- Extremely durable and scratch-resistant surface
- Low porosity makes them stain and water-resistant
- Mold and mildew resistant
- Heat and scorch resistant
- Minimal maintenance required compared to natural stone
- Wide variety of colors and patterns available
Quartz does have some downsides to consider:
- Higher cost than materials like laminate
- Can be damaged by excessive weight or force
- Seams are more visible than with natural stone
- Limited number of thicknesses compared to natural stone
- Requires professional installation
Overall, quartz combines the aesthetics of high-end natural stone with increased durability and less maintenance. Let’s look at how the top brands of quartz compare.
Comparing the Leading Quartz Countertop Brands
There are many quartz countertop manufacturers, but several major brands dominate the marketplace. Here is an overview of the top brands and how they compare on factors like quality, selection, and price:
Caesarstone
One of the first engineered quartz brands, Caesarstone has been an industry leader since 1987. Some key facts about Caesarstone:
- Made in Israel with international distribution
- Over 50 color and pattern options
- Appealing natural stone aesthetics on many designs
- High performance standards and quality control
- Moderately priced, competitive with other top brands
- National marketing creates high brand recognition
Caesarstone positives:
- Pioneer of quartz manufacturing with years of expertise
- Great reputation for quality and consistency
- Large color selection includes popular whites and grays
Potential downsides:
- More limited pattern options than some brands
- Fewer unique or exotic designs available
Caesarstone is an excellent choice for beautiful, best-selling quartz colors that complement most decors.
Cambria
Made in the United States, Cambria is known for its high-end quartz products. Features of Cambria quartz include:
- Made in Minnesota with US distribution
- Over 100 unique quartz designs
- Focus on natural stone appearance
- Most designs feature veining for realistic looks
- Higher price point than most quartz brands
- Strong branding and marketing presence
Cambria positives:
- Excellent variety of natural stone styles
- High-quality manufacturing and materials
- Many unique patterns not found elsewhere
Potential downsides:
- Premium pricing; one of the most expensive brands
- Smaller distribution network than some brands
For those seeking premium, stone-like quartz, Cambria offers an unparalleled selection of high-end designs.
Silestone
Part of the global Cosentino Group, Silestone originated in Spain and has a strong worldwide presence. Known for quality and performance, Silestone has these key attributes:
- Made in Spain; large global distribution
- Over 90 color and design options
- Integrated sink options available
- High standards for stain, scratch, and scorch resistance
- Competitive pricing with mid-range quartz brands
- Recognized brand with strong marketing
Silestone positives:
- Worldwide leader with excellent brand recognition
- Reliable quality and performance
- Great range of colors and styles, including popular whites
- Integrated sinks available
Potential downsides:
- Not as many exotic designs as some brands
- Mixed reviews on customer service
With its combination of quality, selection, and value, Silestone is an appealing choice for a wide range of budgets and decors.
LG Viatera
LG Viatera is a newer quartz brand that has grown quickly since its launch in 2011. LG Viatera features:
- Made by LG Electronics; USA and international distribution
- Smaller selection with around 20 colors
- High-tech manufacturing for consistency
- Focus on premium appearance with realistic patterns
- Higher price point similar to Cambria’s range
- Marketing emphasizes quality and performance
LG Viatera positives:
- Innovative manufacturing techniques
- All patterns created to mimic natural stone
- High-end quality at competitive premium prices
Potential downsides:
- More limited color selection compared to other major brands
- Less national availability; may be harder to source
For those seeking premium quartz mimicking high-end natural stone, LG Viatera is an intriguing emerging choice to consider.
Other Notable Quartz Brands
While the brands above dominate the quartz market, there are many other excellent quartz options to consider:
- Quartz Master – Made in the USA; over 70 color options
- Hanstone – High-quality brand made in South Korea
- Samsung Radianz – From the technology company; high-tech production
- PentalQuartz – Manufactured in the USA; wide range of prices
- Quarella – Canadian brand with natural stone aesthetics
- Vi granito – Brazilian brand gaining US popularity
- Vicostone – High-end quartz made in Vietnam
The quartz market has expanded in recent years, giving consumers many high-quality brands to evaluate. Make sure to research reviews and compare warranties when considering less prominent quartz manufacturers.
What Makes for the Best Quartz Countertop?
With so many good quartz brands available, what ultimately makes for the ‘best’ countertop? Key factors to consider:
Appearance
One major advantage of quartz over materials like granite is the diversity of colors and patterns available. Consider the style you want:
- Color palette – whites, neutrals, dark colors, vibrant hues
- Patterns – uniform solid, granitelike, marblelook, or modern graphic
- Special effects – veining, mica flecks, mirrored accents
Pick quartz visuals aligning with your overall kitchen or bath design aesthetics.
Performance
While all quartz meets certain performance criteria, some brands offer advanced features:
- Scratch resistance treatment
- Antimicrobial properties
- Maximum stain protection
- Enhanced heat resistance
- Nonporous food prep surfaces
Look for quartz grades or collections specifying these extra performance enhancements.
Price
Quartz pricing varies widely, ranging from $50 per square foot on the low end to over $100 per square foot for premium brands. Consider:
- Budget
- Square footage needed
- Special shapes or edgework
- Brand pricing tiers
Factor in total installed price, not just material cost. Higher priced quartz usually promises exceptional aesthetics, patterns, or performance.
Customer Service
Check company warranties over 10 or 15 years. Consider:
- Warranty terms and coverage
- Warranty transfer if you move
- Ease of filing a claim
- Responsiveness to issues
Reputable brands stand behind products longterm and make warranty service a priority.
Availability
Find out quartz lead and delivery times, as some brands have longer supply chain durations. Ask about:
- Average lead times
- Rush order options
- Stock availability for your top choices
- Vendor delivery service
Ensure your installer can get your selected quartz countertop without project delays.
By carefully weighing all of these factors, you can zero in on the best quartz to meet your countertop needs and preferences.
FAQs about Selecting Quartz Countertops
Many homeowners have additional questions when selecting the perfect quartz countertop. Here are answers to some frequent quartz inquiries:
Does quartz have resale value like granite?
Quartz is still increasing in popularity, so it may not have the established resale cachet of granite yet. However, quartz offers a more consistent appearance and requires less maintenance, which appeals to many buyers. Premium quartz brands known for quality should hold value better long-term.
How thick should I choose for quartz countertops?
Standard quartz thickness is 3/4 inch, but 1 1/4 inches or 1 1/2 inches provide more durability and weight support for things like dishwashers. Thicker quartz is also less prone to seams or cracks. Many brands offer double thickness edges for added depth and dimension.
Can you repair chips or cracks in quartz?
Unlike natural stone, quartz cannot be buffed out or re-polished easily. Chips, cracks, and other damage requires a full replacement slab. Some quartz is treated with anti-chip coatings for added durability. Avoid excessive force and use cutting boards to prevent injury.
Does quartz require sealing or polishing?
The resins in quartz make it non-porous, so quartz does not need regular sealing. Quartz also will not etch or corrode like natural stone. Simple cleaning with soap and water maintains its smooth factory finish.
How should I clean and care for quartz?
For routine cleaning, use a soft cloth or sponge with warm water and mild soap. Avoid harsh cleaners or chemicals that can damage the surface. Disinfect with diluted hydrogen peroxide or alcohol. More stubborn messes can be spot treated with a non-bleach cleaner made specifically for stone.
Is quartz prone to damage from heat or burns?
Quartz is heat resistant, but prolonged direct heat exposure can cause damage. Use trivets for hot pots and pans. Thematerial can withstand brief accidental exposure better than solid surface or laminate. However, extreme heat from appliances like electric griddles may scorch the surface.
Conclusion
With proper selection and care, quartz countertops are an excellent choice for kitchens and baths wanting beautiful, low maintenance surfaces. Leading quartz brands like Caesarstone, Cambria, and Silestone provide quality options in an array of colors, patterns, and price points. Consider your budget, decor, and preferred performance features when picking the ideal quartz countertop. Proper installation and care will ensure your quartz surfaces stay beautiful for years. Discuss your needs with quartz providers to select the perfect brand and style for your next remodeling project.