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Introduction
Quartz countertops have become an increasingly popular option for kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects in recent years. But with so many quartz brands and styles to choose from, how do you determine which is the best quartz countertop for your needs? This article will examine the pros and cons of quartz counters, key factors to consider when selecting quartz, and provide an overview of some of the top quartz countertop brands on the market today. Read on to learn everything you need to know to choose the best quartz countertops for your next remodel.
What is Quartz?
Before diving into the specifics of which quartz countertops reign supreme, it helps to understand exactly what quartz is. Quartz is an engineered stone made from crushed quartz crystals combined with resin and other materials. It is non-porous, making it resistant to stains, scratches, heat, and bacteria growth. Quartz counters are made by combining approximately 90-95% ground quartz with polyester resins and pigments. This combination results in a durable, low-maintenance, and stylish surfacing material.
Compared to natural stone like granite or marble, quartz offers more consistent coloring and patterning. The resins allow quartz to take on vivid, bright hues that natural stone typically lacks. Quartz is also less prone to damage and wear over time. But unlike solid surface materials, it does contain natural quartz crystals, giving it an elegant, stone-like look. This blend of natural beauty and engineered resilience is what makes quartz such a popular countertop choice today.
Pros and Cons of Quartz Countertops
Pros
- Extremely durable and scratch-resistant surface
- Stain, heat, and bacteria resistant
- Requires very little maintenance
- Seamless appearance
- Available in a wide range of colors/patterns
- Non-porous so liquids don’t penetrate
- Won’t need periodic sealing like natural stone
- More affordable than natural stone
Cons
- Can chip if subjected to heavy impact
- Repeated exposure to intense heat can damage surface
- Limited number of quartz suppliers/options
- Visible seams on some shapes/patterns
- Resins make it less heat/scratch resistant than natural stone
- More expensive than other engineered surfaces
Key Factors To Consider When Selecting Quartz
There are several important considerations when choosing quartz counters for your kitchen or bath. Keep the following factors in mind:
Appearance
- Color/pattern options – Do available styles suit your design tastes?
- Vibrancy – Does the coloration look vivid or dull?
- Pattern variation – Is the veining consistent and natural looking?
- Edge profiles – Are available edge styles compatible with your cabinetry?
Performance
- Stain resistance – How well does the quartz withstand common stains?
- Scratch resistance – Is the surface prone to cuts and abrasions?
- Heat tolerance – Can it handle hot pots/pans without damage?
- Durability – Will it withstand normal wear and tear for years?
Brand Reputation
- Company history and experience with quartz fabrication
- Product warranties – Do they adequately cover defects/damage?
- Customer service – Is support team responsive if issues arise?
- Reviews – What do past customers have to say about the brand?
Value
- Price – How affordable is this quartz option relative to competitors?
- Quality – Does the quality justify the price being asked?
- Availability – Is the quartz widely available or exclusive/rare?
Top Quartz Countertop Brands
With a general understanding of the quartz landscape, let’s examine some of the specific best quartz countertop brands available.
Cambria
As one of the early pioneers in quartz surfaces, Cambria has cemented itself as an industry leader. They offer a wide array of colors and patterns like brittanicca, langdon, rokeby, ella, and britannica gold. Key features include:
- Made in the USA
- Lifetime limited warranty
- Matte, velvety smooth finish
- Anti-bacterial properties
- Stain, scratch, and heat resistance
- Annual design competitions drive new colorways
Downsides are the higher cost and some complaints about customer service responsiveness. But overall, Cambria remains a premium quartz contender that brings graceful designs to kitchens and baths.
Caesarstone
One of the most globally recognized and largest quartz manufacturers, Caesarstone dominates the industry with quality products and creative designs. Some popular options are white attica, symphony grey, and vanilla noir. Key traits include:
- Pioneering quartz brand since 1987
- Available worldwide in over 50 countries
- Innovative designs like metallic and color-gradient effects
- Proprietary enhanced antibacterial protection
- Life-of-Home limited warranty
The main drawbacks of Caesarstone are the higher price point and some visible seaming on select patterns. But their trend-setting approach to quartz keeps them at the top of best-selling designs year after year.
MSI Q Premium Natural Quartz
For high quality at a more budget-friendly price, MSI Q Premium Natural Quartz is a brand worth considering. With styles like starlight, taj mahal, and serenity blue, they offer attractive options perfect for the cost-conscious. Notable features include:
- Budget-friendly pricing
- 15-year limited warranty
- Made from premium natural quartz
- Modern colors and styles
- High performance against scratches/stains
- Neutral palette suitable for all designs
The lower cost does mean sacrificing some exclusivity of rare/exotic designs. But for beautiful, durable, quartz counters at affordable pricing, MSI Q Premium leads the pack.
Silestone
Known for pioneering the quartz surfaces category over two decades ago, Silestone is the leading global brand worldwide. With an extensive collection of vibrant solids and patterns, favorites include blanco zeus, emerald jade, and lagoon. Key features comprise:
- Industry leading “HybriQ+” technology
- Highly scratch, stain, and bacteria resistant
- 25-year transferable limited warranty
- ECO Line made with recycled materials
- Rich, consistent veining and textures
Downsides can be the higher cost and limited domestic availability. But Silestone’s innovative quartz products bring reliable quality that’s ideal for stylish, low-maintenance countertops.
FAQs about the Best Quartz Countertops
What is the highest quality quartz?
Silestone, Caesarstone, Cambria, and MSI Q Premium Natural Quartz are considered among the highest quality quartz brands based on factors like durability, stain resistance, and warranty coverage.
What color quartz is most popular?
Whites, creams, grays, and blacks tend to rank as most popular quartz colors. But more vibrant options like blues and greens have grown in popularity as well.
Is quartz worth the extra cost over granite?
Quartz is generally 20% to 30% more expensive than granite. The added cost is often justified by quartz’s superior durability, lower maintenance needs, consistency in coloring/patterning, and greater stain/scratch resistance compared to natural stone.
Does quartz add value to homes?
Yes, quartz countertops do add value to homes. Their durable low-maintenance nature makes quartz especially appealing to potential home buyers. Homes with quartz counters often recoup over 70% of the installation costs at resale.
Is quartz healthier than granite?
Quartz has inherent antibacterial properties making it generally healthier than granite, which can harbor bacteria growth if not properly sealed. Quartz’s non-porous barrier makes it unfriendly to microbial growth.
How do you clean and care for quartz counters?
For routine cleaning, mild soap and water is all that is needed. Avoid abrasive cleaners or pads that could dull the surface. Re-sealing is never required. Annual application of a quartz-safe sealer can help enhance stain protection.
Conclusion
When selecting the best quartz countertops, key considerations include appearance, performance, durability, brand reputation, and value for money. Leading quartz brands like Cambria, Caesarstone, MSI Q Premium Natural Quartz, and Silestone deliver outstanding quality, innovative designs, and reliable performance. Seek a top brand that offers colors, patterns, and surface finishes that align with your unique style and space. With proper care, the best quartz counters will maintain their refined beauty for decades to come.