Quartz countertops have become an incredibly popular option for kitchen and bathroom remodels in recent years. Made from engineered stone, quartz combines natural quartz crystals with resins and pigments to create a durable, stylish, and low-maintenance surface.

If you’re considering quartz for your next renovation project, there are some key factors to weigh before making a purchase. Here is an in-depth look at everything you need to know about buying quartz countertops.

Quartz Countertop Basics

What is Quartz?

Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals found in the earth’s crust. Natural quartz is very hard and resistant to both chemicals and heat. However, in its raw form, natural quartz crystals have variation in color and texture that don’t necessarily look appealing in countertop materials.

That’s where engineered quartz comes in. Manufacturers take raw quartz and combine it with color pigments and polymer resins to create a material that has a more uniform appearance. The resins also make the material non-porous and flexible, so it can be formed into countertops.

How is Quartz Made?

There are two main steps to making a quartz countertop:

Manufacturing the slab – Approximately 90% of an engineered quartz slab is natural quartz aggregates. The remaining 10% is polymer resins and pigments. The quartz crystals and additives are blended together, packed into a mold, and then vibro-compacted under heat and pressure to cure and harden the material. This process creates large slabs that can be cut to size for countertops.
Fabricating and installing – Once the slabs are made, they are shipped to distribution centers and fabricators. The fabricator will cut the slab to your specifications, polish the edges, cut holes for sinks/faucets, and attach the finished countertop to your cabinets. Installation typically takes less than a day.

Pros and Cons of Quartz Countertops

Pros:

Extremely durable and scratch resistant
Stain, heat, and water resistant
Easy maintenance – requires no sealing
Mold and bacteria resistant
Available in a wide variety of colors/patterns
Non-porous so liquids don’t soak in

Cons:

More expensive than laminate
Needs periodic re-polishing to restore shine
Can chip or crack if subjected to extreme impact
Limited number of slab patterns/colors
Appearance of seams more visible than natural stone

Choosing the Best Quartz Countertop

With many different quartz brands, colors, and patterns on the market, picking the right one for your space can be challenging. Follow this guide to make an informed decision when selecting quartz countertops.

Popular Quartz Brands

There are a few major manufacturers that dominate the quartz countertop industry:

Caesarstone – One of the first engineered quartz brands, founded in 1987. Known for natural stone looks and innovative designs.
Cambria – American company that creates unique quartz patterns. Focuses on style and luxury.
Silestone – Leading quartz brand worldwide, known for durability and consistent quality. Popular for modern designs.
LG Viatera – High-end brand with large slabs to reduce seams. Offers striking veined patterns.
Quartz Master – Budget-friendly brand with wide selection of colors and patterns. Good value.
Hanstone – Offers unique nature-inspired designs, like metallic, fabric, and artisan looks.
Vicostone – Specializes in mimicking natural granite and marble patterns in quartz.

It’s a good idea to visit a few showrooms to view these brand options in person. This can help narrow down your preferred aesthetic.

Color & Pattern Options

One of the biggest advantages of quartz is the variety of colors and patterns available. Options include:

Solid colors – Single tone in matte or polished finish. Classic and versatile.
Veined patterns – Mimic look of natural stone veins. Granite-like visual.
Aggregate patterns – Specks of glass, minerals, shells or gems across surface. Adds visual interest.
Marble looks – Replicates the swirls and movement of natural marble. Elegant and timeless.
Concrete styles – Industrial vibe with uneven texture. Pairs well with modern designs.
Metallic finishes – Shimmering metal or mica flecks for a glamorous look.

Be sure to choose a pattern that fits your overall design vision. Light colors show more stains while dark colors hide them better. Balance colors with your cabinetry, flooring, and backsplash.

Thickness

Standard quartz thickness is 3/4″ for countertops. Thicker options of 1 1/4” or 1 1/2” are also available:

3/4” – Best for typical residential use. Most affordable option.
1 1/4” – Provides some additional durability for busy kitchens. Minimal extra cost.
1 1/2” – Maximum strength and sturdiness. Ideal for commercial projects. Upcharge applies.

In most homes, a 3/4” slab offers sufficient thickness and strength. Only opt for thicker quartz if you anticipate extremely heavy use.

Edges & Finishes

Quartz fabricators can finish the exposed edges of your countertop with different edge profiles:

Straight – Simple rectangular edge. Can be sharp, so often eased for comfort.
Bevel – Angled cut for a flat, smoothed appearance.
Ogee – S-shaped curved profile. Provides a decorative touch.
Bullnose – Rounded, convex shaping. Creates softer, safer edges.

Edge finishes create visual appeal while also impacting function. Full bullnose edges are popular for islands where people may accidentally bump into the sides. Decorative edges like ogee add elegant detailing.

The surface can also be finished in a matte or polished look. Matte has an understated, honed appearance. Polished offers maximum shine and reflection.

Cost of Quartz Countertops

Quartz typically costs $80-140 per square foot installed. This breaks down as:

$40-70 per sq. ft for the slab
$40-70 per sq. ft for fabrication and installation

Exact quartz countertop cost depends on:

Brand – Premium designers like Cambria cost more than value brands.
Color/pattern – Unique or intricate designs priced higher than solids.
Edge treatments – Bullnose and ogee edges add labor costs.
Thickness – 1 1/4” or 1 1/2” thicker than 3/4” standard.
Area to cover – More surface area equals higher overall price.
Professional installation – Vital for proper fitting and finish.

Be sure to get an itemized estimate for material, labor, edges, seams, sink holes, and anything else needed. Avoid quotes priced only “per square foot.”

Installation Process

Installing quartz countertops requires precision cutting, seam placement, edge polishing, and mounting:

Template & Measure

After selecting your slabs, the installer will come measure your existing cabinets and take templates. This is to ensure the new countertop will fit properly.

Cutting & Fabrication

Based on measurements, the slabs will be cut to size, edges finished, holes cut out, and seams aligned at the fabrication shop.

Installation

The fabricated pieces are delivered and secured to cabinets with adhesive, braces, and caulking. The installer checks for level surfaces and tight seams.

Curing

Most adhesives require 24-48 hours to fully cure and harden. Avoid using the counters during this time to prevent shifting or cracking seams.

Hiring a pro installer is recommended. Quartz is heavy, hard, and needs to be cut very precisely for best results. Any mistakes during fabrication or installation can lead to problems down the road.

Quartz Countertop Maintenance

Thanks to its non-porous qualities, quartz requires very little regular maintenance compared to other countertop materials. Here are some tips for caring for quartz:

For everyday cleaning, use a mild soap and water. Avoid abrasive cleaners or pads.
Blot up spills immediately to prevent staining. Don’t let liquids idle on surface.
For dried stains, use a non-bleach cleaner made specifically for stone surfaces.
Reseal quartz annually using a stone sealer to enhance stain resistance.
Avoid placing hot pots/pans directly on surface. Use trivets or hot pads.
Don’t cut food directly on countertop. Use a cutting board to prevent scratches.
Re-polish quartz every 2-3 years to restore sheen on polished finishes.

With routine care, quartz countertops will stay looking like new for many years. No sealing or regular polishing needed.

FAQ

Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about quartz countertops:

Is Quartz Heat and Scratch Resistant?

Yes, quartz has excellent heat and scratch resistance. However, it is not completely impervious. Prolonged direct heat exposure can potentially damage the resin binders. Always use trivets or hot pads. Avoid cutting food on the surface to prevent scratches over time.

Does Quartz Need to be Sealed?

Sealing is not required for quartz since it is non-porous. However, annual application of a stone sealer can provide added protection against stains.

Is There a Big Difference Between Quartz Brands?

While all quartz contains roughly the same amount of quartz aggregates (90%), the remaining 10% of resins and pigments allows variation between brands. Higher-end makers like Cambria have rigorous quality control and unique patterns. Value brands like Quartz Master focus more on lower cost per square foot.

How Should Quartz Countertop Seams Be Placed?

Seams are more visible in quartz than natural stone. The fabricator will position seams in the least conspicuous spots, like near an appliance or sink. Seams should be tight and placed in lower traffic areas. Designs with veining help camouflage seams.

Does Quartz Need Special Cleaners?

Regular mild soap and water is fine for cleaning quartz. Avoid abrasive cleaners, pads, or sponges that could dull the surface. For dried stains, use a gentle stone cleaner. Never use bleach, ammonia, vinegar, or other harsh chemicals on quartz.

Conclusion

With the right combination of color, pattern, edges, and seam placement, quartz can provide a beautiful and functional countertop surface. When shopping for quartz, be sure to consider the brand, style, and thickness that best suits your needs. A qualified fabricator is also key for a quality installation. With routine care, quartz countertops will stay looking pristine for decades, making them a worthwhile investment for any home renovation.

What to Know About Buying Quartz Countertops