Quartz countertops have become an increasingly popular option for kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects in recent years. Known for their durability, low maintenance, and customizability, quartz counters offer homeowners an attractive and practical alternative to natural stone and other materials. But with so many options on the market, where exactly can you find high-quality quartz countertops?
Check With Local Stone Suppliers
One of the best places to start your search for quartz counters is with local stone suppliers in your area. Many stone yards and building supply stores have started carrying quartz slabs and working with quartz manufacturers to offer custom countertop fabrication. Be sure to look for suppliers that specifically advertise quartz among their offerings. They will likely have a robust selection of colors, patterns, and styles to choose from.
When visiting local suppliers, don’t be afraid to ask questions about the specific quartz products they carry. You’ll want to inquire about the quality, warranty, and durability of the material. Examine quartz samples closely to get a feel for the color consistency, veining patterns, and overall look. Local suppliers can also provide estimates for fabrication and installation.
Look Into Home Improvement Retailers
In addition to specialized stone suppliers, many home improvement chains and hardware stores now sell quartz slabs and prefabricated quartz countertops. For instance, Lowe’s, Home Depot, Menards, and Costco are go-to retailers that stock various quartz product lines from leading brands.
The advantage of retailers is you can often view and compare a wide range of quartz options side-by-side. Be aware, however, that big box stores carry mostly mid-range quartz in set dimensions. To get premium materials, colors, and sizing, you’ll want to check with a custom fabrication shop. Nonetheless, home improvement chains are an accessible option for seeing quartz brands and styles in person.
Research Reputable Quartz Manufacturers
Rather than just the retailer, pay attention to which companies actually manufacture the quartz. Some of the top brands to look for include Caesarstone, Cambria, Silestone, Viatera, and DuPont Zodiaq. Researching manufacturers can help you better understand the quality of the materials, color choices, and overall reputation of the brand.
Many quartz makers also have online visualizers that allow you to preview different colors and patterns virtually. Browsing manufacturer sites gives you inspiration for quartz designs and helps you find authorized local dealers of that specific brand.
Consult With Countertop Fabricators
For the best customization options, consider working directly with professional countertop fabricators that specialize in quartz. Custom fabricators have access to premium slabs, advanced cutting and polishing tools, and the expertise to craft counters to your exact specifications.
When meeting with fabricators, be sure to ask about their experience with quartz, as proper installation is key to ensuring durability. Many will also have showrooms displaying various quartz products so you can preview slabs firsthand. Your counters can be made to measure from a template of your space.
Key Places to Check
- Local stone yards and building suppliers
- Big box home improvement stores
- Direct quartz manufacturer websites
- Custom countertop fabricators
What to Look For When Sourcing Quartz
- Reputable brand names and manufacturers
- High-quality materials that resist scratches, chips, and cracks
- Rich, consistent coloring and minimal veining
- Warranties (10+ years)
- Fabricators experienced in custom quartz installations
- A range of colors, patterns, and styles
- Options for different price points
Important Questions to Ask
- What brands and types of quartz do you carry?
- What do you currently have in stock?
- Do you have any samples I could view?
- What are your most popular quartz colors and styles?
- What warranty comes with the quartz materials?
- What does pricing typically start at?
- What is your lead time for custom fabrication and installation?
Key Factors When Selecting Quartz
- Intended use (heavy traffic vs low traffic area)
- Consistent pattern and minimal veining
- Neutral, lighter colors show fewer marks
- Non-porous, stain-resistant, and easy to clean
- Highly durable and scratch resistant surface
- Affordability within your budget
- Visual appeal and design aesthetic
By exploring some combination of local stone suppliers, home improvement retailers, quartz manufacturers, and fabricators, you’ll be sure to find the perfect quartz countertops to suit your space. Taking the time to research and ask questions will help ensure quality. With so many options now available, quartz can be an easy and stylish choice for upgrading your kitchen or bath.