Quartz countertops are an increasingly popular choice for kitchen and bathroom remodels in the 60118 area. Made from engineered stone, quartz combines the elegance of natural stone with the convenience of a man-made material. Quartz is an ideal surface for busy kitchens because it is durable, easy to maintain, and available in a wide variety of colors and patterns. This article will provide an in-depth guide on where to shop for quartz countertops if you live near zip code 60118.
What is Quartz?
Before exploring quartz countertop options specifically around 60118, it helps to understand what exactly quartz is. Quartz countertops are made from engineered stone, which means quartz crystals are mixed with resins and pigments and formed into slabs using heat and pressure.
Here are some key facts about quartz:
- Consists of approximately 90% ground quartz crystals combined with polymer resins and pigments.
- Harder and more durable than natural stone like granite. Resistant to scratches, stains and heat.
- Available in a wide range of colors and patterns. The pigments allow more customization options compared to natural stone.
- Non-porous so does not require regular sealing like granite.
- Resists moisture, mildew and bacteria growth.
- Easy to clean and maintain. Simple soap and water is effective for daily cleaning.
- More affordable than natural stone. The manufacturing process makes it cheaper than granite or marble.
- Warranties typically run 10-15 years. Covers manufacturer defects.
Understanding what quartz is and its benefits helps narrow the search when looking for the right supplier and installer around 60118. Now let’s explore the best options in the area.
Where to Shop for Quartz Countertops in 60118
The 60118 zip code covers parts of Plainfield and Shorewood in Will County, Illinois. When shopping for quartz countertops in this area, there are a number of options to consider including big box stores, kitchen and bath showrooms, countertop fabricators and online retailers.
Big Box Stores
Several big box home improvement stores in the 60118 area carry quartz countertops that they can fabricate and install. Here are some of the major chains to consider:
The Home Depot
- Convenient locations in nearby Bolingbrook and Joliet.
- Sell brands like Silestone, Viatera and Cambria quartz.
- Offer in-store design help and installation.
- Frequent sales and specials.
Lowe’s
- Stores in Bolingbrook and Shorewood.
- Brands include Allen + Roth Quartz and Cambria.
- In-store specialists can assist with design and measurements.
- Provide fabrication and installation services.
Menards
- Location in nearby Plainfield.
- Carry brands like Silestone and Cambria.
- Offer computer imaging to visualize quartz in your space.
- Fabrication done at store or by outside installers.
The convenience of one-stop shopping is the biggest advantage of big box retailers. You can select, purchase and schedule installation all in one place. Keep an eye out for sales and special financing offers. The main downside is that selection is limited to the brands each store carries.
Kitchen and Bath Showrooms
For a wider selection of quartz brands, styles and colors, explore some of the kitchen and bath showrooms in the 60118 vicinity. These specialty retailers focus specifically on high-end countertop materials for kitchen and bath remodeling projects. Some options to check out include:
Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery
- Showroom in Bolingbrook.
- Exclusive distributor for Silestone quartz.
- Also offer natural stone, solid surface and laminate options.
- Design experts help select perfect material and color.
- Work with professional fabricators and installers.
Pierce Kitchen & Bath
- Located in Plainfield.
- Display the top brands like Cambria, Caesarstone and Silestone.
- Dream Design Center allows you to visualize options.
- Full-service team handles design, fabrication and install.
Better Kitchens
- Showroom in Naperville.
- Brands include Cambria, Pental Quartz and Viatera.
- 3D imaging helps preview the finished look.
- Work with installers or do your own fabricating.
The advantage of kitchen and bath showrooms is being able to see many quartz brands side-by-side. You can get a feel for color, pattern and finish options. The consultants can also help with the entire process from design to installation.
Countertop Fabricators
In addition to big box stores and showrooms, there are also specialized countertop fabricators in the 60118 area that work with quartz. These businesses import the slabs, cut and polish them to specifications, and handle installation. Some to consider are:
Suburban Countertops
- Located in Plainfield.
- Fabricate and install quartz from leading brands.
- Offer edge profiles like eased, beveled and ogee.
- Handle full kitchen or bath remodeling projects.
Chicago Custom Countertops
- Shop in Bolingbrook.
- Import quartz directly providing cost savings.
- Fabricate with state-of-the-art equipment.
- Available for consultations and estimates.
Nu-Art Countertops
- Based in Romeoville.
- Specialize in fabrication and installation of quartz.
- Work with designers, contractors and homeowners.
- Advertise competitive pricing.
Using a local fabricator allows you to support a small business while getting high-quality results. Be sure to look at reviews and past work when selecting a fabricator. Also ask about warranties in case of defects or flaws in the quartz.
Online Retailers
Thanks to e-commerce, it’s now possible to purchase quartz slabs online and have them shipped to your home or contractor. Two retailers to check out are:
GranQuartz
- One of the largest online quartz suppliers.
- Brands include Viatera, Silestone, Cambria and Bio.
- Order samples to view colors and patterns.
- Provides shipping to customer’s location.
Quartz Countertop Depot
- Online marketplace with top brands.
- Selection of popular colors and patterns.
- Handles shipping logistics.
- Provides warranty for defects.
Ordering online makes it easy to get quotes and compare pricing from multiple vendors. Be sure to account for shipping costs and any special order requirements. You’ll still need a local fabricator to do the cutting and installation.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Quartz Supplier
Once you’ve explored the showrooms and fabricators in the 60118 vicinity, here are some factors to keep in mind as you select the right place to purchase your quartz:
Brand selection – Some retailers will only carry a few quartz brands, while others offer a huge range of options. Make sure to see all the styles you are considering before making a decision.
Color and pattern choices – Quartz allows for immense creativity through colors and patterns. View a range of options to find the perfect design for your space. Many retailers have sample checkouts.
Prices and specials – Quartz starts around $40 per square foot installed but prices can exceed $100 with high-end options. Compare rates between retailers and look for periodic sales or specials.
Experience with quartz – Look for retailers that specialize in quartz and engineered stone fabrication. They will be familiar with best practices for cutting, edging and installing.
Fabrication and installation – Some retailers provide end-to-end services, while others require sourcing an outside installer. Understand the full scope before finalizing a purchase.
Reviews and certifications – Read reviews and check accreditations like BBB ratings. This provides insight on quality and service when selecting a quartz provider.
Warranty coverage – Quartz warranties typically cover manufacturer defects for 10-15 years. Review what is covered if something goes wrong after installation.
By taking these factors into account, you can feel confident you are choosing the best place to buy quartz locally around 60118.
Quartz Countertop Costs Near 60118
One of the biggest considerations for most homeowners is how much quartz countertops will cost for their particular kitchen or bath remodel. Here is an overview of typical price ranges:
- Quartz Material – $40 – $100 per square foot. Based on the brand, color, pattern and thickness. Basic white or beige options start around $40 per square foot while high-end stone-like patterns or thick slabs can exceed $100 per square foot.
- Fabrication – $35-$75 per square foot. Includes transportation, cutting, edging, polish and any custom details. Complex projects or special edge profiles increase costs.
- Installation – $5-$15 per square foot. Simple countertop replacement is around $5 per square foot. New build or complex demolition and plumbing bumps installation closer to $15 per square foot.
- Total Project Cost – $80 – $190 per square foot. Combining material, fabrication and installation, total installed costs for quartz are typically between $80 and $190 per square foot. An average mid-grade quartz kitchen countertop runs $100-$130 per square foot.
There are a few ways to potentially lower costs for a quartz project around 60118:
- Shop end of season or clearance sales to find discounted remnants or overstock slabs.
- Consider lower-cost material like porcelain slab if trying to stay under budget.
- Use a DIY approach for fabrication and installation rather than hiring out the work.
- Source the material yourself and hire a fabricator/installer at hourly rates vs project rates.
- Go with a simplified edge profile like eased or straight instead of an intricate ogee or bevel.
While DIY can save on labor costs, make sure to account for experience levels, special tools and equipment, adhesives and finishing. Hiring a pro often yields better long-term results. Get multiple quotes to find the best value based on your budget.
Where to Buy Popular Quartz Brands Near 60118
Beyond cost, choosing a quality quartz brand is critical for durability and aesthetics. Here is an overview of where to buy some of the leading national quartz brands in the 60118 vicinity:
Cambria Quartz
- Available at Home Depot, Lowe’s, Menards, Ferguson Showroom, Better Kitchens, and more.
- Made in the USA, known for innovation and quality.
- Natural stone-like look with creative designs.
- Lifetime limited warranty.
Caesarstone Quartz
- Carried at Ferguson Showroom, Pierce Kitchen & Bath, Nu-Art Countertops.
- One of the original engineered quartz brands, founded in 1987.
- Known for technological advances in manufacturing.
- Provides lifetime limited warranty.
Silestone Quartz
- Offered at Home Depot, Menards, Ferguson Showroom, Suburban Countertops.
- Company pioneered quartz surfaces in the 1980s.
- Focuses on environmental responsibility and sustainability.
- 25-year transferable limited warranty.
Viatera Quartz
- Available at Home Depot, online retailers, and fabricators.
- Known for unique自定义stone-like look with advanced technology.
- Hygienic alternative to natural stone with bacteriostatic properties.
- Lifetime limited warranty.
Pental Quartz
- Carried at Better Kitchens showroom.
- Family-owned company focused on quality.
- Known for innovative manufacturing and global inspiration.
- Offers limited lifetime warranty.
Be sure to request free samples from retailers to see slabs firsthand. Narrow down your preferred aesthetic, color and finish before finalizing a quartz purchase in the 60118 area.
FAQs About Purchasing Quartz Countertops Around 60118
If you are in the early stages of shopping for quartz, here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
Is quartz cheaper than granite?
Quartz is generally 20% to 30% less expensive than granite. The typical installed price range for quartz is $80 to $140 per square foot compared to granite which is $100 to $180 per square foot installed.
What thickness is best for a quartz kitchen countertop?
The standard thickness for a kitchen quartz countertop is 3 cm or 1.25 inches. This provides an ideal balance of durability and cost-effectiveness. Some homeowners opt for thicker 2 cm (0.75 inch) pieces for less weight or a more substantial feel.
What edge profiles look best with quartz?
Due to its hardness, quartz can be cut and polished into any edge detail. Popular modern profiles include eased, beveled, Ogee and waterfall. Quartz artisans recommend softer profiles that complement the smooth surface. Avoid intricate edges like triple pencil that expose slab seams.
Can you repair chips or cracks in quartz counters?
Minor chips can be sanded out professionally. Cracks are difficult to repair seamlessly in quartz but color-matched filler can mask small fractures. Ensure any damages are within warranty terms – installation and fabrication errors are generally covered.
Is it better to buy quartz online or in a store?
Buying in a showroom allows you to see the slabs and edge profiles firsthand. Online can offer convenience and easier price comparisons. If buying online, be sure to order a sample before finalizing purchase and account for shipping.
By exploring the quartz buying options in the 60118 area, understanding costs, and asking the right questions, you can select the perfect countertop surface within your budget. Take time to view design galleries and samples. With proper fabrication and care, a quartz investment can last for decades of daily use.
Locate Quartz Suppliers Near Me in 60118
To start your search for the right quartz countertops and supplier near 60118, implement the following tips:
- Search online for terms like “quartz countertops 60118”, “engineered stone suppliers Plainfield IL”, “Cambria quartz Bolingbrook” to find retailers and fabricators located in proximity to zip code 60118.
- Check home improvement listings on Nextdoor, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace for local countertop suppliers recommended by other homeowners in the area.
- Look at reviews for big box stores, kitchen design showrooms, and fabricators on Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau to gauge quality of products and service.
- Visit showrooms in nearby towns like Bolingbrook, Plainfield, Shorewood, Naperville and Joliet to see quartz brands and colors firsthand.
- Ask contractors for recommendations of the best local quartz providers they work with frequently who offer competitive pricing.
- Stop by countertop shops to discuss your project and request quotes for materials, fabrication, installation and any custom design details.
- Order samples from leading national brands like Cambria, Silestone, Caesarstone so you can evaluate colors and stone patterns in your home.
With some diligent research online and talking to local experts, you should be able to find the perfect quartz supplier for your kitchen or bath remodel in the 60118 vicinity. Focus on product quality, experience, pricing, and overall customer service when selecting the right partner.
Conclusion
Quartz offers homeowners in 60118 an innovative surface that combines natural stone beauty with modern durability and low maintenance. When shopping for quartz, explore the variety of big box stores, kitchen showrooms, fabricators and online retailers that serve the Plainfield and Shorewood vicinity. Consider factors like selection, pricing, experience and warranty coverage when choosing a supplier. Order samples to see colors and patterns firsthand. With in-depth research and smart purchasing decisions, you are sure to love your new quartz countertop installation for years to come!