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Quartz Countertops: What to Know Before You Buy

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Quartz countertops have been gaining in popularity over the last few years and it’s no wonder why! They’re made to look like beautiful stone and are much easier to care for. Quartz slabs are made from engineered stone countertop materials with a non-porous surface unlike other stone counters.

But choosing new countertops for your home is a big decision. Let’s take an in-depth look at quartz counters and all the reasons it is becoming the new favorite in kitchens and bathrooms everywhere!

This post contains affiliate links. See my disclosure policy here.

Pros and cons of quartz countertops

Quartz countertops are a popular choice for homeowners who want the beauty of natural stone countertops like white marble but either don’t have the budget or desire something low maintenance.

Quartz comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns, plus they can be honed or polished to look like marble. 

Quartz in a variety of colors
Quartz counters in a variety of colors.

It is often compared to granite as it has been used in the same capacity, however quartz does give a more contemporary look with brighter hues. 

Quartz surfaces also have the added benefit of being very durable. They are stain resistant, scratch resistant, and can withstand intense heat making quartz an ideal material for busy kitchens and bathroom surfaces.

And unlike marble, which has a porous surface, these countertops are much easier to maintain since they don’t require resealing each year.

A downside to quartz is that you’ll still pay a lot more than you would for something like laminate or butcher block.

Can’t afford stone right now? Check out my DIY marble countertops here!

How is quartz made?

Quartz countertops are created by combining crushed quartz stone with resin, pigments, and polymers to create the desired finish. The final product looks very similar to marble but without all the inconveniences of natural stone including porous materials, higher costs, and lack of durability.

Different types of quartz countertops

Quartz countertops come in multiple colors and patterns, plus they can be honed or polished for a more luxurious feel. Let’s look at different types of quartz.

Leathered quartz countertops

Leathered quartz countertops have a leather-like textured look, many times with a more rustic feel. You’ll typically pay more for this style since they have a longer manufacturing process.

Honed quartz countertops

Honed quartz countertops have a matte finish with a slightly textured surface that can feel almost rough. It is ideal for busy households as it can withstand scratches from knives and will not show smudges from fingerprints.

Because of the finish, honed quartz doesn’t reflect as much light as other finishes making it a good match for homeowners whose countertops receive direct sunlight.

Polished quartz

Polished quartz has a beautiful high gloss sheen and gives a high-end feel to any space. It’s impermeable to stains so you never have worry about water spots or damage leaving you with permanent marks on your vanity top. 

Related: Matte vs. Polished Quartz Countertops

Sueded quartz countertops

Sueded quartz countertops are made by adding polyacrylic to the quartz mixture to add texture that feels much like velvety suede. The result is a countertop with low sheen and subtle tones.

According to Silestone, “A key difference between polished and suede quartz is that suede will highlight the natural color of the quartz rather than add polish to it.”

Contrasting quartz on countertops and island.
Contrasting quartz on countertops and island.

What quartz colors are available?

While quartz countertops can be found in more than 300 colors including a solid color like a white countertop, these nine popular quartz countertop colors offer a wonderful range of styles that will work for any kitchen or bathroom.

Butterscotch quartz

Butterscotch quartz is one of the most popular choices for kitchen counters because it can be combined with other materials like wood tones or brass to give your space a chic rustic feel.

It comes in lighter hues than traditional brown granite but has more of an orange undertone making it both unique and inviting.

Chocolate brown quartz

Chocolate brown quartz features rich, warm tones that expand the already extensive selection of earth-tones typically found in natural stone such as granite or marble. This smooth, glossy surface easily fits into transitional and contemporary spaces.

Related: 6 Brown Quartz Countertop Design Ideas for a Neutral Kitchen

Black quartz

Black quartz is ideal for areas that need a touch of elegance but with the durability to withstand heavy-duty use. It provides extreme contrast and is perfect as a stand-alone feature for modern, contemporary bathrooms or kitchens.

Related: 12 Black Quartz Countertop Ideas for your Kitchen

Blue quartz

Blue quartz like Cambria blue quartz countertops are a wonderful choice for accent pieces or to lighten up darker spaces. The blue hue is calming but also energizing making it a great option in rooms where you’ll need a little pick me up like the laundry room or powder bath.

But it also works great in kitchens! Check out this Tidewater quartz from New York Quartz.

White and gold quartz countertops

White and gold quartz countertops are the ideal choice for those who want their kitchen or bathroom to feel more upscale.

This color is by far one of the most popular hues in the quartz spectrum and is definitely a great way to create a warm ambiance along with an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Gray quartz

Gray quartz countertops are perfect for those who want their home to exude modern designs, especially in bathrooms where tile is already being used.

A glossy surface finish and neutral tone that can be paired with any color palette makes it easy for this countertop to suit all kinds of styles.

Related: Popular Gray Quartz Countertops from MSI

Black and white quartz countertops

Black and white quartz is a wonderful way to add some visual pop in spaces where you’re on a budget.

The contrast it provides is best utilized in more contemporary kitchens or bathrooms, allowing the sleek black lines to really shine against the almost transparent white color of the countertops.

Related: 7 Countertops Using Black and White Quartz

Sparkling white quartz countertops

Sparkling white quartz is by far one of the most popular choices for kitchen countertops because of the way it pairs perfectly with stainless steel appliances.

The light color provides a sophisticated look perfect for modern kitchens or bathrooms where you don’t want to overdo the decor. See examples of sparkling white quartz in different spaces here.

Looking for paint colors to match your beautiful quartz? Check out my post on Revere Pewter and how it compares to other popular grays.

What patterns are quartz kitchen countertops available in?

The patterns available in quartz are some of the main reasons this option is quickly becoming a popular choice for homeowners.

Tile and stone countertops have long been desired for their durability, versatility, and stunning appearance but until recently they’ve had to be done with natural materials like marble or granite.

Now you can add in the elegance of the stone-like materials of quartz for a fraction of the cost. While there are many patterns available, veined quartz is a very popular look.

Veined quartz

Veined quartz countertops get their name from the characteristic vein that runs through the quartz countertop material. Many homeowners choose to install a veined pattern as backsplash in addition to having it as a countertop to create a beautiful focal point.

Most often seen as a gray or white vein, they’re a good choice because they go with almost any color scheme.

A modern white kitchen with waterfall edge veined quartz countertops.
A modern white kitchen with waterfall edge veined quartz countertops.

Prefab quartz countertops vs standard slabs

Prefab quartz countertops are a great way to save money. The prefabricated counters come ready to install right out of the box and can be used immediately upon installation with no additional time or costs involved putting them at an ideal price point.

This is a great choice for homeowners who want to add quartz but are on a limited budget.

Slab quartz countertops provide the most natural feel and appearance. Quartz is a naturally occurring stone and the look of slab quartz is going to provide an authentic feel to your space.

Although it’s more expensive than prefabricated options, the cost can be lowered by letting a professional handle the installation for you which will save valuable time as well as money.

Quartz countertops cost

Quartz countertops are comparable in price to other natural stones, but will have a much longer life expectancy and require less maintenance.

As stated before, if you choose a prefab quartz you’ll pay less than going with a slab. The cost difference between prefabricated and slab quartz depends on the type of countertop you choose, and how many pieces you need.

If you go to a large home improvement store you may pay a little less but not have as many options as a local showroom that specializes in quartz. Quartz countertops from Home Depot range from $50-90 per square foot. You’ll want to contact a professional for accurate price quotes.

Cost of having quartz installed

Quartz countertops installation is a job that can be done by a general contractor or any other professional who has experience working with natural stone.

The cost of installing your quartz countertops will depend on several factors such as the size of your counters, how many cuts you will need, or if they have to be custom cut (in which case it’s best to contact a professional).

Sometimes the cost of installation is built into the price of the quartz, but you’ll need to clarify when purchasing.

In addition to these expenses make sure you account for miscellaneous work and supplies such as tools, adhesive, sealants, grout etc.

Looking to renovate your kitchen on a budget? Check out our budget-friendly kitchen reno here.

Butterscotch quartz countertops with dark cabinetry.
Butterscotch quartz countertops with dark cabinetry.

Caring for quartz countertops

Quartz is very easy to care for in comparison to other natural stones or manufactured materials like marble since they boast a non-porous countertop surface. According to Cambria Quartz, a damp cloth with a little soap will take care of most needs.

How to clean quartz countertops

You should always consult your manufacturer’s care guide before cleaning any type of stone surface. The cleaner you use depends on the maintenance plan you choose for your countertop.

A good way to keep your quartz looking its best is to wipe up spills as soon as they happen and regularly clean with recommended products.

Just like granite countertops, a cloth and warm water works just fine when it comes to cleaning your quartz.

It’s important NOT to use bleach or harsh chemicals when cleaning quartz countertops. This could lead to damage of the natural stone in the quartz. Refer to the guidelines of your particular style of quartz before using an all purpose cleaner.

Products like Weiman Quartz Countertop Cleaner and Polisher offer maximum protection against stains and general household spills.

Do quartz countertops stain?

Quartz countertops do not stain easily, but there are some things you can do to maintain their appearance and avoid staining.

Some things you can do to avoid staining include keeping your kitchen clean and free of any spills, especially grease. Also avoid using abrasives on the countertops as they can scratch or dull the surface over time.

To remove a stain from quartz countertops you can use some household items like dish soap, baking soda, salt, vinegar and lemon juice. You just need to mix these ingredients with some water and apply them to a clean rag.

If that doesn’t remove the stain then you can try some rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover.

How to remove water stains from quartz countertops

You can remove water stains from quartz by mixing a 50/50 solution of isopropyl alcohol and water. Apply the mixture to a clean rag and wipe down the surface until it’s clean, then dry with another clean rag.

What is quartz countertops heat resistance like?

One of the main questions people have is are quartz countertops heat resistant? Quartz is heat resistant and suitable in many different environments. It has the same basic properties as natural stone, except it’s more durable.

According to RSK Marble and Granite quartz is heat resistant between 210 and 300 degrees depending on the type, but you want to be careful not to expose your countertops to extreme heat or they can discolor over time.

Do quartz countertops need to be sealed?

Sealing quartz countertops after installation is recommended. Protecting the investment that you’ve made in your newly installed quartz is very important because without proper treatment, they may require frequent maintenance and cleaning.

However, they do not require yearly sealing like their marble counterpart.

How to polish quartz countertops

If your countertops have scratches or have dulled over time, you can polish them. If you’re doing it yourself, make sure you purchase a quartz polishing kit like this one so you don’t damage the surface of your stone.

Check out this YouTube video for step-by-step instructions on how to polish quartz countertops!

Polishing will help restore color and shine to dull or scratched surfaces making it look just like new! It’s recommended to polish your quartz once every two years to keep them maintained.

Other quartz FAQs:

Are quartz countertops high end?

Quartz countertops are considered a high-end option, which means they can cost more than other types of solid surface countertops like Corian or granite.

Which is more money, granite or quartz?

In general, quartz countertops are less expensive than granite depending on the pattern and finish.

Is quartz worth the extra cost?

Ultimately, it’s up to you. Quartz countertops are worth the cost if you want to add the feel of stone but don’t want to deal with all of the cleaning and maintenance that actual stones like marble require.

Do quartz countertops increase home value?

Quartz countertops will increase the overall value of your home and are considered to be one of the best investments you can make in terms of kitchen or bathroom remodeling.

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