Quartz Countertops: Buying Guide, Costs, and Care

30 Dec.,2024

 

Quartz Countertops: Buying Guide, Costs, and Care

Made from one of the hardest minerals on earth, quartz countertops are arguably the most durable option for kitchens. They&#;re also some of the most eye-catching. They come in a wide variety of colors, including fire-engine red and apple green, as well as earthy browns, blacks, and creams, with sparkles and veining for the look of granite or marble. But unlike natural-stone slabs, which are mined, these slabs are engineered in a factory.

Holy Product Page

Is Quartz is Better Than Granite?

Their primary ingredient is ground quartz (about 94 percent), combined with polyester resins to bind it and pigments to give it color. For some designs, small amounts of recycled glass or metallic flecks are added to the mix. The resins also help make these counters stain and scratch resistant&#;and nonporous, so they never need to be sealed. Compare that with granite, the reigning king of high-end countertops, which typically requires a new protective top coat at least once a year.

In the past, the biggest knock against quartz was that it lacked the patterns and color variations you get with natural stone. But that&#;s a moot point now, with all the manufacturers offering multihued slabs with enough flecks, swirls, and random patterning to make them almost indistinguishable from the real thing.

They were once available only with a polished finish; now you can get one with a honed, sandblasted, or embossed treatment. So if it&#;s the look of matte limestone, textured slate, or glossy granite that you want, there&#;s a quartz countertop for you. Read on for help picking one to match your budget, your cooking and cleaning needs, and your style. We&#;ll go over the pros and cons of quartz countertops so you can make the best choice.

How Much Do Quartz Countertops Cost?

Expect to pay about the same as you would for natural stone, around $60 to $90 per square foot, including installation.

How are Quartz Countertops Made?

Natural-quartz crystals are mined, then ground into a dust or an aggregate that&#;s fused with resin binders under intense heat and pressure to form a solid slab. Pigments added during the process impart color to the countertop.

Key Questions Answered

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DIY or hire a pro?

Like natural stone, quartz slabs are very heavy. And though the added resins make them more flexible, they, too, can crack if not properly handled. Work only with certified installers.

Where can you buy it?

Order through kitchen-design showrooms or from home centers and big-box stores, such as The Home Depot, IKEA, and Lowe&#;s.

How long do they last?

For as long as you have your kitchen. Quartz countertop manufacturers provide warranties ranging from 10 or 15 years to lifetime, depending on the company.

Is a Quartz Countertop Right for You?

Here are the pros and cons to consider when deciding to go with quartz.

Pros

It&#;s low-maintenance.

Unlike natural stone or wood, it never needs to be sealed. Just wipe with soapy water for daily upkeep. Surface stains can be removed with a gentle cleansing scrub. Avoid scouring pads, which can dull the surface, and harsh chemicals that could break down the bonds between the quartz and resins.

It&#;s antimicrobial.

Resin binders make quartz counters nonporous, so stain- and odor-causing bacteria, mold, and mildew can&#;t penetrate the surface.

It&#;s design-friendly.

Some makers offer jumbo slabs for uninterrupted runs of countertop. But even with standard slabs, typically 60 by 120 inches, the seams can be almost imperceptible; added resins allow cleaner cuts without chipping as stone does. The resins also make quartz more flexible than natural stone, allowing fabricators to bend and shape it into sinks or the sides of a curved island. And it&#;s versatile enough to be used on floors and walls&#;fabricators can even cut the slabs into standard tile sizes.

Cons

It&#;s pricey.

Compared with DIY options, such as wood, laminate, and concrete, which can cost less than $10 per square foot, quartz, like granite, is expensive&#;about $60 to $90 per square foot, including installation. Acrylic solid surfacing, another competing option, costs about $40 to $80 per square foot installed.

It can&#;t take extreme heat.

Quartz counters are heat and scorch resistant, but only up to a point. Most manufacturers say their products can handle up to 400 degrees F, but a sudden change in temperature or sustained heat from a pan left on the counter may cause the surface to crack. To be safe, always use a trivet or a hot pad.

It can&#;t weather outdoor use.

Install it outdoors in an uncovered area, and you&#;ll void the warranty. Direct sun beating down on it day after day can cause colors to fade or the countertop to warp or split over time. Currently, none of the major manufacturers offers an outdoor-approved quartz counter.

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Quartz Countertops Buying Guide and Timeline

1. Compare Colors and Prices

Shop around to compare colors and prices. Some quartz makers sell exclusively through big-box stores; other slabs are available only through independent kitchen and bath showrooms.

2. Select Your Brand and Color

Pick your brand and color, and set up a time for a fabricator to visit your home to take measurements and make a template of the tops of your base cabinets.

Unless you are keeping existing fixtures, you supply the dimensions for the sink and faucet cutouts as well as any drop-in appliances, such as a cooktop.

3. Get Price Quotes and Place Your Order

Get a price quote and place your order. Once the fabricator knows the complexity of the installation, including the edge profile, number of slabs, and cutout details, they can quote the actual cost of the entire job.

4. Wait (About a Week)

Wait, but not too long. Assuming your base cabinets are in and your kitchen is otherwise complete, the fabricator can get the slab from the distributor or direct from the manufacturer and shape it to your specs in about a week.

If you&#;re using multiple slabs, consider asking the fabricator to get them from the same manufacturing batch to ensure the best possible match.

5. Schedule Your Installation

Schedule the installation. The fabricator lays the slab directly on top of cabinets; in general, no plywood underlayment is required. It&#;s held in place with silicone-based construction adhesive, and any seams between slabs are filled with color-matched epoxy resin.

Undermount sinks are installed with clips (and sometimes wood braces) that attach to the underside of the countertop. Expect installation for a typical kitchen to take from a few hours to a day.

Pick Your Color and Pattern

Crema Marble

Brown veining against a sand background. Giallo Michelangelo, Zodiaq by Dupont, about $60-$100 per sq. ft.*

*All prices include installation.

Watery Hue

Recycled-glass flecks glisten in a blue-gray base. Calm Springs, Zodiaq by Dupont, about $60-$100 per sq. ft.

Terrazzo Effect

Earthy recycled-glass particles add sparkle. Forest Snow, Eco by Cosentino, about $62-$78 per sq. ft.; ecobycosentino.com

Tone on Tone

Tan watermarks speckle a brown base. Vintage Limestone, Viatera by LG, about $67-$72 per sq. ft.; lgviaterausa.com

Cobalt

Vibrant blue highlighted with translucent particles. Celestial Blue, Zodiaq by Dupont, about $60-$100 per sq. ft.

Crystallized

Small iridescent blue and charcoal flecks. Waterford, Cambria, about $75-$80 per sq. ft.; cambriausa.com

White Marble

Gray striations for the look of Carrara. Tranquility RU613, HanStone, $55-$95 per sq. ft.; hanwhasurfaces.com

Cool Tone

Solid turquoise with a contemporary feel. Slice of Ice CW102, HanStone, about $55-$95 per sq. ft.; hanwhasurfaces.com

Travertine Style

Reddish-brown lines mimic veining. Ivory Wave MV620, HanStone, about $55-$95 persq. ft.; hanwhasurfaces.com

Bold Swirls

Black and gray-blue streaks against taupe and cream. Praa Sands, Cambria, about $75-$80 per sq. ft.; cambriausa.com

Crisp Green

A lively solid. Green Fun, Silestone by Cosentino, about $54-$74 per sq. ft.; silestoneusa.com

Warm Gray

Subtle cream veins look nature-inspired. Piatra Grey, Caesarstone, about $65-$85 per sq. ft.; caesarstoneus.com

Earthy Speckles

Granite-like veins and light-reflecting crystals. Canterbury, Cambria, about $75-$80 per sq. ft.; cambriausa.com

Polished Steel

Metallic flecks impart shine. Chrome, Silestone by Cosentino, about $70-$89 per sq. ft.; silestoneusa.com

Pebbled

Gray-toned particles and swirls on white. Atlantic Salt, Caesarstone, about $65-$85 per sq. ft.; caesarstoneus.com

Subtle Striations

Thin white lines overlay a jet-black base. Black Knight , Caesarstone, about $65-$85 per sq. ft.; caesarstoneus.com

SoapStone-Like

A matte-finish warm gray. Altair, Silestone by Cosentino, about $54-$74 per sq. ft.; silestoneusa.com

Metallic Chips

Copper-colored flecks add depth. Mariposa Buff MV410, Samsung, about $50-$60 per sq. ft.; staron.com

Warm Neutral

This sandy hue has faint color gradations. Sugar Storm, Viatera, about $67-$72 per sq. ft.; lgviaterausa.com

Light Limestone

A granular texture imitates fossil and shell fragments. Natural Limestone, Viatera, about $67-$72 per sq. ft.; lgviaterausa.com

Geode Look

Like a slice of blue mineral chunks. Ocean Palace , Caesarstone, about $65-$85 per sq. ft.; caesarstoneus.com

Rare Jewels

Wendell T. Webber

It doesn&#;t get much more luxurious than a semiprecious-stone countertop formed from real slices of colorful quarried crystals, such as agate and amethyst. Added resins work like a glue to bind the gems together into a continuous countertop while also making it stain and scratch resistant. These opulent tops would add a dramatic look to a small kitchen island, a built-in bar, or a powder-room vanity.

Shown: Concetto Collection in Brown Agate, Rose Quartz, and Tiger Eye, about $400 per sq. ft.; caesarstoneus.com

The Finishing Touch

Just about any edge profile that you can get with stone can be replicated with quartz. The standard eased edge, slightly rounded over so that there aren&#;t any sharp angles, and the more fanciful ogee, which resembles an S curve on its side, are two of the most popular treatments.

Your fabricator will help you select an edge that suits your kitchen&#;s style and the countertop&#;s thickness&#;typically ½, ¾, or 1¼ inches&#;and will shape the profile using a template provided by the manufacturer. Fabricators can also do custom designs, such as a chiseled, raw edge (shown) or a gently cascading three-level waterfall-style profile. Keep in mind that the more complex the edge, the higher the cost.

Shown: Desert Limestone with chiseled edge, about $65-$85 per sq. ft.; caesarstoneus.com

Quartz Countertops to Suit Every Style

Relaxed Farmhouse

Wendell T. Webber

This slate-gray countertop has a muted, lived-in look to match the zinc stools and the weather-beaten-steel pendant light. Open shelves and painted cabinets with bin-pull drawer hardware add to the kitchen&#;s homey appeal.

Shown: Fieldstone, about $75-$80 per sq. ft.; cambriausa.com

Streamlined Modern

Wendell T. Webber

A white countertop with subtle gray veining, a glossy finish, and a simple eased edge makes a crisp contrast with the green-painted cabinets and sleek stainless-steel fixtures and appliances.

Shown: Misty Carrera, about $65-$85 per sq. ft.; caesarstoneus.com

Earthy Traditional

Two warm countertop colors complement the stained wood cabinets. A washstand-style curved backsplash behind the range adds a vintage note. On the island, a 5-inch mitered edge profile gives the work surface a chunky, furniture-like look.

Shown: Nottingham (perimeter), and Sussex (island), about $75-$80 per sq. ft.; cambriausa.com

Timeless Elegance

Mick Frangou/IPC + Syndication

A black-and-white color combination is always a classic. Here, the dark countertop pairs with the lighter perimeter cabinets. The contrasting scheme is reversed on the island, where an ogee edge profile adds an extra dose of sophistication.

Similar to shown: Zodiaq Galaxy Black and Cloud White, $60-$100 per sq. ft.

Prefab Options

You won&#;t find ready-made slabs for kitchen counters, but home centers now offer smaller bathroom vanity tops with faucet drillings and undermount-sink cutouts. Expect to pay $350 to $900 for a vanity top, depending on the size and color.

Home-furnishings manufacturers are also catching on to the pluses of quartz. Room & Board offers dining, cocktail, accent, and counter-height tables with five different quartz-top options and a choice of bases.

Get a custom-look vanity for less by wedding a prefab counter (sink included) with a stock cabinet.

Shown: Solieque Bisque Baroque, from $640; homedepot.com

Bonus: Beyond The Kitchen

You aren&#;t just limited to using quartz in the kitchen, check out these smart and unique use-cases.

Mix and Match

Mix and match quartz tops and wood bases for an updated farmhouse table.

Shown: Linden walnut table with white quartz top, from $1,700; roomandboard.com

Tub Deck

Unlike marble, quartz won&#;t be marred by an errant splash of bath oil.

Shown: Blizzard, $65-$85 per sq. ft.; caesarstoneus.com

Laundry Counter

Quartz is antimicrobial, so it won&#;t harbor bacteria from soiled clothes. Just be sure to clean up bleach spills quickly to prevent damage.

Shown: Brentwood, $75-$80 per sq. ft.; cambriausa.com

Shower Seat

Jason Varney

In a fully tiled shower, a corner seat crafted from a quartz remnant means fewer grout lines to keep clean.

Similar to shown: Ultra White, $67-$72 per sq. ft.; lgviaterausa.com

Dining Room Server

You can stop worrying about red-wine rings; because quartz is nonporous, vino can&#;t penetrate it.

Similar to shown: Tranquility, about $55-$95 per sq. ft.; hanwhasurfaces.com

Fireplace Surround

Quartz can withstand very high temperatures as long as the heat is indirect. So go ahead and surround your firebox with it.

Shown: Concrete, $65-$85 per sq. ft.; caesarstoneus.com

Bedside Table

A wooden bedside table with drawers and a brown and black marble quartz countertop.

By topping your nightstand with quartz, you won&#;t need a coaster to keep morning coffee or tea spills from staining.

Shown: Ashford, $75-$80 per sq. ft.; cambriausa.com

Trend Alert: Black Quartz Countertops [How To Style Guide]

Black quartz countertops have taken the design world by storm. In both kitchen and bathroom designs, black quartz can make a major impact. Many have noticed the beauty of

black quartz.

With the countertop material rising in popularity for some time now.

The modern and daring countertop choice serves as a dramatic statement piece in today&#;s interior designs

. And the results of choosing black quartz are, without a doubt, stunning.

 

Whether your style is innovative and modern or traditional and modest. No matter your style, black quartz countertops add an element of beauty to any design. Besides looks, 

quartz countertops

offer the lowest maintenance of any other countertop material. As well as unmatched durability and longevity.

Black quartz

comes in many different patterns and color variations to choose from. Along with the ability to transform any design into a one of a kind work of art.

This 

black quartz countertops styling guide

 will give you the inspiration to create your ideal look

.

We&#;ve put together seven ways on 

how to style black quartz countertops.

Each style showcases black quartz in a unique way to give you inspiration for creating your own look. Prepare to be blown away by the beauty of black quartz countertops and these stunning designs!

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How To Style Black Quartz Countertops:

From farmhouse chic to contemporary concrete. We&#;re confident that black quartz countertops can take any design to the next level of beauty.

We hope you fall in love with black quartz and the unique designs the countertop material creates

!

Style 1 &#; How To Style Black Quartz For A Modern Master Bath 

Installing black quartz countertops in your master bathroom is a sure-fire way to make a statement. We recommend choosing a simple jet black quartz for your countertops. Then pair it with an elegant white or black marble-like quartz.

The contrast of an intense black quartz, like 

Iconic Black

, and a bright white 

accent wall

 

creates a dynamic look

. The jaw-dropping combination is perfect for your master bath oasis.

You can see the dramatic yet sophisticated aesthetic created by black quartz in these designs

. Which showcase how to style the countertop material to create a modern master bath.

Black Quartz Countertops &#; Et Noir & Iconic Black

Both bathroom designs feature a beautiful, solid black quartz countertop vanity. Paired with a white and gold accent wall.

The designs are complete with matte black hardware, white countertop bowl sinks, and other gold elements

. The combination of design components styles the black quartz

beautifully

. Creating a breathtaking bath worthy of any interior design magazine. The first design features a black and gold quartz accent wall behind the large white tub. Which adds to the design&#;s contrast and refinement. Using 

Et Noir

or

Iconic Black

quartz is perfect for recreating either of these beautiful designs. 

Style 2 &#;

How To Style Black Quartz Countertops For A

Chic Farmhouse

A farmhouse style kitchen is not

just

for those with traditional tastes. In fact, a modern farmhouse aesthetic is one of the latest design trends many people are loving. Including us. Black quartz countertops are a design element you do not want to pass. Especially when creating a contemporary farmhouse kitchen.

To create a farmhouse look using black quartz, start with dramatic dark quartz countertops

. These contrast

beautifully

with white shaker-style cabinets. To solidify the farmhouse look, framed windows are a perfect fit. You can also add stainless steel accents and matte black hardware. This creates a fluid aesthetic that pairs well with chevron style backsplash. As well as a black range hood. The design featured here is the ideal combination of these elements. And the gorgeous black quartz is the perfect focal point to the kitchen&#;s chic farmhouse feel.

Black Quartz Countertops &#; Carbo & Nocturne

Carbo

 is an excellent black quartz countertop choice for a modern farmhouse. It works

unquestionably

well in a contemporary kitchen.

The soft white veins add beautiful dimension and accent the stark white featured throughout the kitchen

. Another excellent choice for a modern farmhouse look is 

Nocturne

.

The rich black quartz presents warm undertones. Which adds a welcoming element to an otherwise sophisticated design.

Style 3 &#;

How To Style Black Quartz For A

Bold Black Island

One of the most popular ways to style black quartz is by adding a bold island to your kitchen. And we can see why. A black quartz kitchen island is a stunning focal point in modern kitchen designs. One that is certain to turn heads.

waterfall island

is a beautiful way to incorporate black quartz into your kitchen design

edge profile

. Theis a perfect canvas for the dramatic black stone. It stands out as a beautiful centerpiece when contrasted with white design elements.

Another styling approach is to add a contemporary black island with an oversized quartz countertop

. This styling idea is

undoubtedly

If you want to learn more, please visit our website black quartz with white veins.

bold, yet beautiful. To complete this design, add stainless steel accents and glossy black cabinets.

We love how the bold black islands featured in these kitchen designs show off the beauty of black quartz.

Black Quartz Countertops &#; Et Marquina & Sparkling Black

Nearly

any black quartz can

be utilized

for a daring kitchen island. But, we definitely have our favorites. For a dynamic

 

waterfall kitchen island

,

 

Et Marquina

 is a stunning pick. Guaranteed to produce showstopping results.

The strong,

predominately

black quartz material features elegant thin veins in white and gray

. The veining creates a dimensional pattern perfect for any modern interior design. 

Sparkling Black

 is another gorgeous quartz that makes a superior fit for a bold kitchen island

. The jet black quartz material is as daring as the night sky. Featuring beautiful white sparkles that shine in the light.

Style 4 &#;

How To Style Black Quartz Countertops For A

Jet Black Wet Bar

If black quartz countertops throughout an entire kitchen aren&#;t your thing, don&#;t worry. A jet black

wet bar

might be for you. This styling idea is simple yet effective in creating a bold focal point to your home&#;s interior. A beautiful way to use black quartz in your wet bar design is as countertop and backsplash. By bringing the stone from countertop to cabinet , you&#;ll achieve a striking appearance. That is

absolutely

breathtaking. This modern wet bar shows

just

that.

The dazzling black quartz material pairs

beautifully

with matte black cabinets and gold hardware

. The scattered white design elements also add to the modern look. 

Black Quartz Countertops &#; Midnight Majesty & Basso

When styled with smooth, sleek cabinetry, you can choose any black quartz to pair with your wet bar design. Whether you prefer a bold and dramatic pattern or a subdue and subtle design. The key is to ensure that the quartz is the focal point of the bar area. We recommend

Midnight Majesty

if you prefer a subtle yet impressive material. The rich,

nearly

black quartz features white and gray sparkles throughout. Which creates a stunning sparkling appearance that will definitely stand out. For a bolder material,

Basso

 is a beautiful quartz stone. Known for having a dramatic pattern of dark brown and charcoal veins. The beautiful black quartz also features soft white flecks. Perfect for standing out against your wall and cabinet colors.

Style 5 &#;

How To Style Black Quartz With

 Bright Backsplash

Styling a beautiful backsplash with your black quartz countertops is a brilliant way to create a stunning look

. It not only adds texture but also dimension to your kitchen design. Black countertops may be a little dark for some, but they have a stunning appeal that we

absolutely

love. Especially when paired with a bright backsplash. Whether you prefer styling with white or black cabinetry, any color will work. You can pair black quartz countertops with any combination of backsplash and cabinetry. All certain to be

uniquely

beautiful.

The glossy, marble-like backsplash in the first design contrasts

perfectly

with the rich black quartz

. The modern aesthetic is complete with sleek, smooth cabinets . As well as stainless steel hardware, making for an innovative appeal. What&#;s presented in the second design is a little more outside the box.

Copper backsplash made up of small hexagon tiles accentuates the matte black countertop and cabinetry

. This gorgeous design ties together with copper hardware, chairs, and sink. Making for a

truly

one of a kind kitchen. To find more backsplash inspiration, check out

Backsplash Ideas here.

Black Quartz Countertops &#; Charcoal Soapstone & Stellar Negro

Black quartz countertops will make sure any backsplash you choose stands out.

Our favorite materials to pair with a bright backsplash are

 

Charcoal Soapstone

and 

Stellar Negro.

Both offer a beautiful base for kitchen backsplash to shine.

Specifically

, Charcoal Soapstone has an elegant, soft charcoal base and features subtle gray veins

. Which make it an ideal fit for any backsplash design.

While Stellar Negro presents a subtle pattern of jet black minerals broken up by white speckles

. Which creates a sparkling appearance that pairs

beautifully

with a bright backsplash.

Style 6 &#;

How To Style Black Quartz Countertops For A

Contemporary Concrete Look

Black quartz

is known

for being a modern and bold countertop material. Perfect for contemporary kitchen designs. And what&#;s more contemporary than concrete? Contemporary concrete is one of the latest kitchen design trends. The trend utilizes industrial elements in the home to create breathtaking interiors. Which almost always feature black quartz countertops. A contemporary concrete style kitchen creates a beautiful aesthetic. Which many designers say is as daring as you can get. But to make certain your concrete style stands out, beautiful black quartz is a must.

Black Quartz Countertops &#; Charcoal Soapstone & Iconic Black

To create your own contemporary concrete kitchen,

Charcoal Soapstone

is perfect for countertops. Especially when mixed with natural wood elements to break up the industrial appeal. The first design highlights the beauty of Charcoal Soapstone.

Showcasing how

perfectly

the dark quartz material&#;s gray veins pair with the concrete elements

. For a crisp, streamlined design,

Iconic Black

 in a matte finish will create a sleek, bold aesthetic.

Style 7 &#;

How To Style Black Quartz For A

Black & White Kitchen

Last, but not least, a black and white kitchen design is an ever-popular way to style black quartz. When using two contrasting colors, black and white, in this case, you create a dynamic design. A design that is not only modern but

highly

sophisticated.

Naturally

, stainless steel accents pair well with black and white. While bright lighting ensures your design will not come off dark or dreary. When styled with a bold accent wall or backsplash, a black and white design stands out in a

truly

unique way. Black and white designs are

incredibly

flexible. Offering the option to play with different design details and structural elements.

Black Quartz Countertops &#; Negro Tebas & Iconic Black

While any black quartz countertop can be a great choice for a black and white style kitchen, we love

Negro Tebas.

The black quartz material has a subdued pattern that pairs

beautifully

with any black and white design elements

.

 

Iconic Black

is another classic choice that shines

beautifully

. Especially in a black and white styled kitchen, and is another choice you don&#;t want to write off!

We hope you found these styling ideas inspirational and can take away a few tips to try out for yourself!

Keep in mind, black quartz countertops offer so many design possibilities beyond the seven presented today

.

Whether you prefer black quartz or any other material, our team is here to help you create your dream kitchen

. We have the expertise to help you create your own design using black quartz countertops!

Contact us today to learn more about our

countertop

offering.

For more styling tips check out our Top 5 Granite Countertops For Waterfall Islands!

We Can&#;t Wait To Serve You!

Michigan Kitchen Distributors is Michigan&#;s premier kitchen remodeling and design company. We can help make the kitchen design process easier and less stressful.

Specifically

when it comes to countertops. We offer in-home consultations and carry various materials. Including

 

quartz, granite, solid surface

,

and 

laminate

 countertops.

Connect with us today for more information!

Want more information on quartz calacatta laza? Feel free to contact us.

If you enjoyed reading these design tips, please share so that others may find us!

Also, comment below if you have any questions, comments, or requests for our next blog.