Quartz countertops have become incredibly popular in kitchens and bathrooms thanks to their beautiful appearance, durability, and easy maintenance. With so many quartz brands on the market, it can be tricky to decide which one is right for your home. This guide compares the top quartz countertop brands by looking at product offerings, designs, pricing, warranties, and reviews to help you make the best choice.
What is Quartz?
Before diving into specific brands, let’s look at what exactly quartz countertops are. Quartz is an engineered stone made from around 90% ground natural quartz crystals combined with polymer resins and pigments. The resins bind the quartz together to form a durable, non-porous slabs that can be fabricated into countertops.
Compared to natural stone like granite and marble, quartz offers superior durability and stain resistance. It also requires very little maintenance. Quartz does not need annual sealing and is resistant to etching from acids. This makes it an ideal choice for busy kitchens prone to spills. The resins also allow quartz to come in a wide variety of colors and patterns that can beautifully mimic natural stone.
Leading Quartz Brand Comparison
There are quite a few reputable quartz brands to choose from. Here is an overview of some of the top contenders and how they compare.
Cambria
- Over 100 unique designs
- High-end look and feel
- Limited lifetime warranty
- US-made in Minnesota
- Average price of $65-100 per square foot installed
Cambria is a leading American-made quartz brand. They have a vast portfolio of unique designs like Brittanicca, Ella, and Harlow that feature intricate veining and movement. Their quartz mimics the look of natural stone while offering uniform color and flawless quality. Cambria has a high-end aesthetic and is durability tested to stand up to decades of daily use. Their limited lifetime warranty covers defects in manufacturing and fabrication.
Caesarstone
- Over 120 designs
- High durability
- Resistant to cracks and scratches
- 15 year warranty
- Average price of $50-75 per square foot installed
One of the first quartz manufacturers, Caesarstone has been making quality quartz slabs since 1987. They thoroughly test their quartz for durability using advanced technology from Italy. Caesarstone is rated to withstand over 20,000 lbs of pressure, minimizing the risk of cracks and chips over a lifetime of use. Popular designs include classics like Frosty Carrina, Noble Grey, and Rugged Concrete. Their 15 year warranty is on par with others for protecting against defect.
Silestone
- Over 90 colors and textures
- Stain, scratch, and acid resistant
- 25 year warranty
- Average price of $55-70 per square foot installed
Silestone has pioneered over 90 striking quartz designs that imitate everything from marble, onyx, and concrete to futuristic looks with integrated LED lighting. They utilize proprietary HybriQ+ technology to create quartz that is durable enough to resist stains, scratches, and etching from daily use. Silestone provides one of the best warranties at 25 years to protect against defects. This Spanish brand offers premium performance and beauty.
MSI
- Over 100 designs
- Highly resistant to stains, bacteria, and heat
- 15 year warranty
- Average price of $40-60 per square foot installed
Headquartered in Orange County, MSI offers quartz countertops made from over 93% pure quartz. Using Bretonstone® technology, MSI quartz achieves superior stain, bacteria, and heat resistance compared to competitor brands. They stand behind their product with a 15 year warranty. With over 100 designs at affordable price points, MSI provides high performance quartz for a range of budgets.
Corian Quartz
- Made by DuPont
- Over 50 designs
- 10 year limited warranty
- Average price of $55-75 per square foot installed
Corian Quartz combines natural quartz with acrylic resins developed by DuPont to create a durable, non-porous countertop. Corian Quartz is Greenguard certified for low VOC emissions and comes in a diverse array of styles from the opulent Calacatta Nuvo to understated Buttercream. Their 10 year limited warranty covers manufacturing defects. Overall, Corian Quartz offers lasting quality.
How to Choose the Best Quartz Brand
With all the quartz options out there, deciding on a brand comes down to your priorities and needs. Here are some factors to consider:
Styles and Patterns
- What aesthetic are you looking for? Contemporary, rustic, minimalist?
- Which brand offers the colors, tone, and designs that appeal most to your taste?
- Do you prefer realistic stone looks or more uniform, futuristic patterns?
Price and Budget
- How much are you looking to spend per square foot on materials and installation?
- Which brand offers quartz countertops in your budget range?
- Is there flexibility to increase budget for higher-end materials?
Where It’s Made
- Do you prefer American-made or imported quartz?
- Does the brand manufacture slabs domestically or overseas?
- Where is the company headquarters located?
Warranty
- What length of warranty does the brand offer? The longer, the better.
- What does the warranty cover? Look for ones covering manufacturing defects.
- Are there stipulations and exclusions to be aware of?
Performance Testing
- Does the company provide data on stain, scratch, and crack resistance testing?
- What technology do they use to engineer durable, high performing slabs?
- How much pressure can their quartz withstand? Higher psi ratings are better.
Reviews
- What do reviews from past customers have to say about quality and service?
- How does the brand rate on home improvement sites like Houzz and Angi?
- Are there any concerning complaints about durability or performance issues?
Pros and Cons of Quartz Countertops
There are many great benefits to choosing quartz worktops. But there are some downsides to weigh as well. Here is a look at the key pros and cons.
Pros
- Extremely durable and scratch resistant surface
- Resistant to stains, etching, and heat
- Low maintenance without need for sealing
- Highly hygienic and non-porous
- Greater variety in colors and patterns
- Consistent quality without natural stone defects
- Easy installation with seamless joints
Cons
- More expensive than laminate or tile
- Limited number of suppliers and designers
- Can chip if subjected to heavy impact
- Less customization options for thick edges and cutouts
- Resins make it not fully natural
- Seams more visible than granite and marble
- Can appear less glossy and glass-like than natural stone
Trending Styles and Colors
Quartz manufacturers are continuously developing new patterns and palettes to keep up with trends. Here are some of the most popular modern quartz styles:
Marble Looks
- White Carrara
- Gray Marquina
- Ambrosia Gold
- Calacatta Nuvo
Marble aesthetics have dominated quartz countertops over the past decade. White Carrara and gray Marquina patterns mimic two of the most coveted natural marble types. Gold Ambrosia and Calacatta Nuvo add striking veining.
ConcreteStyles
- Urban Concrete
- Rustic Concrete
- Oyster Concrete
Concrete has become a sought-after look, and quartz offers flawless versions like Urban Concrete with zero maintenance. The realistic texture and cool gray tones create an industrial vibe. Brands have introduced warmer concrete options like Oyster.
Neutrals
- Frosty Grey
- Dawn White
- Beach Sand
- Creamy White
Whites, beiges, and greys make versatile neutral backdrops. Frosty gray is a bestselling shade that works everywhere. Dawn White and Creamy White have subtle warm undertones. Beach Sand offers tan beige speckles.
Pricing Breakdown
Quartz countertop pricing depends on the quality of the materials and complexity of your project. Here is a typical price breakdown:
- Quartz Materials – $40 – $120 per square foot
- Lower end: Affordable brands like IKEA or MSI
- Middle range: Mainstream brands like Caesarstone and Silestone
- High end: Premium designers like Cambria and Corian
- Edge Profiles – $5-$15 per linear foot
- Basic eased or pencil edge
- Beveled, chamfered, and ogee edges cost more
- Fabrication – $150-$200 per hour
- Around 5 hours for simple kitchen countertop install
- Installation – $40-$100 per hour
- Total Range – $80 – $300 per square foot for installed countertop
- Factors like layout, edge details, cutouts affect overall cost
Be sure to get an itemized quote for materials, labor, edges, seams, transportation, and installation. Most quartz brands do not include installation.
FAQs About Quartz Brands
Is one brand’s quartz better than another?
There is no one “best” quartz brand. The top manufacturers all offer high quality, durable products. The right quartz depends on which one matches your design needs and budget. Even mid-range brands like IKEA make durable, decent performing quartz for an affordable price point.
Which quartz brand is most reliable?
Brands like Caesarstone, Cambria, and Silestone that back their products with 15+ year warranties are known for their reliability and standing behind their quality. They have proven track records over decades of consumer use.
Is American or imported quartz better?
There is debate over American vs imported quartz. American-made brands promote their domestic manufacturing and jobs. But imported quartz from Europe and Asia is also high quality. Again, it comes down to finding the perfect colors and designs for your home, regardless of manufacturing origin.
Does quartz staining or etching really happen?
Quartz is very resistant, not immune, to stains and etching. Very acidic substances like lemon juice or wine vinegar left on for a prolonged time period can damage the surface. But under normal kitchen use, quartz maintains its polished finish extremely well with proper care.
Is quartz more expensive than granite?
Quartz is generally more expensive than materials like granite and laminate. The precise difference depends on the specific slabs compared. But you can expect to pay around 10-30% more for a quartz countertop. The higher cost comes from advanced manufacturing and more durable quality.
Caring for Quartz Countertops
To keep quartz counters looking like new:
- Use cutting boards and trivets for hot pots and pans
- Clean spills promptly to prevent possible staining
- Use non-abrasive cleaners and avoid bleach or alkaline cleaners
- For stubborn stains, use a stainless steel cleaner and sponge
- Reseal seam gaps every 1-2 years with caulk
- Avoid placing extremely heavy objects that may cause impression marks or cracks
With proper care, quartz countertops will maintain their beauty and performance for decades. Be sure to read the manufacturer’s care guide for any specific instructions.
Key Takeaways
- Popular quartz brands like Cambria and Caesarstone offer over 100 unique styles
- Quartz provides stain, scratch, and acid resistance with little maintenance needed
- Top brands provide warranties of 10+ years against manufacturing defects
- Prices average $80 – $200 per square foot installed based on materials and edges
- Look for quartz made with over 90% pure quartz for durability
- Consider aesthetics, pricing, warranties, and performance ratings
- Follow care guidelines like using trivets and avoiding acidic cleaners
Conclusion
With the right quartz brand choice, you can end up with a striking countertop that withstands daily life with minimal upkeep. Evaluate your budget, kitchen style, and needs to select a manufacturer that fits your home and lifestyle best. Reputable companies like Cambria, Caesarstone, and Silestone use cutting edge tech to create quartz countertops that deliver lasting durability, beauty, and enjoyment for your family.
