Have you ever gazed at your quartz countertop and wondered, “What exactly makes this material so strong and beautiful?” Quartz countertops have become a popular choice for homeowners because of their unique blend of durability, style, and low maintenance.
At Granite Selection, we’ve spent years working with this engineered stone and want to share our knowledge on what makes quartz such an exceptional choice for your home. In this blog, we’ll break down exactly what quartz countertops are made of and why they stand out from other natural stones like granite and marble.
Quartz countertops are primarily made of natural quartz, one of the hardest minerals on Earth, combined with polymer resins. Typically, the composition includes about 90-95% crushed quartz and 5-10% resins and pigments, which help bind the stone and add color.
The quartz used is ground into various sizes, with coarser grains creating a more textured look, while finer grains result in a smoother, more uniform surface. Some manufacturers also add glass or metallic flecks to create a reflective, luxurious appearance.
Also quartz is a sustainable material. Many manufacturers use recycled materials in production, reducing the need for new resources. Unlike natural stones like granite, quartz doesn’t require extensive quarrying, which lowers environmental impact. Additionally, quartz’s long lifespan means fewer replacements, contributing to less waste over time. Some manufacturers also use low-VOC resins, making quartz safer for both the environment and indoor air quality. Overall, quartz is a durable, sustainable choice for homeowners looking to reduce their ecological footprint.
Quartz countertops bring more than just aesthetic appeal to your home. Their unique composition provides a range of practical benefits that make them stand out from other countertop materials. Let’s break down some of the key features that make quartz the go-to choice for many homeowners.
Whether it’s the durability that allows quartz to withstand daily wear or the customizable designs that fit any style, these features make quartz a versatile and reliable option for your home. With little maintenance required and high resistance to stains, scratches, and heat, you can enjoy your quartz countertops for years to come.
Quartz countertops are not only known for their durability and low maintenance but also for their versatility in design. Whether you’re renovating a kitchen, bathroom, or any other space, quartz can adapt to a variety of styles and layouts.
To help you make the most of your quartz countertop selection, we’ve put together some design tips that will elevate the aesthetic of your home:
Lighter shades of quartz, such as whites and soft grays, can make smaller spaces like bathrooms or compact kitchens feel larger and more open.
If you want to create a dramatic look, pair dark quartz countertops with lighter cabinetry. Shades like black or deep brown can add striking contrast and sophistication to modern spaces.
Quartz can mimic the veining patterns found in natural stones like marble. Choose a subtle veining for a classic look, or opt for bold veining patterns to make your countertop the focal point of the room.
For a sleek and contemporary design, consider adding a waterfall edge where the countertop extends vertically down the sides of the cabinetry. This creates a continuous, modern flow in the space.
Combining quartz with natural wood elements can create a warm and inviting atmosphere. This works particularly well for rustic, farmhouse, or transitional kitchen designs.
If you’re planning on a bold, patterned backsplash, balance it with neutral quartz countertops in shades like beige, cream, or white to avoid overwhelming the space.
While polished quartz is the most common finish, consider matte or honed finishes for a more understated and contemporary look.
With these design tips, you can create a space that is not only functional but also stylish and tailored to your personal taste. Whether you’re aiming for a sleek modern kitchen or a warm, inviting bathroom, quartz countertops provide the flexibility to achieve your vision.
Consumers get many benefits from using engineered quartz over natural stones like granite and marble. Before we go too far into this conversation, you can take a look at our blog that breaks down granite and quartz differences. In this conversation, we will focus on the advantages of quartz.
Engineering the quartz countertop provides a stronger, longer-lasting stone than natural stones. The polymers that bind the rock also increase the strength.
The strength of the stone makes it easier for contractors to install the slabs in your kitchen or bathroom without it breaking.
These same polymers also make them resistant to household chemicals and cleaners. The non-porous nature of these counters makes them 99.9% bacteria-free as well.
The polymers also make the counters non-porous. Their non-porous nature is why you do not need cleaning products as you might with other stones.
As we mentioned above, the quartz manufacturing process offers a broader variety of countertop options than you would get for granite or marble. The natural stones are great but limit you to what is available on the market.
Quartz counters variety depend on:
Often customers select quartz countertops to mimic granite or other stones they like without the professional installation hassles. The more options just make it easier for them to choose something that works with the aesthetic of their kitchen countertops. With the help of quartz slabs you can bring an unusual zest to your kitchen design. Our experts at Granite Selection have prepared a blog dedicated to 7 quartz countertop ideas.
Quartz offers a range of benefits, from intense heat durability to low maintenance, making it a popular choice for countertops. However, when considering quartz for your home, it’s important to understand how its cost compares to other popular natural stone materials, such as granite, marble, and travertine. In this section, we provide a cost comparison to help you see how quartz measures up against these natural stone countertops alternatives, ensuring you make an informed decision based on both budget and material performance.
| Material | Price Range (per sq. foot)* |
|---|---|
| Quartz | $50 – $150 |
| Granite | $40 – $100 |
| Marble | $75 – $250 |
| Travertine | $50 – $100 |
*Approximate cost according to HomeAdvisor
When comparing countertop materials, it’s essential to consider both the upfront cost and the long-term value to choose the right material. Quartz offers a balanced price point with minimal upkeep, making it an ideal choice for many homeowners. Granite countertops provides more affordable entry point into natural stone, while marble and travertine, though beautiful, come with higher maintenance requirements and costs. Carefully evaluating these factors will help you choose the best countertop material for your home and lifestyle. If you want to dive deeper into quartz countertop prices, you can check our blog with quartz prices in 2024.
Still undecided? Take a look at our fine collection of stones and find the one that would suit your design style!
Now that you have a better understanding of what quartz countertops are made of, you can see why they’re such a popular choice for both kitchens and bathrooms. Their durability, low maintenance, and design versatility make them a top option for any home renovation. If you’re still undecided or want to explore your countertop options further, Granite Selection is here to help.
We provide a wide range of natural stone materials and professional installation services to ensure your project is completed to the highest standards. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you find the perfect countertop for your space.
Do you have questions about granite or quartz countertops in Chicago?
Request a free consultation or visit our office.
