When it comes to quartz countertops, not all brands are created equal. With so many options on the market, it can be tricky to determine which brand offers the best value, style, durability and warranty. This comprehensive guide compares the most popular quartz countertop brands on key factors to consider, so you can make an informed decision for your home remodel or new construction project.
What is Quartz?
Before diving into the specifics of each brand, it helps to understand exactly what quartz countertops are. Quartz is an engineered stone made from roughly 90% ground natural quartz crystals and 10% polymer resins and pigments. The resins bind the quartz particles together to form a hard, non-porous surface that is resistant to stains, scratches and heat.
Quartz is ideal for busy kitchens because it is nearly maintenance free compared to natural stone. It does not require regular sealing and keeps its polished finish extremely well. Quartz also comes in a wide array of colors and patterns to suit any design aesthetic. Brands use advanced technology to create remarkably realistic looking veining, flecks and swirls that mimic high-end natural materials like marble and granite.
Compared to solid surface countertops made of acrylic or polyester resins, quartz stands up better over time and has a more natural, stone-like look and feel. When shopping for countertops, quartz provides the best combination of durability, appearance and affordability.
Now let’s examine the top brands and how they differ.
Caesarstone
Caesarstone is often considered the original quartz countertop manufacturer. Founded in 1987, they helped pioneer engineered quartz surfaces. Caesarstone remains one of the most recognizable and popular brands on the market today.
Pros:
- Huge selection of up to 50 color options including realistic faux marble patterns
- Hard surface resists scratches, stains and heat up to 450°F
- Consistent quality with little variation between batches
- National lifetime limited warranty
Cons:
- On the higher end of pricing
- Less customization options available
- Limited recycled content (4%)
Caesarstone’s variety of colors and patterns is a major plus, giving homeowners ample choice to complement their cabinetry and décor. Their quartz surfaces are also some of the most durable, making them a great option for busy kitchens. The biggest downside is the higher cost, so it may stretch budgets for some homeowners.
Cambria
Based in Minnesota, Cambria has grown over the past decade to become a popular quartz manufacturer. They offer a good mix of value, durability and style.
Pros:
- Large color selection including unique natural stone looks
- Hard, non-porous surface resists stains, scratches and heat
- Made in the USA
- Good price point compared to other premium brands
- Lifetime limited warranty
Cons:
- Fewer consistency controls compared to other brands
- Limited size options, mostly just standard slab sizes
- Less recycled content (6%)
Cambria’s competitive pricing, variety of colors and made in America appeal make it a strong choice for many homeowners. The main drawbacks are potential inconsistencies between slabs, limited sizing and fewer recycled materials used in production. However, Cambria remains a very competitive option in terms of overall value.
Silestone
Manufactured by parent company Cosentino, Silestone is a leading global quartz brand. Available in over 90 countries, Silestone offers a diverse color selection with international flair.
Pros:
- Over 90 unique colors and patterns
- Stain, scratch and heat resistant
- Features recycled glass, minerals and mirrors for eco-friendly production
- 25-year limited warranty
- Highly consistent appearance between batches
Cons:
- On the higher end for pricing
- Limited customization available
- Smaller distributor network in the US compared to some brands
Silestone has an edge over many competitors with its vast color selection that includes vivid solids and recycled glass blends. The combination of strong eco-friendly practices and consistent premium quality make Silestone a compelling option. However, the higher cost and limited sizing may deter some buyers.
MSI
Headquartered in California, MSI offers their proprietary Q premium quartz at competitive price points. Their diverse color lineup and reasonable pricing make MSI a budget-friendly choice.
Pros:
- Wide range of color options from neutrals to bold colors
- Budget-friendly pricing, often lower than other leading brands
- 15-year limited warranty
- Consistent quality control between batches
Cons:
- Not as durable or heat resistant as higher-end quartz
- Limited recycled content (6%)
- Smaller distributor network compared to major brands
For homeowners on a tight budget, MSI provides quality quartz surfaces at more affordable rates. The shorter warranty raises some durability concerns long-term, but overall MSI presents a decent mid-range option between high-end quartz and lower-priced DIY kits.
Other Notable Brands
While the brands above dominate the marketplace, there are many additional quartz manufacturers to consider:
- LG Viatera – High-end brand with intricate natural stone-inspired designs and patterns. 25-year limited warranty.
- Hanstone – Canada-based company with competitive pricing and family-owned company ethics. Lifetime limited warranty.
- Quartz Master – Manufactures colorful quartz slabs aimed at DIY and fabrication shops on a budget. 10-year limited warranty.
- Vicostone – Leading quartz supplier across Asia and Australia, recently expanded into the US market. 10-year limited warranty.
- Pental – Regional brand available mainly in the Pacific Northwest US. Budget-friendly pricing. Lifetime limited warranty.
- Okite – Specializes in unique quartz colors and effects using advanced technology and design innovations. 20-year limited warranty.
The smaller quartz brands vary widely in pricing, warranties, color options and availability. Research brands carried by local distributors and fabricators to find the best choice for your region and project specifications.
How to Choose the Best Quartz Brand for Your Needs
With so many quartz brands on the market, choosing the right one for your home comes down to a few key factors:
Price
Quartz countertops range in price from $50 per square foot on the low end to over $100 per square foot for premium brands. Compare brands at different price points to find one that fits your budget. Keep in mind less expensive options typically have shorter warranties.
Color/Pattern Options
Some brands like Silestone and Caesarstone offer over 90 colors and patterns. Others like Cambria have around 50 options. Look for a brand with enough colors and patterns to coordinate with your kitchen or bath design and décor tastes.
Durability
Quartz has excellent durability compared to natural stone, but higher priced brands usually withstand more heat, scratches and stains than budget options. Consider durability if your space will see heavy usage.
Warranty
Most quartz brands offer 15-25 year or lifetime limited warranties. Longer warranties provide more protection from defects and manufacturer errors. Read warranty details closely as some have more exclusions than others.
Fabrication & Installation
An authorized fabricator for your selected brand must cut and install the countertops. Not all brands are available at every fabrication shop. Research options near you. Some have more experience with certain brands.
By weighing all of these factors specific to your home and preferences, you can zero in on the ideal quartz brand for your kitchen or bath remodeling project.
Quartz Countertop Pricing Breakdown
To budget for quartz countertops, it helps to understand what goes into the total project cost. Here is a typical price breakdown for quartz countertops:
- Quartz slabs – The biggest portion of the cost, $50-$100+ per square foot from the manufacturer. Price varies by brand.
- Fabrication – $40-$100 per square foot for skilled cutting, shaping and finishing of your countertops in a fabrication shop. More complex edge profiles, patterning and installation increase cost.
- Installation – $10-$25 per square foot for delivery and professional installation of your finished countertops.
- Miscellaneous – Additional charges for sink cutouts, seams, backsplashes and special features like trivets. These typically add $150-$600+ depending on the details.
In total, expect to budget $100 – $300+ per square foot for installed quartz countertops. The final cost depends largely on the brand and complexity of your project. Quality fabricators using top brands charge more for their expertise but deliver exceptional results.
Quartz Countertop Cost Comparison by Brand
To give you a better idea of real world pricing, here is an overview of average installed costs per square foot for popular quartz brands:
| Brand | Average Cost Per Square Foot Installed|
|-|-|
| Caesarstone | $120-$200 |
| Cambria | $100-$175 |
| Silestone | $120-$200 |
| MSI Q Premium | $80-$150 |
| LG Viatera | $150-$250 |
| Hanstone | $100-$175 |
These prices can fluctuate based on your region and the complexity of your project. Expect to pay towards the higher end for intricate edges, cutouts, and other custom details.
Pro tip: Get 3-5 quotes from different fabricators to compare pricing for the same project specifications.
How Does Quartz Compare to Other Countertop Materials?
Deciding between quartz and other countertop materials like granite or Corian? Here’s a quick comparison of key performance factors:
Granite
- Natural stone with unique veining patterns but limited colors
- Hard surface resists scratches, stains and heat
- Requires periodic sealing
- Higher maintenance than quartz
- Comparable cost to mid-range quartz
Marble
- Natural stone with intricate veining that varies slab-to-slab
- Susceptible to stains, acids and etching that require re-polishing
- Lower heat tolerance requiring trivets under hot pans
- Requires regular sealing
- Higher maintenance than quartz
- Often costs less than quartz
Solid Surface (Corian)
- Made of acrylic/polyester polymers with uniform solid colors
- Prone to cuts, scratches, burns and stains without special treatment
- Low heat tolerance
- Seamless appearance for integrated sinks/custom details
- Lower cost than most quartz
- 10 year limited warranty
Quartz provides an ideal combination of aesthetics, durability and ease of maintenance compared to natural stone and solid surface materials. For most homes, quartz offers the best bang for the buck.
Quartz Countertop Considerations
Quartz is a top choice for many homeowners, but it is not necessarily right for every space. Keep these considerations in mind when deciding:
- Quartz lacks the unique variations of natural stone surfaces like granite and marble. While patterns mimic stone, each slab has a uniform engineered appearance.
- Joining seams are often more visible with quartz compared to other materials. Skilled fabricators can minimize the look of seams.
- Quartz does not offer the seamless look of solid surface for integrated sinks and features. Seams around sinks are noticeable.
- Quartz can be prone to damage if excessive weight or force is concentrated on a small area of the surface.
- Quartz requires specialty repair kits for chip and crack repairs vs. more DIY-friendly materials.
- While durable, quartz can be damaged by excessive heat. Always use trivets and hot pads.
For most homeowners, the pro’s outweigh the cons, making quartz the ideal material for kitchen counters and other busy spaces in the home.
Frequently Asked Questions About Quartz Brands
What brand of quartz countertop is the best?
It depends on your priorities. Caesarstone and Silestone rate highly for consistency and durability. Cambria offers good value. MSI is great for budget buyers. Each leading brand has strengths and trade-offs to weigh.
What is the most expensive quartz brand?
Silestone, Caesarstone and LG Viatera tend to be the most expensive quartz options, averaging $100-$250 per square foot installed. They offer premium quality and unique high-end aesthetics.
Which quartz brand is most durable?
Caesarstone and Silestone rate the most durable in independent testing. Their surfaces resist scratches, stains, chips and heat better than many competitors. Cambria and MSI also perform well.
What quartz brand has the best warranty?
Caesarstone and Hanstone offer lifetime limited warranties on their quartz surfaces. Silestone and Cambria have 25 and 15 year warranties respectively. Longer warranties provide more protection.
Which brand of quartz looks most like Carrara marble?
Many brands offer convincing Carrara-style marble patterns. Cambria’s Torquay, MSI’s Arabesque White and Quartz Master’s Campbell are some top picks that emulate the veining and texture of real Carrara.
Is Silestone better than Caesarstone?
Both Silestone and Caesarstone are leading premium quartz brands. Silestone offers more bold colors and recycled glass options. Caesarstone has more neutrals and traditionally appealing patterns. Quality and warranties are comparable.
What quartz countertops do homeowners regret?
Homeowners most often regret lower quality off-brand quartz that stains, scratches and chips easily. Insufficient seam work by inexperienced fabricators is also a common regret that can ruin the look of countertops. Sticking with major brands and a skilled local fabricator prevents most regrets.
Quartz Countertop Maintenance Tips
To keep your quartz counters looking like new for decades, follow these simple maintenance practices:
- Use cutting boards instead of cutting directly on the counter. This prevents deep scratches and dulled areas over time.
- Wipe up spills immediately to prevent staining, especially from liquids like wine, coffee and fruit juice. Quartz resists stains but is not completely stain-proof.
- Avoid exposing quartz to excessive heat. Always set hot pots, pans and bakeware on trivets. Quartz can withstand brief exposure to heat but prolonged direct contact increases chance of damage.
- Clean quartz regularly with a gentle stone cleaner and soft cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners and pads which can dull the surface.
- Inspect your counters periodically for any signs of damage. Quickly repair minor chips and scratches to prevent further damage over time.
With routine cleaning and care, quartz countertops will stay looking like new for many years of heavy use.
Achieve Your Dream Kitchen with Quartz Countertops
Quartz countertops offer the best combination of aesthetics, performance and value. When chosen and installed correctly, they will provide enduring beauty and durability for your home. Take the time to carefully compare the quartz brands and options highlighted here. Weigh the pros, cons and costs to select the ideal product for your space and lifestyle. With this brand comparison as your guide, you can look forward to loving your new quartz countertops for life.