The 8 Most In Demand Brands Of Quartz Countertops For Kitchens
Eight In-Demand Quartz Countertop Manufacturers
Engineered stone countertops have been growing in popularity over the past several years. Today, while granite is still the number one choice for most homeowners, quartz is rapidly gaining favor with both homeowners and kitchen design experts.
Thanks to today's advanced manufacturing techniques, companies are producing engineered stone products that can rival the look and feel of the most beautiful natural granite and marble and offers better durability and stain resistance at an affordable cost. When it comes to sanitary conditions, durability, and warranties, all quartz countertops are relatively equal.
Let's take a look at the eight most popular quartz countertops available on the market today.
The Benefits of Quartz Countertops
Quartz has some similarities to granite in that it is hard and durable, but it also has some significant advantages over natural stone. Natural stone is porous and prone to staining if not regularly and adequately sealed. Engineered stone is made using 93% natural stone and 7% resin and polymers. As a result, it is impervious to stains since it is completely non-porous. Quartz is also a bit more flexible than natural stone and is much more scratch and chip resistant. However, unlike natural stone, quartz is not heat resistant, so you'll need to use a trivet before you place hot pots or pans on the counter.
Quartz countertops are remarkably consistent among the various manufacturers. Making a decision really comes down to the details of color, finish, and availability. To help you decide which is right for you, here's a list of the ten most popular quartz countertops among homeowners and designers.
The Top 8 Quartz Countertop Brands
Each of these manufacturers offers a wide selection of quartz products that can fit into any kitchen style. While some are available only through your kitchen and bath designer or remodeler, most are also available at design centers throughout the country. Your design-build contractor can provide you with samples to help you make a perfect choice.
1. Caesarstone
With over 40 colors readily available in design stores nationwide, Caesarstone is the number one choice in engineered stone. It comes in a wide variety of styles from more traditional looks like marble, to some contemporary and daring textures. Caesarstone is continually improving and growing its product range and has added styles that will fit into almost any kitchen design.
2. Silestone
One of the most popular brands in quartz countertops among homeowners and designers, Silestone is available in over 60 colors and styles. It is available through your kitchen design firm as well as in design centers around the country.
3. Cambria Quartz
Cambria is a high-end brand that is only available through select specialty stores and distributors. With over 100 design styles and colors available, it comes with a lifetime warranty. This luxury brand boasts some of the most exciting color options available and the most realistic looking natural stone patterns on the market, including a beautiful imitation marble. Cambria is the only brand that is wholly manufactured in the United States.
4. LG Viatera
This product is manufactured by the popular consumer electronics and appliance company LG. The Viatera line is created in Italy by LG and is available in 50 earthy colors. With a wide range of colors from “Snow Storm” to “Absolute Night” you're sure to find the perfect color for your new kitchen!
5. Corian Quartz
Corian Quartz, formerly known as Zodiaq, is a versatile line of quartz products manufactured by the chemical giant DuPont. Corian Quartz comes in over 40 colors and various interesting textured varieties. They are available at design centers and big box stores nationwide.
6. HanStone
HanStone Quartz is manufactured in North America. With six times the durability of granite its a countertop material that is ideal for aspiring chefs and those families that spend a lot of time in the kitchen. HanStone has seven different collections and over 50 styles designed to match a variety of kitchen designs.
7. MSI Q Quartz
MS International (MSI) was founded in 1975 and is a premium surface provider for residential and commercial applications. MSI’s line of Q Premium Natural Quartz comes in dozens of elegant scratch, heat, and stain-resistant styles and it’s backed by a lifetime residential warranty.
8. Polarstone
Polarstone has been a leading company in the manufactured quartz industry since it released the first accurate Calacatta marble design quartz in 2014. It was the result of several years of development with the goal of creating the finest manufactured representation of natural marble on the market. Up until this time the quartz industry had focused on granite designs, but Polarstone was the original innovator recognizing the demand for high-quality marble designs.
The Takeaway On Quartz Countertops
Knowing what to avoid is almost as important as knowing which brands offer the best product. Today, there are many brands of quartz on the market that look good and seem to offer great value. But brands come and brands go. These eight manufacturers produce the highest quality products and provide homeowners with great value.
In general, the best advice we can offer is to avoid brands that are not made in the United States. Much of the “bargain” quartz on the market today are being manufactured in China, and the problems with the quality of stone coming from China is well documented. There are some good companies making quartz slabs in China, like Polarstone which primarily manufactures there products in China, however, they are the exception to the rule.
These eight most popular lines of quartz countertops offer you tremendous value, along with thousands of choices in style, color, and texture for your kitchen. An excellent place to start is by talking to your kitchen and bath designer. They can help you choose the perfect countertop for your kitchen remodeling. Today there are manufactured stone products that look remarkably like granite, limestone, marble, and even slate. They're available at a price point that fits almost any budget, and more importantly, quartz countertops can be a beautiful focal point in your dream kitchen!
If you're considering a kitchen update or a full remodeling project in the Tuscaloosa and Birmingham, Alabama areas, give the design team at Toulmin Kitchen and Bath a call. We work with some of the top manufacturers in the country so we can provide our clients with the most beautiful high-quality quartz products available.
