Engineered Quartz Countertops: All You Need to Know

What is engineered quartz?

Quartz is a man-made product that is created using natural materials. It is composed of 90% ground quartz and 10% resins and pigments. When combined, they form a hard and durable surface. This hardness, among other properties, is what makes quartz unique among other countertop materials.

Being one of the hardest countertop materials, quartz is well known for its durability. As such, the environmental impact of engineered quartz is low since it is long-lasting and will not need to be replaced as frequently as other countertop alternatives.

Caesarstone manufactures premium quality quartz countertops that are both eye-catching and durable while providing numerous benefits to the homeowner. These countertops also offer the look and feel of many other sought-after countertop materials, such as marble, granite, and concrete.

What quartz colors are available?

As we mentioned previously, quartz is an engineered material. As such, it has limitless color options.

With a wide range of color options to choose from, including those from Caesarstone’s extensive catalog, homeowners can find the perfect selection to match their space. For instance, homeowners who are looking for grey engineered quartz countertops varieties can choose an option like 4044 Airy Concrete, 6313 Turbine Grey, or 5000 London Grey. Caesarstone also offers a variety of black, white, brown, and beige hues.

How durable is an engineered quartz counter?

Kitchens and bathrooms are some of the highest traffic areas in any home. For this reason, any materials used should not only serve their purpose but also last many long, fruitful years. After all, no one wants to keep replacing their countertops.

Of all countertop materials in the market, quartz is the most durable. It is one of the hardest materials, with a rating of 7 on the Mohs hardness scale. This durability can be attested to by the warranties offered by manufacturers. Caesarstone offers a lifetime warranty for all their indoor countertop options and a 10-year warranty for their outdoor countertop selection.

Are quartz countertops heat-resistant?

Quartz countertops are heat-resistant, which is another factor that makes them such a popular choice among homeowners. However, it is important to note that quartz is not heat-proof. This means quartz countertops can only withstand heat for a brief time. When exposed to extreme temperatures, engineered quartz can sustain burn marks. These cannot be repaired.

To ensure these countertops stay beautiful for as long as possible, it is advised that homeowners always use heat pads or trivets when placing hot cookware or appliances on their quartz countertops.

What about porosity?

When it comes to porosity, engineered quartz is a true champion. Porous countertops are not only less durable and hard to clean, but they also pose a health risk. The non-porous nature of quartz countertops creates a resilient surface which prevents the build-up of bacteria. Likewise, since quartz is non-porous it doesn’t require sealing, which saves on maintenance costs.

Are they easy to maintain?

Quartz countertops are easy to clean and maintain. All that is needed to clean engineered stone countertops is warm water and mild soap. And for stubborn spills, non-abrasive cleaners and approved cleaners are all that is needed.

If dealing with dried spills, re-animate with water for a few minutes and clean with a damp towel. While rust marks are uncommon with quartz countertops, wiping the affected area with a Caesarstone recommended cleaner and a damp cloth will do the trick.

How versatile is quartz?

Quartz can be used to inject versatility into any renovation project. Quartz is the perfect material for walls, backsplashes, and countertops. Some people even capitalize on the material to satisfy their flooring needs. Because it is an engineered stone, homeowners will have no problem finding the perfect color and style to suit their space and make it feel like home.

For those looking for outdoor options, Caesarstone also offers an eye-catching outdoor collection, featuring three luxurious colors: 515 Palm Shade, 406 Clearskies, and 405 Midday. These striking countertops are strong and durable, and can withstand rain, sun, and snow.

What is the cost of engineered quartz?

Now that we have seen the benefits of quartz countertops, what is the cost of this engineered material? The cost of quartz countertops ranges between $40 to more than $100 per square foot. The price depends on the color choice, slab thickness, location, and configurations.

the strength of granite counters—with better impact resistance and more forgiving installation options. When Remodelista’s Izabella Simmons remodeled her kitchen, she liked the look of marble but opted for engineered quartz countertop on her island. After two years of hard use by her young family, Izabella reports, “It still looks like new.” Too good to be true? Here’s what we’ve learned.

1. What is engineered quartz?

Engineered quartz (not to be confused with Quartzite, another appealing natural stone used as counters) is a manmade product created mostly from natural materials. It’s made of 90 to 94 percent ground quartz and 6 to 10 percent resins and pigments that are combined into durable and nonporous slabs. The strength of quartz, even in a manufactured form, makes it naturally resistant to abrasion, scratches, dents, and even acids without the need for sealants. And the environmental impact of manufactured quartz is low: Quartz is an abundant material and the finished product is nontoxic and nonallergenic, and will last a lifetime, reducing the need for replacement.

Unlike solid-surface, Corian-type manufactured countertops, engineered quartz is not made to order. The product, like natural stone, is created in slabs of set sizes and thicknesses that vary by manufacturer. Caesarstone, for example, offers one slab size (56.5 inches by 120 inches) and two thickness options (0.75 inches and 1.25 inches). The slabs are fabricated to fit your project’s requirements (size, shape, and edge profile), and are installed in pieces.

2. What colors and other options does engineered quartz come in?

One of the appealing features of engineered quartz is its wide variety of colors, patterns, and textures. And the range is continuously expanding, spurred on by competition between brands. Note that the color and texture of engineered quartz are more consistent than natural stone—to some this uniformity is an appealing feature and to others it’s a drawback.

Colors: The palette leans toward natural shades, but ranges from bright whites (one of the most popular options) to reds and blacks.

Above: Honed white engineered quartz countertops in a UK kitchen by Jamie Blake of Blakes London, a member of the Remodelista Architect/Designer Directory. “There’s a big trend at the moment to use lighter worktops instead of the darker granites,” Blake says. “This has created a huge opening for products, such as quartzes, that come in light colors.”  Photograph courtesy of Blakes London.

Patterning

The surface of manufactured quartz depends on how the quartz is ground: Coarsely ground stone produces a flecked appearance, while finely ground has a smooth look. Manufacturers have also created colors and patterns that mimic natural stone, such as marble and granite, and have even created cement lookalikes (an appealing option, since cement itself is prone to cracking, chipping, and staining).

Above L to R: Three color options for Caesarstone: Belgian Moon, Cement, and London Grey.

Finishes

The options include polished, honed/matte, and textured surfaces.

Above: In a kitchen by Mark Reilly Architecture—winner of a Remodelista 2013 Considered Design Award—the countertops are made of honed Caesarstone in Pebble. To add heft, the architect introduced a 1 1/2-inch mitered edge on the front face of the counters. Photograph courtesy of Mark Reilly Architecture.