If you want a durable, lightweight, and beautiful countertop, quartz is the surface for you. Quartz countertops have become a preferred choice for homeowners seeking a blend of durability and aesthetic appeal in their kitchens and bathrooms. And while we tend to think of granite and other natural stone countertops as the most durable countertops, quartz is pretty tough, too! Certain finishes and brands are known for their longevity and performance, and understanding these reputations can help you find the quartz countertop that enhances your space and stands the test of time.
Exploring Durable Quartz Finishes
The finish of a quartz countertop significantly influences its appearance and maintenance requirements. Among the various options, polished, honed, and chiseled finishes are notable for their distinct characteristics and durability.
A polished finish is the most common choice, offering a glossy, reflective surface that enhances the stone’s natural colors and patterns. This finish provides a vibrant and luxurious look and creates a non-porous surface that is highly resistant to stains and easy to clean, making it ideal for kitchens and bathrooms.
In contrast, a honed finish delivers a matte, non-reflective surface that offers a subtle and sophisticated aesthetic. While it provides a contemporary look, it’s important to note that honed quartz surfaces can be more susceptible to showing fingerprints and smudges, necessitating more frequent wipedowns to maintain their appearance.
A chiseled finish presents a more rugged and natural profile, adding a unique, rustic charm to the countertop. This finish is particularly popular in spaces aiming for a more organic or industrial design aesthetic. It offers a distinctive look and feel thanks to its textured surface.
Understanding Quartz Brands
When you have a quartz countertop installed, the fabricator makes the countertop– but doesn’t make the slab! In other words, they measure, cut out, shape, and make your countertop perfect, but they start with a slab from a manufacturer. Three of the leading manufacturers of durable quartz countertop slabs are Cambria, Caesarstone, and MSI Surfaces, all of which have established themselves through consistent performance and customer satisfaction.
Cambria is celebrated for its high-quality quartz surfaces that combine natural quartz with pigments and binders to create strong, compact slabs with exceptional performance. Their countertops are naturally durable, low maintenance, and available in an extensive array of designs and colors, so they’re a versatile choice for your kitchen or bathroom..
Caesarstone has been a pioneer in the quartz countertop industry since the 1960s, focusing on manufacturing products with incredible strength. Their engineered quartz surfaces are non-porous, scratch-resistant, stain-resistant, and can withstand heavy daily use for years, making them a reliable choice for both residential and commercial applications.
MSI Surfaces is one of the largest quartz manufacturers and offers several grades of quartz. The most durable is Q Premium Natural Quartz, an engineered stone countertop surface created by combining a higher percentage of natural quartz crystals with resins, pigments, and other additives than their other grades of quartz. This process results in a durable, non-porous surface that requires no sealing and is resistant to stains and scratches, making it ideal for busy households.
Choose Cutstone Company for Your Quartz Countertops
No matter what brand or finish you choose for your quartz countertops, you need a reliable fabricator to create and install your countertop. Without a good fabricator, it doesn’t matter what the finish or quality of the quartz is; you put your investment at risk when you try to install it yourself. But don’t worry– that’s what we’re here for! At Cutstone Company, we’ve been installing quartz countertops in bathrooms and kitchens like yours for 20 years! Reach out today for a free quote for your countertop project.