Quartz Countertops: Do Brand Names Matter?
The short answer is… Yes, it absolutely matters! Keep reading to find out why.
In the last few years, quartz has become an extremely popular choice for kitchen and bathroom countertops. Unlike natural stone (granite, marble, soapstone, etc.), quartz slabs are man-made. Behind a man-made product, there is usually some form of marketing or branding taking place. There are a ton of companies manufacturing quartz - Cambria, Silestone, MSI, Daltile, Vadara, HanStone, Caesarstone, Corian, Viatera/LX Hausy, Vicostone, and Spectrum just to name a few!
When shopping, it can be overwhelming trying to decipher the differences between the various brands. Countertops are meant to last a long time though, so it’s important to think about who you’re buying from and if they’ll still be around when and if you ever have an issue.
Generally speaking, these bigger and more well-known brands are superior in terms of their quality control, warranty, and product development. Additionally, their design aesthetics simply cannot be replicated by cheaper imitations and knock-offs. At PDP, our selection of branded quartz products ensures that you receive the highest standard of craftsmanship, backed by a reputable manufacturer.
Non-branded quartz are typically sold at cut-throat prices. Why is this?
The slabs are usually produced outside of the USA using similar processes as the big brands, but perhaps lacking through-body pattern and high quality surface finishing.
The slabs are imported from countries where there is little to no concern for the impact production may have on the surrounding environment.
Less technology and modern equipment is used during production.
The designs are not as artistically advanced as some of the big name manufacturers like Cambria and Silestone.
Less quality control procedures are implemented.
If issues arise with the material, the manufacturer is unknown and therefore not obligated to replace the slabs (no warranty).
If you’re considering using a non-branded quartz, it may be best to try it out in a bathroom first to see if you like it before committing to using it in a larger area like the kitchen. While the risk/reward may be too high for you to use a non-branded quartz in your own home, the cost savings may indeed be worth it if working on a flip house or property you’re remodeling to sell afterwards.
Considering Quartz? Read This First!
We think it’s important for anyone considering quartz to understand the general DO’s and DONT’s before purchasing:
The most important — No high heat! Some brands say that temperatures above 150 degrees Fahrenheit can begin to damage quartz, while other brands claim their surfaces are resistant up to 300 F. With this being said, we encourage all customers who choose quartz to air on the side of caution and use trivets beneath any hot pots/pans and heated appliances (crockpots, air fryers, griddles, etc.). Quartz can scorch/burn, as well as crack from high temperatures. When something extremely hot gets set on cold quartz, it can shock the surface and cause thermal expansion. This usually results in a crack. Whether burned or cracked, both results of heat damage are difficult to repair and often require replacement.
Avoid exposing your quartz to harsh chemicals such as oven or drain cleaners, paint thinner/stripper, battery acids, oil based soaps, etc.
Quartz is very dense and scratch resistant, however using a knife and cutting directly on the surface is not recommended.
Don’t use abrasive cleaners or sponges as they can alter the factory finish.
Avoid getting colored dyes on the surface. Quartz is an extremely stain resistant countertop, but it’s not stain-proof*. Dyes that get left on the surface for a prolonged period can stain. However, due to the non-porous nature of quartz, these stains don’t usually go deep into the stone, making them relatively easy to remove.
While you must avoid high heat and abrasives, quartz is a very practical option for countertops and requires zero maintenance over the long term. No sealer is required and a gentle soap and water is all you need to get it looking brand new like the day it was installed!
