Engineered quartz, as it’s known, is made of quartz and flexible resins, a combination that has 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.

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).

Finishes

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

3. Are there different brands of engineered quartz countertops?

Silestone and Caesarstone are the best known, but other brands, including Cambria, Celador, LG Viatera, and Zodiaq from DuPont (creators of Corian) are making their mark. These companies use words and color tones to try to differentiate their brands, but the reality is that their products are more alike than different. They all offer good warranties (the finer details will vary) and have similar price points and product features. The choice usually comes down to availability and color options.

4. Where can engineered quartz be used?

Engineered quartz is hard, dense, nonporous, nonabrasive, and nonreactive to acids—attributes that make it perfect for use as countertops, backsplashes, walls, and even floors. Keep in mind that, like natural stone, it’s heavy. And it’s not recommended for use outside because the resins aren’t UV stable (warranties are voided for outdoor applications). In terms of heat resistance, the material is reportedly not affected by temperatures lower than 300 degrees Fahrenheit. That said, it shouldn’t be used as flooring over radiant heat because of possible damage from long-term exposure to heat.

5. What about cleaning and maintenance?

Engineered quartz countertops are easy to clean and maintain. Warm water and soap are recommend for day-to-day cleaning. For a stubborn spill, you can use a nonabrasive cleaner such as Soft Scrub. The polished finish will stay intact with no need for ongoing maintenance other than avoiding abrasive cleaners that could dull the surface. Note that honed surfaces show more fingerprints and other signs of use than other finishes and require more frequent cleaning.

6. How much do engineered quartz countertops cost?

Slightly more affordable than premium natural stone and comparable to medium-range granite, engineered quartz generally costs between $70 and $120 per square foot installed. Price variations depend on color choice, configurations, and your location. And, as with natural stone, don’t overlook the availability of remnants. 

7. Engineered Quartz Countertop Recap

Pros

• Consistent in color and texture.

• Stain-, scratch-, and acid-abrasion resistant.

• Does not require sealing.

• Won’t chip and or crack (thanks to resins).

• Resistant to bacteria growth.

• Comes with long warranties.

Cons

• Lacks variations in patterning and veining.

• Installed in slabs, so seams are visible.

• Not as heat resistant as stone; trivet use is a must.

• Not recommended for outdoor use.

• Should not be used as flooring over radiant heat.