905-228-3554
info@kirkstone.co
905-228-3554
info@kirkstone.co
What is quartz?
How are quartz countertops made?
How much do quartz countertops cost?
Quartz countertop colours
Reasons to choose quartz countertops
Downsides of quartz countertops
Quartz suppliers
Quartz is one of the most common types of material when it comes to kitchen countertops. Maybe because “quartz” is so fun to say? May the quartz be with you!
Let’s get scientific.
Quartz is a hard, crystalline mineral made of silicon and oxygen atoms. Its chemical formula is SiO₂ - I told you we’d get scientific! Didn’t expect that did you?
It's one of the most abundant minerals in Earth's crust and comes in many different varieties and colours, like amethyst (purple), citrine (yellow), and rose quartz (pink).
Perhaps you know quartz due to its use in electronics like watches and radios (because it vibrates at precise frequencies) or glass products (quartz sand is a key ingredient in making glass) but another popular use for quartz is with kitchen countertops.
HOW QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS ARE MADE
Quartz countertops are engineered by using a blend of natural quartz crystals and resin.
Here’s how it works:
Crushing & Mixing: Natural quartz is mined, crushed into fine particles or chunks, then mixed with polymer resins (about 90–95% quartz, 5–10% resin) and sometimes pigments for colour.
Molding: The mixture is poured into a mold to form slabs.
Vacuum & Vibration: The mold is vacuum-sealed and vibrated to remove air bubbles and compact the mix.
Curing: The slab is then baked at high temperatures to harden the resin and set the shape.
Polishing: Once cured, the surface is polished to give it a smooth, glossy finish.
Cutting to Size: Finally, the slab is cut to the desired size and shape for your countertop.
The end result is a super hard, non-porous surface that looks just like a natural stone (like granite) but is more uniform and lower maintenance compared to granite.
HOW MUCH DO QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS COST?
While a specific per square foot cost is difficult to determine because there are so many variables involved, what we can tell you is that:
- The typical kitchen at 50 square feet costs somewhere in the $3,800 - $9,000 range.
- The starting cost of a 10 square foot single sink vanity is around $900.
What factors impact the cost:
Amount of material. Figured we would start this list with the most obvious factor. The larger the countertop / the more quartz required means the higher the cost.
How much labour is required. Different shapes and fits of kitchen countertops can require different amounts of labour time to cut and install, which can impact the final price.
Edge profiles. Simple edge profiles like “eased” and “square” edges tend to be the cheapest compared to other more pricy profiles like “ogee”, “waterfall” and “bullnose”.
If this doesn’t give you enough information to help decide, we encourage you to please reach out for a kitchen countertop quote anytime.
QUARTZ COUNTERTOP COLOURS
“Best” is subjective.
The right colour for your countertops depends on which colour fits best with your kitchen and home style.
Luckily quartz countertops can be customized in practically any colour. Check out our styles page to browse options.
Some of the most notable colour options being:
WHITE QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS
Quartz can be manufactured to in a variety of white shades and still have their low maintenance appeal since they won’t easily stain - even by coffee spills!
Some of most popular light / white quartz colour options we carry include:
- Ironsbridge
- Tahitian Cream
- Calacatta Mont
- Calacatta Laza Gold
- Bianco Calacatta
BLACK QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS
Going to the other end of the colour spectrum, quartz countertops can also be manufactured in a sophisticated darker aesthetic.
Some of most popular dark / black quartz colour options we carry include.
- Black Brook
- Charlestown
- Enhanced Rock
- Silhouette
- Vanilla Noir
EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN (Grey, Calacatta etc.,)
Looking for something more unique?
Quartz countertops can come in many other colour and style options including:
WHY YOU SHOULD CHOOSE QUARTZ FOR YOUR COUNTERTOPS
Let’s summarize the reasons why quartz is one of the best materials for kitchen countertops.
Potentially lower cost: The price tag can sometimes be lower compared to other popular options like granite, but not always. There are certain quartz styles that are economical, while some veined quartz could be more expensive than some natural stone options.
Durability: While not indestructible (avoid excessive heat and continue using cutting boards), quartz countertops are extremely durable. indoors
Different options: Quartz countertops sometimes come in a wider variety of colour and style options to match your kitchen style.
Lower maintenance: While every countertop can be stained, but because of how quartz countertops are engineered (heated resin), they’re naturally “sealed” meaning they’re often harder to stain and do not require ongoing sealing (but you should still wipe up spills quickly because it still has the ability to stain).
Local: Some quartz countertops are manufactured right here in Ontario, Canada.
THE DOWNSIDE TO QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS
So with everything going for them, what’s the catch? Are there any downsides to choosing quartz for your kitchen countertops?
Quartz isn’t the most resistant to heat: While quartz countertops are much more resistant to heat than laminate countertops, they can still be vulnerable. If a hot pan is accidentally placed directly on the countertop for too long, it can discolour the resin.
Quartz is heavy: With a weight of around 20-25 lbs per square foot, handling large sections of quartz countertops is likely not a DIY job.
Quartz should only be used indoors: Outdoor countertops have increased in demand as more people are setting up outdoor entertainment spaces at home. Since the resin used in manufacturing quartz can discolour and fade in direct sunlight, it’s recommended they’re not used for outdoor uses.
Quartz offers a contemporary look: You might be asking yourself, “why is this in the list of downsides?” While a modern, contemporary look is often highly desirable (especially since it can be customized to match colours, including solid black) there are also many that prefer the more rustic or traditional look offered by natural stone options like marble, granite or soapstone.
We hope this page provides you with everything you were curious about when it comes to quartz countertops.
If there’s anything else you’re curious about or if you’re interested in getting a quote for your new kitchen countertop install please don’t hesitate to reach out anytime.
OUR QUARTZ SUPPLIERS
We here at Kirkstone obtain our quartz slabs from these fine suppliers:
