Explore
Quartz
SOME JOBS DON’T NEED ANY MORE SUPRISES
Lucciare Calacatta Versailles
KNOW EXACTLY WHAT YOU'RE GETTING.
Natural stone is beautiful because nature doesn't follow instructions. Quartz is beautiful because somebody did.
Engineered quartz gives homeowners and designers a level of consistency that's difficult to achieve with natural stone. Color, pattern and movement are intentionally designed, making it easier to coordinate all the decisions competing for space on the mood board.
And today's quartz surfaces go well beyond the plain, uniform countertops you may remember. Soft movement, dramatic veining, warm neutrals, deep color, concrete- inspired finishes—there is an enormous range of possibilities.
Sometimes the most interesting design decision is knowing exactly where you want the unexpected. And where you don't.
Quartz Slabs Tell the Whole Story
Quartz may be manufactured, but we'd still recommend seeing the full slab.
Large-scale patterns and veining can look very different across a kitchen island than they do on a small sample. Seeing a full quartz slab gives you a much better sense of scale, movement and how the finished surface will relate to everything around it. Bring the cabinet door. Bring the backsplash. Bring the flooring, paint and hardware.
Then start comparing.
Quartz countertops can move quietly into the background or become one of the defining elements of the room. For waterfall islands, full-height backsplashes, bathroom vanities, laundry rooms and other large surfaces, thinking about the entire composition rather than a four-inch sample can make all the difference.
The sample introduces you.
The slab tells the whole story.
LIVING WITH QUARTZ
This is where quartz makes a very convincing argument for itself.
Engineered quartz is nonporous, doesn't require sealing and is highly resistant to staining, making quartz kitchen countertops especially appealing in spaces that see plenty of everyday activity.
Breakfast before school. Red wine during dinner. Coffee while you're answering emails. The mysterious sticky thing someone left beside the sink.
Life happens.
Quartz is designed to make cleaning up after it relatively simple.
There are still a few rules. Quartz is only heat resistant to a certain degree - the resins used in engineered surfaces can be damaged by excessive direct heat, so trivets and hot pads are important. Cutting boards are also a good habit; scratch- resistant doesn't mean scratch-proof. Your knives will thank you for the added protection, too.
Low maintenance doesn't mean indestructible.
It just means there's less to think about.
QUARTZ CARE & MAINTENANCE
No sealing schedule. No complicated routine.
For everyday quartz cleaning, mild soap and water with a soft cloth are generally all that's needed. Avoid abrasive pads and harsh chemicals that could affect the finish, and follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer of your particular quartz surface.
Use a cutting board for food preparation and a trivet beneath hot cookware and appliances that generate significant heat.
That's really the point.
Many brands also offer warranty programs. Quartz was engineered to be relatively easy to live with, leaving you more time to worry about the important things.
Like why everyone in the house can find the kitchen island but apparently nobody can find the dishwasher.
FINDING THE RIGHT QUARTZ
Here's where choosing quartz gets interesting.
Because quartz is manufactured, designers aren't limited to colors and patterns geology happens to provide. Manufacturers can create surfaces ranging from nearly solid whites and warm neutrals to dramatic marble- inspired veining, concrete looks and expressive patterns. That gives you options.
Maybe the cabinetry is already doing the talking and the countertop needs to settle everything down. Maybe you love the appearance of dramatic natural stone but want greater consistency across several surfaces. Or maybe the project simply needs something hardworking, predictable and good-looking.
Start with the room rather than the trend.
Then find the surface that lets the rest of the design make sense.
Sometimes predictable is exactly what you planned.