Quartz countertops are also known as “Engineered Stone” countertops. These countertops are also made from one of the hardest minerals on earth “quartz”. With quartz representing approximately 96% of the engineered stone, these countertops are also very durable and can be similar in nature to granite. Quartz countertops have a wide selection of colors available including the look of marble, limestone and concrete, but much more durable. Quartz countertops also offer colors that mother nature does not offer on a consistent bases within a slab. One of the key benefits of engineered stone countertops is the level of variation a customer could expect. The samples you see are pretty much what you should expect upon delivery. Quartz countertops offer resistance against scratching, staining and chipping. Quartz countertops can be used in most indoor applications but cannot be used exterior.
Unfortunately, the marketing departments of some of the engineered stone choices or “quartz countertop” manufacturers, seem to use some very questionable tactics to promote their products. As a supplier, fabricator and installer of both quartz countertops and granite countertops, I feel that depending on your application requirements, one product will have a slight advantage, possibly even more appropriate. I do not want to imply that any one surface is better than the other. The fact is, both quartz and granite surfaces are very durable and offer more than most consumers will ever need.