The Ultimate Guide to Quartz Countertops

What are Quartz Countertops and How are They Made?

Quartz countertops are engineered stone slabs made from roughly 94% ground quartz crystals bound with polymer resins and pigments. They are one of the most popular countertop choices for kitchens and bathrooms in 2026 — and for good reason.

Here’s what you need to know at a glance:

Feature	Quartz Countertops
Composition	~94% natural quartz + resins + pigments
Hardness	7–8 on the Mohs scale
Maintenance	No sealing required
Heat resistance	Up to ~300°F (use trivets)
Stain resistance	Excellent (non-porous surface)
Best for	Kitchens, bathrooms, indoor use
Cost (installed)	~$50–$150 per sq. ft.
Lifespan	Decades; many brands offer lifetime warranties

Quartz is not mined as a slab — it’s manufactured. That means consistent color, predictable patterns, and zero need for sealing. Unlike granite or marble, its non-porous surface won’t absorb spills, harbor bacteria, or require annual maintenance.

It’s one of the fastest-growing countertop materials in North American homes, and the design options in 2026 — from dramatic veined marble looks to sleek concrete finishes — are better than ever.

I’m Greg Zamarski, and since 2004 I’ve been fabricating and installing quartz countertops for homeowners and commercial clients across the Chicago area at Global Stone Inc. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to make a confident, informed decision for your renovation.

To understand why quartz countertops have taken over the market in the Chicago area, you first have to understand what they actually are. Unlike granite, which is pulled out of the earth in giant blocks, quartz is an “engineered stone.”

Think of it like a high-tech recipe. We take one of the hardest minerals on Earth—natural quartz—and grind it down into various sizes. This ground quartz makes up about 90% to 94% of the finished slab. The remaining 6% to 10% consists of high-quality polymer resins (which act as the glue) and pigments (which provide the color). In some designs, manufacturers might even add recycled glass or metallic flecks to give the surface a little extra sparkle.

Because they are engineered, these surfaces are All About Quartz Countertops – This Old House explains, incredibly durable and versatile. You can learn more about the specifics of our quartz countertop manufacturing process and how we select the best slabs for our Elk Grove Village facility.

Manufacturing Process and Composition

The magic happens through a patented process known as Bretonstone technology. This isn’t just mixing ingredients in a bowl; it involves a sophisticated system of vibration, vacuum, and compression.

1. Mixing: The raw quartz, resins, and pigments are blended.
2. Vibration and Compression: The mixture is placed into a mold and subjected to intense pressure and vibration in a vacuum. This removes all air pockets, which is why quartz countertops are famously non-porous.
3. Curing: The slabs are moved to a curing kiln where heat hardens the resin, creating a solid, rock-hard surface.
4. Polishing: Finally, the slabs are gauged to a specific thickness (usually 2cm or 3cm) and polished to the desired finish.

Standard slab dimensions are typically around 60 by 120 inches, though “jumbo” slabs are increasingly popular for large kitchen islands to avoid unsightly seams. Because the manufacturing process is so controlled, the finished product is antimicrobial and safe for food preparation, often carrying NSF certification.

The Pros and Cons of Quartz Countertops

When we talk to homeowners in Naperville or Chicago, the question is always: “Is quartz worth it?” In our experience over the last 20+ years, the advantages far outweigh the few limitations.

The Pros:

• Unmatched Durability: It is harder than almost any natural stone.
• Stain Resistance: Since it’s non-porous, coffee, wine, and oils can’t seep in.
• Low Maintenance: You never have to seal it. Ever.
• Aesthetic Consistency: What you see in the sample is very close to what you get in the full slab.
• Hygiene: The lack of pores means bacteria and mold have nowhere to hide.

The Cons:

• Heat Sensitivity: The resins can scorch if you put a boiling pot directly on the surface.
• Indoor Only: UV rays from the sun can cause the pigments to fade or the resins to warp over time.
• Price: It is generally more expensive than laminate or some entry-level granites.
• Weight: These slabs are heavy and require professional installation to prevent cracking.

For a deeper dive into why this material is a top-tier choice, check out our article on the 4 Advantages of Quartz Countertops.

Maintenance and Care for Quartz Countertops

One of the biggest selling points for quartz countertops is how easy they are to live with. While natural stones like marble require a “gentle touch” and constant vigilance, quartz is a workhorse.

For daily cleaning, all you really need is a soft cloth and warm, soapy water. We recommend using pH-neutral cleaners or specialized quartz sprays for deeper messes. You should avoid harsh chemicals like bleach, highly acidic cleaners, or abrasive scouring pads, as these can dull the polished finish over time.

The best part? You can cross “sealing the counters” off your annual to-do list. Because the resin occupies all the microscopic gaps between the quartz crystals, the surface is naturally sealed from the factory. For more detailed tips, we’ve put together guides on How to Clean Quartz Countertops.

Durability and Long-Term Wear

Quartz is an absolute beast when it comes to hardness. On the Mohs scale—which measures a mineral’s resistance to being scratched—quartz sits at a 7 or 8. To put that in perspective, granite is usually a 6 or 7, while marble is a soft 3 to 5.

This hardness translates to excellent chip and impact resistance. While no surface is truly “indestructible” (please don’t take a sledgehammer to your kitchen), quartz handles the “oops” moments of a busy kitchen—like a dropped heavy pan—better than almost any other material. This is a primary reason Why Quartz Usually Wins the Durability Battle Against Marble.

Comparing Quartz to Granite, Marble, and Other Materials

Choosing a countertop is often a game of trade-offs. Here is how quartz stacks up against the other heavy hitters in the industry:

Material	Porosity	Sealing Required?	Scratch Resistance	Heat Resistance
Quartz	Non-porous	No	Excellent	Moderate
Granite	Porous	Yes (Annual)	High	Excellent
Marble	Highly Porous	Yes (Frequent)	Low	High
Quartzite	Porous	Yes	Excellent	Excellent
Soapstone	Non-porous	No (Uses Oil)	Low	Excellent

As you can see, quartz is the clear winner for anyone who wants a “set it and forget it” lifestyle. For a more detailed breakdown, read our Quartz Countertops vs Marble Countertops Kitchen Showdown.

Quartz vs. Natural Stone Aesthetics

In the early days of engineered stone, critics complained that it looked “too fake” or “too uniform.” That is no longer the case in April 2026. Modern manufacturing technology, like High Definition Inkjet printing and proprietary veining techniques, allows quartz to mimic the most expensive Italian marbles with shocking accuracy.

Whether you are looking for the dramatic, flowing veins of a Calacatta marble or the rugged, industrial look of poured concrete, there is a quartz design for you. If you’re planning a remodel, consider these 7 Stunning Backsplash Ideas for Your Calacatta Quartz Countertops to complete the look.

Performance Against Porcelain and Soapstone

Porcelain is a newer competitor that is very hard and heat-resistant, but it is also much thinner and more prone to chipping on the edges. Quartz has a higher “flexural strength,” meaning it’s less likely to crack during the stresses of house settling or heavy use.

Soapstone is beautiful and heat-proof, but it is very soft and scratches easily. Quartz provides a similar matte look (if you choose a “honed” or “suede” finish) without the risk of permanent scratches. Exploring White Quartz Countertops for Your Kitchen can show you just how versatile these looks can be.

Design Options, Popular Brands, and Costs in 2026

The market for quartz countertops is massive, with several leading brands consistently pushing the boundaries of design. At Global Stone Inc., we work with the best in the business to ensure our Chicago-area clients get top-tier quality.

• MSI Q Quartz: North America’s most popular brand, offering over 125 colors and the innovative LumaLuxe technology for incredible depth.
• Silestone: Known for its wide range of textures and its “HybriQ” technology, which uses recycled materials and renewable energy.
• Viatera: Created by LG, these slabs are famous for their large-scale patterns and durability.
• Caesarstone: A pioneer in the industry with a reputation for cutting-edge, designer-focused colors.
• Cambria: An American-made, family-owned brand that produces some of the most luxurious and intricate designs on the market.
• Daltile: Their ONE Quartz collection offers a perfect blend of style and functionality.

Cost of Quartz Countertops and Installation

Budgeting for your project is the most critical step. In the Chicago metro area, you can generally expect to pay between $50 and $150 per square foot for a fully installed quartz countertop.

What drives the price?

1. Quality Grade: Entry-level quartz (often with more resin and less quartz) costs less than premium, high-definition designs.
2. Complexity: More cutouts (sinks, cooktops), complex edge profiles, and the number of seams will increase labor costs.
3. Brand: Some designer brands carry a premium price tag due to their unique patterns and warranties.

For a closer look at the numbers, The Spruce’s Quartz Countertops Buying Guide provides a great national overview, while our local guide for Quartz Countertops Elk Grove Village IL helps you understand regional pricing.

Selecting Colors, Patterns, and Finishes

Don’t just look at a 3×3 sample and call it a day! Quartz samples are small cuts and may not show the full movement of a large slab. We always recommend our clients visit our Elk Grove Village showroom to see a full slab in person.

You also have choices in finish:

• Polished: The classic, high-gloss look that makes colors pop.
• Honed/Matte: A soft, satin-like feel that is great for hiding fingerprints.
• Textured/Suede: A more tactile finish that mimics the feel of natural stone or leather.

Frequently Asked Questions about Quartz

Are quartz countertops heat-resistant?

Yes, they are heat-resistant, but not heat-proof. Most quartz countertops can withstand temperatures up to about 300°F. However, the resin used to bind the quartz is a plastic-like material that can melt or discolor (scorch) if exposed to extreme heat. Always use a trivet or hot pad when moving items from the stove or oven to the counter.

Can quartz be used for outdoor kitchens?

Generally, no. Most manufacturers do not warrant quartz for outdoor use. The resins are sensitive to UV light, which can cause the slab to yellow or fade within just a few months of direct sun exposure. If you want an outdoor kitchen in Chicago, we usually recommend granite or specialized outdoor porcelain.

What warranties come with quartz surfaces?

One of the best things about quartz is the peace of mind. Most major brands offer a Limited Lifetime Warranty for residential use. These warranties typically cover manufacturing defects but won’t cover damage from “misuse” (like dropping a cast iron skillet from the ceiling or using your counter as a giant cutting board). At Global Stone Inc., we combine these manufacturer warranties with our own expert installation guarantee.

Conclusion

Investing in quartz countertops is one of the smartest moves you can make for your home’s resale value and your own daily enjoyment. You get the breathtaking beauty of natural stone with a level of durability that can stand up to the chaos of a real, working kitchen.

Since 2004, Global Stone Inc. has been the Chicago area’s trusted partner for stone surfaces. With our 20+ years of experience, in-house designers, and expert fabricators at our Elk Grove Village facility, we ensure your project is handled with precision from the first measurement to the final polish.

Ready to transform your space? Whether you’re in Naperville, Chicago, or Elk Grove Village, we’re here to help. Schedule a consultation for quartz countertops with us today and let’s build something beautiful together!