How to Choose the Best Quartz Countertop for Your Home
When choosing the best quartz countertop for your kitchen or bathroom, there’s a lot to consider: style, colors, durability, and cost – to name a few. Then there are the endless questions…
What’s better, quartz, or should you consider quartzite, or granite? Should you do a trendy countertop or a timeless countertop? Light or dark, patterned or plain? SO MUCH TO THINK ABOUT! To stay focused, today is all about looks and all about quartz.
And thank goodness you have a cute lil’ Ginger tucked in your back pocket; one who’s helped over 12,000 make more confident choices with paint colors and home updates.
Let’s be honest, there’s a buttload (technical term in the countertop world) of research out there on which countertops are the hardest, lowest-maintenance, scratch-proof, heat-resistant, etc, you can read those boring blog posts on your own time.
This blog is about what’s pretty in the quartz world and what might be the best (right) choice for your kitchen or bathroom based on looks – yes, we’re being superficial.
Now, if you’re looking for a new countertop, you’re likely…
- BUILDING: Creating an entirely new home from scratch
- REMODELING: Renovating a room from scratch, or
- UPDATING: You’re updating your countertop while keeping some existing finishes and need to work with them.
Coordinating with existing finishes is a topic unto itself (a huge one). If that’s where you’re at, you might find this blog post handy: The Best Countertops to Update Beige Tile Floors (it’s a common theme in my day-to-day work). This particular blog post focuses on new homes or full remodels.
That said, even if you’re working with existing finishes, you’ll find a lot of the following info super helpful (I am a people-pleaser at heart).
WHAT COUNTERTOPS ARE THE MOST POPULAR?
Here’s what’s in style in today’s average kitchen or bathroom…
- QUARTZ is definitely the most popular
- QUARTZITE (one in particular) takes a good run at the title, but doesn’t come close
- GRANITE. About 2% of my clients choose to update or build with granite countertops – it can be pretty, but it’s not popular (smaller demographics).
- MARBLE. Heck, I’ll give it 2%, but mostly in bathrooms – it’s higher maintenance, for sure
- LAMINATE isn’t as popular, but it can be a great, budget-friendly choice
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Of course, then there’s butcher block, soapstone, and tiled countertops. To keep all of our sanity (what remains), I’m focusing on the most popular quartz counters.
DESIGNING A KITCHEN: A FOCUS ON COUNTERTOPS
When designing a kitchen from scratch, your countertop is the most important decision and the FIRST choice you should make.
- Countertop
- Backsplash
- Cabinet color
- Flooring
Sherwin Williams Pure White Color Review
The best way to find your best quartz countertop is to answer the following questions. These are questions I’d ask if we did an in-home consultation.
1. HOW MUCH DO YOU WANT TO SPEND?
Nothing comes cheap these days, and quartz countertops are no exception.
OH, you found one that’s a great price? Oooooh, I bet you did. There are a number of affordable quartz countertop brands out there, but let me tell you from personal and client experience – it’s risky. But when the budget is tight, it’s about knowing what you’re getting.
- They’ll tell you it’s scratch-resistant
- They’ll tell you it’s stain-resistant
- Heck, it can even handle a hot pot for a few seconds
Doubtful.
In other words, don’t believe them when they tell you it’s hardy. I mean, sure, any quartz countertop is more scratch-resistant than a mosquito bite and more stain-resistant than a pair of underwear, but they ain’t that good. If they were that good, you’d pay more.
I got this gorgeous little vanity from Home Depot – countertop and all…
Sherwin Williams Network Gray and Benjamin Moore White Dove
And while it’s cute as a button and functional, within 1 week, the quartz countertop had permanent etch marks from toothpaste.
I know the big brands like Caesarstone and Cambria cost the big bucks, but they also have higher-quality resins.
While nothing is bulletproof, including the big brands, they’re known to be hardier. If the budget only allows for a lower-name-brand quartz, be careful with it…please. Like Trooper once said, it’s here for a good time, not a long time.
I’ve had my brand-name quartz for 8 years and don’t have a single mark on it (and I’m not easy on my countertop, either).
If you’re nervous about a low-end quartz, but the bigger brands are too much…
CONSIDER AN AFFORDABLE LAMINATE COUNTERTOP
Laminate is the most affordable option by far. Some homeowners install it as a ‘for now’ option until they can save up for a quality quartz, and end up loving it!
As shown in this glorious green laundry room, a laminate countertop can look pretty amazeballs…
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If you’re skeptical whether laminate countertops are really that good-looking, read this: The Best Modern Laminate Countertops and potentially save yourself a buttload of money.
- If you’re hard on your home and have kids, red wine, and cook a lot, choose a quality brand of quartz
- If you don’t use your kitchen or bathroom much, lower-quality quartz can be ‘fine’, but don’t expect any miracles.
- If you put inexpensive quartz in a rental, expect it to get stained or etched.
At the end of the day, go to the countertop supplier with a ballpark budget in mind. If you don’t, there’s a damn good chance you’ll fall in love with the most expensive option – life’s like that (Tim had no budget in mind when he met me – silly boy).
Let the salesperson know your approximate budget, and have them show you the brands/lines that fall in that range.
2. WHICH QUARTZ COUNTERTOP IS BEST FOR RESALE?
Right now, a white quartz countertop with soft to moderate veining is the best for resale and mass appeal. That said, it needs to suit the home it’s in, so don’t toss it without giving it some thought.
Consider your home’s target market, location, and style before committing to a countertop.
Do you think the flooring in this bathroom wants to be paired with a ‘popular white quartz countertop?’…
Heck no. This flooring’s best quartz countertop (as shown) repeats colors in the floor and makes a connection.
I say that, as many are installing white quartz countertops where they don’t belong. In other words, they install the countertop and do a little Hail Mary that it makes the rest of their outdated finishes look more modern. Sometimes it does…sometimes it looks madly out of place.
The best quartz countertop for your home is the one that suits the surrounding finishes – whether that quartz is ‘the trendiest’ or not.
3. WHAT GENERAL COLOR RANGE DO YOU WANT?
Super-bright white quartz countertops aren’t as popular as they were. That’s not to say you can’t choose one – you can do whatever the heck you want, I’m just here for moral support and good looks.
Here’s what’s popular in the quartz countertop world right now…
- Soft white or off-white quartz warm veins (beige, brown, gold, taupe)
- While soft muted beiges are picking up a bit of steam (there aren’t that many great options), they’re nowhere close to ‘popular’
- Yeaaaah, that’s it.
From there, you’ll see a smattering of black, greige, taupe, and beige, but some form of white or off-white is hands-down (or pants-down, you do you), the most popular.
While my golden oak bar cabinets would look good with a white quartz, I fell in love with the dark charcoal/marble look of this one – it suits our home and our style.
If your finishes don’t suit a white or off-white quartz countertop, you might need to expand your search into other color groups (but most will, so keep looking).
GENERAL, POPULAR COLOR TERMS TO CONSIDER
Regardless of whether your countertop has a pattern or details, there should be an ‘overriding’ theme when it comes to color, such as:
- Bright white or warm white countertop, with or without some visual interest
- Off-white gray or off-white and warm, cream, with or without some visual interest
- Beige, golden, warm – or a blend of warm neutrals
- Greige or taupe (again, can be a blend)
- Medium-toned neutral, with or without interest
- Dark gray or black, with or without veins/interest
- Or if you’re feeling brave – blue or green
Even if you narrow it down to 2 color groups, you’re closer than you were an hour ago!
This is a light gray countertop with minimal visual interest
TIPS & IDEAS
- If you’re updating a home from the 1990s or 2000s and have a beige tile floor, you might find this blog post handy: The Best Quartz Countertops for Beige Tiles.
- If you love the look of today’s white and soff-white quartz countertops, read this: The Best White & Off-White Quartz Countertops
4. WHAT DEGREE OF PATTERN OR BUSYNESS DO YOU LIKE?
How busy do you like your countertop to be? Here are some of the keywords…
- Veining – linear and clean or more feathery and whispery
- Movement – a lot or a little
- Speckles of flecks – might look like spots or stones
- Clouding – misty backdrop areas
Some quartz countertops have a lot of sparkles. If you want your kitchen to look updated – don’t fall for the sparkles. In particular, the white countertop with gray-blue flecks was hot in 2010 and isn’t popular anymore.
BUSY OR DRAMATIC COUNTERTOPS
Do you want a countertop with strong visual movement and veining? Something exciting and dramatic? This is quite common in quartz, but there are some strongly patterned laminates, quartzites, and granites, too…
Mmmm, COME TO MOMMA, quartzite can be SO DANG GORGEOUS! Sherwin Williams Anonymous on the cabinets. This is quartzite, but it makes me drool. \
This next countertop is Cambria Britanicca Gold Warm, and she makes an impact…
Get your sample of Cambria Britannica Gold WARM here
A COUNTERTOP WITH A MODERATE PATTERN
Do you like countertops with a mix of veins and speckles – still busy and definitely interesting, but not necessarily DRAMATIC? Or maybe there are large veins, but the contrast is lower…
Get a sample of Britannica Warm delivered to your front door, tomorrow!
Cosmic Black (which is admittedly a granite countertop) might be dramatic in color, but its veining can be moderate (slab dependent)…
A MORE SUBTLE QUARTZ COUNTERTOP WITH SOFT VISUAL INTEREST
Countertops like this might have a lot going on, but the contrast between the colors in its palette is lower and gentler…
How might you describe the difference between these 3 countertops?
- IRONSBRIGE: White backdrop with soft, subtle patches of color and mild veins (get your sample)
- TAJ ROYALE: Quartz with a muted warm off-white beige backdrop and minor visual interest (way prettier in real-life than shown here)
- BRITANNICA WARM: Off-white backdrop with moderate, larger veins (get your sample)
SIMPLE & SUBTLE QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS
Maybe you don’t want much action at all (like me after a busy week)…
If you’re like my next client, you want your cabinet color to do alllll the talkin’…
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Shlong story short, consider how much visual interest you want in your countertops.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
- If you have a busier tile or vinyl floor with multiple tones or colors, a simpler countertop is usually best
- If you plan on a wild and wonderful backsplash, a simple quartz countertop will let it shine
- While some opt for a graphic quartz with a strong vein when doing a slab backsplash, it often suits a more moderate amount of visual interest
- Busy countertops are best when you want to make a statement
If your countertop has a linear vein of ANY sort, consider how it meets up (or doesn’t…) at any corners/90 degree angle. Make sure your supplier shows you exactly how your slabs will be laid out.
For this reason, kitchens with several corners often suit more marbled or simpler, minor veining rather than noticeable long lines.
5. WHAT FINISH DO YOU WANT YOUR QUARTZ COUNTERTOP TO HAVE?
While a polished finish is by far the most popular, many choose a leathered or honed finish.
In my own experience, I have polished quartz (and granite) in our kitchen and bathrooms – love ’em. I have a honed quartz countertop (concrete look) in our powder room and curse it, as it shows all of the water marks, just sayin’.
Here are some considerations…
- Polished finish countertops are the most low-maintenance
- Honed finish countertop can show oils and marks more easily, but offers a softer, more organic look
- Honed quartz or granite can be an additional cost
- Darker countertops can appear a bit lighter when honed vs. polished
- Not all countertops are available in honed or leathered. This is why I put this item last. The right countertop for your home might not be available in the finish you want – you get to decide if that’s okay, or if you need to start again!
Read a great blog post from Landmark Surfaces showing the pros and cons of polished vs. honed. vs leathered (my expertise is paint colors, design, and decorating, not countertops and natural stones).
WHAT ABOUT TAJ MAHAL QUARTZITE, IS IT A SMART CHOICE?
Taj Mahal is that one quartzite that’s taken a run at the title of ‘the best, most popular countertop’. And daaaaamn, is she ever pretty…
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Taj Mahal is super hot; however, it’s at risk of becoming like the popular granites installed in the early 2000s which many are now trying to update. If you’re not worried about whether your countertop is hot in 10 years or not, it’s pretty badass and beautiful (and versatile toward a range of colors).
Is Taj Mahal Quarzite the Best Countertop For Your Kitchen?
NOT SURE YET?
If you’re still not sure what to do, take a look at what’s out there…
Soapstone is gorgeous, but not nearly as popular as the others
If you’re stuck between choosing quartz or granite: Quartz vs. Granite: What’s the Difference?
- The Best White & Off-White Quartz Countertops | The Best Warm Quartz Countertops
- If you’re intrigued by Taj Mahal quartzite (like 50% of those who update their kitchens), check this out: Taj Mahal – Is it the Best Countertop for Your Home?
- Wondering if budget-friendly laminate is the best choice? The Best Modern Laminate Countertops and The 4 Best Laminate Countertops to Update Your Kitchen
WHAT YOU MIGHT KNOW BY NOW…
Even if you have a general idea, you’re miles ahead of where you were…
- Approximate budget
- General color palette
- Busy, moderate, or quiet
- Polished, honed, or leathered
Of course, there are other details like ‘do you want any of your countertop on the backsplash‘ and ‘what front edge profile‘ do you want? Those are details you can discuss with your supplier – MY WORK HERE IS DONE, SON!
Now, it’s time to go out and look at countertops that catch your eye!
- Be sure to bring home as BIG a sample as possible to see it in your own home’s lighting.
- Keep that sample and explore a range of backsplash tiles, unless you’re doing a slab backsplash (countertop material used on the backsplash).
- Then, coordinate your backsplash tile and countertop to your chosen cabinet color. If you’re trying to match your backsplash and cabinet color, focus on that connection first, then bring in the countertop.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
For any roaming quandaries and queries.
DO I HAVE TO REPLACE MY COUNTERTOP?
Not necessarily. In my Online Paint Color Consulting work, I often come across kitchens with flexible, versatile countertops – they just need different surrounding finishes, including cabinet paint, a new, updated backsplash tile, and more.
How to Update Your Granite Countertops Without Replacing Them
WHAT COUNTERTOP IS THE MOST TIMELESS?
Honed black granite is among the most timeless countertops, alongside marble. Remember, NO countertop will make 100% of the people happy, but it’s about countertops that are flexible and suit a wide range of colors, themes, and styles, and trends.
SUMMARY
- Quartz is by far the most popular countertop choice
- While granite has its followers, it’s not currently popular
- Some are choosing the more timeless look of honed black granite or soapstone
- While laminate countertops aren’t as popular, they’re a great value for the dollar.
- Before shopping for a countertop, know the type of countertop you like, approximate budget, color palette, finishes, a
- nd pattern (or lack of).
READ MORE
The Best Warm Quartz Countertops
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