Ultimate Guide to Quartz Countertops | Quartz Worktops: Price & Best Brand
If you're building a new home or renovating your current one, and your architect suggests quartz for your kitchen countertops but you're unsure what that means, you've come to the right place. This article will address all your questions about quartz countertops—from deciding to buy, choosing the right India buy quartz brand, understanding the costs, and installation process, to knowing how durable they are. We've gathered insights from homeowners, installers, distributors, and architects to provide you with a comprehensive guide. By the end of this article, you'll have all the information you need about quartz countertops, so keep reading to stay informed.
Relay Stone: The Best Engineered Quartz Countertops Brand in India
Relay Stone is the leading quartz countertops brand in India, known for its exceptional quality, innovative designs, and a vast selection of unique colors and textures. Combining durability with stunning aesthetics, Relay Stone offers premium quartz surfaces that cater to the evolving tastes of homeowners, designers, and architects. With a commitment to excellence and a focus on delivering top-tier products, Relay Stone stands out as the best choice for quartz countertops in India. If you're searching for the best quartz countertops near me, Relay Stone stands out as India's leading and most trusted quartz countertop brand. Kalinga quartz is also a good brand.
Why are quartz countertops highly recommended for kitchens?
Though available for over a decade, quartz countertops have surged in popularity over the last five years—and for good reason. With evolving technology and design, they are set to remain a earth-inspired decor for years to come.
Modern kitchens are meticulously designed with cohesive color schemes, where every element plays a crucial role in the overall visual appeal. The countertop, being one of the most prominent features, significantly influences the kitchen's appearance. Unlike traditional granite countertops, which often come in dark colors and have less desirable hygienic properties, quartz countertops color offer a stunning array of options.
Available in a wide range of colors—including light tones, textured finishes, and elegant patterns like Statuario and marble-look—quartz seamlessly complements any kitchen design. Beyond aesthetics, quartz countertops are highly durable, scratch-resistant, stain-resistant and have polished finishes, meeting all the essential requirements for creating your dream kitchen.
What Quartz Stone Is: Composition and Manufacturing Process Explained
Quartz is a man-made material engineered to provide both beauty and durability, making it a popular choice for kitchen countertops. Quartz countertops are made of natural materials. They are composed of about 90-95% ground natural quartz, combined with 5-10% resins, polymers, and pigments. This blend gives quartz its strength, make it durable material, and provide variety of colors and patterns.
The manufacturing process for quartz counter top is intricate and highly controlled. It begins with the selection of high-quality raw quartz, which is crushed into fine granules. These granules are then mixed with resin, minerals, essential metal (as per design) and pigments, creating a thick paste. This mixture is poured into concrete or rubber molds, where it is compacted under intense pressure and heat to form dense, non-porous slabs.
Once the slabs are formed, they are cured to harden the material, and then polished to achieve a smooth, polished finish and ready to be placed in material depot. The result is a stunning, durable surface that mimics the look of real stone, but with enhanced performance qualities, such as being non-porous, stain-resistant, and easier to maintain. The versatility of quartz allows for a wide range of solid texture, colors, patterns, and finishes, making it a highly customizable option for any kitchen design.
The Evolution of Kitchen Countertops: Why Quartz Surface is the Modern Choice
Kitchen countertops have evolved significantly over the years. What started as simple cement bases has transformed with the introduction of natural marble, granite, and more. In the modern era, quartz countertops have taken the lead, earning top recognition for their unmatched durability, low maintenance, scratch and stain resistance, and stunning aesthetics. For homeowners dreaming of a beautiful kitchen space, quartz are the exquisite countertops. Among the top brands, Relay Stone stands out, offering cutting-edge LFT and VBVT technology, which solidifies its position as the premier quartz countertop brand in India. Let's explore the various options available and discover which is the best fit for your space.
Here are some of the countertops options for kitchen slabs:
1. Natural Marble:
Originating from the mines of Rajasthan, natural marble was once a popular choice for kitchen countertops. Typically found in a white base color with random grey or marble pales patches, and in variations like Udaipur Green, these marbles were widely used in earlier times. However, their high porosity makes them prone to staining, and their polish diminishes over time, leading to a less hygienic surface that can harbor fungal growth. While natural marble products have largely disappeared from luxury kitchens, it still finds a place in low-budget homes.
2. Natural Granite:
Sourced from mountainous mines, granite blocks are extracted, cut, and polished to create granite slabs. Granite was once the go-to material for kitchen countertops due to its durability. However, over time, it has fallen out of favor. Granite typically comes in dark colors, which can clash with modern kitchen color schemes. Additionally, granite often has internal cracks and pinholes that require regular sealing, and like marble, it is porous and can be unhygienic. The dark color can also hide ants and small insects, posing a risk of contamination while cooking. As a result, granite no longer aligns with current kitchen trends.
3. Nano White/G5/G7:
Before the rise of quartz countertops, Nano White was the go-to choice for homeowners seeking a light-colored countertop, as granite did not offer light or white options. As its name suggests, Nano White is available exclusively in white, a versatile color that complements any kitchen color scheme. However, despite its initial popularity, Nano White presented several challenges. Its installation was notoriously difficult due to its hardness and brittleness, often leading to cracks during cutting. Additionally, it required specialized tools for installation, driving up costs, especially since it was a product made in China. As quartz countertops became popular, Nano White quickly fell out of favor. Homeowners grew tired of the single white option and the high maintenance it required. In contrast, quartz countertops offer a wide range of colors, textures, and patterns, making them the ideal choice for today's kitchens.
4. Porcelain Countertops:
According to Wikipedia, porcelain is composed of a mix of materials, with kaolinite clay as a primary ingredient, along with feldspar, ball clay, glass, bone ash, quartz, and alabaster. Despite its recent introduction, porcelain countertops have yet to gain widespread acceptance among kitchen manufacturers. One major drawback is their brittleness, largely due to the high clay and glass content, which makes them prone to cracking both during installation and everyday use. Additionally, they are difficult to install, and the standard thickness of porcelain slabs is typically 12mm, while countertops generally require at least 18mm for optimal durability. Given these challenges, porcelain countertops have yet to become a popular choice, with feedback suggesting they are prone to damage, making them less desirable for modern kitchens.
5. Full Body Slab (8x2.5):
This option for countertops is essentially a large-format tile, similar in composition to vitrified tiles but with greater thickness. While marketed as a "full body" slab, it’s not truly full body. The base is colored to match the top surface, which is then digitally printed to give the appearance of a solid slab. This makes it a visually appealing yet highly affordable option for countertops. However, it’s important to note that this material is not ideal for kitchen use. There is a significant risk of cracking, especially during installation or when cutting for sinks and stovetops. While budget-friendly, choosing this material for your kitchen comes with potential risks. Install with caution.
Relay Stone Quartz: Premium Quality Quartz
Ikea Countertops
Excellent Quality
Stain Resistant
Stain Resistant
Scratch Resistant
High-Grade Materials
Experienced Team
Quartz Countertops vs. Granite Countertops: A Comprehensive Comparison
When choosing the perfect material for your kitchen countertops, both quartz and granite stand out as popular options. However, they differ significantly in terms of composition, appearance, durability, and hygiene. Granite and Quartz are two most competitive products for kitchen worktops. However, Quartz are right countertop.
1. Composition:
Quartz kitchen countertops are engineered stone, composed of about 90-95% natural quartz crystals bound together with resin and pigments. This unique composition results in a non-porous surface that is highly durable and resistant to staining. On the other hand, granite is a natural stone quarried directly from mountains, composed primarily of quartz, feldspar, and mica. It is porous and requires regular sealing to prevent moisture absorption and staining.
2. Appearance:
One of the key advantages of quartz countertops is their availability in a wide range of colors, including light and white shades, which granite generally lacks. Granite countertops typically come in darker, more natural tones. While granite offers a unique, natural appearance with its speckled patterns, quartz offers more consistent designs, along with a broader selection of colors and patterns, allowing for greater versatility in kitchen design.
3. Durability:
Both materials are highly durable, but quartz takes the lead. Its engineered composition makes it more resistant to chips, cracks, and scratches compared to granite. Granite, being a natural stone, is harder but also more prone to cracks due to its internal structure and pinholes, especially when exposed to stress during cutting or installation and requires periodic sealing.
4. Hygiene:
In terms of hygiene, quartz countertops have a clear advantage. Since quartz is non-porous, it doesn’t harbor bacteria, mold, or mildew, making it much easier to keep clean and sanitary. Granite, being porous, can absorb liquids and harbor bacteria if not properly sealed and maintained, which makes it a less hygienic option for kitchen countertops.
While both quartz and granite are durable and visually appealing, quartz countertops offer more variety in color, superior durability, and better hygiene. Granite may have its charm with its natural stone appeal, but quartz’s light colors, easy maintenance, and longer-lasting performance make it a more practical choice for modern kitchens.
Quartz Countertops vs. Marble: A Detailed Comparison
When choosing between quartz and marble for kitchen countertops, both materials offer distinct aesthetics and functionality. However, they differ greatly in composition, appearance, durability, and maintenance.
1. Composition:
Quartz countertops are engineered stone, made up of approximately 90-95% natural quartz crystals combined with resin and pigments. This results in a non-porous, strong surface. Marble, on the other hand, is a natural stone formed from limestone under heat and pressure, making it softer and more porous than quartz. Its composition consists primarily of calcium carbonate, which is vulnerable to scratching, staining, and etching from acidic substances.
2. Appearance:
Marble is known for its timeless elegance and unique veining, often found in shades of white, grey, or beige. Its natural beauty adds a classic, luxurious feel to any kitchen. Quartz, while offering a similar aesthetic, is available in a wider variety of colors, patterns, and finishes, including light shades that can mimic the look of marble without its maintenance challenges. Quartz offers more consistent designs, while each slab of marble is unique.
3. Durability:
When it comes to durability, quartz far surpasses marble. Quartz countertops are non-porous, highly resistant to scratches, chips, and stains, and require minimal upkeep. Marble, however, is softer and more prone to scratching, staining, and etching from acidic foods like lemon or vinegar. It also requires regular sealing to maintain its appearance and prevent damage.
4. Maintenance & Hygiene:
Quartz countertops are virtually maintenance-free due to their non-porous surface, which makes them resistant to staining and easy to clean. Marble, being porous, is more susceptible to staining from liquids such as wine, coffee, or oil, and can harbor bacteria if not properly sealed and maintained. Quartz’s hygienic surface is ideal for kitchens, while marble requires more attention to prevent bacterial growth and damage.
Both quartz and marble offer stunning aesthetics, but quartz countertops provide a more practical and durable solution for modern kitchens. While marble exudes luxury and natural beauty, it demands more care and maintenance, making quartz the superior choice for homeowners seeking a low-maintenance, long-lasting countertop with the beauty of stone.
Quartz Countertops Prices and Cost: What to Expect
When considering quartz countertops for your kitchen or bathroom, one of the key factors is quartz stone price per sq ft. Quartz countertops offer a blend of beauty, durability, and low maintenance, but their price can vary based on several factors.
1. Price Range:
On average, quartz worktop prices start from Rs250 per square foot. The total price depends on the quality of the quartz, the complexity of the design, and any additional customizations like edge profiles or integrated sinks. Kalinga quartz price differences with designs.
2. Factors Affecting Quartz Countertops Cost:
Quality of Quartz:
Top-quality quartz slabs or quartz slabs with intricate patterns and rare colors typically fall on the higher end of the spectrum. Standard options, which still provide excellent performance and aesthetics, are more affordable.
Slab Thickness:
Quartz stone slabs generally come in three thicknesses—1 cm, 2 cm, and 3 cm. Thicker slabs (2 cm and 3 cm) are more expensive due to the extra material and weight, but they also offer greater durability and a more substantial look.
Edge Styles:
Custom edge profiles such as beveled, ogee, or waterfall edges add to the overall cost. Standard, straight edges are typically included in the base price.
Complexity of Installation:
If your countertop design includes intricate cuts, corners, or features like cutouts for sinks, faucets, or appliances, the installation cost may increase due to the added labor.
3. Comparing Quartz to Other Materials:
Compared to natural stone options like marble and granite, quartz countertops price is often similar to import-range granite but is more expensive than basic laminate or tile countertops. However, quartz’s non-porous nature, durability, different quartz finish and low maintenance make it a cost-effective investment over time.
4. Long-Term Value:
While the upfront cost of kitchen quartz countertops may be higher than some alternatives, their long lifespan, low maintenance, and resistance to scratches, stains, and bacteria make them a smart long-term investment. With no need for regular sealing or repairs, quartz offers homeowners long-lasting beauty without the ongoing expenses.
Kitchen Quartz countertops offer a range of pricing options based on quality, design, and installation complexity. Though they may come with a higher initial cost, the combination of aesthetics, durability, and minimal maintenance makes quartz a worthwhile investment for any kitchen or bathroom remodel. Kalinga stone quartz price varies with the series and designs. Similarly, Specta quartz price varies with designs.
Advantages of Quartz Countertops
Quartz Stone are elegant countertops have gained popularity for their superior performance and aesthetic appeal. Here’s a point-by-point breakdown of the key advantages:
1. Scratch Resistant:
Quartz countertops are incredibly durable materials and resistant to scratches, making them ideal for busy kitchens or high-traffic areas.
2. Stain Resistant:
Due to their non-porous nature, quartz countertops resist staining from spills like wine, coffee, or oil, unlike natural stones.
3. Heat Resistant:
Quartz countertops can withstand moderate heat, making them resistant to damage from hot pots and pans. However, using trivets is still recommended to prevent thermal shock.
4. Easy to Clean:
The smooth, non-porous surface of quartz makes it easy to clean. A simple wipe with soap and water is enough to keep them spotless.
5. Highly Durable:
Quartz is one of the most durable countertop materials available, resistant to chips, cracks, and other damage, ensuring longevity.
6. Low Maintenance:
Unlike natural stones like marble or granite, quartz is resilient countertop and doesn’t require sealing or special treatments. It maintains its beauty with minimal care.
7. Budget Friendly:
Quartz countertops offer excellent value for money, balancing affordability with long-term durability and low maintenance.
8. All Colors Available:
Quartz is available in a vast range of colors, from neutral tones to vibrant hues, ensuring you’ll find the perfect match for any kitchen or bathroom design.
9. Marble Look Available:
If you love the elegance of marble but want the durability of quartz, many quartz options are designed to mimic the natural veining of marble.
10. Calacatta Pattern Available:
Quartz countertops are also available in the popular Calacatta pattern, featuring bold veining and a luxurious appearance.
11. Easy to Install:
Quartz stone for kitchen is easier to install compared to natural stone, as it can be customized to specific dimensions with fewer complications during installation.
12. Easily Available:
With increasing popularity, quartz kitchen top is readily available through various suppliers and manufacturers, making them accessible for any project.
13. Uniform Throughout the Slab:
Quartz countertops have a consistent pattern and color throughout the slab, providing a seamless and uniform look without variations found in natural stone.
14. Full Body from Top to Bottom:
Quartz slabs offer a full-body construction, meaning the color and pattern extend from the top surface all the way through to the lower layers, ensuring durability and aesthetic appeal even after years of use.
15. Color Consistency:
Unlike natural stones, which can vary in color and pattern, quartz offers color consistency from one slab to another, ensuring a uniform appearance across your countertops.
In summary, quartz countertops combine beauty, durability, and versatility, making them a practical and stylish choice for any kitchen or bathroom. With their wide range of colors and patterns, easy maintenance, and long-lasting performance, quartz remains a top contender in the countertop market.
Design Options and Color Choices Available with Quartz Kitchen Countertops
Quartz kitchen countertops offer an extensive range of design options and color choices, allowing homeowners to customize their spaces to match any style. Below are the various color and pattern options available:
1. Beige Color:
Beige quartz countertops colors are non-textured quartz countertops bring warmth and neutrality, ideal for creating a classic or contemporary look that pairs well with a variety of cabinetry and décor styles.
2. Black Color:
Black quartz countertops offer a bold, sophisticated appearance, perfect for modern or industrial designs. They add depth and contrast, making them a striking focal point in any kitchen.
3. White Color:
White countertops are highly versatile, providing a clean, bright look that enhances the sense of space. It’s perfect for minimalist, modern, or traditional kitchen designs. White quartz countertops colors are not just white, they come in attractive designs like sparkle white quartz countertops, white countertops with gold, blue, grey color swirls.
4. Grey Color:
Grey countertops colors offer a sleek, contemporary look that fits well with both modern and rustic kitchens. Available in light and dark shades, grey quartz countertops provides a subtle, elegant charm.
5. Brown Color:
Brown countertops add a rich, earthy tone to the kitchen, blending well with wooden cabinetry or natural elements. Brown quartz countertops create a warm, inviting space.
6. Double Tone Colors (White-Brown, White-Grey):
Quartz worktops are available in stunning double-tone combinations, such as white with brown or grey veining. These options add depth and character to the surface, offering a sophisticated multi-dimensional look.
7. Textured Colors:
For added interest, quartz worktops come in textured finishes that create a tactile surface. These designs mimic the look of natural stone, offering a more dynamic, organic feel to the space.
8. Marble Pattern:
For those seeking the elegance of marble without the maintenance, quartz worktops with marble patterns offer beautiful veining in soft, neutral tones, mimicking the luxury and timelessness of real marble. These stone-effect quartz countertops give a rich look to your workplace.
9. Calcutta Pattern:
Known for its dramatic, wide veining, the Calcutta pattern is available in quartz, offering a high-end kitchen designs, luxurious feel. This design is perfect for making a statement in a modern or classic kitchen.
10. Statuario Pattern:
The Statuario pattern called marble-inspired veining quartz provides a sleek, crisp look with fine, subtle veining, ideal for those who prefer stone effect and a minimalist or contemporary aesthetic with a touch of sophistication.
11. Multi-Color or Colored Quartz Countertops:
Quartz countertops are available in multi-colored options, blending several tones for a unique and vibrant surface gives delicate looks. These countertops are perfect for adding a playful, artistic element to your kitchen.
With so many design options and color choices, quartz kitchen countertops can be customized to fit any kitchen style, from minimalist modern to traditional elegance. Whether you prefer soft neutrals, bold colors, or intricate patterns, quartz offers endless possibilities to create your dream kitchen.
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Steps Involved in the Installation of Quartz Countertops
Installing quartz countertops and selecting from quartz countertop collection is a process that requires careful planning and professional execution. Here are the key steps involved to ensure a flawless installation:
1. Selection of Proper Thickness of Slab:
The first step is to choose the appropriate slab thickness for your countertops. Quartz slabs typically come in 1 cm, 2 cm, and 3 cm approx thickness. Thicker slabs provide more durability and a more substantial appearance, while thinner slabs may require additional support.
2. Accurate Dimensions:
Precise measurements of your kitchen layout are critical to ensure the quartz countertop fits perfectly. This includes measuring the length, width, and depth of the countertop space, along with cutouts for sinks, hobs, and appliances.
3. Selection of Front Fascia Molding:
Decide on the type of edge profile for your countertop. Options include double strip, mitered joints, half round, or beveled edges. The choice of edge profile affects both the aesthetics and functionality of your countertops.
4. Choice of Quartz Countertop Backsplash:
You may choose to continue the quartz slab onto the backsplash wall for a seamless, cohesive look. This not only enhances the design but also offers easy cleaning and maintenance.
5. Professional Installer:
Hiring a professional installer is essential for a successful quartz countertop installation. Experts ensure precise measurements, accurate cuts, and proper handling of the heavy quartz slabs to avoid damage during installation.
6. Color Matching Grout for Joints:
When joining two slabs or covering seams, color-matching grout or epoxy should be used. This creates a seamless finish, ensuring that the joints blend in with the rest of the countertop.
7. Curve Edge Cutting for Sink and Hob:
It’s crucial to ensure curved edge cutting around the sink and hob areas to avoid stress at right-angled corners. Sharp angles are prone to cracking under pressure, so smooth, rounded edges help distribute stress evenly.
8. Lifting the Material:
Transporting and lifting the heavy quartz slabs to the installation site, whether on the ground floor or in a multi-story building, requires careful handling to prevent damage. Professional installers use specialized equipment to ensure safe transportation and placement.
9. Final Touch-Up and Clean-Up:
Once the installation is complete, a final touch-up is performed to smooth any rough edges or fill in gaps. The area is then thoroughly cleaned to remove dust and debris, leaving the quartz countertops pristine and ready for use.
By following these steps, the installation of quartz countertops can be done efficiently and with precision, resulting in a stunning and durable addition to your kitchen interior design.
Care and Maintenance Tips for Quartz Countertops
How to Clean Quartz Countertops:
Keeping quartz countertops clean is simple and straightforward. With their durable, non-porous surface, quartz countertops resist stains and scratches, making maintenance a breeze. Here’s a quick guide on how to effectively clean and care for your quartz countertops to keep them looking pristine for years to come.
Daily Cleaning:
Wipe down your quartz surfaces with a soft cloth and mild soap or scouring powders to keep them looking spotless every day. Avoid steel scourers and suggested gentle cleaning.
Handling Stubborn Stains:
For tougher stains, use a non-abrasive cleaner or a mixture of water and vinegar to gently scrub the area.
Removing Food Particles:
Always clean away any food debris right after cooking to prevent staining or buildup.
Protect from Chemicals:
Avoid exposing your countertops to harsh chemicals such as bleach or strong solvents that could damage the finish. Instead use stone top shield.
Heat Protection:
Use trivets or heat pads to protect the surface from hot objects like pans and appliances.
Care with Knives or Sharp Objects:
Always use a cutting board to prevent direct contact between sharp knife and the counter top.
Preventing Scratches:
While quartz is scratch-resistant, avoid dragging heavy items across the surface to prevent minor scratches.
Appliance Placement:
Place kitchen appliances with rubber feet or mats underneath to avoid scratching from knives or damaging the quartz.
Avoid Steel Scourers:
Refrain from using abrasive tools like steel wool, as they can give metal marks or damage the surface.
Tackle Stains Promptly:
Don’t allow stains to sit for a long time; wipe them away quickly to avoid setting.
Cleaning Circularly:
When removing stains, clean in a gentle anti-clockwise motion to maintain the countertop's polish.
How should I perform daily cleaning for Quartz Countertops?
For everyday cleaning, simply wipe the surface with a soft cloth, warm water, and mild soap. Avoid using products containing oils, abrasive powders, or harsh chemicals to prevent surface damage.
What's the solution for stubborn stains on quartz countertops?
For tough stains, mix equal parts of vinegar and water. Apply the solution, then rinse promptly with water and dry using a soft cloth for a spotless finish.
How can I remove dried food particles from the quartz surface?
Use a plastic or wooden scraper to gently lift dried food. Afterward, wipe the area with a damp cloth to clear away any remaining residue.
Can quartz countertops withstand exposure to household chemicals?
While quartz countertops are resistant to most household chemicals, avoid using strong solvents like paint remover, oven cleaner, or furniture polish to preserve their integrity.
What's the key to preventing scratches on the quartz surface?
To avoid scratches, refrain from dragging items with rough or sharp edges across the countertop. Handle objects carefully to maintain the quartz’s smooth finish.
How should I place heat-emitting appliances on quartz countertops?
Avoid placing heat-emitting appliances directly over the seams between two slabs, as this could harm the joints. Proper placement ensures the safety of your countertop.
What should I avoid using for cleaning to prevent scratches?
Steer clear of steel wool or abrasive cleaning pads, as they may scratch the quartz surface. Stick to non-abrasive cleaners for best results.
Are ready-to-install quartz countertops a choice?
Some quartz worktops retailers provide ready to install countertops. They fabricate at own workshop at by taking measurement from site and just install or fix them.
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