But with so many grades and price points, how can you tell which one is the best for your kitchen? You want something that’s going to stand up to the wear and tear of daily life, look great, and still fit within your budget. With all the options available, this decision can quickly become overwhelming.
At JSB Home Solutions, we’ve helped countless homeowners in the greater Columbus area navigate these kinds of decisions with confidence. With 46 years of experience in the kitchen remodeling industry, we understand the importance of selecting the right countertop for your lifestyle and needs. While we don’t handle the countertop installation ourselves, we partner with the top suppliers in the area to ensure you get the best options for your kitchen remodel. By working directly with the countertop company, you save money and get unbiased guidance from us, so you can choose the countertop that’s right for your home, without any pressure.
By the end, you’ll know the different grades of quartz, what sets them apart, and how to choose the one that works best for your home. Let’s dive in!
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Quartz is classified into different grades based on several key factors that affect both its quality and price. One of the primary considerations is the percentage of natural quartz crystals in the slab—the more quartz, the stronger and more durable the countertop.
Additionally, the type and amount of resin used to bind the quartz can influence the grade, with lower-grade quartz containing more resin and fillers, which can reduce its longevity. Another important factor is the consistency of color and pattern across the slab; higher-grade quartz offers more uniformity, while lower grades may have noticeable variations or imperfections. These elements combined determine whether quartz is considered low, mid, or high grade. To note, it can be difficult to tell which grade a slab of quartz falls into without careful visual inspection by an expert.
Low-grade quartz, often referred to as "second choice" or “builder-grade,” includes a higher percentage of resin and fillers compared to pure quartz. This makes it more affordable but less durable.
Cons:
Mid-grade quartz, also called "commercial-grade," offers a balance between affordability and quality, with a higher percentage of quartz crystals for improved strength and appearance.
Pros:
Cons:
High-grade quartz is the top-tier option, made with the highest concentration of natural quartz, offering exceptional strength, beauty, and long-lasting durability. It is also called "first choice quartz."
Cons:
The grade of quartz significantly influences the cost of the countertop. Higher grades of quartz containing more pure quartz and less resin and filler have higher material prices. In addition, quartz grade can impact installation costs due to the thickness, weight, and handling requirements of higher-grade materials.
High-grade quartz is typically thicker and heavier, which makes it more challenging to cut, transport, and install, leading to higher labor costs. Additionally, more precise installation techniques may be required to handle premium quartz, increasing both time and expense compared to lower-grade options, which are lighter and easier to work with.
On average, here’s what you can expect to pay per square foot based on the grade of quartz:
High-grade quartz not only holds up better against heat from stoves and pots, scratches from knives, and chips from dropping heavy things, but it also offers a longer lifespan. Over time, it can pay for itself through reduced maintenance costs and the added value it brings to your home. If you plan on staying in your home long-term, premium quartz is definitely worth considering.
When choosing quartz for your kitchen countertops, it’s important to consider more than just appearance. Factors like thickness, color consistency, and the reputation of the manufacturer can significantly impact both the durability and overall quality of your countertop. The best place to find a manufacturer's reputation is by looking at their reviews from past customers. Let’s explore what you should keep in mind to ensure you’re making the best choice for your kitchen.
Thicker quartz slabs (typically 2-3 cm) are more durable and resistant to damage. If you’re after a countertop that can handle heavy pots and frequent meal prep, opt for a thicker slab.
As the grade of quartz increases, so does the consistency of color and pattern throughout the slab. Lower-grade quartz may have more noticeable variations, while high-grade quartz offers a more uniform, polished appearance.
Higher-grade quartz often comes with longer warranties, which is a good indicator of its quality. When choosing quartz for your kitchen, consider the reputation of the manufacturer and the warranty they offer—this can give you peace of mind knowing you’re investing in a reliable product.
Yes, but it won’t offer the same level of scratch or impact resistance as higher grades. If durability is a top priority, consider upgrading to mid or high-grade quartz.
Lower-grade quartz may have more inconsistencies in color and pattern, while high-grade quartz is known for its uniformity and luxurious appearance. The visual differences are challenging to see with an untrained eye.
Higher-grade quartz tends to be easier to maintain because it’s more resistant to stains and scratches. Lower-grade quartz may require more frequent upkeep to keep it looking its best although it still requires less maintenance than other countertop materials.
If you have a busy kitchen with a lot of activity, mid or high-grade quartz will likely serve you best due to its durability and resistance to wear and tear.
If you want the benefits of quartz but also want to be mindful of your expenses, you can stay towards the lower end of quartz prices by choosing a low-grade quartz.
If you want your countertops to offer as much as they possibly can in durability, appearance, and low maintenance, high-grade quartz would be a great fit for your goals.
Now that you know the key differences, it’s time to take the next steps in your kitchen remodel journey. Start with setting your budget by learning about the cost of replacing kitchen countertops and the overall cost of kitchen remodels. Then, you can start to look for the best kitchen remodeling contractors for your project.
When you start to interview contractors, download the Remodeling Company Comparison Worksheet below. It will give you questions that you should be asking of any contractor you are considering and you can also organize each company’s answers on the worksheet. JSB’s answers are included which will also help you see what kind of information a contractor should be willing and able to give you.
Ready to transform your kitchen with the perfect quartz countertop? Contact JSB Home Solutions today for expert advice and personalized recommendations—we’re here to help you every step of the way!