Aug. 04, 2025
Here’s a countertop that’s billed as combining the best that nature and man have to offer. Engineered quartz, as it’s known, is made of quartz and flexible resins, a combination that has the strength of granite counters—with better impact resistance and more forgiving installation options. When Remodelista’s Izabella Simmons remodeled her kitchen, she liked the look of marble but opted for engineered quartz countertop on her island. After two years of hard use by her young family, Izabella reports, “It still looks like new.” Too good to be true? Here’s what we’ve learned.
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Above: This Shaker-Inspired Kitchen in London has engineered quartz counters with a marble look, Silestone in Lagoon. Photograph courtesy of deVOL Kitchens.
Engineered quartz (not to be confused with Quartzite, another appealing natural stone used as counters) is a manmade product created mostly from natural materials. It’s made of 90 to 94 percent ground quartz and 6 to 10 percent resins and pigments that are combined into durable and nonporous slabs. The strength of quartz, even in a manufactured form, makes it naturally resistant to abrasion, scratches, dents, and even acids without the need for sealants. And the environmental impact of manufactured quartz is low: Quartz is an abundant material and the finished product is nontoxic and nonallergenic, and will last a lifetime, reducing the need for replacement.
Unlike solid-surface, Corian-type manufactured countertops, engineered quartz is not made to order. The product, like natural stone, is created in slabs of set sizes and thicknesses that vary by manufacturer. Caesarstone, for example, offers one slab size (56.5 inches by 120 inches) and two thickness options (0.75 inches and 1.25 inches). The slabs are fabricated to fit your project’s requirements (size, shape, and edge profile), and are installed in pieces.
One of the appealing features of engineered quartz is its wide variety of colors, patterns, and textures. And the range is continuously expanding, spurred on by competition between brands. Note that the color and texture of engineered quartz are more consistent than natural stone—to some this uniformity is an appealing feature and to others it’s a drawback.
Colors: The palette leans toward natural shades, but ranges from bright whites (one of the most popular options) to reds and blacks.
Above: Honed white engineered quartz countertops in a UK kitchen by Jamie Blake of Blakes London, a member of the Remodelista Architect/Designer Directory. “There’s a big trend at the moment to use lighter worktops instead of the darker granites,” Blake says. “This has created a huge opening for products, such as quartzes, that come in light colors.” Photograph courtesy of Blakes London.
The surface of manufactured quartz depends on how the quartz is ground: Coarsely ground stone produces a flecked appearance, while finely ground has a smooth look. Manufacturers have also created colors and patterns that mimic natural stone, such as marble and granite, and have even created cement lookalikes (an appealing option, since cement itself is prone to cracking, chipping, and staining).
Above L to R: Three color options for Caesarstone: Belgian Moon, Cement, and London Grey.
The options include polished, honed/matte, and textured surfaces.
Above: In a kitchen by Mark Reilly Architecture—winner of a Remodelista Considered Design Award—the countertops are made of honed Caesarstone in Pebble. To add heft, the architect introduced a 1 1/2-inch mitered edge on the front face of the counters. Photograph courtesy of Mark Reilly Architecture.
Silestone and Caesarstone are the best known, but other brands, including Cambria, Celador, LG Viatera, and Zodiaq from DuPont (creators of Corian) are making their mark. These companies use words and color tones to try to differentiate their brands, but the reality is that their products are more alike than different. They all offer good warranties (the finer details will vary) and have similar price points and product features. The choice usually comes down to availability and color options.
Above: In a Park Slope kitchen addition, architecture firm Khanna Schultz, a member of the Remodelista Architect/Designer Directory, used Walker Zanger Pietra Cucina engineered quartz countertops (this line has been discontinued but rumor has it that Walker Zanger is introducing a new engineered quartz countertop line). “Engineered countertops are great options for durability,” says architect Robert Schultz, “and there’s a consistent, quality-controlled supply.” Photograph by Antoine Bootz, courtesy of Khanna Schultz.
Above: New York architect Lauren Rubin’s go-to brands for engineered quartz are Caeserstone and Celador. “They both grind their stones very fine to create a pure color,” says Rubin. “I’ve used many colors, including deep browns, grays, and whites. I change the thicknesses and the finishes for different applications.” In this New York apartment renovation, Rubin used Caeserstone Espresso. See the whole project in Weekend Spotlight: Combining Two New York Studio Apartments. Photograph by Alyssa Kirsten, courtesy of Lauren Rubin.
Engineered quartz is hard, dense, nonporous, nonabrasive, and nonreactive to acids—attributes that make it perfect for use as countertops, backsplashes, walls, and even floors. Keep in mind that, like natural stone, it’s heavy. And it’s not recommended for use outside because the resins aren’t UV stable (warranties are voided for outdoor applications). In terms of heat resistance, the material is reportedly not affected by temperatures lower than 300 degrees Fahrenheit. That said, it shouldn’t be used as flooring over radiant heat because of possible damage from long-term exposure to heat.
Above: Silestone offers a one-piece seamless sink made of the same engineered quartz used for the company’s countertops. The Integrity One Piece Sink is available in single and double models.
Engineered quartz countertops are easy to clean and maintain. Warm water and soap are recommend for day-to-day cleaning. For a stubborn spill, you can use a nonabrasive cleaner such as Soft Scrub. The polished finish will stay intact with no need for ongoing maintenance other than avoiding abrasive cleaners that could dull the surface. Note that honed surfaces show more fingerprints and other signs of use than other finishes and require more frequent cleaning.
Above: Silestone Lyra engineered quartz looks like marble but is far more forgiving. Unlike marble, engineered quartz is nonporous and doesn’t require sealing.
Slightly more affordable than premium natural stone and comparable to medium-range granite, engineered quartz generally costs between $70 and $120 per square foot installed. Price variations depend on color choice, configurations, and your location. And, as with natural stone, don’t overlook the availability of remnants. That’s exactly what Remodelista’s Izabella Simmons did for her bathroom countertops and backsplash: “I paid half the price ($40 per square foot) for Silestone, since I was able to find leftover pieces from someone else’s project,” she says. “It’s always a good idea to check out the scrapyard.”
Above: Solid white engineered quartz, such as Caesarstone’s Pure White and Silestone’s White Zeus Extreme, trumps marble for its stain resistance and beats out Corian in heat resistance. In this San Francisco kitchen by Jute, a member of the Remodelista Architect/Designer Directory, Caesarstone counters are paired with custom marble tiles. See Rehab Diary: A Small-Kitchen Makeover with Maximum Storage to tour the full project. Photograph by Drew Kelly, courtesy of Jute.
For more on kitchen countertops, see the following posts.
Finally, get more ideas on how to evaluate and choose your kitchen countertop in our Remodeling 101 Guide: Kitchen Countertops.
N.B.: This post is an update; the original story ran on August 21, .
(Visited 19,259 times, 12 visits today) You need to login or register to view and manage your bookmarks.Engineered quartz countertops are made of crushed quartz that is combined with resin and other materials to form a durable and non-porous surface for kitchens and bathrooms.
Engineered quartz countertops are low maintenance, resistant to stains and scratches, and come in a wide variety of colors and patterns to fit any design style. They are also heat resistant and easy to clean.
Engineered quartz countertops can be more expensive than some other materials, such as laminate or tile, but they are often less expensive than natural stone like granite or marble. The price can vary depending on the brand and the complexity of the installation.
While engineered quartz countertops are resistant to scratches, it is not recommended to cut directly on them as this can dull your knives. Always use a cutting board to protect your countertops.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website Artificial Quartz(ja,th,ar).
Engineered quartz countertops are heat resistant, but it is still recommended to use trivets or pot holders to avoid any possible damage to the surface.
Engineered quartz countertops are not considered eco-friendly as they are made from non-renewable resources and the manufacturing process can be energy-intensive. However, some brands have made efforts to reduce their environmental impact through the use of recycled materials and sustainable manufacturing practices.
10 Must Know Questions When Choosing Printed Quartz Countertops
As the decorative surface market evolves, a new type of engineered quartz that combines natural aesthetics with high performance is gaining attention: the printed quartz countertop. While designers and project managers are increasingly intrigued by its design flexibility, many still have questions about how it performs, what it costs, and whether it’s a safe long-term investment. This article answers the 10 most frequently asked questions to help you fully understand the value of the printed quartz slab in both residential and commercial projects.
1. What is a printed quartz slab, and how does it differ from traditional quartz?
A printed quartz countertop refers to a quartz surface that is enhanced through high-temperature transfer printing technology. This method allows realistic visuals—such as marble veining, wood grain, or metallic patterns—to be fused onto the surface without affecting the structural integrity of the quartz beneath. Compared to traditional quartz, the printed version offers much more visual variety while maintaining the same durability.
2. Will the design on a printed quartz countertop fade or wear off over time?
The graphics on a printed quartz slab are applied using a thermal fusion process, which integrates the pattern deep into the surface rather than simply printing on top. This ensures excellent color retention that does not fade under sunlight or daily cleaning, even after long-term use.
3. Is the surface of a printed quartz countertop easy to scratch?
Although it includes printed design, the printed quartz countertop maintains the same scratch resistance as regular quartz surfaces. Since the printing process does not weaken the top layer, the surface remains resilient enough for everyday kitchen tasks, including cutting, sliding cookware, or placing heavy utensils.
4. Does the printed pattern compromise the performance of the quartz surface?
Not at all. A printed quartz slab still consists of natural quartz crystals and high-quality resin, which ensures high-density composition. The printed layer is purely aesthetic and does not interfere with water resistance, heat tolerance, or stain resistance, making it fully functional in high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms.
5. How does the cost of a printed quartz slab compare with that of natural marble?
Even though a printed quartz countertop can replicate the luxurious look of marble, its overall cost is considerably lower. From manufacturing to installation, the costs are more predictable, and the material requires less maintenance in the long run, making it a cost-effective alternative for design-driven spaces.
6. Is printed quartz safe and non-toxic for home or commercial use?
Yes. A printed quartz slab complies with international environmental standards and contains no harmful substances. Because of its non-porous surface, it does not harbor bacteria or mold, which makes it suitable for both household and hospitality applications that require high hygiene standards.
7. Can printed quartz slabs be customized in terms of color or pattern?
One of the key advantages of the printed quartz countertop lies in its ability to support custom patterns and brand-specific visuals. Whether a client needs a unique texture, a particular shade, or even a logo embedded into the surface, this technology can meet detailed project requirements.
8. In which spaces can a printed quartz countertop be used effectively?
A printed quartz slab is ideal for various spaces including kitchen islands, bathroom vanities, accent walls, and commercial countertops. It is especially well-suited for projects where aesthetic consistency and budget control are both important.
9. Is it difficult to clean or maintain a printed quartz countertop?
Maintaining a printed quartz countertop is simple. Routine cleaning with a damp cloth or a mild household cleaner is enough to keep the surface looking fresh. Unlike natural stone that often requires sealing or waxing, this quartz surface minimizes maintenance time and effort.
10. Does it take longer to deliver a printed quartz slab compared to regular quartz?
For standard patterns, many printed quartz slabs are kept in stock and available for immediate dispatch. Custom patterns may extend lead time slightly, but with optimized production lines, suppliers are able to meet project deadlines with reliable consistency.
Conclusion
For designers and buyers seeking a surface that offers more than just durability, the printed quartz countertop presents an ideal solution. It combines high-resolution aesthetics with the proven benefits of engineered quartz, offering a stylish, safe, and budget-conscious choice for modern interiors. As technology advances, printed quartz slabs are expected to become a key material in both residential design and commercial architecture.
If you're ready to explore the design flexibility and performance advantages of a printed quartz countertop, we invite you to request a sample or contact our team for tailored recommendations. Whether you’re sourcing materials for a high-end kitchen renovation or a large-scale commercial project, our premium printed quartz slabs are engineered to exceed expectations in both form and function.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of Royal Quartz Countertops. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.
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