Top Quartz Brands Compared
Quick Definition
Quartz brands compared is an important topic for countertop fabrication professionals.
Quartz countertops (engineered stone) are manufactured surfaces made from roughly 90-94% ground natural quartz crystals bound with 6-10% polymer resin and pigments. Major brands include Cambria, Silestone, Caesarstone, MSI, LG Viatera, Hanstone, and Cosentino's Dekton (technically ultra-compact, not quartz). Prices range from $50-$150/sq ft installed depending on brand, color, and your market.
TL;DR
- Cambria is the only quartz brand manufactured entirely in the USA - premium pricing ($70-$120/sq ft) with the strongest warranty
- Silestone (by Cosentino) dominates globally with 80+ colors and built-in antimicrobial protection
- Caesarstone pioneered the category in the 1980s - strong mid-to-premium range ($60-$100/sq ft)
- MSI Q Quartz offers the broadest entry-level selection - competitive pricing for budget-conscious projects
- LG Viatera competes on value with solid quality - $55-$85/sq ft installed
- All major quartz brands are structurally similar - the resin/quartz ratio barely varies between them
- Brand choice mostly affects color selection, warranty terms, and pricing - not real-world performance
How Quartz Countertops Are Made (Quick Version)
Every quartz brand uses essentially the same manufacturing process:
- Natural quartz crystals are mined and ground to various particle sizes
- Ground quartz (90-94% by weight) is mixed with polyester resin (6-10%) and pigments
- The mixture is poured into molds shaped like countertop slabs
- Vacuum and vibration compact the mixture to remove air pockets
- The slab is cured under heat and pressure
- Surfaces are calibrated (ground flat) and polished
The differences between brands come down to:
- Quartz sourcing - particle size, purity, and origin
- Resin formula - affects stain resistance and UV stability
- Manufacturing precision - thickness consistency, polish quality
- Color technology - how realistic the patterns look
- Quality control - defect rates, slab consistency
Brand-by-Brand Comparison
Cambria
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2000 (Le Sueur, Minnesota) |
| Manufacturing | 100% USA (Minnesota) |
| Colors available | 200+ |
| Price range | $70-$120/sq ft installed |
| Warranty | Lifetime (transferable) |
| Quartz content | ~93% |
| Thickness options | 2cm, 3cm |
| Notable feature | Only major brand made entirely in America |
Cambria is the premium player in US quartz. They control their entire supply chain - from quartz mining to manufacturing to distribution. This vertical integration means consistent quality but higher prices. Cambria slabs are sold through a network of authorized dealers (primarily fabrication shops), not through home centers.
Strengths: American manufacturing, transferable lifetime warranty, no middleman pricing games, consistent slab-to-slab quality, strong design selection (their Brittanicca and Ella patterns are some of the best marble-look quartz available)
Weaknesses: Higher price point, not available at Home Depot or Lowe's (limits consumer access), minimum order requirements for fabricators, less flexible on pricing
Best for: Homeowners who want USA-made products, premium kitchen renovations, fabricators who want a reliable supplier relationship
Silestone (by Cosentino)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1990 (Almeria, Spain) |
| Manufacturing | Spain (HQ), USA, Brazil |
| Colors available | 80+ |
| Price range | $60-$100/sq ft installed |
| Warranty | 25-year (transferable) |
| Quartz content | ~94% (HybriQ+ technology) |
| Thickness options | 1.2cm, 2cm, 3cm |
| Notable feature | Built-in antimicrobial protection |
Silestone is the most widely distributed quartz brand globally. Cosentino (their parent company) also makes Dekton and distributes Sensa granite. Their recent HybriQ+ technology uses recycled materials and a hybrid mineral composition that the company claims improves durability.
Strengths: Widespread availability, proven track record (30+ years), antimicrobial surface technology, strong marketing and brand recognition, good mid-range pricing
Weaknesses: Some fabricators report slight inconsistency between batches, 25-year warranty vs. Cambria's lifetime, the antimicrobial feature isn't independently verified for countertop applications
Best for: Mid-to-premium kitchens, commercial projects, fabricators who want broad color selection with reliable supply
Caesarstone
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1987 (Kibbutz Sdot Yam, Israel) |
| Manufacturing | Israel (HQ), USA (Richmond Hill, GA) |
| Colors available | 50+ |
| Price range | $60-$100/sq ft installed |
| Warranty | Lifetime (residential), 10-year (commercial) |
| Quartz content | ~90-93% |
| Thickness options | 1.3cm, 2cm, 3cm |
| Notable feature | Pioneered the engineered quartz category |
Caesarstone essentially invented the modern quartz countertop. They were the first to commercialize the Bretonstone technology at scale. Their US manufacturing plant in Georgia serves the North American market with shorter lead times than imported slabs.
Strengths: The original quartz brand, strong lifetime warranty, US manufacturing for faster delivery, excellent quality control, well-known among designers and architects
Weaknesses: Smaller color library than Cambria or Silestone, less aggressive on pricing, brand recognition among consumers isn't as strong as it once was
Best for: Design professionals who know the brand, quality-focused homeowners, commercial projects needing reliable warranty backing
MSI Q Quartz (and MSI Premium Natural Quartz)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | MSI est. 1975 (quartz line launched ~2010) |
| Manufacturing | Multiple overseas factories (China, India, Vietnam) |
| Colors available | 100+ |
| Price range | $45-$80/sq ft installed |
| Warranty | Lifetime (residential) |
| Quartz content | ~90-93% |
| Thickness options | 2cm, 3cm |
| Notable feature | Broadest entry-level quartz selection |
MSI is the largest importer of stone surfaces in North America. They don't manufacture quartz - they source from multiple factories worldwide and distribute through their massive warehouse network. This gives them the widest range of price points, from budget-friendly Q Quartz to their Premium Natural Quartz line.
Strengths: Lowest price points in the quartz market, huge color selection, available everywhere (home centers, independent dealers, direct), fast shipping from regional warehouses
Weaknesses: Imported from multiple factories (less consistency than single-source brands), quality varies by product line, limited fabricator support compared to Cambria/Cosentino
Best for: Budget-conscious homeowners, high-volume builders, property managers, fabricators who need competitive pricing
LG Viatera
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | LG Hausys est. 2009 (quartz line) |
| Manufacturing | South Korea, USA (Atlanta, GA) |
| Colors available | 60+ |
| Price range | $55-$85/sq ft installed |
| Warranty | 15-year (residential) |
| Quartz content | ~93% |
| Thickness options | 2cm, 3cm |
| Notable feature | Strong value proposition with Korean engineering |
LG Viatera (now LG Hausys) benefits from LG's manufacturing expertise. Their slabs are well-made with good consistency, but the brand doesn't have the marketing muscle of Cambria or Cosentino in the countertop space.
Strengths: Good value for quality, consistent manufacturing, US production facility, competitive pricing for fabricators
Weaknesses: Shorter warranty (15 years vs. lifetime), smaller color selection, less brand recognition among consumers, fewer design partnerships
Best for: Value-focused homeowners who want quality without paying the brand premium, builder-grade installations that need reliable quality
Hanstone (by Hanwha)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | Hanwha L&C (quartz line ~2005) |
| Manufacturing | South Korea, USA (London, KY) |
| Colors available | 50+ |
| Price range | $50-$80/sq ft installed |
| Warranty | 15-year (residential) |
| Quartz content | ~93% |
| Thickness options | 2cm, 3cm |
| Notable feature | Hanwha is a Fortune Global 500 company |
Hanstone doesn't get the attention of Cambria or Silestone, but they produce a solid product backed by one of South Korea's largest conglomerates. Their US manufacturing plant in Kentucky serves North American demand.
Strengths: Solid manufacturing quality, competitive pricing, US plant reduces lead times, backed by a massive parent company
Weaknesses: Limited consumer awareness, smaller design library, less fabricator support and training than tier-1 brands
Best for: Fabricators seeking reliable quality at competitive wholesale pricing, mid-range renovations
Head-to-Head Comparison Table
| Factor | Cambria | Silestone | Caesarstone | MSI | LG Viatera | Hanstone |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price (installed) | $70-$120 | $60-$100 | $60-$100 | $45-$80 | $55-$85 | $50-$80 |
| Colors | 200+ | 80+ | 50+ | 100+ | 60+ | 50+ |
| Warranty | Lifetime | 25-year | Lifetime | Lifetime | 15-year | 15-year |
| US manufacturing | Yes | Partial | Partial | No | Partial | Partial |
| Home center availability | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Limited |
| Antimicrobial | No | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Slab consistency | Excellent | Very good | Excellent | Good | Very good | Very good |
| Fabricator support | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Fair | Fair | Fair |
| Consumer brand recognition | High | High | Medium | Medium | Low | Low |
What Actually Matters When Choosing
All Major Brands Perform Similarly
Here's the truth that brand marketing doesn't want you to know: in a blind test, even experienced fabricators can't reliably distinguish between major quartz brands based on the finished countertop alone. The quartz-to-resin ratios are nearly identical. The manufacturing processes are essentially the same. The finished surfaces perform comparably in:
- Scratch resistance
- Heat tolerance (up to 300-400°F; always use trivets)
- Stain resistance
- Impact strength
- Maintenance requirements (minimal)
So What's Really Different?
1. Color and pattern selection. This is the biggest real-world differentiator. Cambria's Brittanicca looks different from Silestone's Calacatta Gold which looks different from Caesarstone's Statuario Nuvo. Even when two brands offer "Calacatta" patterns, they look different because the pigment formulas are proprietary.
2. Warranty terms. Cambria and Caesarstone offer lifetime residential warranties. Silestone gives 25 years. LG Viatera and Hanstone offer 15 years. In practice, quartz countertop failures outside of user damage are extremely rare regardless of brand.
3. Price. Cambria is consistently the most expensive. MSI is consistently the most affordable. Everyone else falls in between. A 40 sq ft kitchen might cost $1,000 less with MSI than Cambria for a similar-looking white quartz.
4. Availability and lead time. MSI and Silestone slabs are everywhere - most distributors stock them regionally. Cambria requires going through an authorized dealer. Some Caesarstone colors may have longer lead times if they're imported from Israel rather than made at the Georgia plant.
How Fabricators Choose Which Brands to Carry
Most fabrication shops work with 2-4 quartz brands. The selection depends on:
- Wholesale pricing and margins - which brands offer the best fabricator pricing
- Distribution access - proximity to a slab warehouse
- Customer demand - which brands consumers ask for by name
- Support and training - Cambria and Cosentino invest heavily in fabricator partnerships
- Warranty claim process - how easy it is to resolve issues when they arise
A shop running SlabWise can track which quartz brands generate the best margins, fastest project turnaround, and fewest callbacks. That data helps shops optimize which brands they stock and recommend - decisions that directly affect profitability.
Quartz vs. The Competition (Quick Context)
| Surface | Cost/sq ft | Maintenance | Heat Tolerance | Durability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quartz | $50-$150 | Very low | Moderate (300-400°F) | Very high |
| Granite | $40-$150 | Low (seal every 1-3 yrs) | Excellent (1,200°F) | Very high |
| Marble | $60-$200 | High (seal yearly, etch-prone) | Good | Moderate |
| Quartzite | $70-$200 | Low (seal every 1-3 yrs) | Excellent | Excellent |
| Porcelain | $50-$120 | Very low | Excellent | High (but brittle) |
| Solid surface | $40-$80 | Low (repairable) | Low (burns) | Moderate |
| Laminate | $10-$40 | Very low | Low (burns/melts) | Low-moderate |
Quartz's main advantage over natural stone: zero sealing required, consistent patterning, and wider color options. Its main disadvantage: lower heat tolerance than granite and quartzite.
FAQ
Which quartz brand is the best quality?
Cambria and Caesarstone consistently rank highest in manufacturing quality and slab-to-slab consistency. However, the quality gap between major brands is smaller than their marketing suggests. Any name brand quartz from the list above will perform well for 15-25+ years.
Is Cambria worth the extra cost?
For the product itself, Cambria is marginally better made than competitors - but the performance difference in daily kitchen use is negligible. Where Cambria genuinely earns its premium: exclusive patterns, lifetime transferable warranty, and 100% American manufacturing. Whether those are worth $10-$30/sq ft extra depends on your priorities.
Is MSI quartz as good as Caesarstone?
MSI's Premium Natural Quartz line is comparable to Caesarstone in physical performance. MSI's budget Q Quartz line uses the same basic recipe but may have slightly less precise calibration and polish. For most homeowners, both brands will perform identically over the counter's lifetime.
Do quartz countertops stain?
Quartz is highly stain-resistant but not stain-proof. Prolonged contact (12+ hours) with strongly pigmented substances like turmeric, red wine, or permanent marker can leave marks. Clean spills promptly and quartz stays spotless with zero maintenance.
Can I put hot pans on quartz?
Not directly. Quartz resin begins to discolor at 300-400°F, and a pot straight from the stove or oven exceeds that. Always use a trivet. This applies to every quartz brand - it's a material limitation, not a quality issue.
Which quartz brand looks most like marble?
Cambria (Brittanicca, Ella), Silestone (Calacatta Gold), and Caesarstone (Statuario Nuvo) all produce convincing marble-look patterns. Visit a showroom and see them in person - photos don't capture the depth of the veining.
How long do quartz countertops last?
All major brands will last 20-30+ years under normal residential use. The resin binder is the limiting factor - over decades, UV exposure can cause yellowing in some formulations. Indoor use with normal kitchen lighting doesn't cause this issue.
Are quartz countertops worth it over granite?
Quartz costs 10-30% more than comparable granite and requires zero sealing. If low maintenance and consistent patterning matter to you, quartz is worth the premium. If you want natural variation, better heat resistance, and lower cost, granite is the better choice.
What quartz colors are trending right now?
White and gray marble-look patterns have dominated quartz sales since 2018 and continue to lead. Warmer tones (cream, beige, soft gold veining) are gaining ground as the "all-white kitchen" trend shows signs of cooling. Concrete and industrial-look quartz is a niche but growing category.
How do I choose between quartz brands?
Start with color. Find 3-5 specific patterns you like across brands. Compare prices for those specific patterns. Check warranty terms. Then choose based on price and availability. The brand name on the underside of your counter matters far less than the color you'll look at every day.
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Sources
- Cambria - Product Specifications and Warranty Documentation (2025)
- Cosentino - Silestone Technical Data Sheets (2025)
- Caesarstone - Product Catalog and Warranty Terms (2025)
- MSI - Q Quartz and Premium Natural Quartz Specifications
- Natural Stone Institute - Engineered Stone Standards
- HomeAdvisor - Quartz Countertop Cost Guide (2025)
- Kitchen & Bath Business Magazine - Quartz Market Share Data (2024)
- Freedonia Group - Countertops Market Report (2024)