Caesarstone Review 2026: Quality, Price, Options
Quick Definition
A thorough caesarstone review helps fabricators make informed decisions.
Caesarstone is a premium engineered quartz surface manufactured in Sdot Yam, Israel, with up to 90% natural quartz content and available in over 60 colors across 8 collections. Installed pricing ranges from $55 to $125 per square foot in 2026, making it one of the top 3 most-specified quartz brands among US fabrication shops.
TL;DR
- Price range: $55-$125/sq ft installed, typical kitchen $3,300-$7,500
- Material composition: Up to 90% natural quartz with proprietary resins
- Color selection: 60+ colors across 8 collections
- Warranty: 25-year limited residential warranty
- Best for: Homeowners wanting premium marble-look quartz with proven track record
- Watch out for: Higher prices than budget brands; limited outdoor suitability
- Fabrication notes: Consistent quality; excellent CNC compatibility
Company Background
Caesarstone was founded in 1987 in Kibbutz Sdot Yam, Israel, making it one of the oldest quartz surface manufacturers in the world. The company went public on NASDAQ in 2012 (ticker: CSTE) and reported approximately $540 million in revenue in their most recent annual results. They operate manufacturing facilities in Israel and, more recently, in the US at their Richmond Hill, Georgia plant.
For fabricators, Caesarstone's long history means a well-established distribution network, reliable technical support, and consistent product availability. You'll source through authorized dealers and distributors across North America.
Material Quality and Composition
What You're Working With
Caesarstone slabs contain up to 90% natural quartz, with the remainder being polymer resins and pigments. Their manufacturing process uses vibro-compression and vacuum technology, which produces a dense, non-porous surface.
Standard slab dimensions are 56.5" x 120" and 63" x 128" (jumbo format). Thickness options include 1.3 cm, 2 cm, and 3 cm, with 3 cm being the most common for kitchen countertops in the US market.
Caesarstone Physical Properties:
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Hardness (Mohs scale) | 7 |
| Density | 2.4 g/cm3 |
| Water absorption | <0.02% |
| Flexural strength | ~48 MPa |
| Available thicknesses | 1.3 cm, 2 cm, 3 cm |
| Standard slab size | 56.5" x 120" and 63" x 128" |
Surface Finishes
Caesarstone offers multiple finishes beyond standard polished:
- Polished: High-gloss, mirror-like finish (most popular)
- Honed: Matte, smooth finish with a softer look
- Rough: Textured surface that mimics natural stone
- Concrete: Industrial finish available on select colors
For fabricators, the honed and rough finishes require different polishing techniques and pads. These finishes are increasingly popular, now accounting for roughly 25-30% of Caesarstone orders.
Pricing Breakdown
Caesarstone sits in the premium tier alongside Silestone and just below Cambria. Here's what you can expect to pay in 2026:
Caesarstone Price Ranges by Collection:
| Collection | Material Cost/sq ft | Installed Cost/sq ft |
|---|---|---|
| Standard colors | $40-$55 | $55-$75 |
| Premium colors | $55-$70 | $75-$95 |
| Supernatural collection | $65-$85 | $85-$110 |
| Metropolitan/Marble | $75-$100 | $95-$125 |
Typical Kitchen Costs (40-60 sq ft):
- Budget Caesarstone kitchen: $2,200-$4,500
- Mid-range Caesarstone kitchen: $3,800-$5,700
- Premium Caesarstone kitchen: $5,700-$7,500
These include material, fabrication, standard eased edge, and installation. Upgraded edges add $8-$22 per linear foot. Backsplash adds $25-$50 per linear foot.
Color Collections
Supernatural Collection
Caesarstone's most popular line features realistic marble and natural stone looks. Colors like Calacatta Nuvo (5131), Empira White (5151), and Statuario Maximus (5114) are perennial best-sellers. The veining in this collection is remarkably natural-looking.
Metropolitan Collection
Urban-inspired designs with concrete, industrial, and mineral aesthetics. Colors like Primordia (4043) and Excava (4046) fit contemporary and modern design schemes.
Classico Collection
Solid and lightly speckled colors that have been in the line for years. These are the workhorses --- consistent, reliable, and typically the most affordable Caesarstone options.
Porcelain Collection
A newer addition featuring thin porcelain surfaces for facades and cladding. At 6mm thickness, these aren't countertop materials but expand what fabricators can offer their clients.
Performance Assessment
Stain Resistance: 8.5/10
Caesarstone's non-porous surface resists most household stains effectively. Wine, coffee, tomato sauce, and lemon juice wipe clean with soap and water. Like all quartz, prolonged exposure to permanent markers, strong dyes, or harsh chemicals can cause issues. No sealing required --- ever.
Heat Resistance: 5/10
This is quartz's Achilles' heel, and Caesarstone is no exception. Temperatures above 300 degrees F can damage the surface. Placing a hot pan directly from the stove will void your warranty and potentially cause thermal shock cracks or permanent discoloration. Trivets aren't optional --- they're mandatory.
Scratch Resistance: 8/10
A Mohs hardness of 7 means Caesarstone handles daily kitchen tasks without scratching. Steel knives won't mark the surface. However, dragging ceramic cookware or pulling granite mortar and pestles across the surface can leave marks. Cutting boards are still recommended.
UV Resistance: 4/10
Caesarstone is not rated for outdoor use or prolonged direct sunlight exposure. UV light can cause yellowing or fading, particularly in lighter colors. If your customer has a kitchen with large south-facing windows, discuss this potential issue. For outdoor kitchens, look at Dekton or natural granite instead.
Warranty Analysis
Caesarstone's 25-year limited warranty covers:
- Manufacturing defects in material and workmanship
- Cracking, blistering, or peeling under normal use
- Staining from food and beverages under normal conditions
Not covered:
- Heat damage
- Impact damage from dropped objects
- Improper installation or fabrication
- UV damage or outdoor use
- Chemical exposure (bleach, oven cleaners, paint removers)
- Normal wear and tear
The warranty requires professional installation by a qualified fabricator. Caesarstone reserves the right to inspect claims on-site. Registration isn't strictly required but is recommended.
Caesarstone vs. Key Competitors
| Feature | Caesarstone | Silestone | Cambria | MSI Quartz | Viatera |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price (installed/sq ft) | $55-$125 | $55-$120 | $65-$135 | $40-$85 | $50-$100 |
| Colors available | 60+ | 80+ | 150+ | 100+ | 50+ |
| Warranty length | 25 years | 25 years | Lifetime | 10 years | 15 years |
| Manufacturing | Israel/US | Spain | USA | Various | South Korea |
| Finishes available | 4 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| Publicly traded | Yes (NASDAQ) | No | No | No | No |
Caesarstone vs. Silestone
Very similar products at similar price points. Caesarstone edges ahead on marble-look realism in the Supernatural collection. Silestone wins on bacteriostatic protection and sustainability marketing. For fabricators, both are equally workable.
Caesarstone vs. Cambria
Cambria is pricier but offers a lifetime warranty and US manufacturing. Cambria's color library is more than double Caesarstone's. If your customer wants American-made, Cambria is the answer. If they want proven European quality at a slightly lower price, Caesarstone fits.
Caesarstone vs. MSI
MSI undercuts Caesarstone by $15-$40 per square foot on comparable colors. MSI's warranty (10 years) is less than half of Caesarstone's (25 years). For budget-focused customers, MSI makes sense. For those who value brand history and warranty coverage, Caesarstone justifies the premium.
Fabrication Notes
For shop owners and fabricators working with Caesarstone:
- Ordering: Available through authorized distributors. Lead times are typically 3-7 business days for stock colors; 2-4 weeks for special orders
- Slab consistency: Caesarstone is known for excellent batch-to-batch consistency, particularly in solid and lightly patterned colors
- Cutting: Standard wet diamond tooling. No special blades required
- Seaming: Caesarstone provides color-matched adhesives. The Supernatural line's veined patterns require careful alignment
- Edge work: All standard and custom edge profiles work well. Mitered edges are popular with 3cm material
- Remnant value: Strong brand recognition supports good remnant resale at $20-$40/sq ft
Managing Caesarstone inventory alongside other brands? Fabrication software like SlabWise can track slab inventory across brands and use AI nesting to maximize yield --- potentially saving you $200-$500 per slab through better cut optimization.
Who Should Choose Caesarstone?
Caesarstone works well if you:
- Want a globally recognized brand with 35+ years of history
- Prefer realistic marble-look patterns (Supernatural collection)
- Value multiple finish options beyond just polished
- Need a 25-year warranty backed by a publicly traded company
- Appreciate consistent slab-to-slab quality
Look elsewhere if you:
- Need the lowest price point (try MSI or Allen+Roth)
- Want the biggest color selection (try Cambria at 150+ colors)
- Need outdoor-rated material (try Dekton or granite)
- Prefer US-manufactured products (try Cambria)
Our Rating
| Category | Score (out of 10) |
|---|---|
| Material quality | 9.0 |
| Color selection | 7.0 |
| Value for money | 7.0 |
| Warranty | 8.0 |
| Availability | 8.0 |
| Fabrication ease | 9.0 |
| Overall | 8.0 |
FAQ
How much does Caesarstone cost in 2026?
Caesarstone costs between $55 and $125 per square foot installed, depending on the color and collection. Standard colors start around $55/sq ft, while premium Supernatural and Metropolitan colors reach $125/sq ft. A typical 50 sq ft kitchen runs $2,750-$6,250 installed.
Is Caesarstone better than granite?
Caesarstone offers zero-maintenance convenience (no sealing), more consistent patterns, and better stain resistance than most granites. Granite wins on heat resistance, unique natural beauty, and sometimes price. For busy kitchens where low maintenance matters, Caesarstone is the stronger choice.
Where is Caesarstone manufactured?
Caesarstone manufactures quartz surfaces in Sdot Yam, Israel (their original facility) and in Richmond Hill, Georgia, USA. The Georgia facility opened to serve the North American market with shorter lead times. Both plants maintain the same quality standards.
Does Caesarstone crack easily?
No, Caesarstone doesn't crack under normal kitchen conditions. Cracking typically results from thermal shock (hot pans placed directly on the surface), impact damage (dropping heavy objects on edges), or improper support during installation. Proper installation with adequate support prevents most cracking issues.
Can I use Caesarstone outdoors?
No, Caesarstone is not recommended for outdoor use. UV exposure causes yellowing and color changes, especially in lighter colors. For outdoor kitchens, consider Caesarstone's sister brand Dekton (by Cosentino) or natural granite, both of which handle UV and temperature swings much better.
How do I clean Caesarstone?
Clean with mild soap and warm water for daily maintenance. For tougher stains, use a non-abrasive cleaner like CaesarClean or a paste of baking soda and water. Avoid bleach, oven cleaners, and products with high pH levels. Never use abrasive scrubbers like steel wool.
Is Caesarstone worth the money?
For most homeowners, yes. The 25-year warranty, consistent quality, and zero-maintenance surface justify the premium over budget quartz brands. The price difference between Caesarstone and budget quartz is typically $1,500-$3,000 for a full kitchen --- spread over 25 years, that's $5-$10 per month.
How thick should Caesarstone countertops be?
Most kitchen installations use 3 cm (1.18") Caesarstone for a substantial look without needing a plywood subtop. The 2 cm option works for bathroom vanities and can be laminated to create a thicker edge. The 1.3 cm thickness is primarily for vertical applications and backsplashes.
Does Caesarstone chip?
Edges and corners are the most vulnerable areas. Minor chipping can occur from impact with heavy objects. A professional fabricator can repair small chips for $150-$300 using color-matched epoxy. Rounded edge profiles (bullnose, demi-bullnose) are more chip-resistant than square edges.
What colors are most popular?
In 2026, the top-selling Caesarstone colors include Empira White (5151), Calacatta Nuvo (5131), Statuario Maximus (5114), and White Attica (5143). White and marble-look colors dominate, accounting for over 60% of sales. Concrete-look colors like Primordia (4043) are gaining popularity.
Get an Instant Cost Estimate
Considering Caesarstone for your kitchen? Our free countertop cost calculator gives you a realistic price range based on your specific dimensions and preferred collection. Enter your kitchen measurements and get an estimate in under a minute.
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Sources
- Caesarstone Ltd. "Product Specifications and Technical Data." 2025.
- Natural Stone Institute. "Engineered Stone Performance Standards." 2024.
- IBIS World. "Countertop Manufacturing Industry Report." 2025.
- Caesarstone Ltd. "Annual Report 2024." SEC Filing.
- Marble Institute of America. "Quartz Surface Standards." 2024.
- HomeAdvisor. "Quartz Countertop Cost Analysis." 2025.