Pompeii Quartz Review 2026: Quality, Price, and Options
A thorough pompeii quartz review helps fabricators make informed decisions.
Pompeii Quartz is an engineered quartz countertop brand available through MSI (M S International), one of the largest natural stone and surface distributors in North America. The brand targets the mid-range market, offering marble and granite-look quartz surfaces at price points below premium brands like Caesarstone and Cambria. Pompeii Quartz is sold through local countertop fabricators and home improvement retailers.
TL;DR
- Manufacturer/Distributor: MSI (M S International)
- Material: Engineered quartz (93% natural quartz, 7% resin and pigments)
- Price range: $45-$75 per square foot installed (varies by region and color)
- Color selection: 30+ colors with emphasis on marble and natural stone looks
- Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty for residential use
- Strengths: Affordable pricing, realistic marble-look options, wide availability through MSI network
- Weaknesses: Fewer color options than premium brands, less brand recognition, quality can vary
- Best for: Budget-conscious homeowners who want a marble or granite look without the premium brand price tag
About Pompeii Quartz
Pompeii Quartz is one of several quartz brands distributed by MSI, which also carries Calacatta and other surface lines. MSI is a major player in the countertop supply chain -- they distribute through fabrication shops, big-box retailers, and specialty dealers across North America.
The Pompeii line is specifically positioned as a value-oriented alternative to higher-priced quartz brands. If you've been quoted $80-$100 per square foot for Caesarstone or Cambria, Pompeii Quartz aims to deliver a similar look in the $45-$75 range.
How Engineered Quartz Is Made
All quartz countertops -- regardless of brand -- are manufactured using a similar process:
- Natural quartz crystals (about 93% of the material) are ground into fine particles
- Resin binders and pigments (about 7%) are mixed with the quartz
- The mixture is compacted under high pressure and cured with heat
- The resulting slab is polished to a finish
The differences between quartz brands come from the quality of quartz used, the precision of manufacturing, the resin formula, and the color/pattern design technology.
Quality Assessment
Surface Consistency
Pompeii Quartz delivers solid consistency within a given color. As an engineered product, you won't get the slab-to-slab variation you see with natural stone. The patterns are designed to look natural (especially the marble-look options) while maintaining predictable appearance.
One note from fabricators: some Pompeii Quartz colors show more visible resin pools than premium brands when viewed under certain lighting. This is a manufacturing quality indicator that varies by specific color and batch.
Durability
Quartz countertops are inherently durable regardless of brand. Pompeii Quartz performs comparably to other mid-range quartz products:
| Property | Pompeii Quartz Performance |
|---|---|
| Scratch resistance | High -- quartz is 7 on the Mohs hardness scale |
| Stain resistance | High -- non-porous surface resists most stains |
| Heat resistance | Moderate -- use trivets; thermal shock can cause cracks |
| Impact resistance | Good -- can chip at edges if struck hard |
| UV resistance | Low-moderate -- not recommended for outdoor use |
Thickness Options
Pompeii Quartz is available in the standard 3cm (1.2 inch) thickness used for most countertop applications. Some colors may also be available in 2cm thickness for applications where a thinner profile is desired or where the countertop sits on a plywood substrate.
Color Selection and Design
Pompeii Quartz offers 30+ colors, with the strongest selection in the marble-look category. This reflects the market trend -- roughly 60% of quartz countertop buyers in 2025-2026 prefer designs that mimic natural marble.
Popular Color Categories
| Category | Examples | Market Fit |
|---|---|---|
| White marble looks | Calacatta-inspired, Carrara-inspired | Most popular; kitchen islands, perimeter counters |
| Gray tones | Concrete-look, dark veined | Modern and transitional kitchens |
| Warm whites | Cream and beige bases with subtle veining | Traditional and farmhouse kitchens |
| Dark colors | Charcoal, black with veining | Statement islands, commercial |
| Solid colors | White, gray, black without veining | Clean modern aesthetic |
How Colors Compare to Premium Brands
The honest assessment: Pompeii Quartz's marble-look designs are good for the price point, but discerning eyes can notice differences compared to Caesarstone's or Cambria's premium lines. Premium brands invest more in design technology that creates longer, more natural-looking veining patterns and subtler color transitions.
For most homeowners, the difference is marginal -- especially once the countertop is installed under normal kitchen lighting. Side by side in a showroom, the differences are more apparent.
Pricing
Pompeii Quartz's primary advantage is pricing. It consistently comes in below premium quartz brands while delivering acceptable quality for residential use.
Price Comparison (Installed, Per Square Foot)
| Brand | Low End | Mid Range | High End |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pompeii Quartz | $45 | $58 | $75 |
| Silestone | $55 | $75 | $100 |
| Caesarstone | $60 | $80 | $110 |
| Cambria | $65 | $85 | $120 |
| MSI Q Premium | $50 | $65 | $85 |
Sample project cost (40 sq ft kitchen):
- Pompeii Quartz: $1,800-$3,000
- Caesarstone: $2,400-$4,400
- Cambria: $2,600-$4,800
The savings on a typical kitchen project range from $600 to $1,800 compared to premium brands.
What's Included in the Installed Price
Installed pricing typically covers:
- Slab material
- Fabrication (cutting, edge profiling, polishing)
- Standard edge profile (eased or beveled)
- Sink cutout (undermount or drop-in)
- Installation
- Basic sealing of seams
Premium edge profiles (ogee, bullnose, waterfall), additional cutouts, and complex configurations cost extra regardless of brand.
Warranty
Pompeii Quartz comes with a limited lifetime warranty for residential applications. The warranty covers manufacturing defects in the material itself.
What's Covered
- Defects in materials and workmanship
- Cracking due to manufacturing flaws
- Abnormal discoloration not caused by external factors
What's Not Covered
- Damage from heat (hot pans placed directly on surface)
- Chips and cracks from impact
- Staining from chemicals or prolonged exposure
- Outdoor use
- Seam-related issues (these are typically the fabricator's responsibility)
- Improper installation or support
Warranty Claim Process
Claims go through MSI, not the fabricator. Keep your purchase receipt and installation records. MSI evaluates claims through their distributor network, which can make the process slower than dealing with a manufacturer directly.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Affordable pricing -- $15-$30/sq ft less than premium brands for comparable looks
- Marble-look options -- strong selection in the most popular design category
- Wide availability -- MSI's distribution network means most local fabricators can source it
- Lifetime warranty -- residential warranty coverage comparable to premium brands
- Non-porous -- no sealing required, resists stains and bacteria
- Consistent appearance -- engineered product means predictable slab-to-slab matching
Cons
- Lower brand recognition -- doesn't carry the cachet of Caesarstone or Cambria for resale value
- Fewer unique colors -- 30+ options vs. 100+ for some premium brands
- Design depth -- veining patterns may look less natural than premium brand counterparts under close inspection
- Variable quality -- some fabricators report inconsistency across different production batches
- Resale perception -- real estate agents and buyers may not recognize the brand as a premium feature
- No outdoor use -- UV exposure degrades the resin, causing discoloration over time
Who Should Consider Pompeii Quartz?
Good Fit
- Homeowners renovating on a budget who want the quartz look and durability
- Rental property owners and house flippers who need durable, attractive countertops at a lower cost
- Buyers who want a marble aesthetic without the maintenance of real marble
- Homeowners in markets where countertop brand isn't a major factor in home value
Not Ideal For
- Luxury kitchen renovations where brand perception matters for resale
- Homeowners who want the widest possible color selection
- Outdoor kitchen applications
- Commercial projects with high UV exposure (near windows)
How Pompeii Quartz Compares to Natural Stone
| Factor | Pompeii Quartz | Natural Granite | Natural Marble |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (installed) | $45-$75/sq ft | $40-$120/sq ft | $60-$150/sq ft |
| Maintenance | None (no sealing) | Annual sealing | Regular sealing |
| Stain resistance | High | Moderate (if sealed) | Low (porous) |
| Heat resistance | Moderate (use trivets) | High | Moderate |
| Uniqueness | Engineered pattern | Every slab unique | Every slab unique |
| Durability | Very high | High | Moderate (softer) |
For Fabrication Shop Owners
If you fabricate Pompeii Quartz regularly, material yield matters even more at this price point. Margins on budget quartz are thinner than on premium materials, so every square foot of waste cuts deeper into your profit.
SlabWise's AI slab nesting optimizes cut layouts to deliver 10-15% better material yield across all quartz brands -- including mid-range products like Pompeii Quartz where margin pressure is highest.
Estimate your material savings with our calculator
FAQ
Is Pompeii Quartz good quality?
Pompeii Quartz is a solid mid-range quartz product. It's durable, non-porous, and performs well for residential kitchen and bathroom use. It's not at the same tier as Caesarstone or Cambria in terms of design sophistication, but the quality-to-price ratio is competitive.
How much does Pompeii Quartz cost?
Expect $45-$75 per square foot fully installed, depending on color selection, edge profile, and local market pricing. A typical 40 sq ft kitchen countertop runs $1,800-$3,000.
Who makes Pompeii Quartz?
Pompeii Quartz is distributed by MSI (M S International), one of the largest stone and surface distributors in North America. MSI sources from manufacturing facilities primarily in Asia.
Does Pompeii Quartz stain?
Quartz is non-porous and highly stain-resistant under normal use. However, prolonged exposure to strong chemicals, dyes, or certain foods can cause discoloration. Wipe spills promptly and avoid leaving colored substances on the surface for extended periods.
Can you put hot pans on Pompeii Quartz?
No. Like all quartz countertops, Pompeii Quartz is vulnerable to thermal shock. Placing hot pans directly on the surface can cause cracking or discoloration. Always use trivets or hot pads.
Is Pompeii Quartz good for resale value?
Quartz countertops generally add value to a home. However, Pompeii Quartz is a mid-range brand with less recognition than Caesarstone or Cambria. In luxury markets where brand perception matters, premium brands may add more perceived value.
Where can I buy Pompeii Quartz?
Through local countertop fabricators who source from MSI's distribution network, or through certain home improvement retailers. Most metropolitan areas have MSI distributors or dealers.
How does Pompeii Quartz compare to IKEA quartz countertops?
Pompeii Quartz is a step up from IKEA's quartz offerings in terms of color variety and availability. IKEA uses a limited selection of pre-configured quartz options, while Pompeii Quartz offers more choices and is available through professional fabricators for custom installations.
Does Pompeii Quartz need to be sealed?
No. Engineered quartz is non-porous and does not require sealing, unlike natural stone. This is one of the primary maintenance advantages of quartz over granite or marble.
Can Pompeii Quartz be used in bathrooms?
Yes. Quartz is well-suited for bathroom vanities, shower surrounds (with proper installation), and tub decks. The non-porous surface resists moisture and is easy to clean in humid bathroom environments.
Sources
- MSI official website -- Pompeii Quartz product specifications and warranty
- Natural Stone Institute -- engineered quartz manufacturing standards
- Consumer Reports -- countertop material ratings and durability testing
- HomeAdvisor -- quartz countertop pricing data by region, 2025
- Freedonia Group -- U.S. countertop market data ($22.1B market, 51% quartz)
- National Kitchen and Bath Association -- countertop trends and buyer preferences