Thinking of a kitchen glow-up? You’re in good company. Kitchens are the most tinkered-with room in most American homes. About 10 million folks redo theirs annually. And guess what? A huge chunk of that is all about the countertops.
These days, more people are going for kitchen counters quartz over the usual suspects like granite. A recent Freedonia Group survey found quartz now takes 40% share of U.S. countertop sales. It even beat granite for the first time. That’s big.
So what’s the appeal? Why do homeowners, designers, and contractors love quartz so much? In this piece, we’ll dig into all that. We’ll compare it to other materials and share tips for picking countertops Milwaukee locals will love.
What Is Quartz?
Quartz. It’s actually man-made. They mix real quartz crystals with resin, pigments, and some extras. Most of it—like 90–95%—is natural stone. The rest? Resin. That combo makes it tough and smooth.
Some folks think quartz is a natural stone like granite or marble. Not quite. It’s engineered. Which means it’s more uniform in color and texture.
Benefits of Quartz for Kitchen Counters
1. Durability and Strength
Quartz ranks a 7 on the Mohs hardness scale—where 10 is diamond. That means it resists scratches, chips, and cracks. Daily abuse? It handles it.
Consumer Reports says quartz beats granite, laminate, and marble in stain, cut, and heat tests. It wins. Plain and simple.
2. Low Maintenance
People love kitchen counters because they’re pretty low-effort. No sealing. No special cleaners. Soap and water works fine.
A Houzz survey found 70% of quartz owners mentioned “easy cleaning” as a main perk.
3. Stain and Spill Resistance
Quartz is non-porous. So spills—coffee, wine, tomato sauce—won’t soak in. Contrast that with granite or marble, which soak up liquids if you don’t seal them.
Tip: For homes with kids or frequent guests, quartz is a cleaner and safer pick.
Quartz vs. Other Countertop Materials
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Material | Stain Resistance | Maintenance | Cost per sq. ft. | Durability |
| Quartz | Excellent | Low | $55–$150 | Excellent |
| Granite | Moderate | Medium | $40–$120 | Very Good |
| Marble | Poor | High | $60–$250 | Fair |
| Laminate | Poor | Low | $20–$50 | Fair |
| Butcher Block | Poor | High | $30–$100 | Moderate |
(Source: HomeAdvisor, Consumer Reports)
Quartz shines in this lineup. Low upkeep. High endurance. Tons of design options.
Style and Design Options
Quartz = a design dream. Bright whites. Soft grays. Bold blacks. Subtle veining. You name it—it’s got it. And the best part? It’s super consistent. No weird pattern surprises or color blotches across your slab.
If you’re after that clean, modern vibe, solid white quartz with a soft vein or two is a total win. Want something more rustic or industrial? No problem kitchen counters quartz can easily mimic natural stone or even raw concrete, giving you that organic look with way less upkeep.
Another bonus? Quartz is super flexible when it comes to shaping and edging. Go thick and dramatic. Try a sleek beveled edge. Even a waterfall design? Totally doable. With kitchen counters quartz, you get the look you love without sacrificing function or durability.
Why Homeowners in Milwaukee Love Quartz
Live in Milwaukee? You know winters are harsh. Summers are humid. Quartz? It doesn’t expand or contract like wood or laminate. So no warping.
Local shops stock brands like Caesarstone, Cambria, and Silestone. You can see samples. Feel them. Compare them.
Then there’s ROI. Remodeling Magazine’s 2024 Cost vs. Value report says a minor kitchen remodel with quartz counters can recoup up to 78% of its cost. Nice return.
Environmental Impact
Quartz can be eco-friendly. Some brands use recycled bits. Cambria and Caesarstone promote green manufacturing. Low emissions. Responsible sourcing.
And quartz lasts decades. No need to toss and redo. That’s less waste over time.
Fun fact: Cambria makes its quartz in the U.S. and follows strict environmental standards.
Installation and Cost Breakdown
Cost
Quartz isn’t the cheapest. But it’s not the priciest either. Most kitchen counters quartz installs land between $2,000–$4,500 based on size and brand.
HomeAdvisor averages:
- Average: $3,750
- Low: $1,500
- High: $5,500+
Installation Steps
- Measure and template.
- Fabricate the slab to fit.
- Deliver and place it.
- Polish and inspect.
Once measured, most jobs wrap in 1–2 days.
Common Myths About Quartz
Myth 1: Too expensive
Reality: Quartz often costs less than marble. And it’s in the same ballpark as granite – when you add in saving on sealing and upkeep.
Myth 2: It looks fake
Reality: Modern quartz with gold veining looks real. A lot of people won’t know the difference.
Myth 3: It can’t handle heat
Reality: Quartz resists heat well. But don’t plop a piping-hot pot on it. Use a trivet anyway.
Center Anchor Text Here: Top Picks for Quartz Styles and Colors
Mid-article callout! If you’re still here, thanks for sticking with me. Let’s talk style. Styles like Calcutta Gold. Baltic Brown. Pure Black. The list is long. And fun. You can match any kitchen vibe.
Want a marble style but hate marble upkeep? Quartz has you covered. You get the look. Without the trouble.
Where to Shop for Countertops Milwaukee
If you’re upgrading your kitchen or bathroom and want stone surfaces that really stand out, countertops Milwaukee is your go-to destination for top-quality quartz, granite, and marble.
From modern designs to timeless classics, countertops Milwaukee offers one of the widest selections in the area—backed by expert service and prices that make sense. What makes them a local favorite?
- A massive variety of in-stock materials you can see before you buy
- Affordable pricing without cutting corners on quality
- Free design consultations to help bring your ideas to life
- 3D previews so you can visualize your new space before installation
- Full in-house fabrication and professional install—start to finish
Whether you’re remodeling a kitchen or designing a brand-new bathroom, countertops Milwaukee delivers the quality and service that homeowners actually rave about.
Pro tip: Ask about current deals or bundle discounts—they’re known for saving customers big.
Final Thoughts
Want pretty and practical? Quartz nails it. Sleek. Strong. Easy to maintain. That’s a combo.
For remodels or new builds, quartz hits the sweet spot. Especially if you’re looking at kitchen counters quartz in Milwaukee.
Want help picking a slab or booking an install? Drop me a line. I can help.
FAQs About Quartz Kitchen Counters
1. Is quartz better than granite?
Usually, yes. More stain-resistant. Less upkeep. More design options.
2. Does quartz need sealing?
Nope. It’s non-porous. You’re good.
3. Can you cut on it?
Sure, but knives dull faster. Cutting board recommended.
4. Can quartz go outdoors?
Not really. UV rays can fade it. Best stick to indoor use.
5. How long does quartz last?
20 to 30 years or more. With a little care, it’s pretty much permanent.
