What is Quartz Countertop?
Quartz countertops, often referred to as engineered stone, are made from crushed quartz combined with resin and pigments. The end result is a man-made material that looks like natural stone but has increased durability and consistency.
Brands like Silestone, Caesarstone and Cambria all offer high-quality quartz countertops in a wide range of colors and patterns. Quartz is one of the most popular options for modern kitchen and bathroom countertops.
Benefits of Quartz Countertops
Here are some of the key advantages of quartz countertops:
- Durable - Quartz is very resilient and can withstand impact, scratches and heat.
- Low Maintenance - Requires very little ongoing cleaning or sealing.
- Stain Resistant - Quartz repels most stains from foods and liquids.
- Microbial Resistance - Does not harbor bacteria or microbes.
- Non-Porous - Resists mold, mildew and most household chemicals.
- Stylish - Available in a wide array of colors, patterns and finishes.
- Versatile - Suitable for kitchen counters, bathroom vanities, backsplashes and more.
Overview of Spectrum Quartz
Spectrum Quartz is a brand of engineered stone made by Hirsch Glass, a major quartz manufacturer. It offers a quality product at a lower cost than big name brands.
Some key facts about Spectrum Quartz:
- Headquartered in San Diego, CA
- Factory direct pricing, more affordable than other brands
- Patterns are made in the USA
- Quartz surface is fabricated in China
- Wide selection of 80+ colors and styles
- Offers 10 year commercial warranty
- Natural stone and marble inspired designs
Spectrum Quartz Collections
Spectrum Quartz offers a total of 10 collections showcasing various styles and color palettes:
- Essentials Collection - Solid colors including popular whites, grays, blacks and neutrals.
- Luxe Collection - Elegant marble and stone looks in grey, white, gold, blue.
- Dusk Collection - Warm neutral tones like beige, brown, taupe.
- Coastal Collection - Ocean inspired blues, greens and sandy tones.
- Urban Collection - Modern finishes like concrete, cement, sleek surfaces.
- Peak Collection - Earthy natural stone patterns in a variety of neutral shades.
The wide range of colors and patterns makes Spectrum Quartz suitable for nearly any design aesthetic whether traditional or modern.
Spectrum Quartz Reviews
Spectrum Quartz earns positive reviews for its affordable price point, quality and stylish appearance. Here are some of the pros and cons mentioned frequently across customer Spectrum Quartz reviews:
Pros
- Attractive natural looking patterns
- Durable and resistant to damage
- Easy to clean and maintain
- More affordable than premium quartz brands
- Good customer service
- Minimal seams for seamless look
Cons
- Limited color selection compared to leading brands
- Occasional defective slabs noted
- Not widely available, mostly regional distribution
Many reviewers mention they chose Spectrum Quartz after looking at higher priced brands like Caesarstone and Silestone. They felt it offered great value for beautiful counters at an accessible price point.
Sample Spectrum Quartz Reviews
Here are some quotes from Spectrum Quartz customer reviews that highlight the pros and cons:
"We looked at Caesarstone and Silestone but Spectrum had patterns we liked just as much at a more reasonable price. Really happy with how the counters turned out."
"There were minimal seams which is a good sign of quality fabrication. Our Urban Concrete counters look like the real thing!"
"The color match across slabs was not 100% perfect but only noticeable on close inspection. Still looks great overall."
"Had a few defective slabs with unappealing blemishes and discoloration. But their customer service addressed the issue promptly."
Overall most customers seem very pleased with their Spectrum Quartz countertops and recommend the brand as an affordable option that still offers style and durability.
Cost of Spectrum Quartz Countertops
On average, expect to pay the following for Spectrum Quartz countertops:
- Total installed cost: $55-$100 per square foot
- Material cost: $40-$70 per square foot
- Installation cost: $15-$30 per square foot
This is 25-50% less than top brands like Caesarstone that run $100-$150 per square foot installed. Spectrum Quartz is 20-30% lower in price than mid-level quartz brands.
Factors Affecting Cost
Your total Spectrum Quartz countertop cost will depend on:
- Color and style - More complex designs cost more.
- Edge treatments - Decorative edges increase price.
- Thickness - 1.25" is standard. Thicker options cost more.
- Installation - Complex projects take more time and skill.
- Countertop size - Total square footage needed.
- Fabrication - Local rates and demand.
How to Clean Spectrum Quartz
Spectrum Quartz requires minimal maintenance to keep counters looking like new. Here are some tips for cleaning Spectrum Quartz:
- Simple wipedowns with a soft sponge and soapy warm water is all that's needed for daily cleaning.
- About once a week, disinfect surfaces with a quartz cleaner or mild bleach solution.
- For stubborn stains, use a non-abrasive cleaner like Soft Scrub or Bon Ami.
- Avoid acidic or abrasive cleaners that can etch the surface.
- Reseal quartz once a year with a stone sealer for added protection.
One of the best qualities of quartz counters is that they do not need frequent sealing or polishing to maintain their beauty.
Spectrum Quartz vs. Other Brands
How does Spectrum Quartz compare to popular quartz brands like Caesarstone and Cambria?
- Caesarstone - More name recognition and proven reputation but costs up to 2X more than Spectrum Quartz.
- Cambria - Slightly lower cost than Caesarstone but fewer contemporary styles.
- Silestone - Larger color selection with unique options like recycled glass and quartzite.
Spectrum Quartz holds up against the top brands at a more wallet-friendly price point. It offers an excellent combination of quality, durability, selection and value.
Where to Buy Spectrum Quartz
Spectrum Quartz partners with local fabricators to produce and install countertops. There are a few ways to shop for Spectrum Quartz:
- Online - Browse colors online and request quotes. Spectrum's website helps match you with local partners.
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FAQs
Does Spectrum Quartz stain easily?
No, Spectrum Quartz is highly stain resistant and repels most spills from food and liquids. It is non-porous so stains do not absorb into the surface.
Can you cut on Spectrum Quartz?
Yes, Spectrum Quartz is durable enough for cutting and food prep. Use a cutting board to protect knives from dulling on the hard surface.
Is Spectrum Quartz good for bathrooms?
Yes, Spectrum Quartz works great in bathrooms. Its mold and bacteria resistance makes it ideal for high moisture areas like showers and vanity tops.
Does Spectrum Quartz need to be sealed?
Spectrum Quartz is non-porous so sealing is not required. However, it can be optionally sealed about once a year for added protection.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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