If you’re shopping for new countertops, quartz is almost certainly on your list — and for good reason. Quartz countertops have surged past granite to become the most popular countertop material in America, and the reasons are compelling. Here’s what makes quartz such a smart choice, and what to look for when you’re shopping.
Why Quartz Countertops Are Worth the Investment

It Looks Like Natural Stone — Without the Upkeep
Engineered quartz is made from roughly 90-95% ground natural quartz crystals, bound together with resin and pigments. The result is a surface that can convincingly mimic marble, granite, concrete, and more — without the sealing, etching, or staining issues that come with natural stone. Marble, despite its beauty, is notoriously porous and prone to staining from acidic foods like lemon juice, wine, and coffee. Quartz surfaces are non-porous by nature, so spills wipe clean and bacteria has nowhere to hide. For busy kitchens, that’s a game-changer.

Durability That Stands Up to Real Life
Quartz rates 7 out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale — harder than most natural stone and resistant to chips, cracks, and scratches under normal use. It won’t require resealing every year like granite, and quality quartz from brands like Silestone, Cambria, and MSI carries warranties of up to 10 or 25 years. The one caveat: quartz is not heat-proof (resin can scorch), so always use trivets near the stovetop. Otherwise, it handles daily kitchen life with ease. For a truly dramatic look, consider a waterfall island — where the quartz continues down the sides of the island to the floor — one of the most sought-after kitchen design features right now.
Consistent Color and Pattern — Every Time
One of granite’s quirks is that every slab is unique — which can be beautiful, but also unpredictable. Quartz, being engineered, offers consistent color and pattern across the entire slab and between slabs. This makes it far easier to match sections of countertop, or to add more countertop during a later renovation. Brands like Cambria offer hundreds of colors — from pure white to dramatic black to soft warm beiges — so you can find an exact match for your vision.
Shop Quartz at Builders Surplus
We carry an extensive selection of quartz countertops — including Silestone, Cambria, and MSI — at prices well below big-box stores. Our design consultants offer free kitchen and bath appointments to help you find the right color, edge profile, and thickness for your project.
📍 Louisville: 5600 Poplar Level Rd | (502) 968-8858
📍 Florence: 6825 Burlington Pike | (859) 261-3111

