Quartz Countertops In New York City: Your Best Options
05/31/2019
7 min read
7 min read
It’s no secret that New York City is home to one of the most competitive real estate markets in the world. Buyers in all five boroughs have come to expect a certain degree of quality, which is one of the reasons quartz countertops in New York City have become so popular.
In this post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about quartz countertops, including why they’re such a popular home upgrade in The Big Apple.
Quartz Countertops In New York City: What Are They?
How Quartz Countertops Are Made
Quartz is the most abundant mineral on earth, making up about 20% of our planet’s crust. Brazil and the U.S. state of Arkansas are two of the biggest natural quartz producers in the world. Other sources include Canada, Germany, Venezuela, and South Africa.
At Caesarstone, we combine roughly 90% loose quartz with resins and pigments to produce a beautiful and highly durable surface. You can learn more about our precise manufacturing process here.
Because of the specialized process required to make quartz countertops, you’ll often hear them referred to as “engineered stone” surfaces. This stands in contrast to “natural stone” countertops, which consist of stone slabs covered in sealant (more on the downsides of natural stone shortly).
Quartz Countertop Appearance
In addition to making more durable countertops, the engineering process allows quartz manufacturers to produce unique designs. This is one of the reasons quartz fits so well into New York City’s contemporary cityscape.
In the early days of quartz, there was a high demand for variants that resembled other countertop materials, such as granite. Thanks to the work of our designers at Caesarstone (the most ubiquitous quartz manufacturer), though, there are now plenty of designs unique to quartz.
This is one of the reasons quartz countertops in New York City, one of the world’s foremost cities for innovative design, are so popular.
Why Are Quartz Countertops In New York City So Popular?
Let’s look at some of the additional reasons quartz currently reigns supreme in New York.
Low Maintenance
Life in New York is extremely fast-paced. People here don’t have time to worry about their countertops to the degree that many other materials require.
This is largely why, in New York, granite countertops have fallen far out of fashion. Why buy a countertop surface that needs to be resealed twice annually when quartz looks just as good (if not better) and requires far less maintenance?
Indeed, with quartz, cleaning is relatively simple. Our Polished surfaces require the least intensive maintenance routine but even our Concrete, Honed, and Rough variants are substantially lower-maintenance than natural stone countertops like granite.
Durability
If you’re the type who enjoys entertaining, you’ll love the peace of mind that comes from quartz countertops. Our surfaces resist damage from spills, heat, sharp objects, and impacts, helping them look like new for years despite life’s occasional accidents.
A large contributor to quartz’s durability is its nonporous nature. While materials like granite and marble soak up liquids with ease (hence their need for frequent resealing), quartz is less likely to suffer this fate.
Quartz can still stain, though, so we recommend you avoid spills as much as possible. However, life does happen, and quartz owners enjoy knowing that their surfaces will hold up better than its competitors.
Versatility
New York City is a huge melting pot of cultures, lifestyles, and tastes. Quartz’s aesthetic variance means there’s an option for everyone. Whether you’re designing a traditional apartment in Greenwich Village or something more contemporary in trendy Soho, there’s a quartz countertop for you.
The material’s composition also makes adventurous designs (such as waterfall countertops) possible.
Compare this to materials like granite or marble. While they have their own natural beauty, you’re limited to a few shades. Further, designs like waterfall countertops can be prohibitively expensive with natural stone.
Value
From real estate agents to hedge fund managers, New York City rewards those who can spot value. All things considered, quartz represents a tremendous value in the countertop market.
While natural stone carries high costs of ownership (thanks to frequent resealing and stain removal), quartz is relatively affordable in the long run.
Meanwhile, it has the potential to do wonders for your home’s resale value. This is thanks to a combination of the aforementioned quartz countertop benefits and a consensus among interior designers that quartz is king.
The Caesarstone Advantage
Not all quartz is created equal. In fact, there are several wholesale quartz countertops on the market that represent bad value. These cheaply-made products commonly have imperfections and are prone to damage.
Instead of going with an unreliable brand, trust the experts at Caesarstone. Our name is practically synonymous with “quartz countertops.” We offer great warranties and a massive range of design options, which you can check out on our Collections page.
We invite you to visit one of the many Caesarstone dealers in New York City to see our surfaces for yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is quartz better than granite?
In New York City, granite has fallen out of fashion due to the reasons mentioned above. Quartz, on the other hand, is currently the most popular countertop material on the market. It offers greater durability and better value for your money.
Which is more expensive – granite or quartz?
Granite and quartz are priced roughly the same in New York. In the long run, though, granite is more expensive since you need to reseal it as often as twice annually.
Can you put a hot pan on a quartz countertop?
While quartz is heat-resistant, we don’t recommend going out of your way to test its limits. Placing hot pans on quartz (or any countertop material, for that matter) can leave burn marks.
Do quartz countertops stain?
Quartz countertops do stain, just not as easily as granite or marble. Take proper precautions by avoiding spills and cleaning them up quickly when they do happen.
5 Things To Do In New York City
Looking to explore the city and get your mind off of your home renovation? Check out these New York classics.
The Empire State Building
Even if you’ve been to The Empire State Building before, it’s worth revisiting every few years. It offers unparalleled views of the city and its continued development. Plus, The Empire State Building has recently unveiled a number of exciting exhibits, including one featuring King Kong.
Ellis Island
If you’re a history buff, Ellis Island is a must. Many people skip Ellis Island or simply brush it off as a less-interesting sideshow on the Statue of Liberty tour. However, it houses an impressive register of the several million immigrants that arrived in America between 1892 and 1954.
If your family arrived in the U.S. during that period, there’s a solid chance it was through Ellis Island, which was America’s busiest immigration port at the time.
Brooklyn Bridge
The Brooklyn Bridge is perhaps one of the most Instagram-friendly bridges in the world. Nearby, you’ll find Brooklyn Bridge Park, which is a perfect spot to hang out with the family and enjoy the view of the skyline.
Central Park
No matter how long you’ve lived in New York City, there’s more to be discovered in Central Park. With so many nooks and crannies (not to mention iconic spots from Hollywood movies), you could spend an entire lifetime learning about the park and its significance to New York.
Greenwich Village
Greenwich Village is a historic neighborhood in New York City. Strolling around the Lower Manhattan enclave, you’ll spot numerous historic apartment buildings, restaurants, and bars. If you enjoy Halloween, check out the annual Greenwich Village Halloween Parade held here.
Map Of New York City
Looking For More To Do In NYC?
Check out this travel guide from Expedia.
