In This Guide
- 1. What Is Quartz? (Engineered Stone Explained)
- 2. Quartz vs Granite vs Marble: Side-by-Side Comparison
- 3. How Much Do Quartz Countertops Cost in NJ?
- 4. Popular Quartz Brands & Colors
- 5. Where to Buy Quartz Countertops in NJ
- 6. Why Buy From a Remodeler vs a Retailer
- 7. Quartz Countertop Maintenance Tips
- 8. Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Quartz? (Engineered Stone Explained)
Quartz countertops are engineered stone -- not to be confused with quartzite, which is a natural stone quarried from the earth. Quartz countertops are manufactured by combining roughly 90-94% ground natural quartz crystals with 6-10% polymer resins, pigments, and recycled materials. The mixture is compressed under intense pressure and heat to create dense, solid slabs.
This engineering process is what gives quartz its key advantages over natural stone. Because the surface is non-porous, it doesn't absorb liquids, doesn't harbor bacteria, and never needs sealing. The addition of pigments means manufacturers can create consistent colors and patterns -- including convincing marble and granite lookalikes -- that natural stone can't guarantee from slab to slab.
For New Jersey homeowners, quartz has become the most popular countertop material for kitchen remodels. It offers the beauty of natural stone with significantly less maintenance -- a major selling point for busy families. If you're exploring all your countertop options, quartz is the material we recommend most often to our clients.
Quartz vs Granite vs Marble: Side-by-Side Comparison
Choosing between quartz, granite, and marble is one of the biggest decisions in a kitchen remodel. Here's how they compare on the factors that matter most:
| Feature | Quartz | Granite | Marble |
|---|---|---|---|
| Durability | Very High -- scratch and chip resistant | High -- can chip on edges | Moderate -- softer, scratches easily |
| Maintenance | None -- no sealing ever | Annual sealing required | Frequent sealing + careful use |
| Cost (NJ installed) | $50-$150/sq ft | $45-$200/sq ft | $75-$250/sq ft |
| Heat Resistance | Moderate -- use trivets for hot pans | Excellent -- handles direct heat | Good -- but can discolor |
| Stain Resistance | Excellent -- non-porous surface | Good when sealed properly | Poor -- stains from wine, citrus, oil |
| Pattern Consistency | Uniform -- what you pick is what you get | Varies by slab -- unique patterns | Varies significantly by slab |
| Best For | Busy kitchens, families, low maintenance | Unique natural look, heat tolerance | Luxury baths, low-traffic surfaces |
Bottom line: For most NJ kitchens, quartz is the best all-around choice. It gives you the elegant look of marble without the maintenance headaches, and it outperforms granite on stain resistance. The only area where quartz falls short is heat tolerance -- always use a trivet for hot pans. If you want the absolute most unique, one-of-a-kind look and don't mind the upkeep, granite is a solid alternative.
How Much Do Quartz Countertops Cost in NJ?
Quartz countertop prices in New Jersey range from $50 to $150 per square foot installed. That price includes the slab, fabrication (cutting, edge profiling, cutouts for sinks and cooktops), and professional installation. For a typical NJ kitchen with 30-40 square feet of countertop space, you're looking at a total investment of $1,500 to $6,000.
Entry-Level Quartz
$50 - $70/sq ftSolid colors and simple patterns from brands like MSI Q Quartz and entry-level Silestone. Great for budget-conscious remodels where you still want the durability and low maintenance of quartz. Includes basic edge profiles (eased or flat polished).
Mid-Range Quartz
$70 - $100/sq ftThis is where most NJ homeowners land. Includes popular marble-look patterns from Silestone and mid-tier Caesarstone collections. You get more realistic veining, a wider color selection, and the option for upgraded edge profiles like beveled or ogee. This tier covers the majority of the designs you see in kitchen remodeling magazines and on Pinterest.
Premium Quartz
$100 - $150/sq ftTop-of-the-line collections from Cambria, high-end Caesarstone, and Silestone's Loft series. These slabs feature the most realistic marble and natural stone reproductions, with deep veining, movement, and depth that's almost indistinguishable from the real thing. Premium quartz often uses patented technologies for enhanced stain and scratch resistance.
What Affects the Price?
The per-square-foot price you pay depends on several factors beyond the slab itself:
- Edge profile: A basic eased edge is included in most quotes. Upgraded profiles (ogee, waterfall, mitered) add $10-$30/linear foot.
- Number of cutouts: Each sink or cooktop cutout costs $100-$300. Undermount sinks require more precise cutting.
- Slab thickness: Standard 3cm (1.25") slabs are the norm. Thinner 2cm slabs cost less but require plywood support underneath.
- Layout complexity: L-shapes, U-shapes, and islands with seams cost more in fabrication than a simple straight run.
- Removal and disposal: Removing old countertops adds $200-$500 depending on the material and layout.
- Backsplash integration: A matching quartz backsplash adds $15-$35/sq ft for a cohesive look.
NJ countertop prices run slightly higher than the national average due to higher labor rates and material transport costs. However, the competitive market in central New Jersey means you'll find reasonable pricing if you compare a few quotes. For a full picture of how countertops fit into your overall project budget, see our kitchen remodel cost guide.
Popular Quartz Brands & Colors
Not all quartz is created equal. The brand determines the quality of the resins, the realism of the patterns, and the warranty you'll receive. Here are the top brands we carry and install in our countertop showroom:
Caesarstone
The pioneer of quartz surfaces, Israeli-made since 1987. Caesarstone is known for consistent quality, a wide color range, and a lifetime warranty. Their Calacatta Nuvo and Statuario Maximus collections are among the most popular marble-look quartz options in NJ kitchens.
Price range: $70-$130/sq ft installed | Best for: Marble-look kitchens, consistent quality
Cambria
The only family-owned, American-made quartz brand (produced in Minnesota). Cambria's designs are the most realistic in the industry -- their Brittanicca collection is so convincing that many homeowners mistake it for natural marble. Cambria uses a proprietary process and offers a transferable lifetime warranty.
Price range: $90-$150/sq ft installed | Best for: Premium kitchens, American-made preference
Silestone by Cosentino
Spanish-made quartz with a massive color library. Silestone is the only quartz brand with built-in antimicrobial protection (Bacteriostatic Technology), making it a popular choice for families with young children. Their Loft series offers industrial-inspired colors, while the Eternal series provides classic marble aesthetics.
Price range: $60-$120/sq ft installed | Best for: Families, antimicrobial protection, wide color range
MSI Q Quartz
MSI offers the best value in quartz countertops. Their Q Quartz line provides solid quality at entry-level pricing, making quartz accessible for tighter budgets. While the patterns aren't as intricate as Cambria or Caesarstone, MSI's solid colors and simple veining options look great in modern, minimalist kitchens.
Price range: $50-$80/sq ft installed | Best for: Budget-friendly projects, minimalist styles
Most Popular Colors in NJ
Based on what we see in our showroom and install across Mercer County, these are the top-selling quartz colors in New Jersey right now:
- Calacatta White: Bright white base with bold gray or gold veining. The most requested pattern for NJ kitchens with white kitchen cabinets.
- Carrara Mist: Softer white with subtle gray veining. A more understated marble look that works well in both modern and transitional kitchens.
- Concrete Gray: Warm gray with industrial appeal. Popular in contemporary NJ kitchen designs paired with dark wood or navy cabinets.
- Statuario: Dramatic white with bold, sweeping veins. The high-impact option for homeowners who want their countertops to be the focal point of the kitchen.
- Pure White: Clean, solid white with no veining. Timeless and versatile -- pairs with everything and never goes out of style.
Where to Buy Quartz Countertops in NJ
You have several options for purchasing quartz countertops in New Jersey. Each comes with trade-offs in terms of selection, pricing, and installation quality.
Kitchen Remodeling Showrooms
Showrooms like Foreverbuilt Kitchens & Baths in Ewing Township offer the widest selection of quartz brands and colors, displayed as full-size slabs and installed in kitchen vignettes so you can see how they look in a real setting. You get expert guidance on which quartz works best with your cabinet color, lighting, and kitchen layout. Fabrication and installation are handled by experienced professionals.
Best for: Seeing full slabs in person, expert color matching, professional installation
Stone Fabricators / Countertop Shops
Dedicated stone fabricators specialize in cutting and installing countertops. They often have slab yards where you can pick your exact slab. Pricing can be competitive, but you'll need to coordinate cabinet installation and other kitchen work separately.
Best for: Slab selection, competitive pricing on countertops only
Big Box Stores (Home Depot, Lowe's)
Home Depot and Lowe's offer quartz countertops, but typically from a limited selection of brands and colors. You choose from small samples rather than full slabs, and installation is subcontracted to third-party installers. Pricing can seem lower upfront but often doesn't include edge upgrades, extra cutouts, or removal of existing countertops.
Best for: Simple projects, familiar shopping experience, financing options
Why Buy From a Remodeler vs a Retailer
When you buy quartz countertops from a kitchen remodeler like Foreverbuilt Kitchens & Baths, you get more than just a slab of stone. Here are the key differences:
Design Coordination
A remodeler ensures your countertop works with your cabinets, backsplash, flooring, and hardware. We see the full picture and can recommend quartz colors that complement your overall kitchen design. A retailer sells you a countertop in isolation.
Single Point of Accountability
When your remodeler handles the countertop, there's one company responsible for everything. If the cabinets and countertop don't line up perfectly, it's our problem to solve -- not a finger-pointing situation between your cabinet installer and a separate countertop company.
Proper Templating
Professional templating uses laser or digital measurement to map your exact countertop dimensions after cabinets are installed. This ensures a precise fit. Big box stores often template before cabinets are in place, which can lead to gaps and misalignment.
Project Scheduling
In a full kitchen remodel, timing matters. Countertops need to be templated after cabinets are set and installed before plumbing reconnection and backsplash. A remodeler coordinates this timeline seamlessly. When you buy separately, delays in one trade cascade to the next.
Quartz Countertop Maintenance Tips
One of the biggest advantages of quartz is how little maintenance it requires. Unlike granite or marble, quartz never needs sealing. Here's how to keep your quartz countertops looking new for decades:
Daily Cleaning
Wipe down with a soft cloth or sponge using warm water and mild dish soap. That's it. No special cleaners needed. For dried spills, let a damp cloth sit on the spot for a few minutes to soften it before wiping away.
Always Use Trivets and Hot Pads
Quartz resins can discolor or crack under extreme heat. Never place a hot pan, baking sheet, or crockpot directly on the surface. Always use a trivet or hot pad. This is the number one care rule for quartz countertops.
Use Cutting Boards
While quartz is scratch-resistant, cutting directly on the surface can dull your knives and eventually leave faint marks. Always use a cutting board when prepping food.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Don't use bleach, oven cleaner, paint stripper, or abrasive scrubbing pads on quartz. These can damage the resin surface and dull the finish. For tough stains, use a non-abrasive cleaner like Bar Keeper's Friend or a paste of baking soda and water.
Protect From Direct Sunlight
Extended direct sunlight can cause some quartz colors to fade over time, especially darker shades. If your countertop is near a window with strong sun exposure, consider window treatments to filter UV rays. This is primarily a concern for outdoor or sunroom applications -- most NJ kitchen countertops are fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do quartz countertops cost in NJ?
Quartz countertops in New Jersey cost $50-$150 per square foot installed. For a typical 30-40 sq ft kitchen countertop, expect to pay $1,500-$6,000 total. Entry-level quartz (MSI Q Quartz) starts around $50-$70/sq ft, mid-range options (Silestone, some Caesarstone) run $70-$100/sq ft, and premium brands (Cambria, high-end Caesarstone) cost $100-$150/sq ft. These prices include fabrication, installation, and a standard edge profile.
Is quartz better than granite for kitchen countertops?
For most NJ homeowners, quartz is the better choice. Quartz is non-porous, so it never needs sealing and resists stains from wine, coffee, and oil. Granite is a natural stone that requires annual sealing and can stain if the seal wears off. Quartz also offers more consistent patterns and colors. However, granite handles heat better -- you can set a hot pan on granite without damage, while quartz can scorch or discolor from extreme heat. Both materials are extremely durable and add value to your home.
What is the most popular quartz countertop color in NJ?
White and white-with-veining quartz countertops are the most popular in New Jersey kitchens. Colors like Calacatta-inspired whites, soft grays, and marble-look patterns dominate because they pair well with both modern and traditional NJ kitchen styles. Specifically, Cambria Brittanicca, Caesarstone Calacatta Nuvo, and Silestone Calacatta Gold are among the top sellers in our Ewing Township showroom.
Where can I buy quartz countertops in New Jersey?
You can buy quartz countertops in NJ from kitchen remodeling showrooms like Foreverbuilt Kitchens & Baths in Ewing Township, stone fabricators, big box stores (Home Depot, Lowe's), and specialty countertop shops. Buying from a remodeler or fabricator typically gives you access to a wider selection, professional templating, and expert installation. Big box stores offer fewer options and often subcontract the installation to third parties.
How long do quartz countertops last?
Quartz countertops last 25-50+ years with normal use, making them one of the most durable countertop materials available. Because quartz is engineered with 90-94% natural quartz crystals bound by polymer resins, it resists chipping, cracking, and staining far better than most natural stones. The surface never needs sealing or polishing. With basic care -- using cutting boards and trivets -- quartz countertops will look new for decades.
See Quartz Countertops in Person
Photos don't do quartz justice -- you need to see and touch the slabs to appreciate the depth, veining, and color. Visit our showroom at 618 Bear Tavern Rd in Ewing Township, NJ to browse full-size quartz slabs from Caesarstone, Cambria, Silestone, and MSI. Our design team will help you match the perfect quartz to your cabinets, backsplash, and kitchen style. We serve homeowners throughout Mercer County including Princeton, Hamilton, Trenton, Lawrenceville, and Pennington, as well as Bucks County, PA.