When it comes to upgrading your home, choosing the right quartz stone makes a big difference. Whether you're outfitting a kitchen island or a bathroom vanity, quartz is a standout choice thanks to its beauty and durability. In this article we'll walk through how to choose the best quartz stone for kitchens and bathrooms — and even explore other applications beyond those two rooms. We'll look at style, colour, size and application to give you practical, real-world advice.
Before diving into colours and sizes, it's helpful to know what you're buying. Quartz stone (often referred to as engineered quartz) is made by mixing crushed natural quartz with resins and pigments to form slabs or tiles. Compared to natural stone like granite or marble, quartz offers more consistent colouring and fewer variations. It's non-porous (so better for hygiene and resisting stains), and it's relatively low-maintenance (which is great for kitchens and bathrooms).
However, not all quartz is identical — quality, resin content, slab thickness, and finish will vary. So when you're shopping, pay attention to manufacturer specs: resin percentage, warranty, slab size, and finish options.
Style is more than does the stone look pretty? — It means making sure the quartz complements your home's aesthetic, your appliances, your cabinetry, and even your flooring.
Modern minimalist: If your design is sleek, clean-lined, and minimal, you'll probably prefer quartz slabs with little veining or pattern — maybe a crisp white, subtle grey, or even a matte finish.
Transitional or classic: For more traditional homes, you might lean toward quartz with marble-inspired veining or cream/beige tones that echo warm wood cabinetry or classic tile.
Bold and dramatic: Some homeowners want a strong statement — dark charcoal or black quartz, or quartz with pronounced veining (think Calacatta-style). That works if your space has enough contrast and light to keep it from feeling heavy.
Industrial or loft style: For industrial interiors, greys with flecks of raw metallic or even large-format slabs with minimal seams can amplify that aesthetic.
As you evaluate style, bring home samples or hold them next to your cabinetry and backsplash. Quartz can look different in daylight versus artificial light, so view it at different times of day and in different lighting (cold/fluorescent vs warm/incandescent).
Colour choice is one of the biggest decisions when picking quartz. But it's not just about white vs grey — you'll also want to consider undertones, pattern intensity, and how the colour will live over time.
White and light tones: These are evergreen choices for kitchens and bathrooms. They make small spaces feel larger and reflect light well. But they show wear more easily (water spots, crumbs, dust) and need good edges and finishing.
Grey tones: Grey quartz works beautifully and offers more forgiveness for everyday use. The undertone matters: a cool blue-grey is different from a warm greige. Match the undertone to your cabinetry, hardware and floor.
Beige/cream/ivory: If your home has warm wood tones, cream quartz can tie things together softly. It's less stark than white and can feel more livable.
Dark colours (black, charcoal, deep browns): These make a strong design statement, especially when polished. They show fewer stains but more dust and fingerprints, especially in bright light.
Veined or marble-look quartz: If you love the look of marble but want the practicality of quartz, look for slabs that mimic Carrara, Calacatta or other marble patterns. They bring elegance but can come at a premium.
Accent colours and patterned slabs: Some manufacturers now offer prints, semi-precious aggregate looks, or bold colours (blues, greens, even metallic flecks). These are great for feature walls, bar counters or bathroom accent surfaces but may feel trendy over time.
When you pick a colour/pattern, make sure the slab you order matches the sample — because quartz colours can vary batch to batch. Having extra margin (overage) for cuts and seams is wise. Also consider matching the colour to your grout, sink, backsplash and other fixtures, so the entire palette feels cohesive.
Once you've dialled in style and colour, the next questions are size, thickness, and finish — these impact installation cost, seam visibility, durability, and overall look.
Slab size and format: Larger slabs mean fewer seams. For a kitchen island or long run of countertop, you'll want the maximum slab length so the seam is minimal or tucked under an overhang. Some quartz manufacturers offer jumbo slabs to reduce seams further.
Thickness: Common thicknesses are 20 mm (¾ inch) and 30 mm (1¼ inch). Thicker slabs feel more substantial but cost more and add weight (which may require stronger cabinetry support). In some premium applications, you even see 40 mm.
Edge profiles: The edge you choose affects both aesthetics and function. A simple eased edge is cost-effective; a beveled or waterfall edge is more dramatic. For kitchens, edges also need to be sealed properly, especially around sinks and cooktops.
Finish: Polished finish is shiny and traditional; honed finish is matte and shows fewer fingerprints and water spots (good for busy households). Brushed or leathered finishes are also appearing in high-end designs. For bathrooms, you might prefer finishes that hide water spots.
Colour matching of slabs: If your job uses multiple slabs (e.g., large island + perimeter), ensure the batch and dye lot match so the pattern/colour doesn't vary. Ask the fabricator to lay out slabs side by side.
Support and installation concerns: Heavier slabs require solid support. If you choose a waterfall edge (slab continues down the side), check that the cabinetry is rated. Also, ensure overhangs (for seating) are properly reinforced.
Seams and cut-outs: Any cut-outs for sinks, faucets, cooktops, or vents reduce strength — ensure the fabricator uses proper reinforcement, especially around corners. Also note that seams may be more visible in patterned slabs or dark colours, so plan layout to place seams in less visible locations if possible.
In the kitchen, the countertop is one of the busiest surfaces in the home. Here are some specific tips for choosing quartz in a kitchen environment:
● Use quartz that is rated for food prep surfaces (non-porous, stain-resistant).
● For cooktop surround zones, select a quartz slab that resists heat and thermal shock (even though no surface is totally heat-proof, quartz is better than many materials).
● For islands with seating, plan for overhangs and waterfall edges (if you want them). Ensure the quartz slab runs seamlessly from countertop to waterfall if you want that premium look.
● Choose colours/patterns that coordinate with cabinet colour, backsplash, and appliance finish. For example, if you have stainless steel appliances, a cool-grey quartz may tie in well; if you have brass hardware, a warm-toned quartz might fit better.
● In open-plan kitchens, consider that the countertop is visible from the living/dining area — so choose something that stands up to being a design feature, not just a functional surface.
Bathrooms pose different demands: smaller spaces, more moisture, often less natural light, and multiple surfaces (vanity top, shower walls, backsplash). For bathrooms:
● Choose quartz that holds up to moisture — non-porous quartz is ideal for vanity tops and even shower walls in some cases.
● Consider lighter colours to make small bathrooms feel larger, but also keep in mind that busy veining may make a small space feel crowded — consider softer patterning.
● Since lighting may be more limited in bathrooms, check how the quartz looks under different lights (natural, LED, halogen).
● For vanities: decide if you want an integrated sink (solid surface style) or an undermount sink. Edge detail matters more in a bathroom where you see the edges up close.
● For shower walls or backsplashes: If you want continuity, you could use the same quartz for the vanity top and splash, for a cohesive look. Or use a contrasting quartz to make the vanity stand out.
● Don't forget the mirror and fixtures: the quartz colour should work with the chrome, nickel, or brass fixtures you have, and with the tile or paint on the walls.
Quartz isn't limited to just kitchens and bathrooms — there are plenty of other creative uses worth exploring:
● Bar tops: If you have a home bar or entertainment area, quartz is an excellent choice. It's durable for drinks, easy to clean, and available in bold patterns that make a statement.
● Commercial counters: Retail, hospitality, or office spaces often use quartz because of its durability and ease of maintenance.
● Feature walls or fireplace surrounds: Some slabs are large enough and styled for vertical use — you could clad a fireplace or accent wall in quartz for a luxurious finish.
● Flooring or large tiles: Although less common (because of cost), some quartz slabs are fabricated as large tiles or flooring. If you use it, ensure the finish and slip-resistance are appropriate.
● Furniture surfaces: Custom furniture tops (console tables, desks, coffee tables) can be made of quartz — especially if you match it to your kitchen countertop to carry the finish through the home.
By thinking beyond the kitchen countertop-only approach, you can create design continuity throughout your home — the same quartz slab in multiple places gives cohesion and a luxurious feel.
Selecting the right quartz is just one part of the process — you also need to work with a good fabricator and understand budget and maintenance.
Choose a reputable manufacturer/fabricator: Quality matters. Some quartz slabs may have inconsistent colour, weaker resin content, or lower durability.
Understand cost drivers: The factors that impact cost include slab thickness, pattern complexity, edge detail, size of overhangs or waterfall edges, and seam placement. Custom colour or rare patterns will cost more.
Measurement and templating: Accurate measurement is critical. Your fabricator will template the area, mark seams, overhangs, and cut-outs for sinks and faucets. Mistakes here cost money.
Installation logistics: Because quartz slabs are heavy and large, access to the room matters (stairs, hallways, doorways). Also allow for a few extra days if seams or overhangs are involved.
Maintenance: One of the big benefits of quartz is its low maintenance. Because it's non-porous, you don't need to seal it like natural stone. But you still should avoid placing hot pots directly on it, use cutting boards (even though quartz resists scratching well), and wipe up spills (especially dyes like wine or coffee).
Lifetime and warranty: Ask the manufacturer/fabricator about the warranty. A good quartz brand will stand behind its product, especially if used for high-use areas.
Budget realistically: Set aside some contingency for waste (slab off-cuts, seams you didn't plan). In busy kitchens, thicker or premium slabs may be worth the extra investment for durability and future-proofing.
To make the process easier, here's a short checklist you can use when selecting a quartz slab:
Define your style and aesthetic: What is the overall design of your home/kitchen/bathroom? Classic, modern, transitional, bold?
Colour coordination: How will the slab colour/pattern work with cabinetry, hardware, flooring, backsplash, and fixtures?
Pattern and texture: Do you prefer a clean, uniform look, subtle pattern, or dramatic veining?
Size & format: What slab size do you need? Will you have seams? Do you want an island waterfall edge?
Finish & thickness: Polished vs honed vs textured; 20 mm vs 30 mm (or more).
Fabricator capability: Choose one with experience in quartz, with good reviews, and ask to see samples from the real slab.
Logistics & access: Make sure the slab can be delivered, installed, and that the space can accommodate the slab size/weight.
Budget & value: Balance cost vs aesthetic vs durability. Sometimes paying a bit more for a premium slab and a better installer is worth it.
Maintenance & longevity: Are you comfortable with the maintenance requirements? Does the warranty cover your usage?
Beyond the kitchen/bathroom: Could the slab be used elsewhere in your home (bar, feature wall, furniture) for design continuity?
Global import solutions: A Professional team and global partners provide hassle-free personalized solutions.
US local service: Door-to-door solutions with a US warehouse and logistics fleet to meet all quartz stone needs.
Excellent production capacity: High-quality quartz stone in various colors and styles, along with engineering customization.
Technology and innovation: Adopt advanced technology to establish standardized & eco-friendly production methods
Better world: We're not only pursuing the best quartz stone life, but also making the world better together
Thus, if you're looking for a quartz stone supplier who offers flexibility in style, size, and custom specification, Summerly is worth contacting. You can ask for sample slabs, specific thickness, edge profiles, large-format slab options, and even custom colour runs if your design demands it.
Choosing the best quartz stone for your kitchen or bathroom is about more than picking a pretty slab. It's about aligning your style, colour palette, slab size, finish, and practical needs into a cohesive decision that will serve you for years. Whether you're installing a countertop in the heart of your home or a vanity in a guest bath — or even a bar top or feature wall beyond the usual rooms — quartz offers beauty, durability, and versatility.
If you're seeking a flexible, high-quality quartz stone supplier, consider Summerly Quartz for our wide range of colours, customisation options, and proven manufacturing capacity. Choosing proper size/thickness, working with a trusted fabricator, and considering broader applications — you'll end up with a surface that feels tailored, not generic.
