Quartz Countertops in Orlando: Everything You Need to Know Before You Install
By Marina Hayes, Owner & Lead Designer at NaturaStone Design | Stone fabrication specialist since 2014
Table of Contents
- What Exactly Is Quartz
- Why Quartz Makes Sense for Orlando Homes
- The Brands We Work With at Our Orlando Showroom
- Design Choices: Color, Finish, and Edge Profile
- Our Fabrication and Installation Process
- Quartz vs Granite: Which Should You Choose
- Caring for Your Quartz Countertops
- We Serve All of Central Florida
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Ready to Get Started
When it comes time to update your kitchen or bath in Orlando or Central Florida, quartz countertops might already be in your top choices. They’re low maintenance, hardy, and so beautiful!
There are hundreds of brands, colors, finishes, and installers to choose from. Before you’ve even taken your sample swatch out of the box, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
Since 2014, NaturaStone Design has been creating and installing unique stone countertops in Orlando. More than 250 projects later, from homes in Winter Park to landmark projects such as the Hard Rock Casino, we’ve been able to answer just about any quartz project question. All the answers are compiled in this guide.
From comparing materials to understanding the fabrication process, to just wondering whether or not quartz will last long enough to make it in a Florida kitchen, you’ll find out here.
What Exactly Is Quartz
Let’s begin at the beginning. There is so much confusion in the market, especially with the difference between quartz, quartzite, and granite.
Quartz countertops are not natural stone, but are engineered. They are made by mixing about 90 to 95 percent crushed natural quartz crystals, polymer resins, and pigments. This gives it a harder, more even, and more stain resistant surface than most natural stone products.
The binding process of quartz is under high pressure and heat, thus fully sealing the surface, and therefore no need to seal it after installation. No pores allow mold, bacteria, or liquids to go in. Spilled on with red wine, coffee, or olive oil, and a quick wipe is all that is required.
Quartzite is a naturally formed metamorphic rock, unlike quartz, which is man made. Quartzite is beautiful and popular, but it has to be sealed frequently, as it is porous. Granite, another popular natural choice, is also porous and requires regular cleaning to prevent stains.
Quartz gives you the appearance of natural stone without all the maintenance. It’s all about that.
Why Quartz Makes Sense for Orlando Homes
Living in Florida subjects countertops to a lot of use. From the humidity, the fun, and the hustle and bustle of the family kitchen, surfaces must be able to perform. There are a number of reasons why quartz is an ideal material for Central Florida homes:
- Long lasting durability. Quartz is rated 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, which means it will not break or chip easily, even with normal daily use. It supports the active kitchen, meal prep, small appliances, and overall frenzy of family life.
- Scratch resistance. Your countertop can be used as a preparation surface without constantly worrying about damage. It will not scratch with normal kitchen use, but always use a cutting board for knives.
- Non porous surface. Quartz does not absorb liquids, which means it can be wet cleaned easily. Unlike marble and unsealed granite, acidic foods, citrus, tomato sauce, and vinegar won’t etch or stain the surface.
- Zero sealing, ever. No yearly sealing appointments, no special stone cleaners, no complex maintenance procedures. Just a little soap and water will do.
- Consistent patterning. Quartz is consistent in color and pattern from one area of the slab to another, whereas natural stone can have dramatic veining variations or unexpected color shifts. What you see in the showroom is what you get in the kitchen.
- Finish variety. Quartz comes in several finishes such as polished, matte, leathered, and textured, providing complete control of the look and feel of the surface.
- Hygienic by nature. It prevents bacteria or mold from growing on it, an important consideration in a kitchen where food is prepared every day.
The Brands We Work With at Our Orlando Showroom
One of the key aspects that sets NaturaStone Design apart is our ability to establish direct connections with the world’s top quartz manufacturers. This is important for our clients because we can not only utilize the newest collections, but also provide real expert advice and not just whatever we have in our store.
The leading quartz brands available at our showroom in Orlando are:
- Cambria is an American quartz brand that features stunning and colorful veining patterns with a high level of quality. Their collections are popular among clients who wish for dramatic movement in their stone that will provide visual weight to their kitchen. Some of the most popular varieties are Brittanicca, Calacatta Torquay, and Skara Brae.
- Cosentino Silestone introduces Spanish expertise and innovation to the quartz sector with hybrid quartz technology. They have outstanding uniformity and depth of finish on their surfaces. The most popular choices are White Storm, Eternal Calacatta Gold, and Charcoal Soapstone.
- We also continuously build up our stock with new brands and private slabs. The only way to get a full picture of all the options is to visit the showroom in person and see and feel the material before deciding.
Design Choices: Color, Finish, and Edge Profile
It’s not simply about getting a white or gray slab of quartz. There are three layers of design decisions to be made, and each of them is important.
Color and pattern. The range is extensive. On the lighter side, bright whites and soft creams open up the space and give it a fresh and clean feel. The mid range grays provide a stylish and modern aesthetic, which can be complemented by warm wood finishes or cooler metal touches. Bold veining, Calacatta style whites with gold veins or gray veining, or rich charcoal with gentle veination, really make a statement. Our design team can assist you with the selection that will fit your cabinets, flooring, and design concepts.
Finish. Polished finish reflects light and produces a crisp, classic look. Matte and leathered finishes are becoming more common as they are more understated with a tactile feel, more likely to hide fingerprints and more organic in style. Texture is another way to add dimension and impact in modern designs.
Edge profile. This is one aspect that can make more of a difference than most homeowners think. The edge of your countertop can be a simple straight eased edge, a soft bullnose, a beveled profile, or something more architectural, and it can determine the overall look of your countertop. Our CNC equipment enables us to perform any edge profile with absolute precision during fabrication.
Our Fabrication and Installation Process
With NaturaStone Design, you are dealing directly with us. There are no third party contractors, handoffs, or surprises. Our team takes care of all aspects of the process, from the initial consultation through installation.
- Consultation. We have a conversation with you about your objectives, design tastes, and budget. If you visit our showroom, our staff will walk you through all of the quartz we offer and assist you in determining which material is best for your lifestyle and how you plan to use the space.
- In store slab selection. We highly recommend that all clients visit in person prior to committing. Seeing, feeling, and comparing materials side by side makes a difference. Photos on a website are not a replacement for the real thing.
- Templating. After you have chosen your material and the scope of your project has been confirmed, we come to your home and take precise digital measurements of your space. This step ensures each cut is exactly correct before any stone is shaped.
- Fabrication. Cutting, edging, and finishing of your slabs is done at our shop using CNC machinery. At this point, the edges, sink cutout, and any other custom features are added to give the countertop its final touch of perfection.
- Installation. Our professional fitting team delivers and installs. Every seam is finished, all surfaces are leveled, and the job is completed with the care and discretion we put into every project. The final surface looks seamless.
Typical time from the first consultation to installation is about 10 days, but it could take longer if the installation is more complex.
Quartz vs Granite: Which Should You Choose
For low maintenance, quartz is the clear choice. Granite is a porous natural stone that needs to be sealed at regular intervals, usually once a year, to prevent staining. If missed, acidic liquids will seep into the surface. Quartz never needs to be sealed.
Granite is generally less expensive if budget is a concern. The cost of granite is around $50 per square foot installed, and quartz tends to start at approximately $70 per square foot installed. The difference adds up in larger kitchens.
If you appreciate the characteristics of natural stone, granite offers something quartz cannot fully replicate. All granite slabs are naturally different, with movement and variation that engineered slabs can closely reproduce but never fully achieve.
Quartz is more dependable if consistency is important to you. Quartz is uniform in pattern, so the stone you pick out in the showroom is the stone you will have in your kitchen.
It is impossible to say objectively which of the two materials is better. They serve different priorities. The best thing we always say is to come to the showroom and look at both when you have your project in mind. You can also read our full guide: Quartz vs Quartzite vs Granite.
Caring for Your Quartz Countertops
The best part of owning a quartz countertop is how easy it is to clean. Here is the complete care guide:
- Daily cleaning: Water and a little mild dish soap. Use a soft cloth or a non abrasive sponge to wipe. That’s it.
- Spills: The surface will not absorb liquid, but wipe up spills as soon as possible. Even after an hour, a damp cloth will take care of any coffee spill.
- Stubborn residue: If food is dried, gently use a plastic scraper to clean up residue, and then wash with warm soapy water.
- What NOT to use: Do not use bleach based cleaners, high alkaline cleaners, or abrasive pads that will dull the surface over time. Heat resistance is limited, and trivets should always be used.
We Serve All of Central Florida
NaturaStone Design serves homeowners, interior designers, and builders in the Orlando area and beyond. No matter where your project is located, we come to you for templating and provide the full installation service you would expect from a local specialist.
We serve the following areas:
- Orlando
- Winter Park
- Lake Nona
- Windermere
- Kissimmee
- Sanford
- Oviedo
- Longwood
- Altamonte Springs
- Dr. Phillips
- Maitland
- Celebration
We also work globally, with almost half of our work done across borders, with slabs expertly packaged and sent by sea to clients in Antigua, the UK, and beyond. For those in Central Florida, there is nothing that beats visiting the showroom in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do quartz countertops cost in Orlando?
Quartz countertops in Orlando typically start at around $70 per square foot installed. The final price depends on the brand, color, edge profile, and the complexity of the project. A standard kitchen installation can range from $2,500 to $6,000 or more depending on the size and material selected.
Is quartz better than granite for kitchen countertops?
Quartz is better than granite for low maintenance and consistency. It never needs sealing, resists stains naturally, and looks the same across the entire slab. Granite is a natural stone with unique variation and is typically less expensive, but requires annual sealing to prevent stains.
Does quartz need to be sealed?
No. Quartz countertops never need to be sealed. The manufacturing process bonds the surface under high pressure and heat, creating a fully sealed, non porous surface that does not absorb liquids or harbor bacteria.
How long does quartz countertop installation take in Orlando?
At NaturaStone Design, the typical timeline from first consultation to completed installation is about 10 days. This includes material selection, templating, fabrication, and installation. More complex projects may take longer.
What quartz brands does NaturaStone Design carry?
NaturaStone Design carries Cambria, Cosentino Silestone, and a range of private slabs and specialty collections. New brands and collections are added regularly. The best way to see all available options is to visit the showroom at 429 N Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL 32805.
Can I see quartz samples in person in Orlando?
Yes. NaturaStone Design has a showroom at 429 N Orange Blossom Trail in Orlando, FL, open Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm. Visiting in person is strongly recommended before committing to a material, as photos do not fully capture the color, finish, and texture of each slab.
Ready to Get Started
One of the most important choices you will make when renovating your kitchen or bathroom is selecting the right countertops. It can be thoughtfully considered, guided, and handled by a trustworthy fabricator that will get the details right.
Since 2014, NaturaStone Design has been helping Orlando homeowners do just that. Our team, led by owner Marina Hayes, combines design skills, stone craftsmanship, and a passion for making the process simple for all of our clients.
Visit the Orlando showroom to explore the full quartz collection, or contact us to get a free estimate. We will guide you through all the options, advise on what works best for your space, and handle everything from material selection to final installation.
Call us at 727-418-6162 or email [email protected] to get started.
About the Author: Marina Hayes is the owner and lead designer at NaturaStone Design, a luxury stone fabrication studio based in Orlando, FL. Since 2014, Marina and her team have completed 250+ custom countertop projects across Central Florida and internationally, including landmark projects such as the Hard Rock Casino. NaturaStone specializes in marble, quartzite, quartz, and porcelain surfaces for residential and commercial clients.