Whether you need plywood under quartz countertops depends entirely on the thickness of the quartz slab and your cabinet setup.
While quartz countertops can sit directly on cabinets, it is common practice to add a layer of plywood or other materials between the cabinets and the quartz. This base serves to reinforce the countertop and provide additional support, especially if the quartz slabs are large or have overhangs.
What we're seeing now is a shift to more dramatic looks with natural stones like quartzite, marble and granite. Striking colors and bold veining are the vibe for 2026. Blues, greens and golds are still dominant and gorgeous natural stones that have these striking expressions and other colors are definitely in demand.
In fact, the average cost of quartz puts it somewhere right in the middle of countertop prices. Most quartz countertops cost anywhere from $90 to $185 per square foot. That's much higher than a laminate counter ($20 to $60 per square foot) or a tile countertop ($25 to $90 per square foot).
The good news is that placing a hot cup of coffee on quartz countertops is generally safe. A cup of coffee typically doesn't exceed 150°F, which is within the safe range for quartz. However, it's always best to err on the side of caution to ensure your countertops remain pristine.
Con: Heat Resistance
Quartz countertops are somewhat heat resistant, but at very high temperatures the resins that bind the quartz crystals may discolor. If heat resistance is a top priority for you, a natural stone countertop may be a better choice, although stone surfaces can also be damaged by excessive heat.
Yes, Dawn dish soap is perfectly safe and highly recommended for daily cleaning of quartz countertops. Its gentle, grease-cutting formula will not damage the resin or stone.
Dark floors pair particularly well with lighter countertops in large kitchens, where there is enough natural light to prevent the space from feeling heavy. Charcoal tiles, dark-stained engineered wood, or concrete-effect porcelain are often used to create a strong architectural base.
While using them gives the appearance of cleanliness, it actually causes unintentional damage to the countertop after prolonged use. This happens because of the presence of citric acid in the Clorox wipes, which causes a quartz countertop to lose its color.
Quartz and Quartzite Are Top Countertop Choices
Quartz is still the number one material choice for countertops, according to 78% of the respondents. (Its popularity makes sense, though! You get the look of natural stone with none of the maintenance.) Quartzite—aka the real stuff—is in second place.
Installing quartz countertops takes 2 to 5 hours for an average-sized kitchen. However, the entire process—from initial measurement (templating) to final fabrication and installation—typically takes 2 to 4 weeks.
What makes it look cheap: A lack of continuity disrupts the home's visual and physical flow, subtly cheapening the overall experience. Mismatched flooring, abrupt ceiling changes, or lighting that feels disconnected from nearby spaces can make the kitchen feel compartmentalized instead of cohesive.
Avoid outdated cabinet shades like navy, cherry wood, mustard yellow, and country red. These colors once felt warm or luxurious but now make kitchens look dated or overly themed. Instead, choose softer neutrals, natural woods, or richer muted tones for a timeless feel.
Kitchen Flooring Trends 2026
Yes, but you should only use an ammonia-free version, such as Windex Vinegar Multi-Surface or Clear Ammonia-Free Windex. Avoid classic blue Windex, as it contains ammonia, which can dull or damage the resin binder holding the quartz together over time.
Avoid acidic, abrasive, or harsh cleaners.
These can discolor or scratch the surface of your countertops. Avoid bleach, acetone, oil-based soaps like Murphy's Oil, or abrasive cleaners like Soft Scrub.
This makes it awesome at scrubbing away stains, but it can also damage certain surfaces if you're not careful. Quartz is tough, but it's not invincible. If you use a Magic Eraser too aggressively, it could scratch or dull the surface over time.
In 2026, kitchen design is pivoting away from sterile greys and stark whites toward warm, earthy neutrals and cozy natural wood tones. The overarching aesthetic emphasizes "warm minimalism," utilizing layered materials and soft, grounded palettes rather than cold, minimalist spaces.
Outdated Cabinetry
Granite countertops typically pair with natural wood cabinets, but pine or hickory cabinetry can date your kitchen's style back a few decades. Additionally, cabinetry with gold or brass fixtures shows that the kitchen hasn't had an update for a while.
Beige is a warmer alternative to gray, making it a great choice for designers who want to create a more cozy and welcoming space.
Quartz or engineered stone countertops should be avoided due in large part to their high respirable silica content and significant occupational health impacts. Avoid countertops that may introduce lead, such as ceramic materials that may contain contaminated recycled content and/or lead-based glazes.
Small kitchen appliances like air fryers, coffee makers, and toaster ovens generate heat during operation. Prolonged exposure to this heat can weaken the resin in quartz countertops. To prevent damage, place these appliances on a protective mat or ensure adequate ventilation to dissipate heat.
Quartz countertops have been a popular choice, but the market is shifting. Cheap imports drove prices down, leading to lower quality and questionable materials. U.S. tariffs hit back hard, and concerns over worker safety due to silica dust have grown.
What Stains Quartz Countertops the Worst?