find out where it's manufactured. if it's china, they often use sub-par materials, and use more resin than actual quartz. Plus, their materials aren't really approved (for safety) like we do here in the US.

I'd start w/that.

There is no substantial difference between Chinese or other nationalities of engineered stone. Process, Breton or non-Breton, is largely irrelevant. It's all the same stuff; brands are nearly irrelevant.

joseph, there are a lot of chinese quartz that aren't really brands. they're just made there, shipped over and sold as whatever name the place gives them. I know because I've dealt w/a chinese owned company here that imports directly from china and sell these products.

To say it's the 'same stuff' is misleading. It's well known that some of the resins in China aren't the same as places that have stringent requirements and testing.

there are many complaints of these 'brands' of quartz having issues that aren't normally seen w/the america or european manufactured quartz.

I emailed the company and they responded that it is from Vietnam. Thoughts?

Beth H.: Thanks so much for your response! I emailed Quartzway on their website asking where it was manufactured and their response was "Our quartz is from Vietnam". As for the slab, I did see one in person at a local small owned store. I will try and attach a picture.

so the price for that brand as opposed to a well known brand, is what difference?

This is calacatta nuvo.

https://www.caesarstoneus.com/catalog/5131-calacatta-nuvo/

Brittanica

MSI_ Calacatta Laza. I really like this one too

BTW, if you have a very small countertop to do, look into pre-fab countertops. usually sold in the 24" X9' size.

As an example, this is an off brand quartz in a pre-fab size . (this place near me imports from China) This pre fab size cost was about $600. Installation extra. fabrication done on site. (figure, another $800 or so)

At my other tile and stone place, they have these prefabs. all quartz down at the bottom.

This slab was $90 sq ft. Im not sure how it compares as I didnt price any others yet. Most others that I have looked at have more gray than I like, this was more greige/taupe. I do like Cambria Torquay also so I am going to price that as well.

$90 isn't a bargain for the quality you're getting.

keep looking.

Look at the brittanica warm if you want the greige tones and less blue/grays.

Also, click on the Cambria link for the calacatta nuvo. it's almost the same as the off-brand, but better looking

please be sure to see a large sample of Torquay. it was not as subtle as i wanted once i saw a full slab and I chose Smithfield instead