Have you ever asked a countertop fabricator for the price of a quartz slab, and they said, “It depends on which one you want.”? At RMI Surfaces, one question we’ve had to answer from our customers in Rye, New York, is, “What determines the price difference? Is it the color, vein, weight, or size?”
The honest answer? It’s all of the above. It’s not just about the look — it’s about what’s inside the slab: the materials, the design, and the consistency from edge to edge. That’s what defines quartz grade.
If you’ve heard about first-choice (premium), commercial, and second-choice quartz grades, it’s not just marketing language. It’s what determines the price and quality of quartz countertops. Once you’re done reading, you’ll know how to spot the difference between the different quality quartz and why that matters in your home.
What are the Main Differentiators of Quartz Grades?
Quartz is made of natural quartz crystals bonded together using polymer resin. However, not all quartz slabs are engineered the same way. They use the same two main materials — quartz and resin — but the way they’re combined is what sets the quality apart.
1. Quartz-to-Resin Ratio
High-quality quartz countertops contain more natural quartz (usually over 90%) and less resin. This means that the surface will be harder and more resistant to damage. Lower-grade quartz has less quartz and more resin, which can lead to a softer surface and discoloration over time.
Want to compare quartz to other durable options? Here’s a breakdown of granite countertops: pros and cons.
2. Color Consistency and Pattern Quality
You’ll notice that quartz of higher grades has a clean, consistent color throughout the slab, with sharp veining and movement resembling natural stones like marble and granite.
In lower grades, when you turn to the sides or edges of the slab, you’ll notice that the patterns are only on the surface and don’t run through the body. You may also notice blotchy areas and uneven tones.
3. Structural Integrity
High-grade quartz slabs are denser, heavier, and more uniform in thickness. Low-grade quartz can have weak spots, resin pockets, or pits inside the material that reduce strength. These flaws may not always be visible at first, but they can appear as cracks or chips after installation.
4. Manufacturing Process and Brand Standards
The quality of the quartz countertop may also depend on the brand you’re buying. There are dozens of quartz manufacturers with differing production standards.
Top-tier quartz brands follow strict formulas and testing to ensure consistent quality. Budget brands may skip those steps or rush production, resulting in slabs that vary from batch to batch.
The rest depends on your fabricator. If you’ve purchased high-quality quartz slabs, you must entrust them to a fabricator who has enough experience and has successfully delivered projects to happy customers. Any shortcuts here can cost you your investment.
What are the Different Grades of Quartz Countertops?
Before you buy your next quartz kitchen countertop, let’s help you understand the different grades and how they affect the prices.
A. The First Choice Quartz Grade
The first-choice quartz is also called premium or grade A. Based on everything we’ve explained so far, you should be able to tell from the moment you see it. This is the top-tier option with rich colors, detailed veining, and almost zero imperfections.
When you hold a sample of the first-grade quartz, you will immediately notice how smooth, flawless, and consistent the colors are. This grade is durable, resistant to stains, heat, and discoloration, and easy to clean.
B. The Commercial Grade Quartz
If durability is your main cup of tea, this option still delivers. However, it is not as pristine as first-grade quartz. Commercial-grade quartz (also called mid-grade or Grade B) is mainly used in commercial areas, where performance meets practicality.
The resin content is usually a little higher than premium-grade quartz. Although the slab may have minor visual inconsistencies or less defined veining, these differences are barely noticeable unless you’re looking very closely.
C. The Second Choice Quartz Grade (Builder’s Grade)
This is the most affordable of the different grades of quartz quality. Like you can spot a high-grade slab, lower-grade quartz reveals itself just as quickly. Remember that one of the factors determining the quality of quartz countertop grades is that the patterns are only on the surface with the lower-grade ones.
If you’re comparing multiple materials for value and style, check out our guide on countertop choices for Port Chester homes that shine.
Why A Reputable Quartz Countertop Fabricator Matters
Do you remember reading earlier in the article that another main differentiator in the quality of quartz countertops is your fabricator’s expertise? There’s almost no point in buying higher grades of quartz if you let an inexperienced fabricator ruin them.
That’s because poor handling, bad cuts, poor polishing, uneven seams, and incorrect installation can compromise even high-grade surfaces.
And here’s the part many homeowners don’t realize: fabricators are the final step in the manufacturing process. The fabricator you choose is the one who determines whether everything comes together beautifully or starts to fall apart.
At RMI Surfaces, we don’t only source quality quartz; we finish it with decades of craftsmanship and the equipment to do it right. At RMI, we’ve seen firsthand what happens when shortcuts are taken, and that’s exactly why we don’t take them.
It doesn’t matter if you choose a premium quartz or something more budget-friendly. We ensure what ends in your home lives up to the material’s full potential.
If you’re also considering other low-maintenance surfaces, you might want to learn about the benefits of porcelain for home improvement.
Conclusion: Which Grade Should You Choose?
Choosing quartz for your home isn’t just about picking a color or following trends — it’s about understanding what’s beneath the surface. Whether browsing white quartz samples or eyeing bold quartz patterns, knowing the difference between a builder’s grade slab and a first-choice quartz surface separates a smart investment from an expensive regret.
This article has covered the ultimate guide to quartz grades. From how a slab of quartz is made to what makes high-quality quartz consistent in color, durability, and performance.
Another major factor we discussed is the resin percentage and how to check the quartz you’re being sold. It’s not just about the look but also about whether the quartz slab is uniform, whether it can withstand real-life use, and whether your quartz stone will live up to your expectations five, ten, or fifteen years down the line.
Regarding which one you should choose, the straightforward answer would be to go for the highest grade as long as you can afford it. However, while lower-grade quartz won’t give you the same quality as first-choice quartz when done right, it can also look pristine.
That’s where we come in. At RMI Surfaces, we help you make sense of the materials, the grades, and the true cost of your countertop. Our job is to help you choose the right quartz, not just the most expensive grade.
Still not sure if quartz is your best match? See how it stacks up against quartzite countertops in this guide.
Your next piece of quartz shouldn’t just be beautiful — it should be built to last. Schedule a consultation with us today, and let’s help you create a gorgeous quartz kitchen countertop.