Quartz vs. Concrete Countertops

Quartz and concrete countertops both bring bold, modern aesthetics to a space. While concrete offers one-of-a-kind customization, quartz delivers that same contemporary look with added durability and less maintenance. Choosing the right surface depends on your design goals, usage priorities, and how much upkeep you’re comfortable with over time.

Carrick™

Quartz vs. Concrete

Curious about the similarities and differences of quartz and concrete countertops? Explore what sets them apart.

What Is Quartz?

Quartz countertops are made of abundant natural quartz crystals that are then combined with binders and pigments to create its final, beautiful product. This process results in maintenance-free surfaces that are extremely durable, nonabsorbent, and resistant to stains, scratches, and chips. Available in a wide range of designs, colors, and consistent patterns, quartz also presents a uniform look from slab to slab.

What Is Concrete?

Concrete countertops are custom-made surfaces formed from a mix of cement, sand, aggregates, and water. Poured into molds and sealed after curing, concrete is durable and heat resistant—though some sealers may be prone to heat damage. Its porous surface requires regular sealing to help prevent against stain, moisture, and damage. Known for its industrial aesthetic, concrete offers full customization for shape, finish, color, and texture—all affecting its final cost.

Performance: Quartz vs. Concrete

While both quartz and concrete surfaces create a contemporary look, they perform differently when it comes to durability, upkeep, and design consistency. Discover the differences between how the two perform.

Learn more about quartz countertops

Maintenance

Quartz countertops are maintenance free, stain resistant, naturally nonabsorbent, and NSF-51 certified, and they never need sealing. To clean, just wipe with warm water, a soft cotton cloth, and mild soap, if desired. Concrete countertops are naturally porous and must be sealed to resist stains, moisture, and damage. Even sealed, they require ongoing care: spills should be wiped up immediately, pH-neutral cleaners must be used, and sealing often needs to be done annually.

Carrick™

Durability

Quartz countertops are highly durable, resisting chips, scratches, and stains. They handle daily use well, though a trivet should be used to protect from heat. Concrete is strong and long lasting but more prone to chipping, cracking, or scratching without proper reinforcement or care. Sealing helps protect its porous surface, with durability depending on mix, support, and maintenance. Cambria quartz surfaces are backed by a transferable Full Lifetime Warranty to provide peace of mind for life.

Templeton™

Appearance

Quartz countertops come in a wide range of colors, patterns, finishes, and thicknesses—including 1cm, 2cm, and 3cm options. Designs can reflect the look of natural stone or concrete while delivering consistency from slab to slab. Concrete has a natural, industrial look that can be fully customized. It can be molded into any shape, finished to various textures, and embedded with materials like glass or stone, and may develop a patina over time that adds character and variation.

Carrick™ | Fieldstone™

Environmental Impact

Quartz is harvested by removing small aggregate quartz stones, which leaves a smaller footprint and generates less waste. This harvesting practice allows for more optimal native vegetation restoration. Using recycled materials or low-carbon alternatives can help reduce its impact.

Countertop Cost Considerations

When comparing quartz and concrete countertops, cost depends on more than just the material. Concrete pricing varies with size, customization, and installation, especially when designs are intricate or require reinforcement and sealing. Quartz costs also vary by design, project scope, edge profile, and finish, but often provide long-term value with minimal upkeep.

Learn about quartz pricing

Carrick™

Concrete-Look Quartz Countertops

Want the look of concrete but not the upkeep? Quartz can offer the same industrial style with added durability, easier care, and consistent design—perfect for modern kitchens, baths, and busy spaces.

Browse concrete-alternative designs

Carrick™

Presenting a modern spin on smooth concrete, Carrick flourishes swirling shades of gray and soft charcoal specks to create an intriguing pattern in this stylish and contemporary composition.

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Detailed view of Cambria Carrick quartz countertop design

Templeton™

Soft gray with tiny toffee-colored flecks scattered throughout, this design exudes strength while blending a touch of tranquility with a refined ruggedness.

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Detailed view of Cambria Templeton quartz countertop design

Fieldstone™

This dark, slate gray canvas comes to life with speckled gray-hue accents and subtle pops of shimmering silver to catch the light.

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Detailed view of Cambria Fieldstone quartz countertop design

Concrete-Look Countertop Samples

Loving multiple Cambria designs? Order samples to see which ones best stand out in your home. Just select the ones you want, and we’ll send them to your home.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cambria quartz surface a natural stone?

Cambria is made from pure natural quartz, pigments, and binders. Quartz is the extremely hard mineral that gives Cambria its strength. Our unique process results in a quartz product of elegance, style, and superior durability.

How do Cambria quartz surfaces compare to concrete?

Cambria surfaces offer greater durability, easier maintenance, and a wide range of consistent design options. While concrete delivers a custom, industrial aesthetic, it requires regular sealing and more care over time. Cambria is ideal for those who want a sleek, modern look with everyday performance and minimal upkeep.

Where can concrete-look quartz designs be purchased?

Cambria concrete-look designs can be purchased at one of our retail partner locations. Use our online retail locator to find the closest partner who can provide a quartz countertop estimate. You’ll typically need cabinet dimensions, edge profile selections, and information about your sink, stove, and backsplash needs.