By Mark Humphreys

Quartz and granite have been used for countertops and other purposes in multifamily and single-family homes for years. However, these materials’ 15 minutes of fame is over, with quartz alternatives becoming a viable substitute for several reasons.

Tariffs. The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) voted 5-0 in early June 2018 to raise tariffs on Chinese-imported quartz from 25% to 30%. As a result, Chinese-imported quartz is boosting the price per unit of many multifamily projects. Due to the extra expense, interest in quartz alternatives has increased, as developers urgently seek out affordable alternatives.

Environmental sustainability. Unlike their stone counterparts that require mining, up to 85% of quartz alternatives consist of a recycled mix of glass bottles, industrial glass and porcelain. Additionally, the product is manufactured in the United States, and ultimately leads to less glass in landfills.

Flexibility and usability. Quartz alternatives come in a variety of colors and finishes, meaning it can be used for everything from kitchens, to clubhouses, to amenity spaces and backsplashes. It isn’t restricted simply to countertops.

To conclude, quartz alternatives mirror the aesthetics of pricier stones and mined materials, but costs less, is easier on the environment, and has a wide application of uses.

Mark Humphreys is founder and owner of Dallas-based Glass Recycled Surfaces (GRS), a subsidiary of Humphreys & Partners Architects.

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