The 2026 Backsplash Trend Taking Over Wisconsin: Why Full Height Quartz is the New Subway Tile

The 2026 Backsplash Trend Taking Over Wisconsin:

Why Full Height Quartz is the New Subway Tile

Quartz vs. Granite

Which is Better for Your Fox Valley Kitchen?

Quartz vs. Granite

Quartz vs. Granite

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When you’re planning a kitchen renovation in the Fox Valley, the “Quartz vs. Granite” debate is almost inevitable. Both materials offer stunning beauty and a high-end feel, but for the modern Wisconsin homeowner, the choice often comes down to lifestyle.

At Quest Interiors, we’ve seen thousands of slabs move through our showrooms and fabrication facilities. While we love the natural allure of granite, we find ourselves increasingly recommending quartz as the superior choice for a busy Fond du Lac kitchen countertop, a stylish Appleton kitchen, or a high-traffic Oshkosh countertop.

Looking for a fast turnaround? Many of our countertops can be installed next week and completed in just one day!


The Maintenance Myth: Granite vs. Quartz

The biggest difference between these two heavyweights is how much work they require after the installation crew leaves.

  • Granite is a natural stone. Because it is formed in the earth, it is inherently porous. To prevent liquids like red wine or olive oil from seeping into the stone and causing permanent damage, granite must be professionally sealed upon installation and resealed every 12 to 18 months.

  • Quartz is an engineered stone. It is composed of roughly 90–94% crushed natural quartz crystals mixed with high-performance resins. This process creates a non-porous surface.

Because quartz is non-porous, it never needs to be sealed. You can spill coffee, lemon juice, or wine on a Quest Interiors quartz surface and simply wipe it away with a damp cloth. For the homeowner who wants a “set it and forget it” solution, quartz is the winner.

Superior Stain and Bacteria Resistance

In a kitchen, hygiene is just as important as aesthetics. Granite’s porous nature means that if the sealant wears down, the stone can actually harbor bacteria and mold within its microscopic crevices.

Quartz, however, is a dream for the health-conscious cook. Its dense, non-absorbent surface is naturally resistant to the growth of odor-causing bacteria and mildew. When you choose brands like Viatera or Daltile, you are investing in a surface that is as sanitary as it is beautiful.


Elite Brands: Cambria, Viatera, and More

At Quest Interiors, we don’t just provide “standard” quartz. We partner with industry leaders to ensure your Appleton, Fond du Lac, or Oshkosh home features the best materials on the market.

  • Cambria Countertops: Proudly American-made, Cambria is the gold standard for luxury quartz. Their designs offer deep veining and organic movement that perfectly mimic high-end marble and granite without any of the maintenance headaches.

  • Viatera: Known for its immense durability and trend-setting color palettes, Viatera by LX Hausys is a favorite for those seeking a sophisticated, contemporary look.

  • Daltile: Offering a massive range of styles, Daltile’s quartz provides versatility for every budget and design aesthetic.

  • Inspired Quartz: For those seeking a unique, designer-forward look, our Inspired Quartz collection offers hand-picked styles that elevate any space.


The Quest Advantage: Laser Template and In-House Fabrication

Choosing the right material is only half the battle; the quality of the installation is what makes or breaks a kitchen. This is where Quest Interiors stands apart from the “big box” stores.

We utilize state-of-the-art laser template technology for every project. Instead of using old-school wooden sticks or cardboard to measure your cabinets, our technicians use digital lasers to create a 3D map of your kitchen. This ensures that every curve of your wall and every corner of your cabinetry is accounted for with sub-millimeter precision.

Once the digital map is created, the work moves to our in-house fabrication facility. By fabricating our own slabs locally, we maintain total control over the quality and craftsmanship. Whether it’s a complex edge profile or a seamless waterfall island, our local craftsmen ensure your Oshkosh countertop or Appleton remodel fits perfectly the first time.

Fast Results for Your Fox Valley Home

We know that being without a kitchen is a major inconvenience. That is why we have streamlined our process to be as efficient as possible.

  • Speed: Many of our in-stock quartz countertops can be installed next week.

  • Efficiency: Most installations are completed in just one day, meaning you can start cooking on your new Cambria or Viatera surfaces by dinner time.

Final Verdict: Is Quartz Right for You?

If you value:

  1. Zero Maintenance: No sealing, ever.

  2. Stain Resistance: Total peace of mind against spills.

  3. Consistency: The slab you see in the showroom is exactly what will be installed.

  4. Hygiene: A non-porous surface that stays clean.

…then quartz is the clear winner for your next kitchen project.


Start Your Transformation Today

Ready to see the beauty of Cambria, Viatera, and Daltile in person? Visit one of our showrooms in Fond du Lac, Oshkosh, or Appleton to explore the largest selection of quartz in the Fox Valley. Our team will guide you through the design process, from the initial laser template to the final in-house fabrication.

Click here to schedule your free design consultation with Quest Interiors!

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Printed Quartz Countertops

Printed Quartz Countertops

A Modern Marvel or a Passing Trend?

Printed Quartz Countertops

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Printed quartz countertops have become a favored option for both homeowners and designers, thanks to their blend of beauty, durability, and versatility. This innovative material uses advanced printing technology to mimic the look of natural stones like marble and granite, while retaining the strength and benefits of engineered quartz.

The Process:

  • Quartz Base: The core of printed quartz countertops is a solid, non-porous base made from crushed quartz, resins, and pigments. This mixture is molded into slabs, providing the durability and strength associated with quartz.
  • Digital Printing: High-resolution digital printing is used to apply intricate designs and patterns onto the quartz surface. These designs replicate the veins, color variations, and textures found in natural stones, offering endless design possibilities.
  • Finishing: The printed quartz slabs go through a finishing process, which typically includes polishing to enhance shine and create a smooth, seamless surface. This step also seals the countertop, boosting its resistance to stains and scratches.

Benefits of Printed Quartz Countertops:

  • Endless Aesthetic Options: Printed quartz offers a wide range of design possibilities, from classic marble patterns to bold, contemporary looks. Homeowners can achieve virtually any style they desire.
  • Exceptional Durability: Known for its hardness and resistance to scratches, chips, and stains, engineered quartz is perfect for high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms.
  • Easy Maintenance: Unlike natural stone, which requires regular sealing, printed quartz is low-maintenance. It can be cleaned easily with just soap and water, keeping it looking great with minimal effort.
  • Consistent Appearance: Printed quartz ensures a uniform color and pattern across the entire slab, unlike natural stones, which often have variations. This consistency simplifies installation and guarantees a seamless look.
  • Cost-Effective: While printed quartz may have a slightly higher initial price than some natural stones, its durability and low-maintenance nature make it a cost-effective choice in the long run.

Applications:

Printed quartz countertops are widely used in various spaces, including:

  • Kitchens: Countertops, backsplashes, and kitchen islands
  • Bathrooms: Vanities, shower surrounds, and tub decks
  • Commercial Spaces: Restaurant countertops, bar tops, and reception areas

Considerations:

  • Authenticity: While printed quartz can closely resemble natural stones, some may be able to tell the difference upon closer inspection.
  • Cost: Printed quartz typically falls into a mid-range price category for countertop materials.
  • Through-body veining:  Printed quartz countertops, while offering an array of beautiful designs, do not feature through-body veining like natural stone options such as marble or granite. This means that the intricate veining and patterns seen on the surface are only a printed layer, rather than extending throughout the entire slab. The absence of through-body veining can limit the depth and authenticity that some homeowners seek in natural stones, as the design is not consistent all the way through the material. Additionally, the edge of printed quartz countertops is typically white in color, which is a characteristic of the engineered quartz composition. This can create a noticeable contrast between the patterned surface and the edges, particularly if the countertop design features dark or rich colors. While some people might appreciate the clean, simple look of a white edge, others may find it a bit jarring or less aesthetically cohesive with the rest of the design. As a result, printed quartz countertops offer a more uniform and consistent look across the surface, but this lack of through-body veining and the stark white edge can make it less appealing to those who prefer the natural, layered look of stone that runs through the entire material. Ultimately, these aspects may be important considerations for homeowners looking for a specific aesthetic or level of authenticity in their countertops.

     

    @quartzkitchens

    Replying to @Raj Singh What is Printed Quartz? . #quartzkitchens #printedquartz #kitchenworktops #quartzcountertops #kitchendesigninspo #worktopdesigns #graniteworktops #porcelainworktops #quartziteworktops #marbleworktops

    ♬ original sound – Quartz Kitchens

     

Printed quartz countertops are a game-changer in surface design, offering a smart, stylish alternative to traditional materials. By combining the beauty of natural stone with the durability and practicality of engineered quartz, printed quartz delivers both style and substance for homeowners and designers alike.  Using high-resolution digital printing technology, virtually any image or pattern can be imprinted onto the surface of a quartz countertop. That means anything from intricate geometric patterns to lifelike images of natural stone can be customized.  Quest Inteiors offers several brands that carry Printed Quartz options like MSI Q+ Collection, Viatera and Cambria.

Get Started Today!

Fill out the form and one of our dedicated project managers will reach out right away.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
What products are you interested in?(Required)
Please let us know what services or products you would like more information about. (select all that apply)
OPTIONAL OPT-IN FOR SMS TEXT MESSAGING
By checking the boxes below, you are opting to receive messages via text message from Quest Interiors.