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If you are planning to install your quartz outdoors, it is recommended that it has a shade. It can be installed under deeper eaves or awnings that will protect it from the direct sunlight. UV rays can be more damaging to darker quartz colours than to light-toned ones.
In rare cases, quartz can be used outside with minimal downsides. However, high heat and constant UV radiation may slowly damage it over time. That's why we recommend using granite to maintain the lifetime value of most outdoor stone installations.
Unlike natural stone, Quartz countertops should not be exposed to hot pots and pans. A quartz countertop can withstand up to about 150 F before it takes damage. The most common result is a discolored ring on your countertop if a hot pan touches the quartz countertop surface.
Quartz is Waterproof
You probably know that quartz hardly chips or cracks–but are you aware that it's waterproof as well? Unlike countertops made of natural stone, which are often porous and need sealing, quartz counters are totally waterproof.
Harsh, abrasive cleaners, pads, and sponges should be avoided since they can permanently harm countertops. Scrubbing too hard can leave a dull surface or cause superficial scratches. Oven cleansers, grill cleaners, paint removers, dishwashing detergent, and other high pH cleaners should not be used on quartz surfaces.
Quartz is made to withstand most weather elements like rain, snow, and humidity. Most weather will also not stain or discolour the quartz. However, be sure to secure loose objects (including pots and pans) if you live in an area where high winds are common.
Quartz worktops are durable enough to withstand the heat generated by most kitchen appliances, cookware, and crockery. But, anything that comes off the stove or out of the oven should be used on a trivet or heat-resistant mat because anything over 150C (302F) can damage the worktop.
Yes, you can place a hot cup of coffee on a quartz countertop, but with caution. Here are some considerations to keep in mind: Short Duration and Moderately Hot: A freshly poured cup of coffee, which is typically around 160-185°F (71-85°C), is unlikely to damage the quartz surface if it is placed for a short duration.
It's best practice to place a barrier of some kind between a slow cooker or pressure cooker and your quartz counter. While these things may not cause immediate damage to the surface, they could cause fading of that area with continued heat exposure.
Does quartz fade in sunlight? Yes, it can. However, this typically only happens if you've used indoor quartz outside or exposed the countertop to direct sunlight for prolonged periods every single day. Under normal conditions, discoloration from sunlight is relatively rare.
Do Quartz Countertops Yellow Over Time? The short answer is that high-quality quartz countertops should not yellow over time if properly maintained and cared for. However, certain factors can contribute to the yellowing or discoloration of quartz countertops.
Weather Resistance
Quartz's non-porous surface fares well against rain and snow, preventing water absorption and freeze-thaw erosion common in natural stone. However, in climates with severe weather fluctuations, the expansion and contraction can stress the material, leading to potential damage over time.
If kept outside, the filler will yellow and sometimes bead-up on the surface, giving a rough texture. Quartz, also known as engineered stone, is held together with resins and glues. Unfortunately, the resins will react when exposed to direct sunlight and begin to fade and discolor.
While quartz is naturally tough, the resin and pigments used to bind it can be sensitive to UV rays from sunlight. Exposure to these UV rays over a long period can cause fading or discoloration, with some parts of the quartz taking on a yellowish tint or losing their vibrancy.
Using any cleaning agent that isn't recommended to be used on quartz will result in tough and lasting stains. Avoid using both alkaline and acidic cleaner because they will break down the bonds between quartz and resin and cause long-term damage to the surface.
Just like any type of countertop, quartz is vulnerable to staining from red wine, coffee, tea, tomato sauce, juice, etc. if the spills are not cleaned right away. But unlike granite (which is a natural stone), the staining does not occur because the staining liquid is absorbed by the countertop surface.
So, can you put a microwave on a quartz countertop? Absolutely. Quartz countertops are incredibly strong and can easily support the weight of a microwave, making them a practical and stylish choice for your kitchen.
Yes you use paper towels on quartz, paper towels are generally safe for quartz countertops, especially if they're high-quality and lint-free. However, using a microfiber cloth is often a better option for everyday cleaning as it provides a streak-free finish without risk of scratching.
Can You Put Hot Cooking Utensils On A Quartz Countertop? The quick answer is no, you should aim to not place a hot pan on a quartz kitchen worktop as the heat from the pan will cause the quartz to burn. The resin that is in the quartz material can only withhold 150 degrees in heat before it reaches its maximum.
Cleaning and maintaining engineered stone or quartz surface material is extremely easy. Granite countertops and vanities may be etched or damaged by harsh household cleaners, hair spray, and other cleansers and, if not sealed properly, they can also be stained by juices.
The best options for an outdoor kitchen countertop are natural stone, concrete, or tile. These materials hold up well in outdoor conditions but protect the kitchen as best as possible to keep the counter and any appliances in good condition for years.
Quartz is non-porous in nature and hence, it's difficult for bacteria, mold, and mildew to grow and replicate, making it an ideal choice for the kitchen and bathroom countertops. VIVA's quartz surfaces are NSF certified making them suitable to come in contact with food and edible items.
High-quality quartz is virtually crack-resistant, but lesser quality quartz can crack or shatter if exposed to extreme cold, such as an ice bag left on the counter.