Quartz is scratch-resistant, but not scratch-proof. Remember that although your quartz countertops are incredibly durable, they are not cutting boards. Never cut directly on your countertops to avoid scratching the finish and making the stone more vulnerable to staining.
Using a cutting board is a surefire way to avoid scratching your quartz counters. Even a butter knife can cause more scratches than you would like, so be cautious. Be sure to use coasters for your drinks and towels or trivets for hot pots and pans to lessen the chance of a quartz scratch or damage.
Quartz can be more expensive than other countertops but is generally cheaper than natural stone and other luxury options. It does require professional installation and can discolor when exposed to high temperatures and extensive heat for long periods.
Durability: Quartz is one the hardest materials on the planet. This means it has a higher scratch resistance than granite and won't chip or crack easily. Great for applying to different surfaces including floors and stairs.
The materials are ranked from 1 to 10 from the lowest to the highest resistance, and quartz is ranked 7th. This means that quartz is highly resistant to scratching, but it is not entirely scratch proof. In everyday use, knives and sharp objects will not scratch your countertops easily.
While quartz is scratch-resistant, materials harder than quartz can scratch it. For example, the bottom of some ceramic dishes may be abrasive enough to inflict minor damage to the surface.
Quartz is scratch-resistant, but not scratch-proof. Remember that although your quartz countertops are incredibly durable, they are not cutting boards.
Quartz is made up of mostly quartz mixed with resin. The resin in the quartz is highly affected by heat, and this is why placing a hot pan on quartz is so strongly discouraged. If you were to put such high heat on quartz, the resin is very likely to burn and the countertop's coloration would be significantly impacted.
One of the main reasons quartz has exploded in popularity is due to appearance. Quartz has the look of stone while also allowing homeowners to customize the design. While granite offers many options in terms of appearance, you may have to search for the right piece that matches your color scheme.
Quartz is Easier to Maintain than Granite
As a non-porous stone, it is heat-resistant, stain-resistant, and bacteria-free. This countertop achieves a high level of durability without any sealant.
Lifespan. Warranties on quartz countertops last from 10 years to the life of your home. In reality, they have the potential to last much longer than your house. The man-made products used in their construction don't break down over time, and the natural materials are all but indestructible.
Sunlight. Because quartz is made using polyester resin, over time you may start to notice some discolouration - particularly in lighter coloured countertops. On average, it takes less than a year of daily sunlight for a quartz worktop to fade.
Both countertop materials are similar in terms of cleaning and maintenance, but it seems that quartz may have a slight edge since it never needs to be sealed, and since it's a nonporous surface, stains or liquids penetrating the surface aren't as worrisome as they are with natural stone.
Conclusion. Clorox wipes should never be used to clean your quartz countertops because the solution used in the wipes can potentially damage the surface. Instead, use warm water and mild soap, white vinegar and water or a quartz cleaner.
Windex is considered a base and has a pretty high pH level, which means it could be damaging to quartz. Some cleaners say it's okay to use in small quantities, while others warn against it. For the safest and most sure option to keeping your quartz clean, skip Windex and opt for a mild cleaner like dish soap.
Avoid cleaning with highly acidic or alkaline cleaners, such as nail polish remover, turpentine, oven cleaner, bleach, drain cleaners, dishwasher rinsing agents, etc. Clean immediately with a mild detergent and rinse, if they are spilled.
More durable than natural stones: Quartz is harder compared to granite and other natural stones making it more durable and less susceptible to chipping. Low Maintenance: Unlike granite, you do not need annual resealing to maintain your countertops due to quartz's nonporous nature.
Quartz is generally less expensive.
The cost of a granite or quartz countertop depends on the thickness of the slab, the color, the edge profile (e.g., square, rounded, or beveled), and whether or not the countertop will house a sink.
Quartz counters do not need sealing due to their lack of porosity. Liquids and stains cannot penetrate non-porous materials because they have a built-in seal. Natural stone countertops, such as polished marbles or granite, have pores and small splinters that require sealing on a regular basis.
Your coffee pot, a bowl of soup, or mug of hot tea won't damage quartz surfaces.
The bottom line is, yes you can cut food directly on your quartz counter. That's because this material is tough, hard and durable. It's actually one of the hardest materials you will come across. This means it's great at resisting cuts and scratches.
Placing Hot Appliances on Your Countertop. While quartz may be highly heat-resistant, prolonged exposure will damage the resin causing it to discolor. Temperatures above 300° F can spell bad news for your countertop. Besides, sudden extreme changes in temperature may lead to slab cracking.
Recommended cleaners include Simple Green®, Rock Doctor cleaner, Mr Clean Magic Eraser®, and denatured alcohol. To clean the surface, wash with a mild dish washing liquid or powdered detergent; add warm water. Use a soft dish cloth.
Bar Keepers Friend is also a good cleaner to use on your quartz to keep them shiny. Bar Keepers Friend is made for smooth surfaces and can be used daily.