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.
Repairing scratches on quartz countertops. There are two procedures that you can employ depending on the severity of the damage. Light scratches can usually be fixed by buffing and polishing, while deeper scratches might need to be filled with resin or epoxy.
Quartz is an engineered stone
Such high quartz percentage is the reason why quartz is highly resistant to scratching. Granite is, unlike quartz, a natural stone, which makes it less resistant to other impacts, like resistance to staining.
The main downsides of quartz countertops are their price, appearance (if you desire the look of natural stone), and lack of resistance against heat damage.
Quartz countertops and scratches
Just like other natural stone countertops, quartz can chip or scratch if it encounters extreme use and pressure. However, if scratches or chips appear, you can have them professionally filled in and repaired.
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.
Mineral cannot be scratched with a steel nail.
No, you can't use disinfecting wipes on quartz countertops. Disinfecting wipes contain citric acid as their primary ingredient and are not diluted in any way. When you use these wipes to clean your countertop, they will weaken the seal on your countertop's surface leaving them vulnerable to discoloration.
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.
Quartz countertops are made with up to 90% quartz. The rest of the material is pigments and resin. Since the resin can only withstand approximately 150 degrees, placing very hot materials such as a pan directly out of the oven will burn the countertop and cause permanent damage.
Don't cut on quartz: Quartz is scratch resistant, one of the toughest countertop materials out there. The natural quartz stone in it is fortified with man-made polymers, making a tough material even tougher. That said, do not use your quartz as a cutting board. Sharp knives can scratch the surface.
A white quartz countertop is very easy to maintain for a number of reasons. As previously stated, white quartz countertops are non-porous which makes cleaning incredibly easy and stress-free. Natural stone such as granite and marble can absorb liquids because of their porous nature, which would lead to stains.
Quartz takes first place in terms of durability. Made of crushed quartz stone mixed with polymers and resin, this artificially engineered stone countertop is an extremely durable surface that resembles natural stone.
Yes, you can use a Magic Eraser to clean quartz. They won't scratch the surface and can even remove some imperfections you thought you had to live with. Scotch-Brite also makes some non-scratch scouring pads that work well on engineered stone.
Magic eraser may also be used to fight tough quartz stains, simply wet the magic eraser and apply in gentle, circular motion. Clean the area thoroughly with water and dry with a clean towel after. For tough to fight grease residue, you may use degreasing cleaners.
Quartz countertops can look cloudy for a variety of reasons like sun exposure, using the wrong cleaners, water stains, and extreme heat are common reasons. Sometimes, cloudy marks can even be a defect in manufacturing.
Quartz now comes in many colors, patterns, and finishing techniques that mimic's the look of natural stone. One of the most current and trending finishes right now is matte. In 2022, Quartz manufacturers will continue to impress us with manufacturing improvements to keep this countertops option king.
For a contemporary, upscale look with very low maintenance required, quartz countertops are definitely worth considering. Be aware of the few potential drawbacks and their price. If you're willing to live with those things, quartz countertops should meet or exceed your expectations.
Quartz is actually harder than granite and thus, more durable. In fact, quartz is nearly indestructible, and because it isn't porous like granite, it's easy to keep your countertops relatively bacteria-free.
But like other countertop materials, stain resistant quartz countertops are not completely indestructible. A white countertop can be spectacular. But even a white quartz countertop is vulnerable to staining from products such as red wine, tea, coffee, tomato sauce, and more if it's not cleaned up right away.
Homeowners who choose quartz slabs that resemble the creamy white look of Carrara marble are more likely to see occasional stains, which is why they should wipe down spills immediately.
Quartz is generally less expensive.
But with the exception of the cheapest granite, quartz is generally less expensive—$70 to $100 per square foot installed compared with granite's price range of $60 to $270 per square foot installed.
Quartz makes an excellent gemstone. It is hard, durable, and usually accepts a brilliant polish. Popular varieties of quartz that are widely used as gems include: amethyst, citrine, rose quartz, smoky quartz, and aventurine. Agate and jasper are also varieties of quartz with a microcrystalline structure.