While both a laminate and quartz countertop have their variations in terms of appearance, when it comes to durability quartz is proven to be the more adept to heat resistance.
Quartz and Laminate Durability
Both materials are generally durable and highly stain-resistant, and neither needs to be sealed like natural stone does. Quartz is highly abrasion-resistant, under normal conditions, while laminate's top-most wear layer has long been its weak point.
It's common misperception that laminate can't tolerate any heat. Formica® Laminate can withstand heat up to 275 degrees for short periods of time. However, like all surface materials, a trivet should always be used on your countertops to avoid any possible heat mishaps.
Granite. One of the most heat-resistant countertop materials available today is granite. This natural stone requires extremely high temperatures and high pressure to form. You can place pans straight of the stove or oven on a granite countertop, and you won't see any marks or stains on the surface.
Are quartz countertops heat resistant? Yes but not heat proof! While a quartz countertop is heat resistant, it can be damaged if exposed to too much heat.
Do not place hot objects on the countertop– It may be made of tough material, but quartz is not heat resistant. Placing hot objects on the countertop makes it susceptible to cracks and heat patches. Check out this article for more information about taking care of your quartz countertop.
Quartz countertops can withstand temperatures up to 150 degrees only. So they cannot withstand temperatures of air fryers, microwave oven, pressure cookers & hot pan. It is highly recommended to use a heat resistant pad to protect your countertop.
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.
Santa Margherita. Santa Margherita produces high quality quartz that is scratch proof, stain resistant and can withstand heat.
Quartz countertops are extremely heat resistant. However, they can only withstand heat up until a certain threshold. During the countertop's fabrication process, the quartz slab is cured at temperatures of about 180 degrees Fahrenheit.
Laminate countertops are not resistant to heat and can scratch. Laminate countertops are an inexpensive, low-maintenance alternative to pricey stone and solid-surface countertops, and they are available in many styles that mimic expensive surfaces such as granite or marble.
Laminate that Looks Like Quartz
Synonymous with laminate countertops, Formica offers countless styles and colors. If you like the look of quartz, this Bottle Glass Quartz style from Formica may be what you're looking for. Make your countertops look like new with this unique refinishing process.
Nearly any type of counter can be overlaid, as long as it is strong enough to support the overlay: tile, laminate, stainless steel, granite, quartz, concrete, and wood.
Laminate countertops cost from $8 to $20/ft while quartz costs from $75 to $105/ft. There is no doubt that this difference is quite significant. However, for a more luxurious look coupled with durability and longevity, quartz is a better investment, despite being a little on the higher side price-wise.
Lifespan. With standard use, well taken care of laminate countertops will last about 15 years. After that, they'll show significant wear and fading. Heavy use will dramatically shorten their lifespan.
But today's laminates are of considerably better quality than the classic Formica countertops of the 1960s. While they still may not have the prestige of quartz, natural stone, or composite materials, these latest high-pressure laminates (HPLs) are by no means inferior countertop materials.
Quartz countertops are heat resistant but not heat-proof, so the counter can withstand limited exposure to hot items. A steaming mug of coffee, a warm plate of food or a coffee maker on quartz countertop surfaces isn't going to cause a problem.
On average, the most common reasons for cracks in quartz countertops are: Sudden exposure to extreme heat (like the sizzling pan you took off the stove and immediately set on the countertop to serve). Hot pans are often hotter than 300 degrees Fahrenheit which can burn and damage your quartz countertop.
No, it is not recommended that you place appliances like a toaster oven on your quartz countertop. The dramatic fluctuations in heat could cause your countertop to crack. Put a trivet or cutting board under your toaster oven while in use to prevent any damage to your beautiful counters.
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.
– Again, quartz is extremely durable. 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. The same goes for extreme heat. Sudden, drastic changes in temperature may crack a quartz surface.
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.
Like natural stone, quartz slabs are very heavy. And though the added resins make them more flexible, they, too, can crack if not properly handled.
Quartz does poorly with any quick changes in temperature, and is heat resistant up to 300°F (150°C). With appliances like toaster ovens, crock pots, and others that generate heat for long periods, it's a good idea to have a trivet or heat-resistant mat underneath them.
The Heat Quartz Can Withstand As previously mentioned, quartz can handle about 302 degrees Fahrenheit. Let's say you set a curling iron to its highest temperature, which is about 410 degrees Fahrenheit, before placing it on your bathroom quartz countertop.