Being exposed to the elements day in and day out, you need a countertop you can rely on. Quartz is a top pick among homeowners extending their outdoor living space because of its durability and ability to withstand Mother Nature.
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.
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.
You can buy quartz designed to resist fading from sunlight. Our Outdoor Collection is perfect if your sunlight-related concerns stem from plans to create a patio. Even if you're looking for an indoor countertop material, rest assured that quartz is more than capable of withstanding the UV exposure found in most homes.
Materials you want to avoid entirely for your outdoor kitchen's counters are marble, quartz and laminates. Quartz, limestone, bluestone and marble are beautiful, but they are more delicate than granite so they may stain and may not stand up to extreme heat.
While marble and quartz aren't great for outdoor countertops, there are two natural stones that work well outside, Soapstone and Granite.
According to Neely, granite is “probably the most ideal for outdoor kitchen countertops,” citing its durability against stains and the elements. Granite countertops are extremely heavy and must be positioned and supported properly to avoid cracking.
Quartz is a great material but has its drawbacks, including being difficult to install, expensive, vulnerable to heat and having visible seams.
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.
As the premium choice for outdoor kitchens, granite countertops offer the durability necessary to stand up to the harsh outdoors year after year. Vital to outdoor performance and longevity, granite holds up well against an unforgiving sun or hot cooking tool.
Avoid Direct Sun Exposure
When designing your outdoor space, we recommend factoring in the location of the sun. Ideally, your quartz countertops won't be placed in direct sunlight. Too much sun exposure can damage your quartz countertops over time, leading to issues like fading, warping, and voiding of your warranty.
Sudden exposure to extreme heat could cause the quartz stone countertops to crack. The resin (non-stone) component of a quartz surface will become damaged at temperatures hotter than 150 degrees Fahrenheit.
You Can't Set Hot Pans on Them
Although quartz countertops are extremely durable and considered heat-resistant, putting a hot pan right on the surface can damage the material. As with most other countertops, you'll need to use a trivet or stove mitt to protect it, as heat can cause discoloration and/or cracking.
Con: Heat Resistance
Quartz countertops are somewhat heat resistant, but at very high temperatures the resins that bind the quartz crystals may discolor. If heat resistance is a top priority for you, a natural stone countertop may be a better choice, although stone surfaces can also be damaged by excessive heat.
Extreme cold or moisture can damage some countertops
Unfortunately, some countertops are sensitive to extreme cold. For example, quartz countertops aren't just sensitive to heat. They can also crack if they're exposed to very cold temperatures.
Nonporous materials do not have any entrance points for germs, making it nearly impossible for quartz countertops to host bacteria, mold, or mildew. High-quality antimicrobial quartz countertops can give homeowners peace of mind, especially if they spend a lot of their free time in the kitchen.
For the safest and most sure option to keeping your quartz clean, skip Windex and opt for a mild cleaner like dish soap. In general you should be very careful when using this cleaner. Some Windex formulas have ammonia, which can create very harmful mixtures when combined with bleach—like sodium hypochlorite.
This is primarily because it is more resistant to stains, but this does not mean that it's impossible to stain. Just like every other countertop, quartz is vulnerable to stains, including water stains.
Some might notice stains on their white quartz countertop as a result of using the wrong cleaning products. Anything with harsh chemicals, including oil soaps, detergents, paint thinners, and any cleanser containing bleach, could stain or discolor your countertop instead of getting it sparkling clean.
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.
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.
Abrasive cleaners and scrubbers such as Comet or Scotch-Brite are not recommended, as they can scratch the smooth surface of quartz. The best way to care for your quartz is to prevent damage before it occurs. Use trivets or potholders under hot pots and pans to avoid heat discoloration.
Look no further than Hanstone Quartz, Ascale Porcelain, and Hanex Acrylic Solid Surface. These solid surface materials offer durability, resistance to the elements, and various design options, making them ideal for outdoor applications. Let's explore why these materials are the top choices for outdoor countertops.
Quartz should never be used in an outdoor setting because the resin used in the creation process will turn yellow when exposed to sunlight and weather. Quartzite, on the other hand, shares many of the same qualities as granite and looks nearly identical to marble, but is much easier to care for.
Quartzite is a non-porous material, meaning it is resistant to staining and damage from water. It is also highly scratch resistant as it is an extremely hard material (even harder than granite) and can withstand the elements making it a great choice for outdoor applications.