Quartz countertops are popular in many homes today due to their durability, aesthetics, and low maintenance. However, like any countertop material, quartz is not completely invulnerable. Understanding the qualities of quartz will help you use it properly and prevent potential damage. One common question homeowners have is whether quartz countertops can burn.
What is Quartz Countertop Made Of?
Quartz countertops are engineered stone made from crushed quartz crystals combined with resin and pigments. The exact ratio varies by brand, but high-quality quartz contains over 90% ground quartz and under 10% polymers and pigments.
The quartz provides strength and hardness, while the polymers bind the material together. The pigments add color and pattern. This combination creates a durable, non-porous surface resistant to scratches, stains, and heat.
Can Quartz Countertops Withstand Heat?
Quartz has relatively high heat resistance compared to other countertop materials. Properly sealed and cared for quartz can withstand brief exposure to temperatures up to 212°F and sustained heat up to 145°F without damage.
However, quartz can burn if exposed to extreme direct heat like hot pans or flames. The resin binding starts degrading around 300°F. Quartz itself does not burn, but the binding material can discolor, bubble, or crack if overheated.
How to Prevent Burns on Quartz
While quartz is heat-resistant, precautions should be taken to prevent burns or other damage:
- Use trivets or hot pads under hot pans, pots, baking sheets, etc. This protects the surface from prolonged direct heat that can damage the resin binders.
- Don’t put boiling liquids or extremely hot pans directly on quartz. Allow them to cool somewhat first.
- Avoid exposing quartz to open flames. Keep candles, sterno burners for chafing dishes, etc. away from the surface.
- Use a cutting board for hot items from the oven. Don’t cut foods or place piping hot baking sheets directly on quartz.
- Clean up spills immediately to avoid the heat being trapped on the surface.
- Check the manufacturer’s care guidelines. Some quartz has higher heat tolerance than others. Know the limits of your specific material.
Signs of Heat Damage on Quartz
While quartz can withstand brief heat exposure, prolonged or extreme heat can cause damage. Here are some signs of quartz burn or heat damage:
Discoloration
The resins used in quartz can brown, yellow, or darken when overheated. This often appears as a circular stain or ring marking where the hot item sat. Discoloration indicates the binding material is degrading.
Bubbling or Blistering
Excessive heat can make the resin binders bubble up and blister. This deforms the smooth quartz surface giving it a bumpy, rippled appearance.
Cracks and Chips
With intense heat, the weakened binding material can crack or chip allowing quartz particles to break loose. This often happens around the overheated area.
Melted Areas
In extreme cases like direct contact with flames, the resin in quartz can melt creating pits, pockmarks, depressions and erosion in the surface. This permanently damages the structural integrity.
Can You Repair Heat Damage on Quartz?
Minor heat damage like light discoloration may fade over time. But more significant damage requires professional repair:
- Spot Treatments – Light stains can sometimes be gently sanded and buffed out. But this requires special tools and experience to match the quartz finish.
- Sealing – Resealing damaged areas reinforces structural weaknesses from overheating. Again, special quartz sealants are required.
- Patching – Severe blisters, bubbles, cracks or melted areas can be patched. This involves filling the defects with color-matched quartz composite.
- Refinishing – For extensive damage, the entire surface may need mechanical grinding and polishing to refinish it. This removes burned layers and restores the smooth appearance.
- Replacement – If damage is beyond repair, the only option may be replacing sections or the entire countertop. This is costly but necessary with extreme burning.
Professional quartz fabricators are best equipped for repairing heat damage. DIY attempts often worsen the problem.
Can You Cut on Quartz Countertops?
Quartz is very tough and durable, but not impervious to damage from sharp objects. Here are some tips for cutting on quartz:
- Always use a cutting board. NEVER cut or chop directly on the quartz surface. The blades can scratch, chip or discolor the material.
- Use soft plastic or wood cutting boards. Avoid glass boards that can scratch quartz.
- Select larger boards that fully protect the counter surface underneath.
- Replace warped, cracked or aging boards that don’t lie flat and could allow food/liquid seepage.
- Avoid sliding cutting boards across the quartz which can abrade the surface. Pick up and set down carefully.
- Clean up any spills, juices or food particles from prep work to avoid staining.
- Inspect cutting boards regularly for wear. Rough edges or bottoms can damage quartz over time.
Taking proper precautions will help preserve your quartz counters during food prep.
Is Quartz Prone to Heat Damage Compared to Other Countertops?
Quartz has very good heat resistance compared to many other countertop materials:
- Laminate – Laminate countertops have very poor heat tolerance. The underlying wood can char, de-laminate and blister under high heat.
- Solid Surface – Materials like Corian are somewhat heat-resistant but still prone to warping and discoloration when overheated.
- Tile – Ceramic or porcelain tile resists heat well IF properly sealed. Cracks in grout can allow heat damage.
- Wood – All wood countertops are vulnerable to burns, discoloration and cracking from hot items.
- Concrete – Has marginal heat tolerance. The resins used can burn and etch with excess heat exposure.
- Stainless Steel – Excellent thermal resistance as an alloy designed for high temperatures.
So quartz has above-average resistance compared to popular countertop materials. But other engineered composites like sintered stone may have higher heat tolerances.
Tips to Prevent Burns on Quartz Countertops
While quartz has good innate heat resistance, a few simple habits prevent damage:
- Keep hot pots centered on a burner, not extending over countertop edges.
- Let cookware cool briefly before setting on quartz if boiling or sizzling hot.
- For hot bakeware out of the oven, set on trivets or dry towels, not directly on the quartz.
- Never cut foods or place hot items directly on the counter. Always use a trivet or board.
- Clean up spills right away – don’t let liquid seep under hot cookware.
- Verify the heat tolerance specs on your specific quartz type and brand. Don’t exceed it.
- Exercise caution around open flames like candles. Keep away from quartz surfaces.
- Avoid prolonged placement of electric appliances like instant pots or griddles that get very hot.
With routine care, your quartz countertops should be protected from damage by typical daily use. But extreme heat requires precautions.
How to Disinfect and Clean Quartz Countertops
Quartz resists most kitchen stains with proper cleaning. Here are some tips:
- For everyday cleaning, use mild soap and water or a gentle stone cleaner. Avoid abrasive cleansers.
- For disinfecting, use a diluted 10% bleach solution. Rinse thoroughly.
- For stubborn stains, try a paste of baking soda and water. Rub gently, then rinse.
- Avoid acidic cleaners like vinegar, lemon or mineral acids. These can etch and dull the surface.
- Don’t use nail polish remover, paint strippers or aggressive solvents that can stain.
- Reduce staining by promptly wiping up spills, especially from coffee, tea, wine or fruit juice.
- Regularly reseal quartz every 1-2 years with a penetrating stone sealer designed for quartz.
Follow the manufacturer’s care and cleaning guidelines to maintain your warranty. With routine maintenance, quartz countertops will retain their beauty and resist damage.
Does Quartz Countertop Burn FAQ
Below are some frequently asked questions about quartz countertop burns:
Can hot pans burn quartz counters?
Yes, extremely hot pans directly on the surface can potentially burn quartz. Always use trivets or hot pads under hot cookware. Avoid prolonged direct contact.
What temperature does quartz burn at?
The resins in quartz start degrading around 300°F. Temperatures above this threshold can cause discoloration, bubbling, and cracks over time.
Is a melted plastic cutting board bad for quartz?
Yes, melted plastic can bond to the surface leaving permanent damage. Always replace warped, cracked, or heat-damaged cutting boards before this happens.
Can you set a teapot on a quartz countertop?
Use caution with boiling water. Prolonged direct contact may damage the resin binders. Let teapots cool briefly first or use a trivet beneath.
Does quartz stain from hot grease?
Yes, oils and grease can stain if not promptly cleaned. Wipe up food prep messes immediately to avoid the grease penetrating the surface.
Can you cut pizza on a quartz countertop?
Never cut foods directly on quartz. Always use a cutting board. Even serrated pizza cutter blades will damage quartz over time.
Is it OK to put a griddle on a quartz countertop?
Use caution with electric griddles which get extremely hot. Use occasionally with a hot pad is likely fine, but avoid prolonged direct contact.
Can you put a crockpot on a quartz countertop?
Yes, but use a hot pad beneath it. Crockpots generate intense localized heat that can degrade the resins over many hours of cooking.
Does quartz crack from heat?
Excessive heat exposure can cause the binding resins to crack and potentially chip the quartz particles, especially if repeatedly subjected to high temperatures.
Can you repair a burn mark on quartz yourself?
It’s extremely difficult without professional experience. Most DIY methods like sanding or polishing create more damage. Consult a pro fabricator for the best repair method.
Conclusion
Quartz offers superior resilience and heat resistance compared to many other countertop materials. Yet it still requires some care and precautions against burns. Understanding its qualities allows you to maximize the benefits while preventing accidental damage from hot cookware, spills or other heat sources in the kitchen. With prudent use, a quartz surface can remain beautiful and durable for many years.