Natural quartz countertops have become a popular choice for home renovations due to their durability and stylish appearance. But how durable are they really? Here is an in-depth look at the durability of natural quartz countertops.
What is Natural Quartz?
Natural quartz is an engineered stone made from crushed quartz crystals combined with polymer resins and pigments. The quartz content typically ranges from 90-94%. The remaining 6-10% consists of high-quality polymer resins that bind the quartz particles together.
The resin gives natural quartz its durability and flexibility while the crushed quartz provides strength, luster, and a natural stone-like appearance. Unlike natural stone, engineered quartz is non-porous and stain-resistant. Its uniform composition allows for consistent colors and patterns.
Durability Factors of Natural Quartz
Several factors contribute to the durability of natural quartz countertops:
Hardness and Scratch Resistance
Natural quartz has a Mohs hardness rating of 7 out of 10, making it extremely scratch-resistant. Only diamonds (10 rating) and sapphires (9 rating) are harder. This hardness protects quartz from knives and other sharp objects that can scratch and mar natural stone.
Stain Resistance
The non-porous resin in quartz prevents stains from deeply penetrating the surface. Liquids and oils can simply be wiped away without leaving a trace. However, prolonged exposure can result in stains.
Heat Tolerance
Quartz can withstand brief exposure to heat up to 212°F. However, prolonged direct heat from pots and pans can cause cracks and discoloration. Using trivets and hot pads is recommended.
Impact Resistance
Quartz has high impact and flexural strength, making it resistant to chips and cracks from daily wear and tear. However, excessive force can damage the edges and surface.
Non-Toxic and Non-Porous
Quartz does not harbor bacteria, mold, or mildew growth due to its non-porous nature. It does not require sealing or polishing to maintain its impervious surface.
How Durable is Quartz Compared to Other Countertops?
Natural quartz is more durable than marble, granite, laminate, and wood:
- More scratch-resistant than marble and granite.
- More stain-resistant than marble, granite, and wood.
- More heat-resistant than laminate and wood.
- More impact-resistant than marble, granite, laminate.
- More non-porous than marble, granite, and wood.
However, quartz is not completely damage-proof. Here’s how it compares to other countertops in durability:
| Material | Scratch Resistance | Stain Resistance | Heat Tolerance | Impact Resistance |
|-|-|-|-|-|
| Quartz | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Excellent |
| Granite | Good | Moderate | Excellent | Good |
| Marble | Poor | Poor | Good | Poor |
| Laminate | Moderate | Good | Poor | Moderate |
| Wood | Poor | Poor | Poor | Poor |
Factors that can Damage Natural Quartz
Despite being highly durable, there are some factors that can damage quartz:
- Prolonged sun exposure can cause fading and discoloration over time.
- Excessive weight like standing on the countertop can crack it. Quartz is bend resistant, not bend proof.
- Chips and cracks from heavy impact, especially on edges and seams.
- Hard blows from heavy objects can damage the surface and structure.
- Harsh chemicals like paint removers, oven cleaners, etc. can etch the surface.
- Prolonged heat exposure can scorch the surface.
Maintaining and Cleaning Quartz Countertops
Simple maintenance is required to preserve the pristine look of quartz countertops:
- Use cutting boards and trivets for food preparation and hot pots.
- Clean spills immediately to avoid staining.
- Use mild soap and water for routine cleaning. Avoid abrasive cleaners.
- Re-seal with a penetrating sealer once a year.
- Check for damage and re-polish affected areas. An expert can refinish scratches and etchings.
How Long Do Quartz Countertops Last?
With proper care and maintenance, natural quartz countertops can easily last 15-25 years or more. Their long-lasting durability and aesthetic appeal make quartz an ideal choice for busy kitchens and bathrooms.
Manufacturers typically provide a 10-15 year warranty against defects. This reflects the expected lifespan of natural quartz in perfect installation conditions.
Conclusion
Natural quartz offers unparalleled durability thanks to its sturdy quartz composition and resilient polymer resins. It resists scratches, stains, heat damage, and chips better than natural stone and other countertops. Simple care and maintenance will help preserve its flawless condition for over two decades. For homeowners seeking stylish, low-maintenance countertops, natural quartz is an extremely durable option worth considering.
FAQs about Durability of Quartz Countertops
Is quartz more durable than granite?
Yes, quartz is slightly more durable than granite. It has higher scratch, stain, and heat resistance due to its non-porous composition. Granite remains prone to etching and discoloration over time.
Is quartz damage proof?
No material is 100% damage proof. But quartz is highly resistant to chips, scratches, stains, and heat damage under normal usage. Excessive impact or pressure can damage quartz.
Does quartz stain easily?
No. The resin coating makes quartz highly stain-resistant. But prolonged exposure to spills (like wine, coffee) can cause staining if not cleaned promptly.
Can quartz handle hot pans?
Quartz can tolerate brief heat exposure up to 212°F. But consistent direct heat from hot pans can scorch the surface. Using trivets is recommended.
Is quartz high maintenance?
Quartz requires very little maintenance – just simple wiping with mild soap and water. No sealing or polishing is required. This makes it an extremely low maintenance countertop option.
How long does a quartz countertop last?
With proper installation and care, quartz countertops typically last 15-25 years or longer. Manufacturers generally provide a 10-15 year warranty against defects.
Is quartz worth the cost?
Yes. The unmatched durability, low maintenance, and stylish look of quartz make it worth the investment. It retains its original beauty for decades with minimal upkeep required.