Quartz countertops have become an increasingly popular option for home kitchens and bathrooms in recent years. But how durable and scratch-resistant are these engineered stone surfaces really? Here we’ll explore the hardness, durability, and care needed for quartz countertops to help you determine if they are the right choice for your home.
What Is Quartz?
Quartz countertops, sometimes referred to as engineered stone, are made from ground natural quartz crystals combined with polymer resins and pigments. The result is a man-made material that is much harder and more scratch resistant than natural stone like marble or granite.
Quartz gets its hardness from the quartz crystals, which measure a 7 out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale. The Mohs scale ranks minerals based on their relative scratch resistance, with diamonds being the hardest at 10. For comparison, granite measures between 6 and 7, while marble is closer to a 3 or 4.
The added resins make quartz non-porous, limiting the ability of liquids to penetrate the surface. Quartz also does not require ongoing sealing like granite does. This makes it very stain resistant and easier to maintain.
Why Choose Quartz?
There are several reasons quartz has become such a popular countertop choice:
- Extremely durable – The hardness of the quartz crystals makes it very scratch resistant and able to withstand heavy daily use. Quartz is not easily chipped or cracked either.
- Low maintenance – Quartz repels liquids and resists stains, so it does not require frequent sealing or polishing to maintain its appearance. Simple cleaning with soap and water is all it needs.
- Stain resistance – The non-porous surface makes quartz very stain resistant. Even acidic foods like wine, coffee, and tomato sauce can be cleaned off easily.
- Versatile aesthetic – Quartz comes in a wide variety of colors, patterns, and realistic-looking stone textures. This allows it to mimic pricier natural stone looks.
- Non-porous – Liquids don’t penetrate the surface, making quartz very hygienic and ideal for food prep areas.
- Consistent patterning – While natural stones have unique veining that varies slab to slab, quartz has a uniform appearance not found in nature.
How Hard and Scratch Resistant is Quartz?
Quartz registers at around a 7 on the Mohs hardness scale. For comparison, diamond is a 10, while granite is typically between 6 and 7. This makes quartz an extremely hard and durable surface.
In real world use, quartz stands up well to daily wear and tear. It resists scratches from knives or pots and pans, which will simply glide across the surface without leaving a mark. Materials harder than quartz are needed to scratch it, such as glass, ceramic, or certain types of metal.
Quartz’s durability makes it ideal for busy kitchens and bathrooms. Minor scratches are rare, and the surface should maintain its smooth finish for many years.
Will Quartz Chip or Crack?
Thanks to its hard composition, quartz is very resistant to chipping and cracking. However, quartz is not completely invincible. Applying concentrated impact or force in a small area can potentially chip the edges. Dropping a heavy object on a corner can also cause chips or cracks.
Mishaps like these are rare during normal everyday use. But being aware of quartz’s vulnerabilities can help you take proper precautions. Using a cutting board instead of slicing foods directly on the counter will help protect the edges. Likewise, taking care not to drop heavy pans or appliances on the surface will prevent chips and cracks.
Overall quartz is highly resistant to damage, especially compared to more delicate natural stone options. But it’s not impervious to chipping when subjected to concentrated impacts. With proper care and maintenance, quartz should maintain its smooth appearance without cracking or chipping.
Is Quartz Prone to Scratches or Water Marks?
Quartz’s non-porous surface makes it very resistant to scratches and water marks:
Scratch Resistance
- Quartz’s hardness and smoothness prevent it from being easily scratched during normal daily use.
- Utensils, pots, and appliances can be used directly on a quartz surface without worry of scratching.
- Materials harder than quartz, like unglazed ceramics, can potentially scratch the surface. But these types of marks are rare with proper care.
Water Mark Resistance
- Liquids bead up on quartz rather than soaking in, preventing water marks or stains.
- Heat and moisture from cooking have minimal effect on quartz’s appearance.
- Simple cleaning with a damp cloth removes any residual moisture, keeping the surface free of marks or discoloration.
Choosing quartz over more porous natural stone gives you exceptional scratch and water mark resistance. This keeps the surface looking like new for many years without special maintenance.
How Does Quartz Hold Up to Impact?
Thanks to its hard composition, quartz stands up very well to impacts from normal daily use. Dropping a glass, pot, or pan on a quartz counter is unlikely to damage the surface. Here are a few examples of how quartz handles impact:
- Pots, pans, and appliances – Quartz easily withstands the impact of placing cooking pans, small kitchen appliances, or other household items on the surface. No chipping or cracking will occur.
- Glassware – Accidentally dropping a glass will likely not even leave a mark on a quartz countertop. It’s durability handles the impact well.
- Heavy objects – Dropping very heavy objects can potentially chip quartz. But under normal use quartz resists damage from typical kitchen items or appliances.
- Focused impacts – A sharp, focused blow in one spot could potentially damage quartz. But typical daily impacts disperse force and will not harm the surface.
Quartz’s hardness and durability provides excellent impact protection compared to natural stone. For everyday kitchen tasks, quartz provides peace of mind that accidental bumps or drops won’t harm the surface.
How Heat Resistant is Quartz?
Quartz has excellent heat resistance properties that allow it to withstand the demands of a busy kitchen:
- High heat tolerance – Quartz can tolerate brief exposure to temperatures up to 300°F without any damage. This makes it very suitable near cooking areas.
- No heat damage – You can place hot pots, pans, and bakeware directly on a quartz surface without worry of discoloration, marks, or cracks.
- Trivets still recommended – While quartz can handle heat, prolonged direct exposure to very hot pots can potentially cause damage over time. Use of trivets is still recommended.
- Resists thermal shock – Sudden temperature changes from hot to cold won’t crack or damage quartz like it can with natural stone.
With proper care quartz stands up beautifully to routine kitchen heat. Things like removing dishes straight from the oven and allowing cookware to cool on the counter are no problem. Just be mindful of any sustained direct heat exposure from very hot pots and pans.
How Durable Overall is Quartz?
Quartz offers excellent durability that rivals or exceeds natural stone:
- Withstands chips, cracks, scratches better than granite or marble
- Resists stains from spills that can permanently mark natural stone
- Non-porous so liquids don’t penetrate and cause damage over time
- Tolerance to heat and impact prevent damage from typical kitchen use
- Consistent smooth finish not degraded by slicing, chopping, and cooking
- Higher flexural strength than granite, making it less prone to breakage
- Resistant to UV light, keeping colors from fading over time
For busy kitchens and baths that will see years of continuous use, quartz’s durability provides reliable performance and beauty. The engineered composition offers enhanced properties compared to natural options.
How to Care for and Maintain Quartz Countertops
Caring for quartz requires minimal effort to keep it looking pristine:
- Use trivets and cutting boards – Allowing pots and pans to cool on trivets prevents prolonged heat exposure in one spot. Use cutting boards for food prep to protect edges.
- Clean spills promptly – Immediately wipe up spills, especially oils, wines, or acidic liquids that can stain if left for long periods.
- Simple cleaning – For everyday cleaning just use a soft cloth or sponge with mild soap and warm water. No harsh chemicals needed.
- Avoid abrasive cleaners – Don’t use products with bleach, ammonia, alkaline, or acidic compounds which can etch the surface.
- Reseal if needed – Resealing is not required for quartz, but can help fill any microscopic abrasions that develop with excessive use over many years.
With routine care quartz will retain its beautiful finish. It doesn’t demand special cleaners or frequent sealing like natural stone. The non-porous surface allows it to be easily cleaned with just soap and water.
Common Quartz Countertop Questions
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about quartz countertops:
Is quartz really indestructible?
While extremely durable, quartz can potentially be damaged if subjected to significant impact, force, or heat. However, under conditions of normal household use, quartz provides excellent scratch, chip, crack, and heat resistance.
How thick should quartz countertops be?
A thickness of 2 or 3 cm provides the best durability and resistance to cracking or warping. Thinner 1 cm options are available but are more prone to damage over time.
Can you cut on quartz countertops?
Yes, quartz stands up well to being cut on thanks to its hardness. Using a cutting board will minimize wear to protect the surface long-term.
Can you cut hot items on quartz?
Quartz can withstand brief contact with hot items just removed from the oven. However prolonged direct heat exposure in one spot could potentially damage the surface over time. Using trivets or allowing items to briefly cool first is recommended.
Does quartz need to be resealed?
Resealing is typically not necessary for quartz since it is non-porous. However, resealing can be done every few years to enhance stain resistance after much use.
Is quartz stain proof?
While very stain resistant, prolonged exposure to oils, dyes, or pigments could potentially stain quartz’s surface. However, these types of stains are rare with proper cleaning and care.
Choosing the Best Quartz Countertops
When selecting quartz for your home, consider the following tips:
- Visit showrooms – View slabs in-person to get a sense of colors and patterns before deciding. Pictures alone can be deceiving.
- Examine thickness – Look at edge thickness and opt for at least 2 cm for best durability.
- Learn about warranties – Reputable brands offer 10 or 15 year warranties. Make sure you understand what is covered.
- Compare prices – Quartz can range dramatically in price. Comparison shop to find deals.
- Order sufficient material – Plan for 10-15% extra to accommodate mistakes or future repairs.
Choosing the right quartz surfaces for your space is key. Carefully inspect options and learn about product warranties so you can be confident in durability and performance.
Is Quartz Right for Your Home?
Quartz brings hardness, durability, and stain resistance that exceeds natural stone. For homeowners that demand low maintenance and beauty that will last years, quartz is an excellent choice. With a wide range of colors and patterns that suit both modern and traditional aesthetics, it’s easy to find a style that enhances your home’s design.
If you’re looking for a surface that can withstand the rigors of busy kitchens and baths, quartz certainly delivers. The engineered composition offers enhancements over natural options for a worry-free, beautiful addition to any home. Just be sure to inspect products carefully, research manufacturer warranties, and properly care for surfaces. With quartz you can enjoy peace of mind along with sophistication, style, and low maintenance.