Quartz countertops have become an increasingly popular option for kitchen and bathroom remodels in recent years. With their durability, low maintenance, and customizability, it’s easy to see why quartz has gained so much favor. But before committing to a quartz countertop installation, many homeowners wonder – how hard is quartz? Understanding the hardness and durability of quartz can help you determine if it’s the right material for your needs.
What is Quartz?
Quartz is an engineered stone made from roughly 90% ground natural quartz crystals combined with polyresin binders under high pressure. The result is a non-porous, stain-resistant, low-maintenance countertop material that comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns.
Unlike natural stone countertops like granite or marble, quartz is not mined in slabs. The manufacturing process allows creators to carefully control the composition and aesthetic of the material. This gives quartz an advantage in consistency and customizability over natural stone.
How Hard is Quartz Countertops?
One of the biggest appeals of quartz countertops is their exceptional hardness and durability. On the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, quartz ranks at a 7 out of 10. For comparison, granite ranks from 6 to 7 on the same scale.
This high hardness rating means quartz countertops are very scratch-resistant and can stand up to heavy daily use without showing much wear and tear. Their non-porous composition also makes them stain-resistant and easy to keep clean.
While no material is completely indestructible, quartz countertops are some of the most durable options available for busy kitchens and baths. Their hardness means they can better avoid scratches, chips, and dents that would mar natural stone.
Scratch Resistance
The quartz aggregates in engineered quartz countertops make them very scratch-resistant. Items like pots, pans, and servingware won’t leave scratches under normal use.
Quartz holds up well against sharp knives if used properly on a cutting board. Accidental scrapes or slides across the surface generally won’t leave marks. However, dragging knives across the countertop can potentially scratch the surface.
Overall, quartz’s durability means it can stand up to everyday wear better than most other countertop materials. Small scratches may occur over time under heavy use, but they tend to blend into the overall pattern and color.
Stain Resistance
Thanks to its non-porous composition, quartz does an excellent job resisting stains. Liquids and spills tend to bead up on the surface rather than soaking in. This gives you time to wipe them away before any staining can occur.
With prompt cleanup of spills, most common kitchen and bathroom stains can be easily avoided. However, some deeply pigmented substances like wine, coffee and juice can potentially stain quartz if left for prolonged time periods.
Overall, quartz requires very little maintenance to keep a clean, beautiful look. With responsible use and care, it is one of the most low-maintenance countertop materials you can choose. Just be sure to wipe up spills as they occur.
Heat Resistance
Quartz countertops are engineered to stand up to normal usage around heat. Using hot pots or baking dishes directly on the surface generally won’t cause any issues.
However, prolonged direct heat exposure from appliances like crock pots or electric griddles can potentially damage quartz. The adhesives binding the materials together may weaken and melt under extreme temperatures.
It’s best practice to use trivets or hot pads when placing extremely hot cookware on quartz. Avoid subjecting the same area to high heat again and again. With responsible use, quartz offers good heat resistance for typical cooking tasks.
Impact Resistance
The compressed composition of quartz makes it able to withstand a higher level of impact than natural stone. Dropping a heavy object is less likely to chip or crack quartz than more delicate materials like marble.
However, subjecting quartz countertops to significant impact should still be avoided. While it has good durability, it’s not impervious to chips and dents from excessive force. Care should be taken to not pound, drop or apply unnecessary pressure.
With responsible use, quartz’s impact resistance allows it to better handle accidents that are part of everyday life in busy kitchens and bathrooms. But intentinal misuse that damages the material is not considered normal wear and tear.
Strength and Stability
Quartz countertops are engineered to remain stable and rigid over time. The material does not require sealing or treatment to maintain its strength and performance.
Thanks to its non-porous composition, quartz resists absorbing moisture that could contribute to cracking or warping. Variations in temperature and humidity generally don’t impact quartz like they can with some natural stone options.
Properly installed quartz countertops are built to last for many years of heavy use without significant maintenance. They maintain their integrity and appearance better than many other countertop materials on the market.
How Does Quartz Compare to Other Countertop Materials?
Understanding how quartz stacks up against other popular countertop options can help determine if it’s the right choice for your particular needs. Let’s compare its hardness and durability to materials like granite, marble, and solid surface.
Quartz vs. Granite
Granite is commonly used for countertops thanks to its natural beauty and prestige. However, granite is somewhat more porous than quartz, making it more prone to staining. It’s also softer, ranking from 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale compared to quartz at 7.
This means quartz generally holds up better against scratches, chips, and dents over time. Granite requires periodic sealing to prevent stains, while quartz rarely needs this treatment. Overall, quartz offers better stain, scratch, and heat resistance.
However, granite remains popular for its stunning natural patterns which can’t quite be replicated in quartz. It’s also slightly less expensive. For some buyers, the beauty and prestige of granite outweighs the durability advantages of quartz.
Quartz vs. Marble
Marble is a classic natural stone valued for its elegance and ornate veining patterns. However, it ranks only a 3 or 4 on the Mohs scale, making it a relatively soft stone. While beautiful, marble is prone to etching, staining, and chipping with regular kitchen use.
Quartz offers vastly superior durability and stain resistance compared to marble. For kitchen countertops that see daily use, quartz is generally a much wiser investment than delicate marble. If opting for marble, be prepared to treat it gently and accept that it will likely show wear and stains over time.
Quartz vs. Solid Surface
Materials like Corian are grouped under the category of solid surface – made from acrylic resins and minerals. Solid surfaces are non-porous and perform well against staining and scratching. They can offer an affordable countertop solution.
However, quartz is generally harder and more durable than most solid surfaces. Over time, solid surface scratches more easily and requires more frequent conditioning to retain its luster. It can also be prone to heat damage from direct contact with hot pans and appliances.
For busier kitchens and baths, quartz’s superior durability often makes it a better investment than solid surface materials. But solid surfaces provide an economical option that may suit less demanding applications.
How to Care for Quartz Countertops
While quartz’s durability means minimal maintenance is required, following best practices can help your countertops look their best for years. Here are some tips for caring for quartz:
- Clean spills quickly to prevent possible staining, especially from pigmented liquids like wine.
- Use mild soap and water or stone-safe cleaners, not harsh chemicals.
- Avoid exposing the same area to excessive direct heat. Use trivets and hot pads.
- Chopping directly on the counter can dull knives – use a cutting board.
- Don’t apply heavy pressure that can damage the surface.
- Reseal joints every 1-2 years to prevent moisture issues.
- Avoid using cleaners and products containing oils, as they can build up.
- Use coasters under glasses to prevent etching from condensation rings.
By giving quartz the occasional cleaning and being mindful of avoiding damage, it will maintain its beauty with minimal upkeep required. Be sure to thoroughly research and follow the manufacturer’s care guidelines as well.
Are Quartz Countertops the Right Choice?
Quartz offers one of the best combinations of aesthetic appeal and durability for kitchen and bathroom countertops. Its customizability, low maintenance needs, and stain resistance provide practical advantages over many other material options.
However, quartz is not impervious to damage. Responsible use and care is still required to keep quartz counters looking like new. For homeowners that commit to caring for it properly, quartz can be a wise investment that provides many years of beauty and performance.
Ultimately, the decision between quartz vs granite, marble, and other options depends on your budget, needs and preferences. If you seek an attractive, low-maintenance surface that can handle heavy use, though, quartz undoubtedly emerges as a top choice worth considering. With proper installation and care over time, it will likely outlast and outperform many other countertop materials.
Frequently Asked Questions About Quartz Countertops
Many homeowners researching quartz counters have similar questions about its durability, cost, maintenance, and more. Here we will address some of the most common FAQs:
Is Quartz Countertops Really Durable?
Yes, quartz is one of the most durable countertop materials available. Its hardness, stain resistance, and scratch resistance allow it to stand up beautifully to heavy daily use in kitchens and baths. With responsible care, it maintains its good looks far longer than many other options.
Do You Need to Seal Quartz Countertops?
No, sealing and polishing is not necessary for quartz like it is for more porous natural stone. The resins used to make quartz make it non-porous and highly stain resistant without any sealants needed. Any quartz countertop sealers on the market are essentially useless.
Can Quartz Countertops Chip or Crack?
Chips and cracks are possible but unlikely with properly installed quartz counters. Small chips can occur on the edges of the countertop from impact. Cracks are very rare but can happen if the underlying base has any structural issues. Overall, though, quartz is quite resilient against damage with normal use.
Can You Cut on Quartz Countertops?
It’s best to use a cutting board and not cut directly on quartz. While quartz is scratch-resistant, cutting can still dull knives over time. The counters will eventually develop superficial knicks and scratches with excessive cutting. Using a durable cutting surface preserves both your knives and the quartz.
How Long Do Quartz Countertops Last?
With proper care and maintenance, quartz counters typically last 15-25 years before needing replacement. This lifespan exceeds that of most natural stone and engineered alternatives. The durability of quartz means that with responsible use, it can easily last through many years of everyday wear and tear.
Is Quartz Worth the Extra Cost?
Quartz is generally priced in the mid-range of countertop options, higher than laminate but less than luxury natural stone. When you factor in the durability, low maintenance, and longevity of quartz, it’s worth the moderate upcharge for many homeowners. The years of beauty and hassle-free use make the investment worthwhile.
Choosing the right countertop to match your home and lifestyle is an important decision. With its fashionable options and outstanding performance, quartz provides a compelling option to consider. Understanding quartz’s durability and how it compares to other materials can help you decide if it’s the right fit for your next project. With proper care over time, quartz counters will retain their elegance and function for many years of enjoyment.