Learn The Major Pros And Cons To Quartz Countertops (2024)

FAQs

What is bad for quartz countertops? ›

Harsh and acidic cleaning agents such as vinegar, lime, lemon are going to erode the sealant of the countertops' surface over time. This will make the surface more likely to stain. The best cleaning agent for quartz countertops is the one that has been formulated especially for quartz.

Quartz Countertops

One of the most popular countertops is quartz because it's so low maintenance. This man-made, engineered material is a tough surface that consists of quartz, one of earth's hardest minerals, mixed with polymer resins and color additives to create a countertop that's both strong and stunning.

Conclusion. On the surface (pun intended), quartz appears to be the winner. It's easier to maintain, longer-lasting, more environmentally friendly and easy to customize. However, it can be pricey depending on the options you choose and the uniqueness of granite remains appealing to many.

Although quartz is generally heat-resistant, it can be damaged by high temperatures, as when you take a hot pot or pan off the stove and set it directly on the surface. Exposure to extreme heat, or temperatures over 300 degrees Fahrenheit, could lead to scorch marks or discoloration that mars your countertop surface.

For most quartz countertops, warranties range from 10-15 years. Therefore, you should expect that your quartz countertops are likely to last at least 10-15 years, as long as you care for them properly.

You shouldn't be using Clorox wipes daily, or even often, on quartz countertops because they have citric acid, which can be very harsh on your counter. Long-term use could lead to discoloration of your quartz surface.

Quartz is a great material but has its drawbacks, including being difficult to install, expensive, vulnerable to heat and having visible seams. Evaluate its pros and cons to make an informed purchase.

As beloved as quartz countertops are, recent studies are drawing an irrefutable line between engineered stone, gaps in workplace safety protections, and a growing number of silicosis cases among the workers who cut, shape, and polish the stones, which has prompted quartz bans and emergency safety measures to be ...

Many people use Windex® or similar cleaners to help shine their countertops, while this is okay for most quartz, you should avoid cleaners with bleach or ammonia. Windex®, for example, comes in an ammonia-free version. The real key to caring for quartz is to be gentle.

Here are all the types of surfaces you can clean with Dawn® Powerwash: Stainless steel appliances, pots, handles, and fixtures. Light and dark granite countertops and backsplashes. Quartz countertops and backsplashes.

What cleaners not to use on quartz? ›

You must not expose quartz countertops to harsh chemicals, as they can damage the surface. Avoid using bleach, oven cleaners, or any other cleaning products containing pumice.

While both materials have their benefits, the nod goes to granite as the better choice. Here are some surprising reasons why. Simply put, granite is more durable than quartz.

Quartz is Easier to Maintain than Granite

This countertop achieves a high level of durability without any sealant. As opposed to Granite, which requires re-sealing each year to maintain a less superior guard against the common hot pan, spilled wine, and dirty hands. An easy to clean countertop is the new kitchen dream.

Quartz and granite countertops are priced similarly per square foot, with granite counters having the wider variation in price. Granite can be more expensive than quartz at times, based on the availability of a color and pattern. Sometimes quartz is more expensive due to the treatments it receives during manufacturing.

Again, quartz is extremely durable. High-quality quartz is virtually crack-resistant, but lesser quality quartz can crack or shatter if exposed to extreme cold, such as an ice bag left on the counter. The same goes for extreme heat. Sudden, drastic changes in temperature may crack a quartz surface.

Quartz counters are durable and more resistant to scratches, chips and cracks than other surfaces.. Quartz also resists water damage, stains, mold, and bacteria, making it an excellent choice for bathrooms, kitchens, and professional environments.

Overexposure to sunlight can turn your white quartz yellow, especially if the sunlight is hitting your worktops every day for long periods of time. Sunlight can be one of the most common causes of your white quartz turning yellow and is one of the easiest to prevent.

Quartz is ranked 7th on Mohs scale

This means that quartz is highly resistant to scratching, but it is not entirely scratch proof. In everyday use, knives and sharp objects will not scratch your countertops easily. Granite, on the other hand, offers hardness between 6 and 6.5 on the Mohs scale.