One of the biggest concerns we hear from homeowners is that a hot pot on quartz will destroy their counter. Our response: "Why would you do that in the first place?"
There is a reason that quartz countertops have become a staple in many American homes over the past decade. Quartz's combination of visual appeal, low maintenance, and durability makes it the perfect material for a busy kitchen. Considered one of the hardest materials on Earth, quartz consistently outperforms other popular countertop materials like granite and marble. So what's so great about quartz, anyway?
Non Porous From oils, to fruit juices, to wine spills, the kitchen is a messy place. Natural stone materials such as granite tend to show wear and tear more prominently as spills are absorbed and cause stains on countertops. Quartz's non-porous composition makes it resistant to such stains, ensuring that your countertops maintain their pristine appearance with minimal effort. Quartz's non-porous nature also means you won't need to seal your countertops. Unlike other materials that require periodic resealing, quartz saves you time and money on maintenance, allowing you to enjoy your kitchen with less hassle.
Low Maintenance In addition to being non-porous, quartz is practically effortless to clean and maintain. Unlike natural stone countertops that require special, neutral pH cleansers to avoid damage, quartz can be cleaned with any of your typical household cleaners or simply soap and water.
Appearance Another perk of quartz is that it is highly customizable in appearance. In addition to coming in a wide range of colors, patterns, and stone-like designs, it is easily shaped for custom curves, angels, and edges. Its manufactured nature also means that what you see in the showroom is what you'll see in your kitchen, as opposed to natural countertops that vary between slabs. Lines like Cambria (seen in image above) and MSI have a wide variety of quartz slab designs with a range of prices fit for every budget.
Durability Quartz's resistance to scratches, chips, and cracks not only means that you'll get longer use out of your countertops, but also that manufacturers generally issue more generous warranties against defects and damage.
So, with all of those pros, what's all the buzz about cracked quartz countertops? Well, during manufacturing, pure quartz comprises about 90% of the slab, with the remaining 10% consisting of resin, pigments, and other materials. Resin can only resist between 150-300°F for short periods before it begins to distort. This means that despite their durability, not even quartz countertops are completely immune to cracks over extended periods of use. However, cracks are not common in typical household kitchens. If you're curious about just how much heat it takes to crack quartz, check out this video from Lamont Bros. We promise it is no easy task, especially if you are conscious of how you treat your countertops.
Quartz countertops offer an exceptional blend of beauty, durability, and ease of maintenance, making them a top choice for modern kitchens. While no material is entirely free from potential issues, by incorporating simple precautions such as using cutting boards when chopping food, placing trivets under hot pots and pans, and using cooking devices with aluminum bottoms (heat shields), you can help protect your counters and maintain their untarnished condition. Investing in quartz - or any countertop - is not just about enhancing your kitchen's visual appeal; it's about choosing a practical, long-lasting solution that will serve you and your kitchen well.
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