Can Quartz Countertops Be Used Outdoors?

Durability

One of the biggest benefits of quartz is its durability. Quartz countertops are extremely hard and scratch-resistant, making them ideal for withstanding outdoor elements.

Quartz has a hardness rating of 7 on the Mohs scale, compared to granite’s rating of 6-7. This makes it very resistant to scratches, chips and cracks.
The resins bind the quartz particles together, creating a very dense, non-porous surface that stands up well to daily wear and tear.
Quartz won’t erode from exposure to sunlight and weather like some natural stone. The pigments used to color quartz run throughout the slab.
Properly sealed, quartz won’t stain from spills like wine, coffee and cooking oils that can be problematic on porous natural stone.

Low Maintenance

Outdoor kitchens and entertainment spaces get a lot of use, so low maintenance is key. Quartz requires very little upkeep compared to other surfaces:

It never needs to be sealed or repolished to maintain its appearance.
Simple cleaning with soap and water is generally all that’s required to keep quartz looking like new.
Quartz resists mold, mildew and bacteria growth, minimizing the need for heavy-duty cleaners and disinfectants often required for food prep areas.

Temperature Resistant

Quartz holds up well in both hot and cold conditions:

Unlike some natural stone, quartz withstands heat well and won’t crack under the temperatures of hot pots and pans.
It’s also resistant to thermal shock from alternating hot and cold.
In cold climates, quartz withstands freezing temperatures without damage.
The resins make quartz more flexible than natural stone, preventing cracks from shifts due to thermal expansion.

Color Options

Quartz comes in a wide array of colors from neutrals to bold hues that resist fading over time. Popular options include:

Whites, creams and grays that mimic marble and other natural stone looks.
Tans, browns and blacks that coordinate well with outdoor environments.
Bold colors like reds, blues, greens and oranges that make a vibrant design statement.

Styles

In additional to solids, there are many quartz styles that beautifully replicate natural patterns:

Agglomerated quartz has a terrazzo-like look with interesting stone aggregates visible throughout the surface.
Many quartz options mimic marble with realistic veining in various colors.
Particulate quartz has a granite-like appearance with speckles in the pattern.

Seamless Appearance

Outdoor kitchens often have unique shapes and built-in features. One advantage of quartz is that it can be fabricated into custom designs:

Large format quartz slabs allow for a seamless appearance on surfaces with few seams.
Quartz can be cut to accommodate sinks, appliance panels, lighting and other outdoor kitchen elements.
Curved and rounded shapes can be created for a smooth, modern look not always possible with natural stone.
Clear epoxy seams result in tight joints that resist penetration of moisture.

Non-Porous

Quartz’s non-porous surface makes it ideal for outdoor food prep and dining areas:

Food and drinks won’t seep in and cause stains and odors.
Quartz won’t harbor mold, bacteria and other microbes like porous stone can.
Spills sit on top for easy wiping.
It never requires sealing to maintain a sanitary surface.

Stain, Scratch and Heat Resistant

Quartz’s durability also lends itself well to heavy use outdoors:

Quartz stands up to wine, coffee, condiment and grease spills.
Metal cookware won’t scratch or damage quartz like it can natural stone surfaces.
Pots and pans straight from the grill won’t scorch or crack quartz.
Dropped bottles, glasses and other objects are less likely to chip or break quartz.

Cost Effectiveness

Quartz is an affordable option compared to some natural stone:

The manufacturing process makes quartz cost less per square foot than granite or marble.
Less material is wasted during fabrication, keeping installed costs down.
The durability and low maintenance requirements save on replacement and upkeep costs.
Consistent color and patterns mean you can easily expand or make future replacements.

Easy Installation

Quartz offers construction benefits compared to natural stone:

More precise sizing and interpretations makes installation faster.
Lighter weight than natural stone reduces structural support needs.
No need for seasonal sealing means lower long-term maintenance costs.
Resistance to cracks and chips from ground movement reduces future repair work.

Increased Home Value

Adding an outdoor kitchen or entertainment space with quartz countertops can increase a home’s resale value. Features buyers look for include:

An outdoor space designed for entertaining and relaxing.
Durable, low maintenance materials that hold up over time.
Modern styling with attractive, upscale finishes.
Multi-functional areas like prep space, bar, dining, etc.
Seamless flow between indoor and outdoor living areas.

Environmentally Friendly

For eco-conscious homeowners, quartz has green benefits:

Made from abundant natural quartz, a very durable material.
Produced in a controlled factory setting with uniform quality.
Contains recycled content depending on the manufacturer.
Does not require ongoing resealing and maintenance.
Easy to sanitize without harsh chemical cleaners.
Can be refinished instead of replaced, keeping it out of landfills.

Drawbacks to Consider

Despite its many advantages, there are some drawbacks to keep in mind:

Quartz has less patterning diversity than natural stone.
Darker colors can get very hot in direct sunlight.
Quartz lacks the prestigious cachet of exotic granites and marbles.
The surface can be damaged by strong chemicals.
Joints may be more visible than a natural stone slab depending on the design.

Is Quartz Right for Your Outdoor Space?

Quartz makes an excellent choice for outdoor kitchen countertops and entertainment spaces if:

You want a very durable and low maintenance surface.
Stain, scratch and heat resistance are important factors.
You prefer a consistent color and pattern.
An affordable stone look is desired.
You want to avoid annual sealing required by natural stone.

With proper installation and care, a quartz countertop can provide beauty, performance and enjoyment for many years of outdoor living. Consult with a landscape designer to see if quartz is right for your next outdoor project.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is quartz more expensive than granite?

Quartz is generally a bit less expensive than granite. The main factors affecting the cost are color, pattern, thickness and edge treatments. On average, expect to pay $50-100 per square foot installed for quartz.

What are quartz countertops made of?

Quartz countertops are made from crushed quartz blended with polyester resins and pigments. The resins bind the quartz particles together to form a durable, non-porous slab.

Can quartz crack from heat?

Quartz is resistant to thermal shock and can withstand heat up to 212°F without risk of cracking. However, prolonged direct contact with very hot pans may damage the surface.

Does quartz need to be resealed?

No, quartz never requires sealing or repolishing since it’s non-porous. Simple cleaning with soap and water is all that’s needed to maintain its finish.

How thick should quartz countertops be outdoors?

A thickness of at least 2 cm (3/4″) is recommended for outdoor quartz countertops. Thicker 3 cm (1 1/4″) slabs provide even more strength for heavily used surfaces.

Can you cut on quartz countertops?

Yes, quartz is durable enough for cutting with sharp knives. Use a cutting board to protect the surface and avoid dulling your blades.

Is quartz slippery when wet?

Quartz has more natural traction than polished granite. But any stone when wet can be slippery. Apply an anti-slip treatment if needed for safety.

Can quartz countertops stain?

Quartz resists stains very well but is not 100% stain-proof. Spills should be cleaned up promptly. Avoid exposing the surface to strong chemicals that may discolor it.

Does quartz get hot in the sun?

Yes, darker quartz colors will absorb heat from sunlight and get hot to the touch. Lighter colors stay cooler. Applying a cool deck coating can help reduce heat absorption.

Conclusion

With its superior durability, low maintenance, design flexibility and resistance to outdoor conditions, quartz makes an excellent choice for countertops in outdoor kitchens and entertainment areas. While no material is perfect, quartz offers an unbeatable combination of performance, beauty and affordability. Following proper design, installation and care guidelines will ensure your outdoor quartz countertops provide lasting function and style for years of enjoyable outdoor living.