Quartz countertops are an increasingly popular choice for modern kitchens and bathrooms. Made from engineered stone, quartz is valued for its durability, low maintenance, and stylish appearance. However, as a hard stone surface, some homeowners wonder whether quartz can withstand the chopping and cutting that occurs during food preparation. Here is what you need to know about using quartz countertops as a cutting surface.
An Overview of Quartz Countertops
Quartz countertops, sometimes called engineered stone, are made from approximately 90% ground natural quartz combined with polymer resins and pigments. This mixture creates a durable, non-porous surface that resists scratches, stains, and heat.
Quartz comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns to suit any décor. Compared to natural stone like granite or marble, quartz requires very little maintenance. It does not need to be regularly sealed and is easy to clean. For these reasons, along with affordability and durability, quartz has surged in popularity for countertops over the last decade.
The Hardness and Durability of Quartz
Quartz registers at around 7 on the Mohs hardness scale. For comparison, diamond is a 10 and granite is between 6 and 7. This makes quartz an extremely hard and durable surface. In fact, quartz is nearly indestructible under normal use. It does not easily scratch or chip.
Quartz’s non-porous composition also makes it very resilient. Liquids cannot penetrate the surface, so it does not require sealing like natural stone. It is also resistant to stains and mildew. With proper care, quartz countertops can last for many years without wearing down.
Is Quartz Suitable for Chopping?
With proper care, quartz countertops can be an ideal surface for meal preparation and chopping fruits, vegetables, meats, and more. However, there are a few precautions to take.
Use a Cutting Board
It is best to use a cutting board on quartz rather than chopping directly on the counter. A wooden, plastic, or rubber cutting board protects the quartz surface from unnecessary damage from blades or impact.
Avoid Heavy Impacts
While quartz is extremely hardy, subjecting it to heavy blows can chip the edges or corners. Avoid things like aggressively hammering meat or using the countertop as a makeshift butcher block. Use care when working with heavy cookware as well.
Don’t Cut Near Edges
Avoid cutting or chopping extremely close to the counter edges. Striking a blade on the corner or edge of a quartz countertop can potentially chip it. Leave at least a couple inches of margin when working near a counter’s edge.
Use the Proper Knives
Cut only with sharp knives specifically designed for use on hard surfaces. Quartz can dull knife edges quicker than wood. Serrated blades may leave light indentations on quartz over time.
Clean Up Spills
Because liquids cannot penetrate quartz, wiping up spills immediately prevents staining. Avoid letting juices, oils, and liquids sit on the surface for prolonged periods after food preparation.
Maintaining Quartz Countertops
With routine cleaning and care, quartz countertops can maintain their good-as-new appearance for years. Here are some tips:
- Clean frequently with a mild soap and water. For dried spills, a non-abrasive scrub pad lifts debris.
- Blot up spills immediately to prevent staining. For oils, use a degreasing cleaner formulated for stone surfaces.
- Reseal granite or marble every 1-2 years. Quartz does NOT require regular resealing.
- Avoid abrasive cleaners, scouring pads, or scrubbing brushes. This can dull the quartz.
- Prevent staining by using coasters for glasses and trivets for hot pans.
- Have any chips or impact damage professionally repaired as soon as possible.
The Best Finish for a Quartz Kitchen Countertop
Quartz manufacturers offer various finishes that affect the look and feel of the material:
- Polished – Glossy, mirror-like shine. Elegant but shows imperfections easily.
- Honed – Smooth, matte suede finish. Hides marks but requires frequent sealing.
- Concrete – Rough texture resembling poured concrete. Casual, organic aesthetic.
- Leathered – Soft pebbled texture, like natural leather. Mutes shiny glare.
- Grip/Sandblasted – Fine abraded grip pattern. Adds traction but requires more sealing.
The most popular and maintenance-friendly finish is a shiny polished quartz. However, personal style preferences factor into choosing a finish.
Pros and Cons of Quartz Countertops
Quartz offers many benefits but also some downsides to consider:
Pros
- Extremely durable and scratch-resistant surface
- Resists stains, etching, mold and mildew
- Easy maintenance that requires no regular sealing
- Wide variety of colors, patterns, and finishes
- More affordable than natural stone
Cons
- Can chip or crack if subjected to heavy impact
- Emits a manufactured, engineered appearance
- Fewer unique variations than natural stone
- Requires replacement if extensively damaged
Is Quartz a Smart Option for Your Kitchen?
For most homeowners, quartz presents an outstanding option for kitchen and bath countertops. Its unmatched durability and low maintenance cost make quartz a practical yet beautiful choice. Minor precautions like using cutting boards and avoiding excessive impact allow quartz countertops to stand up to years of daily use. With a little care, quartz surfaces can be enjoyed as a modern, functional, and stylish element of any home kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you chop food directly on a quartz countertop?
It’s best not to chop directly on quartz. Use a cutting board to protect the surface. Quartz is stain, scratch and chip resistant, but direct chopping can damage edges over time.
What happens if you chop on a quartz countertop?
Chopping directly on quartz without a cutting board can lead to light scratches and cuts over time. It also increases the chance of impact damage, like chips and cracks, on countertop edges and corners.
Is it OK to cut meat on quartz?
You can cut meat on a quartz countertop, but it’s recommended you use a cutting board. Quartz can withstand light cutting, but repeated chopping of hard materials like meat bones can damage the surface. Use care when cutting meat not to strike edges.
Can quartz counters get stained?
Quartz resists stains very well due to its non-porous composition. However, prolonged exposure to pigmented liquids like juices, wine and oils can stain if not wiped up quickly. Blot spills ASAP and clean with a stone-safe cleaner.
How often should you seal a quartz countertop?
Unlike natural stone, quartz does not require any sealing. Ever. The resins that make quartz so durable also make it stain-proof when properly cleaned and maintained. Avoid sealers which can create more surface issues.
Does quartz scratch easily?
Quartz has excellent scratch resistance due to its hardness. It doesn’t scratch under normal daily use. Cutting directly on the surface can scratch over time. Use cutting boards to prevent utensil scratches during food prep.
Can you repair a damaged quartz countertop?
Some minor chips, cracks, and scratches can be repaired by a pro. But extensive damage requires replacing the quartz slab. Take care to avoid impacts and use cutting boards to limit permanent damage needing replacement.
Does quartz deteriorate outdoors?
Quartz maintains its durability and appearance better outdoors than other countertop materials. However, prolonged sun and freeze-thaw cycles can eventually deteriorate quartz. Outdoor kitchens may require more maintenance.
Is quartz more expensive than granite?
In most cases, quartz costs less than natural granite. The manufacturing process makes quartz more affordable, with more consistent patterns and colors than granite’s natural variations. However, premium quartz can approach granite pricing.
Does quartz add value to a home?
Yes, quartz countertops are valued additions in most homes. Their sophisticated appearance and reputation for durability make quartz a selling point. But like other upgrades, the recouped value depends on overall market demand.
Conclusion
With proper use and care, quartz countertops can be the perfect worry-free surface for meal preparation, entertaining, crafting, and more. Simple habits like using cutting boards, cleaning spills promptly, and avoiding edge impacts allow quartz to stand up beautifully over years of use. For most homeowners, quartz presents an easy-care, durable, and stylish countertop option. Follow basic precautions and quartz will maintain its good looks while withstanding daily kitchen duties.