Quartz countertops have become an increasingly popular choice for commercial spaces in recent years, and for good reason. Here is an in-depth look at using quartz in commercial settings.

What is Quartz?

Quartz is an engineered stone made from natural quartz crystals and resin. It is non-porous, stain-resistant, scratch-resistant, and heat-resistant – making it an ideal material for high-traffic commercial environments.

Some key benefits of quartz:

Extremely durable and long-lasting
Easy to clean and maintain
Resists stains, scratches, heat, and bacteria growth
Available in a wide range of colors and patterns
Doesn’t require sealing

Is Quartz Suitable for Commercial Use?

Yes, quartz makes an excellent choice for commercial countertops and surfaces. Its durability and low-maintenance nature means it can stand up to heavy daily use in busy restaurants, offices, hotels, hospitals, and more.

Quartz is used for:

Reception desks: Withstands daily wear and tear in high traffic areas. Easy to wipe down and keep clean.
Restaurant counters and bars: Resists stains from wine, coffee, oil, etc. Doesn’t require re-sealing.
Kitchen counters: Heat, stain, scratch and bacteria resistant. NSF certified for commercial food safety.
Nurses’ stations: Non-porous so resists germs and bacteria. Easy to disinfect.
Restroom vanities: Stands up to water exposure and cleaning chemicals. Low maintenance.
Office desks: Durable enough for daily use. Modern, stylish look.
Hotels: Guest rooms, lobby, restaurants, bars, conference areas. Sleek, upscale aesthetic.

In short, quartz offers the ideal combination of form and function for commercial settings.

Quartz vs. Other Materials

How does quartz compare to other popular countertop materials used commercially?

More durable, lower maintenance than granite or marble. Also resists etching from acids.
Doesn’t require sealing like natural stone.
More heat and scratch resistant than laminate.
Less prone to damage than solid surfaces like Corian.
Comparable aesthetics to granite and marble but wider variety of colors/patterns.
Costs less than natural stone. Comparable cost to high-end laminates.

Pros of Using Quartz Commercially

There are many advantages that make quartz an excellent commercial countertop choice:

Extremely durable – Made to stand up to heavy daily use for decades. Low repair and replacement needs.
Stain resistant – Does not easily stain from wine, coffee, ink, food, chemicals. Little risk of permanent damage.
Heat resistant – Can withstand exposure to hot pots/pans. No risk of burn marks.
Scratch resistant – Resists knives, keys, and other objects that can scratch surfaces.
Low maintenance – Simple cleaning with soap and water. No sealing needed.
Hygienic – Non-porous so does not harbor germs and bacteria. Easy to sanitize.
Stylish aesthetics – Mimics look of natural stone. Wide range of modern colors and patterns.
Cost effective – Comparable or lower cost than granite, marble or solid surface. Long lifespan provides great value.

Other Pros:

Neutral background allows flexibility in design schemes
Non-reflective surface
Does not stain from common cleaning chemicals
NSF certified for food safety

Potential Cons to Consider

While quartz has many benefits for commercial use, there are a few potential downsides to consider:

Seams may be more visible – For larger installations, seams between slabs may be more apparent than with some other materials.
Some limitations for very heavy use – Not ideal for commercial kitchens with extreme hot line use. Granite may be better for chopping/prep.
Susceptible to damage from strong chemicals – Avoid exposure to very alkaline cleaners and stripping agents.
Can chip if subject to impact – Dropping heavy objects may cause chips and cracks.
Higher initial cost than some options – More expensive than plastic laminate, tile or some solid surfaces.
Limited exotic aesthetics – Does not mimic rare/unique natural stone looks.
Can stain from prolonged exposure – Spills should be cleaned quickly. Not completely stain proof.

Best Practices for Using Quartz Commercially

To get the most out of quartz in commercial settings, follow these best practices:

Inspect slabs thoroughly prior to fabrication to check for defects.
Have an experienced fabricator/installer make a tight seamless fit.
Seal seams properly to prevent moisture intrusion and staining.
Ensure adequate support underneath to prevent cracking from settling.
Use trivets and hot pads under extremely hot pots/pans.
Clean spills quickly to prevent possible staining. Use mild soap and water.
Avoid exposing to strong alkaline cleaners and strippers. Check product labeling.
Use a cutting board for food preparation tasks to prevent knife scratches.

Other Tips:

Consider a honed finish rather than polished for high traffic areas.
Use coordinating caulking/grout at seams and edges.
For restaurants, allow at least 10″ of overhang into dining area for plate setting.

In Conclusion

Quartz offers a winning combination of aesthetics, performance, and maintenance ease that makes it an excellent choice for nearly any commercial space. Its durability and stain resistance allows it to stand up to the high demands of busy work environments. With proper care and maintenance, quartz countertops will retain their beauty and function for many years of commercial use.

FAQ About Using Quartz Commercially

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about using quartz in commercial settings:

Is quartz good for commercial kitchens?

Yes, quartz is an excellent choice for most commercial kitchens due to its durability, heat resistance, and NSF certification for food safety. The non-porous material inhibits bacterial growth. The biggest limitations would be for high heat settings like busy restaurant hot lines.

What are quartz’s limitations in commercial use?

The main limitations are avoiding significant impacts that can chip the surface, very high heat, and exposure to alkaline chemicals. Quartz also can show seams more than some materials and does not mimic exotic natural stone looks.

Does quartz need to be sealed for commercial use?

No, quartz does not require sealing. This makes it much lower maintenance than granite, marble or other natural stone surfaces that need periodic sealing in commercial settings.

Can you cut directly on quartz countertops?

It’s best to avoid cutting directly on quartz. Use a cutting board to protect from knife scratches. Impact from cutting may also eventually cause chipping.

**What cleaners can you use on quartz? **

Most common mild cleaners are safe. Avoid alkaline cleaners and strippers which can damage quartz. Check labels and test in inconspicuous spot before wide use.

Is quartz cheaper than granite or marble?

Often yes, quartz tends to cost less than natural stone. Exact pricing depends on quality, patterns, thickness etc. But quartz provides great value, especially for commercial use where durability and low maintenance are vital.

Are there green options for commercial quartz use?

Yes, some quartz contains recycled materials. There are also eco-friendly plant-based resins. Specifying local fabrication reduces transportation impacts too. Be sure to ask providers about sustainable options.

Does quartz get hot from the sun in commercial settings?

Quartz does retain some heat, but less than darker granites due to quartz’s lighter colors. Specifying lighter quartz colors can help prevent excessive solar heat gain indoors.

Can you use quartz outdoors commercially?

Outdoor use is not recommended. Rapid extreme temperature changes outdoors can damage quartz. It also lacks the slip-resistance needed for outdoor flooring applications.

Does quartz come in large enough slabs for commercial use?

Yes, quartz manufacturers make slabs in sizes up to 130″ x 65″, sufficient for most commercial installations. Experienced fabricators can seam edges inconspicuously.

Can you etch designs, logos, or patterns into commercial quartz?

Yes, it is possible to etch designs into quartz via a CNC machine. This allows custom branding opportunities in commercial spaces like restaurants, hotels, offices, etc.

Can You Use Quartz Countertops in Commercial Use?