Quartz countertops have become an increasingly popular option for kitchen and bathroom remodels in recent years. Often touted for their stylish appearance, quartz is also frequently chosen for its reputation as an extremely durable material. But how durable is a quartz countertop really? Let’s take a closer look.
What is Quartz?
Quartz countertops, sometimes referred to as engineered stone, are made from ground natural quartz crystals combined with resins and pigments. The quartz content typically makes up 90-94% of the material, while resins act as a binding agent and pigments add color and pattern.
The result is a man-made slabs that are non-porous, stain resistant, and can replicate the look of natural stone. While granite and marble are mined from quarries, quartz slabs are fabricated in factories under carefully controlled conditions. This allows quartz to achieve a consistent color and pattern not found in natural stone.
How Durable is Quartz Compared to Other Countertop Materials?
Quartz is widely considered one of the most durable countertop materials available today. Here’s how it stacks up against other popular options in terms of scratch resistance, heat tolerance, staining, and maintenance.
Scratch Resistance
Quartz has excellent scratch resistance due to its durability. It ranks a 7 out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which is higher than marble (3) and granite (6-7). This makes it very resistant to knives and everyday wear and tear. However, quartz can be damaged by extreme impact.
Heat Tolerance
Quartz is not heat proof, but is more heat tolerant than solid surface materials like Corian. Brief exposure to temperatures up to 212°F is fine, but prolonged direct heat from pots and pans can cause damage. Using trivets and hot pads is recommended.
Stain Resistance
Quartz repels most stains from food, liquids, and household chemicals. However, prolonged exposure can result in staining. Spills should be wiped up promptly.
Maintenance
Quartz requires very little maintenance. Simply cleaning with soap and water is enough for day-to-day care. Re-sealing is not necessary.
Overall, quartz offers superior durability and maintenance ease compared to materials like granite, marble, laminate, and solid surfaces. Its scratch, heat, and stain resistance make it an ideal choice for busy kitchens.
Factors That Impact Quartz Durability
While quartz itself is an extremely durable material, there are a few factors that can impact its long-term performance. Being aware of these can help you keep your quartz counters in the best shape possible.
Quality of Installation
Proper installation is crucial for maximizing durability. Seams should be tightly bonded to prevent moisture intrusion that can cause cracks and separation over time. Improper support can also lead to weakened areas prone to damage. Choose an experienced fabricator and installer.
Thickness
Thicker quartz slabs are more resistant to cracks and breakage than thinner options. 3cm (1.25 inch) thickness is best for flooring and heavy-use kitchen counters, while 2cm (0.75 inch) can suffice for bathroom vanities.
Edge Profile
A squared edge profile is more durable than beveled or thinner edges. Pencil-roll and laminated edges can chip more easily.
Color and Pattern
Quartz made with darker, more dense pigments will show fewer signs of wear and scratches than lighter colors. Busy patterns can also hide marks better than solid colors.
Daily Wear and Tear
Quartz is highly scratch-resistant, but not scratch-proof. Cutting directly on the surface and dragging cookware across it will eventually dull the finish. Using cutting boards and hot pads helps minimize superficial scratches.
Impact
While quartz stands up well to daily use, excessive force can cause chips and cracks. Dropping heavy objects on quartz can potentially cause damage.
Chemical Exposure
Prolonged exposure to strong chemicals like paint removers, oven cleaners, and drain openers can damage and discolor quartz. Quickly wipe up spills of these harsh products.
Sunlight Exposure
Like other materials, quartz can gradually fade and discolor when subjected to intense UV rays. Utilizing window treatments helps minimize this effect.
By being mindful of these factors, you can keep your quartz counters looking like new for many years.
How to Care for Quartz Countertops
Caring for quartz countertops takes little effort. Here are some tips for keeping them looking pristine:
- Clean frequently with a mild soap and water. For stubborn stains, use a non-abrasive cleaner designed for stone.
- Wipe up spills promptly to prevent possible staining. Acids like lemon juice and vinegar should not be left on the surface.
- Avoid using harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners which can dull the finish.
- Use trivets and hot pads under hot pans and baking dishes. While quartz can withstand brief heat exposure, prolonged direct contact with high temperatures can cause damage.
- Cut only on designated cutting boards, not directly on the quartz surface.
- Don’t place extremely heavy objects on quartz counters. The solid surface can crack under excessive impact.
- Re-sealing is not necessary for quartz counters. Unlike granite and marble, they do not require periodic sealing to remain water-resistant.
- Check for signs of damage around sink areas and seams periodically. Address any issues immediately to prevent moisture intrusion and further problems.
With routine care, quartz countertops will retain their like-new appearance and durability for decades in your home.
How Long Do Quartz Countertops Last?
With proper installation and care, quartz countertops can last a very long time. The expected lifespan is:
- 15-20 years in a residential kitchen
- 20-25 years in a bathroom
- 10-15 years in a commercial setting with heavy use
Unlike natural stone, quartz does not require re-sealing over time. It retains its stain protection and water-resistance for the life of the product.
However, quartz counters do require routine cleaning and care. Neglecting this can shorten their lifespan:
- Allowing spills and stains to set can lead to permanent discoloration if not promptly cleaned.
- Poor installation and seaming can cause separation, cracks, and damage from moisture.
- Not using trivets and cutting boards causes premature wear and scratching over time.
- Impacts from heavy objects may cause chips and cracks.
Quartz’s durability does not make it indestructible. But with proper care, it can serve your home well for 15 years or longer.
Signs Your Quartz Countertop Needs Replacement
While quartz can last over a decade with care, signs of wear will eventually appear. Here are some indicators it may be time for a new quartz countertop:
- Permanent staining and etching that can no longer be removed with cleaning
- Noticeable scratches, chips, cracks, or impact damage
- Seams that have separated, allowing moisture intrusion
- Warping or detaching around sinks and faucets
- Fading and discoloration from years of sunlight exposure
- An outdated color compared to current design trends
- New desired features like thicker edges or integrated sinks
If your quartz shows significant signs of aging, replacement may be your best option to restore the look and function of your kitchen or bath. Advancements in quartz technology also mean a new counter can offer improvements over your original.
Cost of Replacing a Quartz Countertop
The cost of replacing a quartz countertop will depend on several factors:
- Slab price: More premium quartz costs $70-$100 per square foot installed. Standard colors and patterns run $40-$70 per square foot.
- Labor: Demolition, fabrication, and installation will add $35-$75 per square foot. Complex projects take more time.
- Countertop size: Total costs scale up with increased surface area.
- Edge treatments: Decorative edges like ogee, bevel, and laminated edges add $5-$15 per linear foot.
- Sink cutouts: Cutting out sinks and cooktops adds $50-$150 per opening.
- Regional costs: Prices are generally higher in areas like New York City and San Francisco.
The typical range for replacing a 30 square foot quartz kitchen countertop is $2,000-$4,500 installed. Bathroom vanity tops run $500-$2,000.
Getting estimates from local countertop shops is the best way to gauge precise costs for your specific project.
FAQ
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the durability of quartz countertops:
Is quartz more durable than granite?
Quartz is slightly more durable and lower maintenance than natural granite. It does not need periodic sealing, and has superior resistance to stains, scratches, and heat. Granite rates slightly higher on the hardness scale, but quartz maintains its factory sealant making it very durable in real-world conditions.
Can you cut on a quartz countertop?
It’s best to avoid cutting directly on quartz. While minor scratches won’t impact durability, cutting will eventually dull the surface. Using a cutting board will maintain the factory finish longer.
Does quartz stain easier than granite?
No, quartz is less prone to staining than granite. Because it is non-porous, it resists most household spills and chemicals. But prolonged exposure can result in some staining, so prompt clean-up is still advised.
Is quartz damage resistant?
Quartz has excellent scratch resistance and stands up well to daily wear and tear. However, excessive impacts can potentially chip or crack it. Care should be taken to avoid heavy objects hitting quartz counters.
Does quartz fade in sunlight?
Like other materials, quartz can gradually fade and discolor when subjected to intense, prolonged sunlight exposure. Utilizing window coverings provides protection.
Can you put hot pots on quartz?
While brief contact is ok, prolonged direct heat can damage quartz. Using trivets and hot pads is highly recommended to prevent cracking and discoloration. Letting pots cool first before setting them on quartz is ideal.
Does quartz need to be resealed?
No, quartz countertops never require sealing. The resin binders create a water-resistant surface that maintains its durability over the life of the product. Sealing agents cannot penetrate quartz anyway.
Conclusion
With routine care, quartz offers unparalleled durability for kitchen and bathroom countertops. Its resistance to scratches, stains, and heat make it ideal for busy kitchens and family homes. While no material is truly indestructible, quartz requires little maintenance and can last over 15 years with proper installation and care. For a stylish, low-maintenance countertop built to last, quartz is a top choice.