Quartz countertops are a popular choice for kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects due to their durability, low maintenance, and stylish appearance. However, one downside of quartz counters is that they tend to feel cool to the touch. Here are some tips for warming up your quartz countertops.
Use Area Rugs
Placing area rugs in front of quartz countertop surfaces can help insulate and retain heat. Opt for rugs made from natural fibers like wool or cotton that will trap warmth from your body and radiant heat from the flooring underneath. This simple solution creates a cozy feel underfoot while working at quartz countertop spaces.
Install Radiant Floor Heating
Radiant floor heating systems work by circulating warm water through tubes underneath flooring surfaces. The warmth radiates up through flooring materials like tile, wood, or laminate and makes entire rooms feel more comfortable. Radiant floor heat works well to warm up quartz counters that sit atop cabinetry. Consulting with a contractor about installing radiant heating during a kitchen or bath remodel is worthwhile for overall warmth.
Use Heat Lamps
Fixed or movable heat lamps can provide directed warmth onto quartz countertop surfaces. Mounted underneath upper cabinets, heat lamps focus radiant heat onto particular zones of quartz counters. Alternatively, movable clamp or stand heat lamps can be adjusted to aim warmth where needed. Use caution when using heat lamps near quartz to avoid any potential damage from excessive heat.
Take Advantage of Natural Sunlight
Strategically using sunlight can passively warm up quartz countertops during daytime hours. Open blinds or curtains on windows near quartz surfaces to allow natural light to stream in. Sunlight not only warms the counter but also creates a cheerful ambiance in kitchens or bathrooms. Shift quartz cutting boards, appliances, or decor to maximize sunlight exposure on the counter’s surface.
Preheat the Area
Run hot water in the kitchen or bathroom sink nearest the quartz countertop for a few minutes before using the space. The hot water will release steam and moisture to gently warm the surrounding area. Or, use the stovetop to heat up pots of water or warm beverages to acclimate the kitchen prior to preparing food on the quartz counters. Taking these steps preheats the environment for a warmer experience.
Use Portable Space Heaters
Small portable space heaters can direct warmth onto quartz countertops and effectively heat up their surface temperature. Opt for space heaters with oscillation functionality to spread heat efficiently across wider counter areas. Monitor the heater’s distance from the quartz to prevent any damage from excessive concentrated heat. Turn space heaters off when not in use.
Apply Adhesive Heat Pads
Self-adhesive electric heating pads provide direct contact warmth to surfaces. Stick a heating pad underneath an overhang on a breakfast bar or at the backsplash behind a sink to radiate heat onto the quartz. These pads only reach about 40°F above room temperature, so they provide a gentle warming effect. Check pads frequently to ensure adhesion and even heating.
Install Backsplash Heaters
Hardwired electric heating systems designed for backsplashes, like WarmlyYours or Nuheat, can warm up adjoining countertops. Heating elements install behind backsplash tile or panels to provide radiant heat. The warmth not only heats up the backsplash but also indirectly raises the temperature of the nearby quartz countertop. Consult with an electrician to install backsplash heaters during remodeling.
Use a Countertop Warmer
Plug-in countertop warmers or hot plates can rest directly on top of quartz surfaces to provide direct heat. Models like the Topwarmer attach to the underside of upper cabinets and warm around 10 square feet of counter space below. Or, smaller portable hot plates can target heating on certain cold spots. Use only low-heat settings and monitor warmers carefully to avoid burning or cracking quartz.
Enjoy Hot Foods and Beverages
A simple way to introduce warmth is to prepare hot foods and beverages right on the quartz countertop. The ambient steam and heat from items like coffees, teas, soups, ovens, and stovetops will gradually warm up the surrounding countertop. You can also place heated dishes straight from the oven or microwave onto the quartz. Just use trivets as needed to protect the surface.
Summary
There are many effective options for warming up quartz countertops that tend to feel cool and uninviting. Area rugs, radiant heating, directed heat lamps, warm beverages, space heaters, and heating pads can all add warmth. Incorporating these heating solutions creates a more comfortable environment for spending time in kitchens and bathrooms with stylish quartz counters. A little added warmth goes a long way towards making quartz counters feel cozy and inviting!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can you apply direct heat to warm up a quartz countertop?
A: It’s best to avoid applying direct high heat such as hot pans, radiators, or other appliances directly to quartz counters. The material can crack or scorch under extreme heat. Opt for gentle warming solutions like low-heat pads or lamps that slowly raise ambient warmth.
Q: Does sealing quartz countertops help retain heat?
A: Sealing is not necessarily required for quartz since it resists stains and damage. However, using a penetrating sealer may help quartz retain heat marginally better by sealing tiny surface pores. Any warming effect would be minimal though.
Q: Should you take any precautions before warming quartz counters?
A: Avoid methods like fireplaces or stovetops that raise heat rapidly. Sudden temperature changes or heat exceeding 150°F can damage quartz. Check your warranty and manufacturer instructions too before applying any heating methods to understand quartz care.
Q: Can sunlight damage or discolor quartz countertops?
A: Natural sunlight generally will not damage, discolor, or fade quartz counters. The material is designed to resist UV rays. However, it’s smart to shift objects like rugs or appliances periodically to distribute sun exposure evenly across the surface.
Q: Do quartz countertops collect and retain heat from things like laptops or appliances?
A: Quartz surfaces dissipate heat well, so items like laptops or toaster ovens don’t significantly retain residual heat on the countertop. Quartz won’t burn or scorch easily. But using trivets is still wise to protect quartz from very hot pots or pans.
Conclusion
Warming up chilly quartz countertops requires using gentle, indirect heating solutions. Radiant floor heat, sunlight, space heaters, and heating pads applied carefully can all safely add warmth without damaging quartz. Avoid sudden temperature changes and take precautions like monitoring heat levels and hot items in contact with the surface. With some small upgrades, it’s easy to take the chill out of quartz counters.