Can quartz countertops withstand heat?

Quartz countertops against heat

The kitchen is the focal point of a home and countertops are the focal point of a kitchen. Therefore, it is important to install a countertop material that is visually appealing, but also one that can maintain its appeal over time. Quartz is always atop the charts for countertop selection, and for good reason. There is so much that quartz offers, but can quartz countertops withstand the kitchen heat?

The Answer

The answer is not black or white. Rather, it depends what kind of heat we are talking about. Experts advice that quartz can withstand temperatures of up to 150° F without being damaged. So, given the commonality of stove use and oven use, 150° isn’t going to get you too far in protecting your quartz countertop. That is why it is wise to always have hot pads or trivets available to place hot objects on top of in your kitchen.

Quartz is an extremely durable and hard natural stone. In fact, it is given a 7 ranking on Mohs hardness scale, a scale that ranks materials from 1 to 10 (least hard to hardest).

But, here’s the catch:

The reason quartz has a weakness to heat is because of its overall composition. Engineered quartz countertops consist of mostly quartz, but each slab will also include a small percentage of resin. Ultimately, it depends on the manufacturer, though the combination generally consists of at least 90% quartz and at most 10% resin.

The resin is the vulnerable part. Heat greater than 150° will negatively affect the resin and therefore the entire countertop. Suddenly, your quartz countertop finish is damaged, as is its overall look.

In Comparison to other Natural Stones

Quartz always seems to go nose to nose with granite. They are similar in look, durability and are actually rated identically in hardness. Though, granite does not contain resin, therefore it can withstand heat much better than quartz. The same goes for other natural stones such as marble and soapstone.

But, quartz has its advantages over those natural stones countertops as well. For example, quartz countertops do not have to be sealed. Thus, they are better protected against moisture. Not having to seal a countertop saves money initially and in the long run; it is recommended to seal and reseal granite countertops once every 2-3 years.

Marble can be easily scratched opposed to quartz. Also, quartz is as customizable as any other natural stone countertop material. Because it is engineered, quartz can come in countless colors and designs. Design flexibility, durability and resistance nearly across the board makes quartz extremely enticing to Dallas, TX homeowners. While heat does pose a threat, it doesn’t take much of an effort to avoid contact between heat and quartz. It certainly does not give reason to immediately cross quartz countertops off of your shopping list.

Galaxy Granite & Stone

If you are sold on it, or if you are interested in any natural stone countertop, Galaxy Granite & Stone is your top source. We’ll sell you your chosen natural stone and we’ll complete a free estimate prior to installing your brand-new countertop. Contact Galaxy Granite & Stone today at (972) 525-4989! Also, please visit our blog for additional helpful input regarding the many different types of countertops.