Quartz has become very popular these days but all you hear most of the time is how easy it is to clean and how great they look. However, there are a number of problems with quartz countertops that you should know about to decide whether you want to use them or not.
Some of the most common problems with quartz countertops include;
- Heat Can Damage Quartz Countertops
- Direct Sunlight Can Yellow Quartz Countertops
- Scratches and Scuffs Are Common Problems with Quartz Countertops Too
- Quartz Countertops Are Susceptible To Oil Stains
- Quartz Countertops May Have Visible Seams
- Quartz Countertops Seams Easily Crack
- Poor Workmanship
- Delamination
Let’s get into the details of the common problems with quartz countertops.
1. Heat Can Damage Quartz Countertops
This is the number one problem with quartz countertops. Heat can damage them discolor, chip, crack or even warp. When direct heat is applied on quartz countertops that level of damage is usually unlimited.
And it is also sad to say damages associated with direct heat on quartz countertops are also usually permanent. This is because heat damage typically causes chemical changes to the quartz countertop that cannot be reversed.
Heat damage can be from putting hot pans, ovens, toasters, hot pots, and plates directly onto the quartz countertop.
All of these can result in different forms of damages as quartz countertops can typically withstand direct heat up to 300 Degree Fahrenheit.
What usually happens when too much heat comes into contact with the quartz countertop is the resins used to bond the quartz particles together can begin to deteriorate.
This is because heat causes the resins to soften and then start to break apart which leaves you with a countertop that is extremely fragile.
When the resins start to break apart, your quartz countertops can become very weak and susceptible to even the smallest amount of pressure.
2. Direct Sunlight Can Yellow Quartz Countertops
Another common issue with quartz countertops is direct sunlight which can cause them to yellow and discolor after prolonged exposure. Quartz countertops will not be harmed by indirect sunlight, but it is still advised to keep them away from the sun.
UV rays of sunlight can cause quartz countertops to yellow, which is usually more noticeable on darker countertops.
The reason for this yellowing effect is that sunlight contains high levels of UV rays and these rays can be very powerful.
When quartz particles absorb these UV rays, it can begin to affect the color of your countertop which makes them fade.
Also, the direct sunlight on the quartz countertop can affect the resins that bond the quartz particles together leading to awful discoloration.
This means that you are not to use quartz outdoors since it cannot be protected against the sun.
Or if you would like to have a quartz countertop outdoors, make sure it is well shaded or protected from the sun rays.
3. Scratches and Scuffs Are Common Problems with Quartz Countertops Too
This might come as a surprise but quartz countertops are not completely scratch resistant.
I know most people market quartz as a scratch-resistant surface, but the truth of the matter is that it can certainly be scratched.
And when it is, chances are the scratches will be permanent on your countertops. So do not go about cutting directly on your quartz countertops or use highly abrasive sponges on the surface of your quartz countertops as this can lead to scratches that cannot be removed.
A good way to avoid this problem is by using cutting boards or other items as a protective barrier.
Another problem with quartz countertops is scuffs which are usually caused by using objects on the surface of your countertop that has rough or hard edges.
Using objects with rough or sharp corners on the countertop can cause it to scuff and this is not reversible.
The best way to avoid this problem with quartz countertops is by using coasters and trivets on the surface of your countertops.
4. Quartz Countertops Are Susceptible To Oil Stains
While quartz countertops are generally stain-resistant, it is particularly susceptible to oil stains.
Example of these oils that often stains quartz easily is butter and other oily compounds.
Oil stains are usually caused by cooking oil which can be especially problematic if it is spilled on the surface of your quartz countertops. However, oil stains are not irreversible and can be removed if you act fast.
The best way to remove the stain is by using cleaning wipes with oil-removing properties.
If you cannot find any cleaning wipes, then use a dry cloth or paper towel to soak up the excess oil.
Then you can use a mild cleaning product to clean the stain, which might require some scrubbing depending on how deep the oil goes into your quartz countertops.
However, it is best to avoid oil stains altogether by placing paper towels on the surface of your quartz countertop before cutting butter or cooking with oil.
5. Quartz Countertops May Have Visible Seams
It is normal for some quartz countertops to have visible seams where each slab is joined together.
However, due to the nature of how natural quartz is formed, it will be visible and noticeable to the naked eye.
Most of the time these seams are not a problem because they tend to be unnoticeable most of the time especially on darker-colored quartz countertops.
So if you want to be on the safe side, use a dark marker and color over the visible seams so it becomes unnoticeable. Another way around this is to simply sand down the seams and repaint them.
6. Quartz Countertops Seams Easily Crack
Another common problem with quartz countertops is that they are prone to seams cracking. This can be as a result of the way the countertops were installed or due to poor craftsmanship.
This happens when the quartz has been exposed to extreme fluctuations in temperature or humidity levels.
It can also be a result of a lot of vibration around the quartz countertop. For example, the vibrations from watching machines, dishwashers, or a blender.
All of these appliances can ultimately contribute to the problem of seams cracking which can be very hard to fix.
You might need to pay for the labor and materials needed to repair or replace the defective countertops depending
And the worse part is when these seams crack, it is very noticeable and not subtle at all.
So if you want to avoid this problem and prevent it from happening, make sure the company you hire for your quartz countertops installation has proper training, tools, equipment, and experience.
7. Poor Workmanship
Another common problem with quartz countertops is poor workmanship. This can happen if the installer makes a mistake, or it could be due to the nature of how the quartz is formed.
Quartz countertops are not perfectly smooth and can have visible seams especially if they were manufactured that way.
The problem with this is that it could be very hard to spot if the installer was not careful or attentive enough during installation which can cause problems down the line.
The best way to avoid problems caused by poor workmanship is to hire a company with proper training and equipment which should be able to do a much better job than an amateur.
8. Delamination
Delamination is a common problem with quartz countertops and it happens when the coating of your countertop starts to peel or chip.
This starts on the surface and usually happens in spots where there is a lot of wear, hard water stains, or on the corners of your countertop.
This can be a result of not using proper chemicals or cleaners when cleaning off tough stains, hard water stains, or oil.
There are also some instances when delamination happens due to the material used for your counters being defective which is why it’s important to always buy from a reputable supplier.
Most quartz countertops will not come with any form of coating but it is also not uncommon for small areas of those that come with a coating to peel off.
Tips For Preventing Common Problems On Quartz Countertops
- Installer should be experienced, skilled, trained, with the right sets of tools and materials.
- Avoid having visible seams in your countertops as possible as you can.
- If you have seams on your quartz countertops, make sure not to install any appliance close to those seams that will cause too many vibrations like the washing machine, dishwasher, etc.
- Or put seams far away from the areas where those appliances will be installed.
- Best location for most seams is usually around the sinks so that the support brackets that hold the sink could support the seams too so they do not crack.
- Avoid rapid changes in temperature and humidity levels after installation.
- Use the right cleaner for your quartz countertop.
- Avoid using chemical cleaners that can cause problems with the coating of your quartz countertops.
- If you see some chipping or peeling happening, make sure to call a professional or use a good repair kit and follow instructions.
- If you have hard water stains, try using a mild abrasive soap like dish soap and a soft sponge. And make sure to follow up with regular cleaning.
- Use sealants to protect your quartz countertops from getting stained during the first few months after installation.
- If you have pets or children in your home, make sure to always clean up spills and messes immediately.
- If you have oil or grease stains in your countertops, make sure to use a special degreaser.
- If you have tough stains, use baking soda and vinegar to create a paste and cleaning the surface all you might need to do is light sanding.
- Only do this if the stains are not deep, otherwise, it will damage your countertops and might cause delamination.
- If you have a lot of stains and your countertops are not new, use a professional cleaner to make sure the process is done properly.
- Clean your quartz countertops regularly with warm water and a soft microfiber cloth.
- Avoid using any abrasive surface cleaners as they can scratch or damage your countertops.
- Make sure to use a proper dampening method when using water and other liquids on the surface of quartz countertops.
Final Thoughts
Quartz countertops are a great option to have in your home but make sure you install them properly and take care of them the right way. Although the above-mentioned are the common problems with quartz countertops, it is possible you might not have any of those issues with pro installation and proper care.
Though if you do experience any of the above problems, there are ways to fix them depending on how bad they are. Make sure to always follow instructions and use the right cleaners.
As quartz countertops are getting more popular, it’s also common to see many companies offering services to help you install and maintain quartz countertops. So if the installation is not in your budget or skills, it’s a great idea to hire someone to do the job for you.
FAQ’s
Q. How do I prevent delamination from happening?
A. Delamination happens when the coating of your quartz countertops starts to peel or chip off. This happens because of chemicals or cleaners being used, material defects, or very quick changes in temperature and humidity. Make sure to use the right cleaner for your quartz countertop and avoid cleaners with chemicals that can damage the coating of your quartz counters.
Q: What is a good cleaner for my quartz countertops?
A: There are a lot of different cleaners for quartz countertops available on the market today. But if you want to avoid chemicals and harsh chemicals, you might want to try using a natural cleaner. There are some really good cleaners out there that contain organic ingredients which will help keep your quartz countertops looking nice and new.
Q: How do I clean my quartz counters?
A: To clean your quartz countertops, you can use a microfiber cloth and warm water. Make sure not to use any abrasive cleaner or surface cleaners as they can scratch or damage your countertops.
Q: Are quartz countertops good for high-traffic areas?
A: Quartz countertops are great for high-traffic areas because they are very strong and durable. They can withstand a lot of wear and tear without getting damaged.
Q: How do I take care of my quartz counters?
A: The best way to take care of your quartz countertops is by regularly cleaning them with warm water and a soft microfiber cloth. Avoid chemicals and make sure to use the right cleaner for your quartz countertops.
Q: What is an ideal place to install my quartz counters?
A: Quartz counters are great for kitchens and bathrooms. They can withstand a lot of wear and tear so they are perfect for high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms.
Q: How do I remove stains from my quartz counters?
A: There are a few different ways to clean and remove tough stains from your quartz countertops. You can use a mild abrasive soap and a soft sponge. Or you might want to try using baking soda and vinegar that will create a paste. If the stains are not too deep, you might be able to get rid of them with light sanding.
Q: How do I repair my quartz countertops?
A: If your counters are damaged, you might be able to use a professional repair kit and make sure to follow the instructions carefully. It will include how to repair the common problems with quartz or natural stone countertops.