Quartz is a durable countertop material that many people choose for their homes. The benefits to quartz are numerous, from how easy it is to clean and maintain to its low cost relative to other materials.
However, one of the downsides of quartz is that it can chip almost like some of the other stone countertops. In this post we’ll discuss how you can prevent your quartz from chipping so you don’t have any unexpected expenses.
So, how do you prevent countertops from chipping?
- Always Use A Chopping Board
- Always Use Hot Pads When Removing From the Oven
- Do Not Put Heavy Items On Your Quartz Countertops
- Do Not Place Heating And Cooling Vents Underneath Your Quartz Countertops
- Do Not Use Degreasers Or Acidic Cleaners On Your Quartz Countertops
- Avoid Exposing Your Quartz Countertops To Extreme Weather Conditions
Below are the details on how to prevent quartz countertops from chipping. Keep reading to find out more.
1. Always Use A Chopping Board
If you’re cutting up food on your kitchen countertop, always use a chopping board to protect the surface from any knife damages. Not only will this help keep your quartz looking great for many years, but it also helps to maintain the sharpness of your knives.
Chopping boards come in different materials, such as wood and plastic. If you choose a wooden chopping board makes sure to use separate boards for raw meats and vegetables to prevent cross-contamination.
If possible, always pad under your chopping boards or cutting mats with fabric or kitchen rags.
2. Always Use Hot Pads When Removing From the Oven
Never put any hot pots or hot baking sheets directly onto the quartz countertop. This one step could save you hundreds of dollars in potential repairs over time because it prevents heat damage on your quartz surfaces caused by direct contact with utensils, pots, pans, and baking sheets.
Also, you want to make sure not to use countertop appliances directly on quartz countertops. You want to make sure you put down some form of protection like a cutting board or trivet.
Always use hot pads or oven mitts when removing from the oven to protect your surfaces, and never leave pots on the stovetop unattended if you’re cooking something that may bubble over because it can also cause heat damage.
The heat from these various instances can weaken the resins used to bond or seal quartz materials together. This, in turn, can cause the sealant or adhesives to fail over time and lead to countertop chipping.
By following these simple tips on avoiding direct heat contact on the quartz countertop, you will be able to prevent your quartz counters from chipping so they’ll look great for many years without any unexpected expenses.
3. Do Not Put Heavy Items On Your Quartz Countertops
It may seem like a little thing, but constant weight and pressure can cause your countertop to chip or even fracture. Use decorative items that are lightweight, such as vases and glassware.
Also, avoid using heavy pots or pans on your countertop. Also, do not mount or stand on your countertops because it can cause the quartz to split or chip.
Always make sure that the weight you put on your quartz countertops is evenly distributed across the surface of your quartz counters so that you avoid any one area from being too heavy for your countertops to handle.
If you have been standing, sitting, or putting heavy items constantly on your quartz countertops for some time, usually cracks and chips will often be near the edges of countertops and the adhesive used will start to give way.
So, avoid this to prevent chipping and make sure you always pay attention to where your quartz countertops are located.
4. Do Not Place Heating And Cooling Vents Underneath Your Quartz Countertops
If possible, do not place heating or cooling vents underneath your quartz counters as it can cause damage over time due to the constant heat, cold, and moisture changes.
Always make sure you leave a gap between your quartz countertops and any heating or cooling vents to prevent damage over time from the constant variables in temperature.
You may not see the impact of the temperature damage on your quartz countertops right away, but in the long run, it will lead to cracking and chipping if you leave heating or cooling vents underneath your quartz counters.
The longer you go without properly protecting your quartz surfaces from any type of damage like this, the more likely they are going to crack and chip over time which can cost money for repairs depending on the circumstances.
So, it is always best to take preventative measures for quartz countertops by avoiding placing heating or cooling vents underneath your counters. The last thing you want is a cracked or chipped kitchen countertop!
5. Do Not Use Degreasers Or Acidic Cleaners On Your Quartz Countertops
Simply wiping spills immediately using clean water is the best way to go for cleaning your quartz countertops, but it’s also a good idea not to use abrasive cleaners or degreasers.
Most acids are going to be corrosive enough that they will eat away at any sealant used on your quartz surfaces and cause chipping over time. Also, such cleaners can also corrode the binding resins used to hold your quartz surfaces together.
So, if you want to keep your countertop materials looking great over time and avoid any unnecessary damage or chipping that can cost money for repairs, then it’s best not to use acidic cleaners on them.
If necessary though, always make sure that you test a small area of the surface with the cleaner before trying it on the entire countertop.
6. Avoid Exposing Your Quartz Countertops To Extreme Weather Conditions
Extreme weather conditions like heat and cold can cause your quartz surfaces to expand or contract, which is why it’s a good idea not to expose them to extreme weather conditions.
While constant heat from the direct sunlight on your quartz countertops can cause it to fade, it also reacts with the binding resins used on the countertop to create cracks and chips.
This is one of the main reasons why quartz countertops are not the best option for outdoor use. So try as much as you can to block off natural sunlight from coming directly onto your quartz counters because this can cause fading of materials over time as well.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are several different things that you need to be aware of when it comes to protecting and maintaining quartz countertops.
Making sure that you do not place items on your counters which are too heavy for them to handle is the easiest way to keep chipping and cracking issues from surfacing over time.
Also, avoiding placing heating or cooling vents underneath your counters can go a long way in protecting it for the long haul.
Finally, make sure that you are aware of what types of cleaners and acidic substances to avoid for your quartz surfaces as well. This will go a long way in keeping your countertops looking great for years to come.
FAQ’s
Q: How much do quartz countertops cost?
A: The price for a single square foot of material will usually range anywhere from $15 to as much as $50. One of the main determinants of price is how much material you need. More expensive materials like Cambria (one of the most common) will cost around $20 per square foot, but cheaper materials like Silestone will cost around $45 per square foot.
Q: How much does it cost for replacement quartz countertops?
A: If you have a chip in your quartz countertop, it typically costs around $30 for a repair depending on the size of the chip. If there is a crack, then this can cost anywhere from $100 to as much as $300 depending on the size of it.
Q: How do you clean quartz countertops?
A: The best way to clean your quartz surface is by wiping away spills immediately with a damp cloth and warm water. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or acidic materials on your quartz countertops because this can cause damage over time.
Q: How thick are quartz countertops?
A: The thickness will depend on the material used, but usually it is about half an inch thick. This helps to give it a little weight so that they don’t crack as easily.
Q: Are quartz countertops resistant to scratches?
A: Yes, quartz surfaces can be resistant to scratches depending on the material used. One of the most common materials, Cambria quartz counters are very scratch-resistant due to their high quartz content.
Q: How much do you have to pay for a warranty on quartz countertops?
A: The price will differ depending on the manufacturer and material used. Most quartz countertops will come with a standard warranty of anywhere between five to ten years, but it’s good to note that this doesn’t mean the quartz countertop is guaranteed not to chip or crack.
Q: How do you repair a quartz countertop crack?
A: If you have a chip or a crack in your quartz countertop, then this will need to be repaired by a professional. Depending on the size of it, this can cost anywhere between $30 to as much as $300 depending on the extent of the damage.
Q: Are quartz countertops water-resistant?
A: Yes, the most common types of quartz counters like Cambria and Silestone are very water-resistant. This makes it a great choice for kitchens and bathrooms where water is frequently used.
Q: How long do quartz countertops last?
A: Quartz surfaces have been known to last up to 30 years under the right conditions and maintenance. This is why when you go to replace your quartz countertops, they will usually offer a discount when purchasing them again.