There are many options to choose from when it comes to countertops. But if you’re looking for something that is both beautiful and durable, quartz may be the right choice for you.
So how can you tell if a countertop is made of quartz? There are several ways to do this. In this article, I will discuss nine different ways to determine whether or not a countertop is made of quartz. Let’s get started!
1. Quartz Countertops Are Non-Porous
One of the most important things to know about quartz countertops is that they are non-porous. This means that they will not absorb spills or stains as other materials can.
Instead, spills will sit on top of the surface and can be easily wiped away. This is because of the resins used to bind the quartz together during manufacturing. The resin used is also what gives quartz countertops their high shine and glossy finish.
While this is not a guaranteed way to know if a countertop is a quartz, as some other materials can be non-porous as well, it is a good indicator.
Other materials, like granite and marble, are porous and will absorb spills. This can lead to stains that are difficult or even impossible to remove. So if you have a countertop that stains easily, it’s likely that it’s not quartz.
2. Quartz Countertops Are Not Heat Resistant
Due to the resins used in manufacturing, quartz countertops are not heat resistant, especially when compared to countertop materials like granite.
But this does not mean quartz countertops can not withstand any heat at all. quartz countertops can withstand temperatures up to 150 degrees Fahrenheit without being damaged.
So if you’re looking for a countertop that can withstand high temperatures, quartz is not the right choice. However, if you’re looking for something that is heat-resistant enough for everyday use, quartz may be a good option.
Just keep in mind that if you do put hot pans or other items on a quartz countertop, it’s important to use a trivet or hot pad to protect the surface.
While this may not seem like an obvious way to tell if a countertop is quartz, it can be helpful to know.
3. No Sealant Needed
If you’re out shopping for countertop materials and the seller mentions countertop stain resistance even without sealing, then they are likely referring to quartz countertop.
This quality is born from the non-porous surface of the countertop. Because liquids can not penetrate the surface, they cannot cause staining.
However, it’s important to note that while quartz is resistant to staining, it’s not completely stain-proof.
Things like oils and acidic foods can still cause damage if they are left on the surface for too long. But overall, quartz is a very stain-resistant material.
So if you’re looking for a countertop that won’t stain easily and doesn’t require sealing, quartz is a good choice.
4. They Are Made From Natural Materials
Quartz countertops are made from a combination of natural materials. The quartz itself is a natural stone that is mined from the earth.
It is then combined with other materials, like resins and pigments, to create the finished product. The quartz material accounts for around 94% of the countertop.
This lends the quartz countertop its durability and beauty. Due to huge demand for quartz countertops, there are synthetic quartz countertop materials on the market today.
These are made completely from man-made materials and do not contain any natural quartz.
While they may look similar to natural quartz countertops, they do not have the same durability or beauty. So if you’re looking for a true quartz countertop, be sure to ask about the composition of the material.
You can usually tell if a countertop is quartz by looking at the material. If it’s made from all natural materials, it’s likely quartz.
5. They Require Low Maintenance
Another thing that is very common with quartz countertops is that they require low maintenance. This is in part because of the non-porous surface.
Because liquids can not penetrate the surface, there is no need to worry about sealing this countertops. And because quartz is so stain resistant, you won’t have to worry about spills and stains.
So if you have countertops that needs sealing every now and then, or if you’re required to clean your countertops using special cleaners, protectors, and sealants, then chances are what you have is not quartz.
All it takes to clean or care for a quartz countertops is warm water and a mild soap. You can also use a specialized quartz cleaner, but this is not required.
So if you’re looking for countertops that are easy to care for and don’t require any special cleaners or sealants, then quartz is a good choice.
6. They Come in a Wide Variety of Colors and Patterns
Although quartz countertops are largely made from quartz materials, the binding process involves adding other materials to create a wide variety of colors and patterns.
This means that you can find quartz countertops in just about any color or pattern imaginable. Whether you’re looking for something classic or something more modern, there’s sure to be a quartz countertop that’s perfect for your kitchen or bathroom.
Contrary to countertop materials like marble and granite with usually appears to have very uniform coloring, quartz countertops have a more varied appearance.
You can find countertops with subtle veining or even big swirls of color. And because the colors and patterns are not natural, you’ll never have to worry about your countertop losing its color or pattern over time.
7. They Are Durable and Long-Lasting
Quartz is an engineered stone so it is made to be durable and long-lasting. In fact, quartz countertops are some of the most durable on the market.
They are not susceptible to scratches or chips. Quartz is also a non-porous material so it resists staining and bacteria growth.
For these reasons, quartz countertops are often used in commercial kitchens as well as home kitchens.
Quartz countertops can last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance. So if you’re looking for countertops that will stand the test of time, then quartz is a good choice.
8. They Resist Mold and Mildew
Unlike countertop materials like wood and laminate, quartz does not support the growth of mold and mildew.
This is because quartz is a non-porous material. Liquids can not penetrate the surface so there is no food source for mold and mildew to grow.
For this reason, quartz countertops are a good choice for people with allergies or sensitivities to mold and mildew.
Quartz countertops are also a good choice for areas of high humidity, like bathrooms and laundry rooms.
So if you’re looking for countertops that resist mold and mildew, then quartz is a good choice.
Similarities Quartz Countertops Share With Other Countertops
While there are a lot of things that can help you differentiate between quartz and other types of countertops, there are also some similarities.
The Look
Because quartz is an engineered countertop material, it can be made to look like almost any other type of countertop material.
This means that quartz can be made to look like granite, marble, soapstone, or any other type of natural stone.
It can also be made to look like wood or laminate. This can make it a bit tricky to tell quartz countertops apart from other countertops just by looking at them.
The feel
Quartz countertops are also similar to other countertops in terms of feel.
Because they are made from quartz materials, they have the same smooth and polished feel as granite and marble.
This means that when you touch a quartz countertop surface and any other natural stone countertop, they will feel very similar. With this, it’s almost impossible to tell the difference between quartz and other countertops just by touching them.
The Weight
Quartz countertops are also similar to other countertops in terms of weight.
They are made from stone materials, so they are very heavy. This means that they will require a solid base and support structure.
Just like granite, marble, and soapstone countertops, quartz countertops are not suitable for DIY installation. They must be installed by a professional.
The Price
Quartz countertops are also similar to other countertops in terms of price.
They are made from natural stone materials, so they are on the higher end of the price spectrum just like any other all natural countertop.
So this can also make it a bit tricky to tell quartz countertops apart from other countertops just by looking at the price tag.
Type Of Finish
Almost every kind of countertop surface will either have a polished or honed finish. A polished finish is shiny and reflective, while a honed finish is more matte.
The type of finish does not help to differentiate between quartz countertops and other countertops because all types of countertops can have either a polished or honed finish.
Final Thoughts
All in all, I hope I have been able to help you learn how to tell if a countertop is quartz.
As you can see, there are several things that can help you differentiate between quartz and other types of countertops.
But there are also some similarities between quartz and other countertops. So it’s important to keep all of these things in mind when trying to identify a quartz countertop.
