Best heat resistance countertops?

The body content Quartz countertops and granite countertops are two of the most popular options available on today’s market. Both surfaces are some of the most beautiful you can install in your home and are exceptionally durable. But how do the two countertop materials compare in terms of heat resistance? That is the question that this guide will answer through the information below. 

How Much Heat Can Quartz Handle? 

While quartz will not burn from the smallest amount of heat, you should not expose the surface to excessive heat. Quartz is an engineered stone that is made by combining about 90 percent ground natural quartz with roughly 10 percent poly resin. Placing hot objects on a quartz countertop, such as hot pans and hot pots, can cause significant damage. If you place very hot items on your quartz countertop, it will result in burn marks and discoloration. This is because excessive heat melts the resin used in the surface. 

How Much Heat Can Granite Handle? 

While you should be extremely careful with hot items around your quartz countertops, you will not have to worry as much with granite countertops. This is not to say that you should be reckless, but granite is much more heat resistant than quartz. In fact, granite is one of the most heat resistant materials you can install in your home. Although this is the case, it is always a good idea to use trivets and hot pads when setting down hot items on any countertop. 

How Can You Prevent Heat Damage to a Quartz Countertop? 

Quartz is a great material for countertops because of its beauty, easy maintenance requirements, stain resistant and scratch resistant properties. That said, it is often not the top choice for kitchen countertops because of its sensitivity to excessive heat. To prevent heat damage with quartz countertops, make sure to use trivets and hot pads if you do have the surfaces in your kitchen. Quartz countertops should also not be installed outside, due to exposure to direct sunlight that can damage the material. 

Preventing Heat Damage on Quartz Countertops

Install in lower-traffic areas

Use trivets and hot pads

Avoid exposure to direct sunlight

Is Heat Damage an Issue with Granite Countertops? 

Granite countertops do not often have issues related to excessive heat. In addition, you should not have issues with staining if you re-apply a sealant on an appropriate basis (typically around once per year). 

What is the Best Area of the Home for Quartz Countertops? 

Quartz countertops, backsplashes and other surfaces are a great option for lower-traffic areas of the home, such as bathrooms. Keep in mind that you can install them in the kitchen as well, but you will need to make sure you exercise increased caution. 

Which Material is Better: Quartz or Granite? 

In terms of heat resistance, granite is the much better choice. The natural stone surfaces can withstand much more heat than quartz can, which makes the material an ideal fit for the kitchen. In general, natural stone countertops are much better at handling heat than engineered stone options. 

Countertop frequently asked questions

Which is More Expensive? Quartz or Granite? 

In general, quartz is more expensive than granite. Engineered stone countertops may not have the ‘classic’ appeal that natural stone holds, but the surfaces are gorgeous, durable and easy to care for – all qualities that are ideal to homeowners. Quartz typically costs between $50 to $120 per square foot, while granite costs between $35 to $75 per square foot. 

Which Has More Options to Choose From? Quartz or Granite? 

Granite can be found in hundreds of colors and styles. That said, quartz can be found in many colors and styles as well. Both options virtually ensure that you will find something that is a nice fit for your home. 

Installing quartz countertops or granite countertops in your home is a great choice. Both surfaces are highly regarded for their beauty, durability and low maintenance requirements, among many other positive qualities. When it comes to completing your home improvement project, both options are ideal. While granite has the edge when it comes to heat resistance, quartz offers many benefits of its own.

The most heat resistant countertops include those made of granite, quartz, concrete and metals such as stainless steel and copper.

• Laminate, Solid-Surface and Engineered Stone.
• Granite and Other Natural Stones.
• Soapstone Countertops Offer Granite Alternative.
• Terrazzo and Recycled Glass.
• Stainless Steel, Copper and Aluminum.

Whether you're remodeling your existing kitchen or designing a kitchen for a new home, one of the biggest decisions to make revolves around countertops. A kitchen is arguably the busiest room in the house, and its countertops are expected to shoulder a daily defense against hot pans, sharp knives, food spills and much more.

With so many surface material choices available, it’s important to narrow down to what best suits your kitchen needs and habits. And the great news is many of today’s countertop choices offer significant heat resistance. Let’s look at some of the most popular and enduring options.

Granite Countertops

In the recent past, granite was typically only found in the most expensive homes but today is more widely used and available in local home stores. Granite relies on heat for its formation and is very tolerant of heat.

• Excellent heat resistance
• No seams
• Must be sealed

Concrete Countertops

A popular trend of late, concrete is obviously a very hard and lasting surface material and offers an efficient work area.

• Must be professionally installed
• Virtually impervious to heat
• Hot pots can be placed directly on the surface
• Customizable for different colors and designs

Wood Countertops

Wood countertops are available in many varieties and bring instant rustic charm to your kitchen.

• Warm look with moderate heat resistance
• Very efficient work surface
• Hot cookware may leave behind burn marks
• Susceptible to cracking or warping

Stainless Steel Countertops

A go-to choice for contemporary designs for its sleek look and easy care.

• Highly heat resistant
• Easy to clean
• High heat may cause discoloration

Quartz Countertops

An engineered stone made from quartz crystals and resin, quartz countertops are exceptionally durable and easy to maintain.

• High heat resistance to hot pots and other cookware
• Extremely hot cookware can cause discoloration.
• Wide range of colors
  

Soapstone Countertops

Less common than some of the other natural stone options, soapstone combines a rich look with superb heat resistance.

• Natural look and versatile
• Easily repaired.
• Susceptible to scratches and cuts

Quartz countertops and granite countertops are two of the most popular options available on today’s market. Both surfaces are some of the most beautiful you can install in your home and are exceptionally durable. But how do the two countertop materials compare in terms of heat resistance?

Which Has More Options to Choose From? Quartz or Granite? 

Granite can be found in hundreds of colors and styles. That said, quartz can be found in many colors and styles as well. Both options virtually ensure that you will find something that is a nice fit for your home. 

Installing quartz countertops or granite countertops in your home is a great choice. Both surfaces are highly regarded for their beauty, durability and low maintenance requirements, among many other positive qualities. When it comes to completing your home improvement project, both options are ideal. While granite has the edge when it comes to heat resistance, quartz offers many benefits of its own.

Which is More Expensive? Quartz or Granite? 

In general, quartz is more expensive than granite. Engineered stone countertops may not have the ‘classic’ appeal that natural stone holds, but the surfaces are gorgeous, durable and easy to care for – all qualities that are ideal to homeowners. Quartz typically costs between $50 to $120 per square foot, while granite costs between $35 to $75 per square foot. 

Quartz Countertops?

Quartz countertops, white quartz backsplashes and other surfaces are a great option for lower-traffic areas of the home, such as bathrooms. Keep in mind that you can install them in the kitchen as well, but you will need to make sure you exercise increased caution when cleaning. Quartz countertop colors comes in almost every color white, black, gray, grey countertops and more.

How to clean Quartz Countertops?

 Quartz Countertop Care

Caring for Your Quartz Countertops

Cleaning
1. Regular cleaning should be done with a mild soap or detergent and a soft cloth. Make sure the soap is non-bleach and non-abrasive.
2. Although stain resistant, Quartz countertops are not stain proof. Wipe up liquids as soon as possible. Quartz will resist stains for a short period of time, but all colored liquids should be cleaned up promptly.
3. A glass or surface cleaner, such as Windex, can be used for heavy or dried on stains. Use a non-abrasive sponge. For deep cleaning, spray a generous amount; leave on for ten minutes, then wipe away.
4. Scrape away grease, gum, and paint with a plastic putty knife or razor blade. Use a degreasing cleanser, formulated for Quartz countertops, to clean off grease. Rinse away immediately.
5. Remove ink or permanent markers carefully with an oil-based cleaner, like Goo Gone. Rinse with warm water immediately after the stain is removed.
6. Heavy, stuck on, hard to remove stains such as nail polish can be removed with a mixture of acetone, Ajax, and water. Dilute the Ajax to the point of minimal abrasiveness. Wipe away immediately.

Preventing Countertop Damage
1. Use hot pads or trivets for pans, crockpots, and electric skillets. Quartz can resist temperatures up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit, but it can be damaged by quick changes in temperature. Also known as “thermal shock.”
2. Avoid using knives directly on Quartz countertops. Quartz is very scratch resistant, but they can be damaged when forcefully hit with sharp objects. A cutting board is recommended.
3. Avoid cleaning with highly acidic or alkaline cleaners, such as nail polish remover, turpentine, oven cleaner, bleach, drain cleaners, dishwasher rinsing agents, etc. Clean immediately with a mild detergent and rinse, if they are spilled.
4. Avoid pressure or force on your countertops, such as dropping a heavy pot, as it can chip or crack the stone.

Affordable Remodeling Solutions is a Remodeling company based out of Commerce City, CO we are available to take a look at your next remodeling project.