Is quartz a natural or manmade material?

Quartz is a manmade material created from combining quartz dust (quartz ground up into a powder) and resin. Quartz typically accounts for 90% of the slab with resin constituting 8-10%.

Are quartz countertops easy to maintain?

Yes, quartz countertops are extremely easy to maintain which is part of the reason they are so popular.  Quartz is completely non-porous, bacterial resistant and impervious to staining and etching. Here’s a great article on quartz countertop maintenance if you’d like more information.

Can quartz become stained?

Quartz is completely nonporous and will not absorb liquids. However, the resin can react with some liquids, causing it to become discolored. For example, highly acidic liquids such as lemon juice or wine can damage quartz if left for an extended period. It is best practice to clean spills as soon as they occur.

 Is quartz heat resistant?

Quartz is not as heat resistant as granite. The resin can become damaged and discolored if a very hot pan is set on it. It is recommended that a potholder is used when placing any hot pan directly on quartz.

Do you have to seal quartz countertops?

Engineered quartz is completely nonporous and should never be sealed. Sealing them can, in fact, damage them and void your warranty. Click here for information on maintaining quartz countertops.

Can I use quartz indoors and outdoors?

Quartz can only be used for indoor installations. Engineered products tend to fade and deteriorate in the sun (especially the Texas sun). In the past, we only recommended natural stone for outdoor projects – granite, soapstone and quartzite. Dekton by Silestone is the only engineered product that is rated for outdoor use.