Quartz countertops are one of the most durable counters out there. Quartz is harder than granite and has an impressive amount of compression and tension strength (Source). You might call your quartz counters indestructible. Almost.
Can you stand on a quartz countertop?: While standing on your quartz countertop may seem like a good idea, it’s not. The odds that your weight will break your counter are slim but you may pop a seam or even worse, void the warranty on your countertops. Using your counters as a step stool isn’t worth the potential loss of thousands of dollars.
There are other options when you need a higher reach than standing on your quart counter. If you find it hard to believe that your countertop might be a bit more sensitive than you think, check out our research.
Maybe the dishes on the top shelf are just a touch too high to reach, or maybe you want to dust the items on display on the top of your cupboards. Rather than hop out to the garage to grab a step stool or a ladder, you decide it’s much quicker to just hop on the counter to get the job done.
While it may seem like an easier, quicker solution, it’s not the best one. Of course, quartz countertops are sturdy but they’re not foolproof. Quartz countertops are especially vulnerable around the seams where two slabs are sealed together.
There won’t be any problems with the counter handling regular kitchen activity, but regular kitchen activity doesn’t include a human standing on those countertops. In fact, standing on your quartz countertop will void some manufacturer’s warranties. This includes whether or not you or a professional worker standing on the quartz counter.
There are, of course, a few simple options that are much more affordable than the possibility you crack your quartz countertop by standing on it.
Here’s a 3-step step stool on Amazon that gives you a few different reaches and it’s only around 50 bucks.
Both of these options will easily help you reach that top shelf, replace a light bulb, or dust any items on display on the top of your cupboard.
One of the reasons many people have no problem standing on their quartz countertops is that they know quartz is one of the toughest countertop materials available.
While quartz is durable, it’s an engineered product, unlike granite and marble. Quartz countertops are around 93% quartz combined with 7% binder and color. The quartz is ground into very small particles then mixed with a resin to hold it together.
Color and small particles of glass or reflective metallic flakes are then added to give you all the beautiful options available when it comes to picking quartz countertops.
Here are a few other characteristics of quartz countertops, good and bad:
Let’s take a more in-depth look at these characteristics.
As mentioned above, because quartz countertops are engineered, there’s a bit more flexibility when it comes to color than there is with other stone countertops such as marble or granite.
You’ll find quartz countertops from white to black and everything in between, including cream, brown, and gray. The finish on quartz countertops is much richer than other stone surfaces.
Quartz is very durable. In fact, it’s actually harder than granite, but granite, concrete, and quartz all have the same level of durability. Quartz is also a bit more forgiving than granite so it won’t chip or crack as easily.
Quartz countertops are non-porous, and this is good for a few different reasons. First of all, it means quartz countertops are much more resistant to stains than other stone countertops.
Its non-porous composition also means quartz countertops are resistant to mold and bacteria growth. This makes kitchen cleanup a whole lot easier.
Finally, because quartz countertops are non-porous and resistant to the above issues, they don’t have to be sealed and resealed over and over again.
One disadvantage of quartz countertops is their price. Of course, you get what you pay for. The cost of quartz is similar to that of other stone countertops. Quartz countertops will cost you between $1,500 and $5,500 to buy and have installed professionally.
Some of the factors that affect the cost of your quartz countertops are as follows:
Your best bet if you’re looking into quartz countertops is to get several estimates with good reviews and even personal references. Remember, even though they cost a lot, you may never need another countertop again.
Another downside of quartz countertops is that they have lower heat resistance. Most quartz countertops can withstand heat temperatures between 300 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. While those temperatures may sound high, a hot pot or pan will likely exceed these.
Putting a dish that is too hot on a quartz countertop can rapidly heat the counter and possibly cause a crack or discoloration. It’s not necessarily the quartz itself that may be an issue – but the sealant will take a hard hit.
In order to prevent these heat cracks, you should always use coasters, trivets, or hot pads when you place anything hot on your quartz countertop.
Some of these specific characteristics of quartz countertops mean you need to follow some specific instructions when it comes to maintaining your countertops.
Maintaining your quartz countertops isn’t too difficult if you keep a few things in mind. Take a look:
Here’s a better description of each of these maintenance tips.
Although quartz countertops are non-porous, you should still clean spills up as soon as possible. Acidic things like tomato juice, wine, coffee, or fruit juice could end up leaving a mark.
If any part of the spill is dried, remove any solid parts first. After that, use a wet cotton cloth to wipe up the rest of the spill. Don’t scrub too hard because you could damage the shine on the counter.
The best cleaner for spills is hot water. If you need something stronger, use a natural stone cleaner. Here’s a 2-pack of stone cleaner on Amazon for around $16.
You can use dish soap in a pinch, but if you use it too much, you’ll dull the shine on your counter. You should never use a scouring pad on your counter. A sponge or soft, cotton cloth is the best choice.
With quartz counters being so tough, some people use their counter as a cutting board. This is not a good idea. While you won’t slice through the counter, you’ll leave cut marks on your beautiful counter. You should always use cutting boards.
Quartz countertops don’t require heavy-duty cleaning but they do require a regular cleaning schedule to keep up the shine. Take a look at this table to learn what you need to do to keep your countertops looking good.
| Daily | Weekly | Monthly |
| ·Clean with hot water and a rag or a sponge to remove spills and crumbs | ·Remove everything from the counter and do a complete wipe down to remove dust | ·Clear the counter and spray it with a stone counter spray, let it sit for 10 minutes, then wipe it off |
Finally, if you have blinds in the kitchen, close them when possible to avoid the sun shining directly on your counters. Extended periods of direct sunlight can discolor your quartz countertops.
Quartz countertops are a wonderful investment that adds a special touch to your home as long as you keep a few things in mind, including not standing on your quartz countertops.
