While you should clean up any spills that occur immediately as a good habit, you will not have to worry about staining as much as you will with many other surfaces. Porous materials allow liquids to seep beneath their surface, which can lead to staining, discoloration, and irreversible damage. Quartz (silica, SiO2) is the most abundant mineral in rocks, along with the feldspars, these make up approximately 80% of material in the crust. Quartz’s non-porous nature allows it to resist staining much better than granite, marble and concrete. Quartz and Corian each offer plenty of advantages and a handful of drawbacks. These surfaces are engineered stone that is created by combining roughly 90 percent ground natural quartz with about 10 percent polyresin. But liquids left unattended lying on marble for extended periods of time can leave a lasting stain scar. While attractive and heat resistant, limestone is the weakest of the three most popular counter top surfaces when fighting porosity. Engineered quartz is made in a mold. The quartz worktops, being non-porous, add to the stain-resistant feature of the surfaces used. / October 31, 2019, By Walter Bilyakovskyy The bottom line on limestone countertops’ porosity: They can’t fight their porous nature without help. Unlike natural stones that have microscopic pores throughout, engineered quartz countertops are non-porous. Like other hard surface countertop materials, quartz is non-porous so it resists staining much better than granite, marble and concrete. Specific cleaning sprays with sealing properties used with soft cleaning rags or washcloths on a weekly or monthly basis offer an added layer of protection against staining. This term refers to the amount of void spaces in the stone that allow liquid and air to pass through. Because quartz is a non-porous surface, it is one of the most stain resistant and low maintenance materials you can find. This means that quartz countertops do not require the sealing that granite and marble countertops do. It can be cleaned with warm water and soap and never needs sealing. These specific percentages can differ slightly based on different brands (Caesarstone, Silestone, Cambria, etc.). Quartz is superior in quality to both solid surface and laminate countertops. powered by Disqus. Also, granite is immune from the damages of most common household acids. It has a completely non-porous surface that doesn’t absorb liquids and water. Up, Design Hiring professional installers significantly lowers the risk of improper installation and injury. Other than countertops, quartz also works well for backsplashes and various other home surfaces. Quartz is non-porous. Sign The non-porous quality of the surface also greatly reduces the potential for bacterial growth. Your final decision will ultimately make up elements of the above factors and what fits best in your home. Its non-porous surface means it will not harbor bacteria or viruses. At least one study has found granite is very resistant to bacteria, but further long-term study is needed to draw any definitive conclusions. While not a difficult process, the convenience of not having to apply a sealer every so often make quartz countertops one of the lowest maintenance surfaces you can have in your home. Here are the pros and cons of quartz countertops to consider. How Does Quartz Compare to Solid Surface and Laminate Countertops? Acidic substances can cause etching when they come into contact with marble. Marble is also softer than quartz and etches with use. Even worse, germs, bacteria and mold can invade unsealed granite counter tops with stains running not far behind. Quartz stone is a very ambiguous term. The Term Bretonstone Is Not Derived from French. Whether quartz, granite, marble or limestone, every counter top has weaknesses. To protect your limestone counter top, seal it at least once a year with a water-based sealant, which offers the most protection. For some granite colors, dark spots may appear if a puddle is left unattended for a substantial period of time. But most quartzite is too porous to use as a countertop material in its raw form; without sealant, it would soak up liquids with ease. For cleanliness, a non-porous surface means that it will not harbor bacteria or viruses. The trade name Bretonstone is not related to the … Rose Quartz is a very popular stone for jewelry use due to it's beauty and durability. The good news is both Corian and quartz offer streamlined, luxurious finishes and a wide range of shapes, sizes and edging. Policy, Terms of The hardness and natural materials make quartz heat-resistant as well. This helps create the low-maintenance surface quartz counters are known for. In addition to being stain resistant, quartz countertops are also scratch resistant. With granite only slightly porous and quartz non-porous, both surfaces are fairly hygienic countertop choices and are resistant to bacteria, mold, and mildew. Can your kitchen counter top pass the porous test? In addition, you will not need to apply a sealant as you would with most natural stone countertops. Limestone’s light color can leave it defenseless against staining without regular care and maintenance. The only way granite ends up in your kitchen is if it’s quarried and … You must be logged in before you can vote. On the other hand, marble is porous and it … This guide will cover whether quartz is a porous material and other helpful information about the surfaces. Because quartz surfaces are manufactured, they can be made to have no pores. Each counter top surface can withstand its natural porosity with differing degrees of strength. In fact, it is this characteristic of the material that makes it quite a hygienic option as it restricts the origination of microorganisms, including bacteria, in the areas it is … While quartz is a great choice for countertops and backsplashes, no material is perfect. Remember, no sealer absolutely prevents a stone from being stained, but regular use of sealers on granite counter tops make it very hard for this stunning surface to lose its shine. While both granite and quartz are found naturally, quarts can be found as small crystals that are made into a stone by adding colors and resins. These products may consist of quartz, a crystalline mineral that is naturally non-porous. The material is very heavy and difficult to handle. When it comes to resistance to staining, quartz is unmatched. Very high temperatures will affect the appearance by altering the color. / April 24, 2018, By Ginger Perales These stones offer a virtually maintenance free kitchen work surface. Another benefit that results from these surfaces being engineered is that they are non-porous, which separates them from both granite and marble. As such, the countertops are typically coated in … Daily kitchen activities pose no problems for granite, which can even take on a hot pot without the use of a trivet. When evaluating which countertop material will be the best fit for your home, you may want to keep porosity in mind. However, granite's porous nature may mean it will harbor more bacteria over time than quartz will — especially in the case of Silestone, which includes an antibacterial agent in its surface. It is a fairly hard stone at 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, and is non porous. Even the most persistent liquids will not be able to leave a stain on quartz surfaces. Quartz countertops are also long-lasting -- their durability is equal to that of concrete or granite -- but they won't chip or crack as easily. On average, quartz costs between $50 to $120 per square foot. Copyright © 1996 - 2021 Marble.com™. While natural stone countertop options, such as granite countertops and marble countertops, remain popular, quartz countertops have become quite the competition on the market. Still, marble is more porous, softer and less durable when compared to granite. Quartz Is a Nonporous Surface According to materials engineers at Cosentino, a Spanish brand of quartz known to manufacture slabs that look just like white Carrara marble, the reason quartz surfaces have zero porosity is because of their composition. Doing so will allow you to know which countertops will be better at handling spills and stains. If you are looking for new kitchen countertops, or new countertops for areas like the bathroom, these engineered stone countertops will be a great fit. Service. Quartz counters generally fall in a range of 6–7 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, putting it around the same level of hardness as granite, if not harder. In terms of natural stone countertop options, materials like granite are on the less porous side, whereas a material like limestone is very porous. Different types do have varying degrees of porousness, so some will require a little more care and attention. All rights reserved. Just like the mighty sun, the most powerful star in the galaxy, can’t shine every day, no counter top surface is completely impervious. Even worse, germs and bacteria can make their way into pores, making it difficult to clean and disinfect. Left unsealed, limestone can stain worse than melted chocolate on a white T-shirt. (319) 665-8300, 2021’s Hottest and Most In-Demand Kitchen Design Trends, Simple Renovation Ideas for Your Small Bathroom, COVID-19 is Changing the Design & Function of Our Homes, Weighing the Cost of Elegance in Tile Showers, COVID Fails to Dent ROI, Spirit of America’s Home Improvement Projects. All stone counter tops are naturally porous, and need help fighting this potentially damaging structural imperfection. It is a proven countertop option. No, you cannot install your own quartz countertops. Quartz is a chemical compound consisting of one part silicon and two parts oxygen. Quartz is an all-around great building material for the home. Unlike granite, however, quartz is non-porous. List of the Pros of Quartz Countertops. One thing you must watch out for is not exposing quartz countertops to excessive heat. Quartz is also the cleanliest of America’s most popular countertop surfaces. Avoid cleaning this porous gem material with soap, detergents, or cleaning solutions. / September 15, 2017. Are Quartz Countertops Porous? By Jeremy Troetti This chemical reaction removes marble’s natural and stunning polish. It’s fairly low-maintenance material for kitchen countertops. It is the most abundant mineral found at Earth's surface, and its unique properties make it one of the most useful natural substances. a Quote, Privacy Quartz can repel the harshest spills, from juice to oil to tomatoes, coffee and more. Because it is not a porous material, the quartz countertop resists moisture, bacteria, and dirt. Rose Quartz Information. Can You Install Quartz Countertops on Your Own? We recommend The non-porous qualities of quartz attract many homeowners. The surfaces are beautiful, durable and low maintenance – all qualities that homeowners love. Quartz is also the cleanliest of America’s most popular countertop surfaces. Through reviewing this guide, you can better understand porosity and its effects on countertop materials, as well as additional information about quartz countertops. Lastly, you cannot install a quartz countertop outside, as it can become damaged from exposure to direct sunlight. comments Smooth, cool, beautiful as a diamond and much more resistant to porosity problems, marble is a gem of a counter top surface. This is one of the major advantages that quartz countertops have over many other options. More common types of quartz will come at a lesser cost, while rare types are in the high-end of the price range. Tools, Get Our porous silica material can be fused with quartz glass, making it possible to manufacture composite pieces that consist of dense and porous parts. You seem to be visiting our website on Internet Explorer, a browser that is no longer supported. Be warned though: Like marble, limestone is highly susceptible to kitchen acids like citrus juices, vinegars and mustards. As far as strength is concerned, quartz is stronger of the two and is also easier to shape than granite. Remember how it’s made of a … Here’s how to know: The undisputed, unbeaten champion of the Porous Test, quartz is non-porous. Quartz countertops are sealed and therefore not porous, they are primarily made of quartz, which means they are more durable than granite. Polished or semi-polished limestone counter tops will be left with rough spots from where acidic substances sat on the stone. Heck, even a knife can’t scrape granite’s good looks. When looking for natural stone countertops, you may hear the term ‘Porosity’. Quartz can repel the harshest spills, from juice to oil to tomatoes, coffee and more. There are several color options to choose from and many different brands. using Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or Edge for a better browsing experience, and to ensure all features work No. Thus, quartz is an engineered stone. As a rule, you should probably seal it simply because it is a natural stone and it is porous. Quartz is a non-porous material. In the kitchen, make sure to always use trivets and hot pads when handling such items around your quartz countertop. Many homeowners today choose quartz to complete their remodeling projects. properly. The undisputed, unbeaten champion of the Porous Test, quartz is non-porous. Blame limestone’s calcium carbonate nature. For all their style, remarkable ability to enhance the beauty and value of kitchens, and every day kitchen uses, no counter top is perfect. Alas, its porous surface is granite’s kryptonite. Experts recommend sealing granite counter tops once per year. ). For example, if you place a hot pot or hot pan on its surface, your quartz countertop will sustain a permanent discoloration from a burn mark. Because of the man-made resin that is used to glue quartzt together it is non-porous, so it’s stain resistant (not stain proof) and super-low maintenance. / December 04, 2019. While very durable they cannot be considered indestructible. Honed quartz is a porous material, which means it will need to be resealed every few months just to maintain its quality and integrity. What Is a Non-Porous Surface? Quartz is a non-porous and natural surface, composed of 93% raw natural material quartz, one of the hardest minerals on earth. But the right treatment plan and regular care can keep your counter top  — whether granite, marble, limestone or quartz — gleaming, strong and functioning as the heart of your kitchen. Quartz’s non-porous nature allows it to resist staining much better than granite, marble and concrete. The fact that quartz is non-porous means that it doesn’t absorb liquid like some other materials, such as granite and marble, and this means that your floor is likely to last you much longer as a result. In contrast to a countertop with a porous surface, a non-porous countertop will prevent liquids and other materials from penetrating. Remember, if not previously sealed, marble will soak up sealant like a sponge, meaning multiple applications are needed to reach maximum sealing potential. Granite. Experts recommend using a stone sealer for all granite counter tops after installation. by Jeremy Troetti 1. Quartz is non-porous and does not require any sealing - ever. For marble countertops, the most effective sealants are those with no volatile organic compounds (VOCs), like DuPont Premium Stone Sealer and Miracle Sealants Porous Plus. Quartzite countertops are produced after slabs of the natural stone are mined and precisely cut to ensure aesthetic appeal. If liquid or air can pass through your counter top, your kitchen’s centerpiece has a gaping hole, damaged look and major structural deficiency. If you have a quartz countertop in your bathroom, make sure to not place any hot hair styling tools on the surface. For an explanation of the different members of the quartzite family, check out A Deep Dive Into the Properties of Quartzite. Like granite, marble needs to be sealed regularly. Topaz: Warm water, detergent, and soft brush: Easy cleavage makes mechanical cleaning relatively dangerous for topaz. Quartz is a non-porous material. Environmentally-Friendly. A penetrating sealer like the highly rated Granite Gold Countertop Liquid Sealer and StoneTech Bulletproof is recommended to prevent stains from oil, wine or other liquids from soaking into the surface. Do I need to apply a sealer to Caesarstone? If you are going for an alternative to natural stone, you are best off choosing quartz. They are stain-resistant so dropping a glass of wine on them simply requires a … "Engineered with pure quartz crystals, the quartz countertop from DuPontâ„¢ Zodiaq® let you bring the best of both worlds - nature and science -- to your kitchen, bath and throughout your home." Different colors and stones of granite are more porous than others. It's a member of the quartz family. Homeowners have access to engineered quartz countertops as well, which mixes 95% ground natural quartz with polymer resin. Before you assume that this makes quartz superior to granite, consider the very reason it’s non-porous. Quartz, on the other hand, is non-porous and stain resistant. When it comes to counter top imperfections, few are more potentially more damaging than porosity. Marble is especially vulnerable to household acids like vinegar, mustard, catsup, citrus and numerous food-related products. They tend to penetrate the material, thus turning it green and/or an unattractive off-color blue. Although you will find quartz labeled as heat resistant, it cannot withstand as much heat as many other materials. Like all-natural stone, granite is susceptible to liquid sinking into its surface. Purity Porous silica material has a very high-purity content since it is made from synthetic silica glass, which has very few impurities. The power of sedimentary rock is great: Strong, head-turning, hygienic and distinctive, limestone is a popular and trendy counter top choice. These counters do not have to be sealed like other countertop materials or polished to keep their shine. It is silicon dioxide (SiO2). © Copyright 2021 Corridor Kitchens / Powered by CG Web Strategy / Blog, 650 Pacha Pkwy, Ste 6 North Liberty, IA, North Liberty, IA 52317. Etching is the colorless watermark left on marble with everyday use in the kitchen or bath, especially around a sink or tub. Caesarstone is a non-porous surface, so you will never have to apply sealer to any Caesarstone surface. Most liquids, if wiped up quickly, won’t stain marble. Plus, quartz is available in a larger variety of colors than stone surfaces, delivering all of the style of marble and all the durability of granite, but none of the porosity. The main issue you will have to be mindful of is the ability of quartz to be damaged by excessive heat. It stands up to juice, oil, wine, tomato, coffee and other sources of stains in the kitchen. These specific percentages can differ slightly based on different brands (Caesarstone, Silestone, Cambria, etc. Quartz countertops, once unknown, have developed a reputation over the last 50 years as a high-end surface material, but the process of gaining respect has been slow.Even today, quartz counters compete with solid surface (i.e., Corian) and natural stone for space in kitchens and baths. Because of this, some quartzites are somewhat porous (like Macaubus), while others are tightly bonded together (like Marine Blue, Taj Mahal, or Fusion). 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