Do Quartz Countertops Need to Be Sealed?

Quartz countertops are a popular countertop choice for contemporary houses because of its sleek and durable finish. They’re favoured by homeowners because they’re easy to maintain and they look good with any style of kitchen and bathroom (we chose Quartz for both our kitchen and utility room). But there’s an everyday ‘if’ when it comes to Quartz countertops: does Quartz need to be sealed?

Let’s take a look!

What are Quartz Countertops Made Of?

Before getting to sealing, let’s start with what quartz countertops are made of. Quartz countertops are not made of natural stone such as granite or marble, they are fabricated from natural quartz crystals and resin. This is what gives the surface its non-porous hardness.

Since quartz is made from resin with a very high percentage (typically 10%), it doesn’t have the pores of granite, marble or other rocks. That makes quartz impervious to liquids, stains, and bacteria. But does quartz need to be sealed? Read on and find out!

Does Quartx need to be sealed?

In short, Quartz countertops do not need sealing.

The surfaces of quartz are actually non-porous — meaning that fluids cannot easily seep into the surface. And that is what makes them extremely stain-resistant, in contrast to porous natural stones. Since quartz countertops are non-porous, they also keep bacteria away which is one of the main reasons quartz is used for kitchen counters where cleanliness is crucial.

Benefits of Not Sealing Quartz

Simple to Maintain: Quartz doesn’t need to be sealed or re-sealed every so often like granite or marble. That will save you time, work and money over the long run.

Resistance to Stain and Bacteria: Quartz counters do not stain when hit with ordinary kitchen foods such as coffee, wine, and oils. It’s non-porous surface will not let bacteria get inside the countertop and you can clean the kitchen more efficiently.

Preservation of Natural Flawlessness: Sealing may change a countertop’s texture or look. If not sealed, quartz countertops are left as they are with their natural shine and gloss.

When You Might Consider Sealing

So are there any instances when you should you seal quartz countertops? Quartz countertops usually don’t need sealing, but there are some instances where quartz countertops may do. For example:

High-Resin Quartz: There are also a couple lower end quartz countertops that are more high-resin content and may be a bit more porous, so you may want to seal them for better stain resistance.
Manufacturers’ Advice: Most quartz countertops are sealed in-the-box, but some manufacturers will ask you to seal it just in case. Read the care instructions from your manufacturer for all the details.

How To Maintain Quartz Countertops?

Quartz doesn’t have to be sealed, but it must still be cared for to look beautiful and last a long time:

Scrub Frequently: Clean the surface every day with warm water and gentle dish soap. Beware of toxic chemicals or abrasive cleaners which leave scratches over time.

Wash Spills as the Happen: Quartz won’t stain but if you spill anything especially acidic like lemon juice or vinegar, always be sure to clean it immediately to avoid further damage.

Cut on a Cutting Board: Quartz is durable, but by using a cutting board you will preserve the surface as it is.

Stay Away From Heat: Quartz is heat resistant but always use trivets or hot pads when preparing hot pots, pans or any hot appliances so the resin won’t melt.

So, does quartz need to be sealed? In summary, Quartz doesn’t need to be sealed. Because quartz countertops are not porous, they are stain, bacteria, and liquid resistant and are a great option for many homeowners. There is nothing to worry about and you just need to clean your quartz countertops regularly and take care of them so that your quartz countertops will be beautiful for a long time to come, as ours have in our home 3 years on from our renovation.

And so if you’re looking to install quartz for your kitchen or bathroom, you can make the most of its benefits without all the upkeep that comes with sealing other countertop materials.

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Becky

Meet the award-nominated UK lifestyle blogger behind Spirited Puddle Jumper – a mum of three living in South East London! Becky shares the real ups and downs of family life, parenting tips, and lifestyle inspiration, proving that being a mum doesn’t mean you stop being fun or having other interests! Follow along for honest insights into UK family life and opinions on a whole range of topics, from travel and food, to beauty reviews, home and DIY, business and health and wellness.