Kitchens are the most phenomenal part of the house.
You can add a unique charm to your house by touching up some cabinet and worktop designs.
Quartz countertops are a popular choice for luxury kitchen designs.
Quartz worktops are smoother and require less maintenance.
Moreover, they come in a wide range of colors and are reasonably durable.
However, one common question almost every homeowner ask is, ‘does quartz countertops need to be sealed?’
Quartz countertops don’t require any sealing because they have less porosity.
Porosity is the measure of void spaces within the material, which are filled using a sealant to elongate the life of the worktop.
Quartz has significantly less spacing between its molecules, so it resists stains without sealing than other worktop materials like granite.
What Is a Quartz Countertop?
Quartz countertops are stone-like tops with a signature smoothness.
Due to modern manufacturing methods and processes, quartz is the most versatile and durable material for kitchen countertops.
However, it is relatively expensive.
A quartz worktop easily blends in with all interior designs.
And is supremely resistant to scratches and abrasions.
Recognizing a quartz countertop is pretty straightforward.
Since marble and granite come from nature, no two slabs are identical.
You’ll always observe some slight color differences or pattern dissimilarities.
In comparison, quartz has a distinguishable uniformity.
Knowing the difference comes in handy when researching does quartz countertops need to be sealed.
Related Reading: What Is My Average Kitchen Countertop Size – Click Here To Read.
Advantages Of Sealing a Quartz Countertop
Many users deem sealing quartz worktops as a waste of time and money.
However, it offers some tremendous unseen benefits.
Affordable
Sealing your quartz countertop requires the tiniest budget, and the sealants are readily available.
Moreover, they are not challenging to use, so you can seal the countertop as a personal project without hiring a professional for the job.
Durability
Although quartz countertops are durable, they may flatter due to excessive heat over time.
Here sealing helps because sealants include compounds to increase the heat resistivity of the material, so it lasts long.
Also, sealing proves beneficial if you renovate a cafeteria countertop as it prevents surface scratches and spill stains.
Prevents Seeping
Seeing black coffee and tea stains on your worktops ultimately makes you wonder do you need to seal quartz countertops.
Strong liquids leave nasty stains as they seep into the countertop, leaving a permanent mark.
The fluid penetrates the molecular space in the countertops, making it uncleanable.
However, with a sealing present, the liquid stays on the surface and can be easily cleaned.
A Valuable Investment
Quartz countertops are about 20 to 40 percent more expensive than other worktop options.
So naturally, you’ll want to ensure they don’t get chipped or cracked.
Sealing your quartz countertop is good as it ensures that it will remain unbroken longer than the unsealed ones.
Ensures Color Retention
The color of your quartz countertops may dim over time.
It may be due to regular usage, cleaning, or simply eventual wear.
However, sealing helps ensure that your quartz worktop’s bright finish remains intact for much longer.
Do You Need to Seal Quartz Countertops? – Maintaining An Unsealed Quartz Worktop
If you plan to let go of your ‘does quartz countertops need to be sealed’ quest for the moment, that is fine.
The below tips will help you keep your quartz countertop in good shape until you decide to seal it.
Never Use Abrasive Products
Scrubbing, brushing, and other abrasive products are terminal to your gleaming quartz countertop.
Although they are resistant to nicks, the continuous abrasions will leave them scratchy over time.
No Chemicals
Sealing your quartz countertop may be optional, but that doesn’t mean they are untouchable to all kinds of damage.
Using intensive cleaners damages the surface and shine of your countertops.
Therefore, it is essential to keep chemicals like paint removers, thinners, and over-cleaners away from them.
Avoid Excessive Heat
Heating expands all surfaces, and quartz countertops are no different.
The contraction and expansion of heating and cooling damage the internal structure causing the worktop to crack or break.
Exposing quartz countertops to intense stove heat is dangerous.
Therefore, it is best to use cooking range designs with quartz worktops.
Don’t Cut Things Directly on Them
Preventing your quartz countertops from scratches is necessary.
However, you also need to take care of the cutting jobs you do on them.
Without the sealant, the acidity from the fruits will cause the countertop to attain a dull look as it diminishes its shine.
Ensure Daily Cleaning
Although these worktops are relatively stain-resistant, everyday cleaning helps preserve their shine.
Moreover, it also ensures hygiene.
Cleaning a quartz countertop is probably the easiest thing in the world.
All you have to do is dampen a kitchen towel and wipe the worktop.
Later use a dry cloth to dry the wetness.
Related Reading: The Total Labor Cost Needed To Seal The Quartz Counter Tops – Click Here To Find Out.
Does Quartz Countertops Need to be Sealed?—FAQs
How often should I seal my quartz countertops?
Quartz countertops don’t require additional sealings, unlike other countertops like granite and natural stone.
However, if you want, you can apply a sealant after 10 to 12 months when the shine dims.
What things can damage quartz countertops?
Strong action fluids like intensive cleansers, oxidizers, acidic cleaners, degreasers, etc.
In addition, abrasive materials can also dim their shine.
What happens if you don’t seal your quartz countertop?
Quartz countertops are reasonably durable and damage resistant.
However, they may chip, crack or attain permanent spots over time if you don’t seal them.
How to clean my quartz countertop?
Add an adequate amount of dishwater in warm water and dip a microfiber cloth in it.
Wipe the worktop with the solution-dipped cloth.
Later dry the surface with a clean cloth.
How long do quartz countertops last?
Most quartz countertops last for ten years.
In comparison, other materials like granite may require repairing before that period.
Related Reading: What Are The Most Popular Granite Countertop Edges – Click Here To Read.
Do Quartz Worktops Need Sealing? The Final Verdict
‘Does quartz countertops need to be sealed?’
The answer depends upon the user’s preference.
You can seal your quartz countertops or use them as they are.
Since they have less porosity, they don’t essentially require sealing.
However, both of the scenarios have their highs and lows.
Sealing your quartz countertops is affordable, ensures durability and sparkle, and prevents permanent stains.
In contrast, avoiding sealing save you fewer bucks for the sealant.
However, you need to ensure additional precautions.
