Setting the Record Straight: Can You Cut on Quartz Countertops Without Damage?

Homeowners and professional installers love using quartz for surfacing projects because of its hardiness, scratch resistance, and longevity. It’s also non-porous, easy to clean, and low-maintenance. 

With these remarkable features, it’s easy to think that quartz countertops are virtually indestructible. Some even believe cutting food items directly on them won’t cause damage. After all, bringing out and cleaning a cutting board when preparing ingredients all the time can be tiring and even frustrating. 

But is it true? Can you cut on your quartz countertops directly without damaging the countertop itself? 

Debunking Misconceptions About Quartz Countertop Care and Maintenance: Can You Cut on Your Quartz Countertops? 

Quartz is a man-made stone engineered by mixing resin and naturally occurring quartz (which is also among the hardest minerals). The resin mixture brings out raw quartz’s immense strength and durability, making engineered quartz countertops a resilient and scratch-resistant surface. 

To answer the question, quartz countertops can withstand cutting. However, cutting directly on them always comes with the risk of producing marks, dents, and chips on their surfaces.

You’ve invested in your quartz countertops. Why risk damaging these beautiful surfaces by removing the cutting board? Using your quartz countertops carefully ensures they remain in top condition for years. 

Your Quartz Countertops Can Withstand Cutting on Them – But Here Are 3 Reasons To Stick to Your Cutting Boards 

Besides preserving your quartz countertops, it’s still best to use your cutting board for these other reasons: 

1. Damage to Your Kitchen Knives 

Your knives can also suffer damage. Using sharp edges on tough surfaces like quartz can dull your kitchen knives over time. Eventually, you may find yourself sharpening or replacing your cutlery more frequently. 

2. Bacterial Concerns 

Using a cutting board simply makes sense regarding hygiene and food safety, especially when preparing raw meat. While the meat itself won’t damage your countertop, the bacteria it contains can seep through the tiny openings on its surface and contaminate other food items. 

Of course, this problem can be solved by cleaning the surface with disinfectant sprays and wipes. However, regular disinfecting can degrade your quartz countertop’s original sealing, paving the way for further issues like staining and acid damage. 

3. Staining and Acid Damage 

Cutting, slicing, or chopping certain foods can secrete juices that, when not cleaned properly, can leave stains on your countertop. This is especially true with acidic foods. The liquids they secrete can wear out your countertop’s seal more quickly, making the surface more vulnerable to discolorations. 

Using a cutting board will not only help keep your countertop and cutlery intact but also prevent bacteria and moisture from seeping into your countertop and prematurely wearing it out. 

Tips for Maintaining Your Quartz Countertops 

Quartz surfaces are virtually maintenance-free. These simple tips can help you enjoy the maximum performance your quartz countertops can provide. 

1. Keep Using Your Cutting Board 

Preparing ingredients with your cutting board can prevent bacterial growth in your countertop and protect your knives from premature dulling. Besides, cutting boards are simply easier to clean. 

2. Clean Up Spills Immediately

While countertop sealing can keep spills from staining your surface, they may still leave discolorations if not cleaned promptly. Removing them immediately rather than risk dealing with stubborn stains is best. 

3. Never Use Abrasive Pads

Abrasive pads may effectively remove dried-up spills or stubborn stains on many surfaces, but not with your quartz countertops. They can easily scratch and damage the surface, so use only a soft cloth and mild cleaners. 

4. Stick to Mild Soap

Both alkaline and acidic cleaners can break down the resin mixture of quartz countertops, causing long-term damage. Meanwhile, harsh and acidic cleaning agents like vinegar and lemon can erode the surface’s sealant over time, making it more vulnerable to stains. 

When cleaning your quartz countertops, remember that a splash of warm, soapy water is enough to keep them clean and beautiful. 

5. Avoid Placing Hot Objects Directly on Your Quartz Countertops.

Quartz has high heat-resistant properties, but temperatures over 300° F can damage the countertop surface’s resin, leaving burn marks and discolorations that are often irreversible. 

Keep your countertops looking good for longer using trivets or cooking pads when placing something hot on them. 

Enjoy the Lasting Benefits of Caesarstone Quartz – And Feel Confident With Our Warranty

Quartz countertops are engineered stone that Caesarstone pioneered in 1987. We leverage the outstanding qualities of raw quartz through cutting-edge technologies to turn a pure mineral into the ideal stone for your home.  

All our quartz surfaces are engineered with up to 90% quartz minerals to ensure the mineral’s superior strength, durability, and hardiness come to life in each slab. By using them correctly and following the care and maintenance tips shared above, you’ll surely enjoy your Caesarstone Quartz Countertops for years. 

Best of all, you can be assured your surface remains safe, durable, and timelessly beautiful with Caesarstone. It takes a minute to register your warranty and benefit from our lifetime commitment to keeping your residential Quartz countertops safe, durable, and beautiful. 

Wondering what a quartz countertop would look like in your home? Browse our inspiration gallery and explore exciting ways to make your countertop the heart of your home.