Can Quartz Be Used Outside? No.
Engineered quartz is popular for many different reasons. It’s stylish and functional, and it can feature a wide variety of patterns and designs. Quartz is also an exceptionally durable product that tends to be more flexible than other stone materials. Plus, its non-porous nature makes cleaning a breeze and provides amazing stain-resistance. With so many benefits, it’s only natural that our customers ask if quartz can be used outside. While this product has its distinct advantages, others may be preferable for a deck, patio, or outdoor kitchen installation.
Properties of Quartz
Quartz has several properties that make outdoor use seem reasonable. It’s tough, stain-resistant, and highly customizable, allowing it to effortlessly complement almost any project. Quartz is also simple to maintain, even after consistent, repeated use.
Durability is one of quartz’s major benefits. Its synthetic blend of stone and polymers often make it stronger than some natural stone alternatives. Plus, it’s held together by strong resins which provide greater chip resistance through a slight elasticity.
Quartz is also non-porous and sealed during the production process. It can easily withstand almost any stain, and it repels a wide array of contaminants. These properties and others imply an affinity for outdoor use, especially when it comes to wind, rain, dirt, and debris. However, this assumption neglects to consider some of quartz’s downsides.
Quartz and the Outdoors
While quartz features many traits that seem well-suited for outdoor use, the truth is it’s often less than ideal. The main concern with quartz is its sensitivity to the elements, so we don’t recommend using it outdoors for a few reasons.
- Lack of Heat Resistance
Quartz products are engineered blends of stone, resins, pigments, and polymers. They mimic the texture and appearance of natural stones, and they tend to be incredibly uniform in color and consistency. However, their composition can be compromised by sudden, high heat. Therefore, we always advise using trivets and hot pads when placing pots, pans, and plates on quartz countertops. If you live in a warmer climate or have minimal shade, spring and summer heat may damage outdoor quartz installations.
- Discoloration
Ultraviolet (UV) light can also pose a distinct threat to manufactured quartz. This is rarely an issue under normal indoor conditions because window glass reduces the amount of UV light that passes through it. Unfortunately, direct outdoor sunlight may lead to significant discoloration, especially with darker-toned quartz installations.
Quartz products rely on resins and epoxy to bind them together. These binders gradually break down when exposed to strong UV radiation. Prolonged exposure can fade the luster of darker pigments and create a whitish or even yellowed appearance in lighter-toned products. Occasional, indirect sunlight poses much less risk, so always assess how much shade your outdoor space will have before considering quartz.
Natural Stone for Outdoor Use
Quartz may not sustain its long-term value when used in outdoor installations. Luckily, many varieties of natural stone are much better alternatives. Here are some of our top recommendations.
Granite
We always recommend granite when designing any outdoor space. Simply put, nothing compares its ability to weather the harshest elements. Granite is non-porous, so it won’t absorb stains, odors, or grime, and it’s tough enough to withstand almost any impact. Its naturally occurring minerals will retain their strength and appearance with repeated use, even in hot climates with plenty of direct sunlight.
Porcelain and Ultra Compacts
Several other materials are suited for outdoor use. On one hand, porcelain is durable and quite resistant to heat, water, and UV radiation. On the other, ultra-compact products like Dekton are strong and scratch-proof, and will hold up well in hot conditions. These materials can provide toughness and flexibility similar to quartz without its susceptibility to the elements.
Your Next Outdoor Project
In rare cases, quartz can be used outside with minimal downsides. However, high heat and constant UV radiation may slowly damage it over time. That’s why we recommend using granite to maintain the lifetime value of most outdoor stone installations. If you’re planning an outdoor project in Lincoln, Omaha, or other Nebraska communities, then we welcome you to reach out with any questions or concerns. Our friendly staff will gladly walk you through your options today.
