Quartz countertops have a lot going for them—consistent patterns, low maintenance, and a sleek, modern look. It’s no surprise they’re one of the most popular choices for kitchens. We install quartz often at Greenlee, and one of the questions we hear the most is: “Can I put a hot pan on quartz?” It’s a smart question. Cooking creates heat, and your countertops are part of that environment. Here’s what you need to know about how quartz handles the heat—and how to keep it looking its best. What Quartz Is (And Why It Matters) Quartz countertops are engineered surfaces—about 90–95% crushed natural quartz, combined with resins and pigments to bind everything together. That’s what gives quartz its smooth appearance and uniform color. The resin component is the part to pay attention to when it comes to heat. Unlike natural stone, resins can react to high temperatures, which means quartz can be vulnerable to damage if exposed to direct or sudden heat. What Heat Can Do to Quartz Quartz is durable, but it’s not made to handle extreme or direct heat. Sudden changes in temperature—called thermal shock —can create stress in the material. That stress can lead to: Discoloration : The resin can darken or yellow from contact with a hot pan. Cracks : Thermal shock can cause fractures or fissures, sometimes spreading across the surface. Permanent damage : Once scorched or cracked, quartz can’t be perfectly repaired—marks often remain visible. Common Kitchen Habits to Rethink Most countertop damage doesn’t come from big mistakes—it comes from everyday moments. To keep your quartz surfaces in great shape, avoid: Setting hot pans or pots directly on the counter Running a slow cooker or griddle without a trivet underneath Resting hot dishes from the oven directly on the quartz Using quartz as a cutting surface, especially near the stove How to Protect Your Quartz A few simple habits can go a long way in preserving your countertops: Always use a trivet or hot pad under anything warm Let cookware cool for a few minutes before setting it near the counter Use a cutting board—not just for knives, but to reduce heat transfer Remind family and guests (especially helpful kids!) how to care for the space The Greenlee Perspective We recommend quartz often because it’s beautiful, reliable, and fits a lot of different kitchen styles. But when heat resistance is a priority, we’ll walk you through all your options—including natural granite, which tends to handle heat better. Every home and cook is different, and we’re here to help you choose a surface that fits the way you live. Trust your countertops—and the team who installs them. We’ve been doing this for 27 years, right here in Prescott. When you come to Greenlee , you’re getting more than great materials—you’re getting real guidance from a local team who’s here for the long haul. Bring a sketch and come see us. Let’s find what makes you feel good—and what works for how you actually live. Designing Surfaces For Your Life

When you’re investing in new countertops, the details matter—and thickness is one of those details that can have a big impact on the beauty, durability, and performance of your surface.  At Greenlee, we’ve been working with granite for 27 years. We’ve cut it, installed it, repaired it, and replaced it. And over the years, we’ve learned what works best for our customers. That’s why we’ve made 3cm granite our standard. It’s not just a preference—it’s the product we believe in. Let’s talk about why 3cm is the gold standard and what it means for your home. First Things First: What Is 3cm Granite? Granite slabs typically come in two thicknesses: 2cm and 3cm. That may not sound like a big difference, but in the countertop world, it’s huge. 3cm granite is about 1 ¼ inches thick. 2cm granite is closer to ¾ of an inch—sometimes slightly more. At first glance, a thinner slab might seem just fine. But once you get into the details—how it’s installed, how it performs, how it looks—the benefits of 3cm become obvious. Why We Recommend 3cm for Every Job When you choose 3cm granite, you’re not just getting a thicker slab. You’re getting a countertop that’s stronger, cleaner-looking, and more cost-effective over time. Here's why: No lamination required 2cm slabs almost always require a laminated edge to make the countertop appear thicker. This adds time, cost, and an extra seam that’s nearly always visible. With 3cm, what you see is what you get—no need to fake the look. No plywood subtop A 2cm slab typically needs a layer of plywood underneath for structural support. 3cm granite? Strong enough to stand on its own. That means a cleaner install and a more durable surface. Fewer breakage issues Natural stone, like granite, behaves a lot like concrete—it’s not a question of if it might crack, but when. Thicker material means more strength, more resilience, and fewer repairs. Better long-term value The extra thickness adds longevity. Your countertops are less likely to chip or fail, which means less maintenance—and more peace of mind. The Problem with 2cm: Hidden Costs and Visible Seams We’ve seen a lot of 2cm installations over the years, and we’ve repaired a fair share of them too. One of the biggest concerns we hear from homeowners is about the visible lamination seam on the edge. It’s that thin line where two pieces are bonded together to create the illusion of thickness. And the truth is—it’s hard to hide. Even with a perfect polish, that seam almost always shows up, especially in lighter-colored granite. There’s also the hidden labor costs. Laminating a 2cm edge takes time and precision. That gets passed on to you, the homeowner. And if the stone chips or cracks? That repair isn’t just cosmetic—it can delay your whole project. Why Greenlee Uses 3cm Granite We’ve made the switch to 3cm across the board because we believe it’s the best product for the people we serve. It looks better, it lasts longer, and it saves time and stress during installation. When we’re fabricating your countertop, we want to do it right the first time—and 3cm helps us do just that. We don’t want to cut corners (literally or figuratively). Our goal is to create something that not only looks beautiful but holds up for decades. If it’s going in your home, it should feel solid, seamless, and built to last. Final Thoughts from a Rock Hound I’ve been around a lot of stone, and I fall for every pretty rock I see—but experience has taught me to look beyond the surface. When it comes to granite countertops, thickness tells you a lot about quality. So if you're planning a remodel, bring your sketch and come see us. We’ll show you why 3cm is the real deal—and help you find a piece that makes you feel good every time you walk into your kitchen. Designing Surfaces For Your Life

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When you’re investing in a custom home or a high-end remodel, you want surfaces that look incredible and work just as hard as you do. One question we hear a lot at Greenlee is whether quartz countertops need to be sealed. It’s a smart thing to ask before making a big decision for your kitchen or bath. The short answer? Quality engineered quartz does not require sealing. That’s one of the reasons so many of our clients in Prescott and the surrounding areas choose it. But like anything worth doing right, it’s important to understand the details. Why Engineered Quartz is Different Quartz countertops aren’t cut straight from the ground like granite or marble. They’re an engineered product, made by combining about 93% natural quartz crystals with resin and pigments. This manufacturing process makes quartz surfaces non-porous—meaning liquids, oils, and stains can’t soak in the way they might with natural stone. Because of that, high-quality quartz surfaces already have the protection you’re looking for built right in. There’s no need for a sealer, no annual maintenance schedules, and no extra products to buy. You’re getting durability, beauty, and peace of mind from the start. The Importance of Choosing Quality Quartz Not all quartz is created equal. We’re rock hounds at Greenlee—we fall for every pretty stone we see—but when it comes to engineered quartz, we’re also picky about what we recommend. There are some lower-end quartz products on the market that may cut corners. These cheaper slabs utilize inferior resins and typically have more resin content. This will create a more porous, less consistent, or improperly cured during manufacturing, which can open the door to staining and absorption issues down the line. Here’s what to look for when choosing a quartz surface: Brand reputation: Stick with trusted, proven brands known for consistent quality. Also, look for Quartz that has been created using the Breton manufacturing system. Warranty: Quality quartz often comes with strong warranties from the manufacturer. Consistency: Inspect the slabs. Good quartz should have an even pattern without soft spots or inconsistent texture. Professional fabrication: Even the best material needs expert handling to shine. In-house fabrication, like what we do here at Greenlee, ensures your investment is protected from selection to installation. If you start with the right quartz, you won’t have to worry about sealing—or second-guessing your choice later. Everyday Care for Quartz Countertops Even though quartz doesn’t require sealing, it still deserves good everyday care. Luckily, it’s simple. You don't need any fancy products or complicated routines. Just wipe up spills promptly with mild soap and water. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbers, which can wear down the surface finish over time. And while quartz is incredibly strong, it’s still smart to use cutting boards and trivets. Extreme heat and sharp knives can damage just about any surface over time—quartz included. A little bit of care goes a long way in keeping your countertops looking like new for decades. Trust Local Experts to Guide You Choosing the right countertop is a big investment. You deserve to feel confident in every part of the process. When you work with a local, experienced fabricator like Greenlee, you’re getting more than just a pretty surface—you’re getting real craftsmanship, real care, and honest advice. We’ll show you the best quartz options available, explain the differences clearly, and help you choose the surface that fits your home and your life. You don’t have to go to Phoenix. Come see us right here in Prescott, and let’s create something lasting and beautiful together. Designing Surfaces For Your Life