Is Quartz Heat Resistant Enough for Your Kitchen?

Matt Greenlee • May 22, 2025

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


What Is Quartz Made Of? Inside the Engineered Process
By Matt Greenlee August 20, 2025
Engineered, But Not Artificial When people hear the word ‘engineered’ in the context of quartz countertops, they sometimes assume it means fake, or somehow less than natural stone. But here’s the truth: engineered quartz is built from one of the hardest, most durable minerals on Earth, natural quartz. It’s not a knockoff. It’s a purpose-built product designed to deliver strength, style, and consistency. We’ve worked with quartz for years now, and we’ve seen just how far the technology has come. If you’re curious about what exactly goes into these countertops, here’s a closer look—straight from the shop floor to your kitchen. So, What Is Quartz Made Of? Engineered quartz slabs are made from about 90–95% crushed natural quartz, blended with resins and pigments to create a solid, uniform surface. The result? A highly durable material that’s non-porous, low-maintenance, and available in just about any color or pattern you can imagine. Here’s a quick breakdown of the core ingredients: Natural Quartz: This is the base of the product. Pure quartz is typically white or translucent and incredibly hard—perfect for surfaces that see a lot of use. Pigments/Dyes: To get all those beautiful colors and patterns, manufacturers use colorants to tint the quartz. These can range from subtle creams and grays to deep blues, greens, and bold, marbled mixes. Resin Binders : These act like the glue that holds everything together. They also help create that smooth, sealed finish that makes quartz resistant to stains, moisture, and bacteria. The real magic happens in how these components come together. Inside the Manufacturing Process Every quartz manufacturer has their own twist on how they make their slabs, but the general steps are pretty similar across the board. Here’s a simplified look at the engineered process: Crushing & Mixing : Raw quartz is ground down into different sizes—some fine like sand, others more coarse for texture. It’s then blended with pigment and resin in large mixers. Molding & Compression : The mix is poured into molds and pressed using vibration and vacuum systems to eliminate air bubbles and make sure it’s completely compacted. Curing : The slab is baked at high temperatures to harden and set the resin. This turns the mixture into a dense, solid surface. Cutting & Polishing : Once cured, the slabs are trimmed to size and polished to create different finishes—from glossy to matte to leathered textures. Quality Control : Each slab is inspected for color consistency, structural integrity, and surface finish before heading out to fabricators like us. The slabs typically come in what we call jumbo sizes, around 65 inches by 130 inches. That gives us plenty of flexibility to design for kitchens, bathrooms, and other spaces without awkward seams or waste. Why Choose Quartz? Every material has its strengths. Quartz has become popular for a reason—it gives people the look they want with the performance they need. We see it chosen most often by homeowners who want: A consistent look across large surfaces Low maintenance (no sealing needed) Stain and scratch resistance Modern colors and marbling that mimic natural stone Durability that holds up over time And because quartz is engineered, you’ll find more pattern control and repeatability, something that’s tough to guarantee with natural stone. Designed with Intention Quartz isn’t a shortcut. It’s a smart material for people who want the look of stone without the unpredictability. It’s engineered, yes, but it’s engineered with intention, using one of nature’s strongest elements as its foundation. If you’ve been curious about quartz and whether it’s right for your project, come walk through our showroom. We’ll walk you through the options, show you some slabs in person, and help you decide what feels right. Bring a sketch and come see us. Let’s find what makes you feel good.  Designing Surfaces For Your Life
By Matt Greenlee August 15, 2025
The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.
By Matt Greenlee July 22, 2025
When people think about quartz countertops , the first thing they often hear is “it’s good for resale.” And that’s true, it’s a solid investment. But what doesn’t get talked about enough is how quartz actually feels to live with every day. Not just how it looks in a listing photo, but what it’s like to walk into your kitchen every morning and run your hand across the surface that’s part of your routine, your family, your life. At Greenlee, we help people choose surfaces they’ll love not just today, but for years to come. So let’s go beyond resale and talk about what quartz really offers in daily living. Worry-Free Surfaces for Busy Lives We all want a home that looks great—but it has to work great too. That’s where quartz really shines. It’s what we call a “worry-free surface.” Once it’s in your home, it’s not something you need to babysit. You just enjoy it. Quartz is engineered to be strong, smooth, and consistent. It doesn’t ask for much in return, just a quick wipe with water and a little dish soap, and you’re good to go. No sealing. No special products. No stress. That kind of peace of mind makes a real difference when you’re moving through your day. The Everyday Benefits That Make Life Easier Whether you’re making coffee in the morning or prepping dinner at night, your countertops are always in use. Quartz is designed to keep up. Here’s what customers love most about it: Low Maintenance – No resealing, no polishing—just clean and go. Scratch Resistant – Holds up to knives, keys, and day-to-day wear. Stain Resistant – Less worry with spills, especially in busy kitchens. Consistent Look – What you see is what you get—no hidden flaws or surprises. Non-Porous – More hygienic and resistant to bacteria buildup. You’re not constantly worrying about rings from a cup or whether the kids left something sticky on the counter. Quartz lets you focus on the people and the moments in your home, not the upkeep. Beauty That Doesn’t Beg for Attention Quartz surfaces have come a long way in terms of design. Whether you’re into clean whites, soft veining, or bold marbling, there’s something in the quartz family that’ll speak to your style. And because it’s engineered, you get consistent color and pattern throughout the slab. That means what you fall in love with in our showroom is what you’ll see in your home. But what makes quartz special isn’t just how it looks—it’s how it blends into your life. It can be the quiet, elegant backdrop to your family gatherings or the clean canvas that makes your cabinetry pop. It doesn’t steal the spotlight unless you want it to. It’s Not Just About Looks—It’s About Living People don’t always think about the little ways their countertops shape their day. But I see it all the time—someone walks into the shop overwhelmed with choices, and then they find the surface that feels like them. You can see it in their face. They’re picturing it already. Quartz gives you that confidence. That quiet comfort. It’s not just for resale, it’s for real life. Come See What Feels Right If you’re looking for something that’s both beautiful and practical, quartz is the right place to start. It’s easy to live with. Easy to care for. And most importantly, it’s something you can feel good about every time you walk into your kitchen or bath. Bring your ideas and come see us . Let’s talk about what fits your space, your routine, and your style. Designing Surfaces For Your Life
How Does FreePower Wireless Charging Work Under Stone?
By Matt Greenlee July 15, 2025
Picture this: you walk into your kitchen, set your phone on the counter, and—without a cord, without a plug—it starts charging. No clutter, no cables hanging down, no need to fish around for the charger someone borrowed and didn’t put back. That’s FreePower. At Greenlee, we’ve been getting more and more questions about this technology, especially as people design kitchens, bathrooms, and workspaces that are not just beautiful—but functional, smart, and clean. So here’s a simple breakdown of how it works, how we install it, and why homeowners love it. It’s the Same Tech—Just Smarter You’ve probably used a wireless charger before. A little puck or pad you keep on your nightstand or desk—set your phone down and it starts charging. FreePower uses the same principle: inductive charging . But instead of sitting on top of the counter, it lives underneath. What makes FreePower different is how it’s designed to work through dense materials like granite, quartz, and marble. It’s not just a stronger signal—it’s a smarter system that uses a field of tiny charging coils working together to find your phone wherever you place it. The result? A wireless charging experience that feels seamless, looks invisible, and fits beautifully into your daily routine. How We Install It Under Your Countertop We integrate FreePower during our fabrication process—right here in our shop. Once you’ve selected your stone and we’re preparing it for installation, we use our CNC machine to cut a precise pocket on the underside of your slab. That’s where the charging hardware fits, perfectly recessed and flush with the surface. Here’s how it works step by step: Precision Pocketing – We create a cavity in the bottom of your countertop for the charger. Trim Ring Installation – A custom trim ring is added to secure the charger cleanly. Charger Mounting – The FreePower unit is installed snugly, without affecting the top of the stone. Plug & Play – Once it’s in place and connected to power, it’s always on and ready. There’s no visible hardware. No special dock. Just a subtle marker on the surface (optional) and the magic of drop-and-charge. Why Homeowners Are Choosing FreePower For most people, it’s not just about having a cool feature—it’s about making life a little easier. Whether you’re charging your phone in the kitchen while cooking, in the bathroom during your morning routine, or at a side table while you relax, FreePower becomes part of the flow of your day. Here’s what customers say they love most: No More Cords – Less clutter, cleaner counters, and no more lost or frayed charging cables. Always Ready – The charger stays in place—just set your phone down and go. Versatile Placement – Works in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, offices, and bedrooms. Smart Compatibility – Charges most modern phones and devices that support wireless charging. Custom Integration – Fits seamlessly into your countertop without changing the look. It’s one of those features you don’t think you need —until you have it. Then you can’t imagine going back. Designed for Real Life We get excited about this stuff not because it’s high-tech, but because it fits so naturally into everyday living. At Greenlee, we’re always looking for ways to help your home feel not just beautiful, but lived in and loved. FreePower is one of those modern touches that makes your countertop more than just a surface. It becomes part of your lifestyle. Come See It in Action Want to see how it works for yourself? Come by the showroom. We’ll walk you through the materials that work best with FreePower and show you exactly how we integrate it into your custom countertop. Bring a sketch and come see us. Let’s find what makes you feel good. Designing Surfaces For Your Life 
By Matt Greenlee July 8, 2025
There’s something special about standing in front of a raw granite slab , running your hand across the surface, and imagining it in your own kitchen or bath. The natural movement, the color shifts, the way it catches the light—no two pieces are exactly the same. That’s what makes granite such a bold and beautiful choice. But it’s also what makes picking the right one so important. At Greenlee , we’re here to guide you through that choice so your countertops don’t just look good—they feel right in your home. After all, you’re going to live on these surfaces every day. Let’s make sure they’re a perfect fit. Start with the Big Picture: Wild or Mild? Before we even start comparing slabs, I always ask folks one simple question: Do you want your countertop to be the star of the show, or a supporting role in the room? Some people fall in love with those wild, bold patterns right away. Others are looking for something more subtle and calming. There’s no right or wrong—it just comes down to your personality and the kind of feeling you want to experience when you walk into the space. When you know whether you’re going “wild or mild,” everything else falls into place a little easier. Coordinate with Cabinets, Not Just Counters One of the most important relationships in your kitchen or bathroom is between your countertops and your cabinetry. They sit right on top of one another, so they’ve got to work together visually. You’ll want to decide whether you’re going for a complementary blend or a high-contrast look. Either can be beautiful—what matters is that they don’t compete for attention in the wrong way. A bold cabinet paired with a bold countertop can feel overwhelming fast. Here’s a quick list of what we look at when helping customers choose their granite: Cabinet Color & Tone – Are they warm or cool? Light or dark? Painted or stained? Backsplash Plans – Will it be quiet or showy? This can help balance the overall design. Flooring Considerations – Wood tones, tile patterns, or other elements near the counters. Natural Light – Some stones look dramatically different in bright vs. dim spaces. Lifestyle & Use – If you do a lot of cooking or hosting, you may want something more forgiving visually. Understanding Movement and Pattern Another piece of the puzzle is the movement in the stone. Some granite slabs are filled with sweeping veins and dramatic shifts in color. Others have a more “static” or uniform look—consistent patterning that feels a little more controlled. If you want your countertop to make a statement, a high-movement slab might be just the thing. But if you prefer a cleaner, more modern look, something with subtle variation might be a better choice. Keep in mind that granite is a natural material. What you see in one part of the slab might not be exactly what you get across the whole counter. That’s part of the charm—and why we always encourage customers to come in and see the material in person. Our Best Advice? Come See It. There’s only so much you can figure out from a photo or a sample. Granite is a natural, dimensional surface—and it reacts to light, space, and surroundings in ways that just don’t translate on a screen. At Greenlee, we help you look at your full design—cabinets, wall color, flooring, and more—so you can feel confident in your slab selection. Bring in a sketch. Snap a few photos. Walk the yard with us. You’ll know it when you see it. We’ve been doing this for 27 years, and we’re still in awe of these stones. Come feel the craftsmanship for yourself. Let’s Make It Yours Your countertop isn’t just a surface—it’s part of the rhythm of your home. Picking the right granite slab isn’t about rules. It’s about feeling good in your space every day. Designing Surfaces For Your Life
By Matt Greenlee June 19, 2025
The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.
By Matt Greenlee June 12, 2025
When someone walks into a kitchen with polished granite , it turns heads. There’s just something about that deep, reflective finish that says, “This space matters.” But if you’ve ever wondered how to keep that shine looking like day one, you’re not alone—and you’re not wrong to ask. We’ve been fabricating and installing granite countertops here in Prescott for 27 years. And one of the first things customers ask after install is, “How do I keep it looking this good?” Good news: it’s not hard. You just need to know a few key things. It Starts with Cleanliness We always say the best maintenance is a clean countertop. Daily wipe-downs go a long way—just a soft cloth and mild soap will do. Granite is tough, but grit and grime left sitting can start to dull that surface over time. Think of it like this: your countertop is already polished to a mirror finish. The goal is to protect that polish—not redo it. Understanding What "Shine" Really Means That glossy look isn’t from a coating—it’s from the stone itself. When we polish granite, we’re using finer and finer abrasives (think of it like super high-grit sandpaper) to smooth the surface until there are no visible scratches. The fewer scratches, the more the light reflects—and that’s your shine. If you drag something across that surface—especially metal or something gritty—you’re introducing scratches bigger than the ones already there. That’s how shine gets lost. What to Watch Out For Most of the time, folks aren’t ruining their counters with one big mistake. It’s the little things repeated over time. Here are a few habits to stay aware of: Avoid sliding pots, pans, and cast iron across your granite. These can carry abrasives from the stovetop or food that act like sandpaper. Don’t drop your grocery bags down if they’ve been sitting on the ground. Dirt stuck to the bottom of a bag is enough to dull the finish. Keep your countertops dry when possible. Water rings can collect dust and minerals that slowly build up if not wiped clean. Use trivets and cutting boards. Granite is strong, but the surface polish benefits from a little respect. Regular Maintenance, Simplified You don’t need fancy products or a complicated routine. If you follow these simple steps, your counters will keep their luster for years to come: Wipe up spills daily using a soft cloth and mild soap. Use a granite-specific cleaner weekly if you want to boost that shine. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbing pads. Consider resealing once a year (ask us if your granite needs it). When the Shine Starts to Fade Every stone surface has a lifespan, but the good news is: granite can always be brought back. If your countertop has dulled over time or taken some abuse, give us a call. We can often restore that shine with a little professional TLC. We interpret a lot of that all the time. You might not need a full resurface—just a good clean and polish. The Real Secret? Respect the Stone Granite is a natural material, and part of its beauty is that it’s unique. It has movement, depth, and texture that’s unmatched—and it deserves care that honors that. We always tell folks: treat your countertop like a centerpiece. Because in most homes, it is. Still Have Questions? Come see us . Bring a sketch. Bring a question. Heck, bring a picture of a spill you’re not sure how to clean. We’re here to help—whether you bought your countertop from us last week or ten years ago. Designing Surfaces For Your Life
By Matt Greenlee May 22, 2025
There’s a difference between features that look luxurious—and those that live that way. At Greenlee, we’re seeing more homeowners looking for surfaces that not only turn heads but also make life easier every day. That’s where FreePower wireless charging comes in—one of the newest, smartest features we now offer for your stone countertops. This isn’t just a gadget. It’s a seamless upgrade that blends design, function, and a forward-thinking mindset—something that says a lot about the home (and the people) it belongs to. Let’s explore what FreePower charging built into your countertops really brings to the table. When Form Meets Function, You Get Everyday Luxury We’re not talking about a plastic charging pad stuck on your counter. This is invisible charging , embedded under your stone. You simply set your phone, tablet, or earbuds down on the marked surface—and they begin to charge, no cords needed. Here’s the beauty of it: No clutter. No fuss. Just clean countertops that work harder behind the scenes. It’s the kind of feature that surprises guests and simplifies your routine. And that’s exactly what modern luxury is all about— smart, purposeful design that fits naturally into how you live. What It Says About Your Home Installing FreePower charging into your countertop isn’t just about convenience. It makes a quiet statement about your home and your priorities: You value craftsmanship. This isn’t a quick add-on. It takes CNC-level precision and expert fabrication to embed this technology without compromising the stone. And that’s where Greenlee shines. You believe in thoughtful upgrades. You're not just following trends—you’re choosing features that serve you and elevate the space long-term. You’re future-ready. Wireless tech is no longer a gimmick. It’s quickly becoming the standard. By integrating it now, you’re ahead of the curve. You care about how your space feels. Cleaner counters. Fewer cords. Smoother routines. These small details make a big difference in how a home functions day to day. Why Homeowners Choose Greenlee for FreePower This isn’t something you can get just anywhere. FreePower is exclusive technology, and we’re proud to say Greenlee is the only authorized installer in Northern Arizona . That’s because the installation isn’t simple—it requires the kind of advanced machinery and skilled team we’ve spent years developing. When we install a FreePower unit into your granite or quartz, we: Precision-cut a hidden pocket into the stone using state-of-the-art CNC equipment Mount and test the wireless unit to ensure perfect performance Lightly mark the stone with an elegant LED indicator that glows when a device is detected It’s the kind of work we love doing—because it combines innovation with artistry. It’s Not Just New. It’s You. If you're building a dream kitchen or remodeling a space you’ve waited years to upgrade, you don’t want just any surface. You want something custom, personal, and built to last —with features that make life smoother, day after day. FreePower is a reflection of that mindset. It’s not about flash. It’s about adding a quiet layer of convenience and sophistication to the spaces where life happens. Bring Your Vision to the Surface We’d love to show you how FreePower works in person. Whether you’re planning a remodel or building from scratch, this is a smart, subtle feature that makes a lasting impression. Bring a sketch and come see us. Let’s design a surface that works beautifully—for your style and your lifestyle. Designing Surfaces For Your Life
By Matt Greenlee May 22, 2025
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
By Greenlee Designer Surfaces May 2, 2025
The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.