What is quartz?
Quartz is one of the hardest components of natural granite. Quartz rates seven out of 10 on Moh's Scale of Hardness. The only materials harder are diamonds, sapphires and topaz. The quartz crystals are used to create a beautiful and strong surface that is highly scratch and impact resistant.
What are the advantages of Sage Surfaces quartz?
A high-performing surface, Sage Surfaces quartz is nonporous preventing unwelcome germs, bacteria and mildew. It does not require sealing, conditioning or polishing. Quartz is also scratch and stain resistant unlike alternative surface options such as granite, tile and marble.
What Sage Surfaces quartz products are available?
Sage Surfaces quartz comes in stone slabs that vary in thickness. Each slab is fabricated into a variety of design applications. Sage Surfaces quartz is available in 2CM (3/4”) and 3CM (1 1/8”) thickness. Please check for availability in your market.
How do I care for my Sage Surfaces quartz surface?
Simply clean up any spills with soap and water. For routine cleaning, use a small amount of cleaner that is non-bleach and nonabrasive along with warm water and a damp cloth. Repeat as needed to keep the lustrous gloss and radiant sheen. Although Sage Surfaces quartz is resistant to stains, any type of spill should be cleaned as soon as possible. Any liquid spills, fruits, vegetables, or other foods should be wiped up and cleaned with soap and water.
Is Sage Surfaces quartz scratch resistant?
Because Sage Surfaces quartz contains approximately 93% quartz, the hardest components of natural granite, the surface is highly scratch and impact resistant. However, as with any surface, sudden impact, excessive force/pressure, or misuse can damage the stone surface.
Can you cut directly on the Sage Surfaces quartz surface?
Although Sage Surfaces quartz is made of more than 93% natural quartz crystals that are up to six times harder than granite, it is always recommended to use a cutting board to prevent any dulling of the surface.
Can hot plates and pans be placed directly on the Sage Surfaces quartz surface?
While Sage Surfaces quartz can withstand heat, we still recommend the use of hot pads or trivets when using cooking units such as electric frying pans, crock-pots, roaster ovens or in place of hot pans directly onto the surface to avoid potentially damaging temperatures. Prolonged exposure to heat will damage your Sage Surfaces quartz surface, and such damage is not covered by warranty.
Is Sage Surfaces quartz color consistent?
Sage Surfaces quartz is made from pure, natural quartz. Variation in quartz, color, shape, shade, pattern and size are unique traits of Sage Surfaces quartz. Although some quartz colors may be more consistent than granite, color variance is an inherent trait expected of Sage Surfaces quartz. In addition, small blotches or random distribution of particulates are an inherent part of overall design and composition and are not considered to be defects or product non-conformity. The 30 Year Transferable Warranty does not cover color variance, and Sage Surfaces quartz will not be replaced for these unique, inherent traits.
Will my Sage Surfaces quartz countertop have seams?
Sage Surfaces quartz countertops are not a seamless product; seams are generally visible. Inspection for color coordination across seams and multiple pieces is strongly recommended. The exact number of seams in a countertop will depend on the shape of the countertop and whether you specifically request fewer or no seams. Seam placement is at the discretion of the fabricator. Please note that requests for fewer or no seams will increase the square footage units that must be purchased, thereby increasing the price. Our Sage Surfaces fabricator installer can show you where seams will be placed on your countertop.
Will the small sample piece I have match my countertop once it’s installed?
Variance in color, shade and pattern is an inherent trait expected of the quartz product. Samples of Sage Surfaces quartz are often shown in 4"x 4" or 4”x 8” sample sizes. These samples are cut from large Sage Surfaces slabs and only represent a limited portion of the actual stone. Please refer to samples only as a general indication of a particular color's design pattern, aesthetics, and hue. Samples are not guaranteed to be an exact replica of Sage Surfaces slabs and may vary from the actual, installed product.
Will dark colors require more maintenance?
All dark colors of any quartz material require more maintenance. Under ordinary use darker colors will show dirt, dust, rubs, fingerprints, and watermarks more readily than lighter colors patterns. Naturally these colors require more care to maintain their appearance.
Will Sage Surfaces quartz countertops have lamination lines?
If you select a 1 ½” edge, then lamination lines will be visible. A lamination line is created when two pieces of Sage Surfaces quartz are seamed together to create a 1 ½” front edge.
Routine Cleaning
- Quartz surface countertops are easy to maintain. Quartz is a non-porous material that is highly resistant to stain, scratches and heat; however, it is
not stain, scratch, or heat proof. By following the recommended care and maintenance it will help ensure your quartz surface remains beautiful for
many years.
- Simply clean with soap and water on a regular basis to keep the lustrous gloss and radiant sheen. Use warm water and a damp cloth with a small
amount of non-abrasive cleaner that does not contain bleach.
- Although quartz is resistant to stains, spills should be cleaned as soon as possible. Liquid spills and stains from fruits, vegetables, or other foods
should be wiped up and cleaned with soap and water.
Preventing Damages
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Heat – quartz is designed to be resistant to heat and can withstand exposure to normal cooking environments for brief periods of time without being damaged. Although quartz withstands heat better than most surfacing materials on the market, all surfacing materials, including stone, can be damaged by extreme temperature changes, whether prolonged or sudden. Please use trivets and hot pads when placing hot skillets, pans, crock-pots or other heat generating kitchenware on the surface.
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Scratches – although quartz is resistant to scratches, cuts, and chipping, cutting directly on the quartz surface should be avoided. Using cutting boards and taking care not to drop or move heavy objects on the surface will help to ensure long-lasting beauty.
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Chemical – Avoid exposing quartz to any strong chemicals and solvents. It is important to note that some of these chemicals and solvents can be found in household items like paint removers, paint and stain strippers that contain trichlorethane or methylene chloride, nail polish removers, bleach,
furniture cleaners, oil soaps, permanent markers or inks, and chemicals with high alkaline/pH levels (oven cleaners, drain openers, etc.). Avoid using
cleaning products that contain oils, powders or abrasives.
Chemicals to Avoid
The below list of chemicals should be avoided with quartz surface countertops; however, the below list is not a complete list, and there may be other chemicals not listed here that may cause damage. The effect of any chemical usage on quartz surface countertops is ultimately dependent on the type of chemical, the length of exposure, and the degree of concentration.
- Oil soaps, bluing agents, dyes, stains, paint thinner or strippers.
- Solvents such as acetone, nail polish, lacquer thinner, or bleach (short-term exposure is acceptable for purpose of cleaning difficult stains-based on removing and rinsing applied area within 5 minutes).
- Chlorinated solvents such as trichloroethylene or methylene chloride
- Benzene, toluene, methyl ethyl ketone
- Concentrated acids such as hydrocyanic acid, hydrofluoric acid, hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid.
- Chemicals with high alkaline/PH levels (pH > 10)
If any of the substances listed above come into contact with quartz, rinse with plenty of water and follow routine cleaning procedures immediately.
Although long-term or frequent exposure must be avoided at all times, the following products along with a non-abrasive cleaning pad may be used with short-term exposure (removing and rinsing immediately after application with water) to clean difficult stains or residues. Always handle such cleaning agents with care and rinse the applied surface with water completely afterwards.
Recommended Cleaners
- Soap and Water
- Denatured Alcohol
- Hope's® Surface Cleaner
- Rock Doctor™ Cleaner
All products must have all excess removed immediately after application with water and cloth. Prolonged exposure may ruin the surface.
Disinfecting
The following disinfectants are approved for use on quartz countertops.
- MonoFoil D Multi-Surface Disinfectant which reports to kill 99.9% of bacteria when used as directed.
- Weiman Granite & Stone Daily Cleaner & Shine which reports to kill 99.9% of germs and bacteria when used as directed.
Download Quartz Care & Maintenance Information (PDF).
Download Keeping Your Countertop Clean and Safe Information (PDF)
Residential Quartz Surface Lifetime Limited Warranty
Sage Surfaces, LLC (hereunder “Sage”) warrants to the original end user – purchaser/owner in the U.S. and Canada that its product of countertop and sink products shall be free from manufacturing defects under normal use and service. This warranty applies to the repair or replacement of failed product that has been permanently installed in original owner(s) residence when installed by a Sage authorized fabricator/installer. This includes reasonable labor charges needed to repair or replace the product. Sage’s obligation as to repair or replacement shall further be limited to repair or replacement with colors, styles and finishes of products that are available at the time of repair or replacement. The option to repair or replace product failures due to manufacturing defects is at the sole discretion of Sage.
The Lifetime Limited Warranty is non-transferrable and applies to countertop and sink products only for interior, residential application(s) in North America. The warranty does not cover seam performance or appearance. Silicone seams do not constitute part of the installation and accordingly are not covered by this warranty. This warranty is void unless the product has been paid for in full.
Under this Lifetime Limited Warranty, Sage authorized agents must be permitted sufficient time and opportunity to inspect the product(s), evaluate and respond to any claim(s). All decisions regarding the existence of manufacturing defects or affecting this warranty shall be made by Sage and shall be final and binding upon all parties.
Exclusions for Residential Quartz Surface Lifetime Limited Warranty:
- Damage resulting from improper transportation, fabrication, installation, care and maintenance, storage or handling of the product purchased.
- Use for any exterior application or for any flooring application.
- Damage caused by improper use or abuse includes, but not limited to, damage from accidents, abuse of impact causing chips, cracks and fractures, chemical damage, corrosion damage, acts of nature, job-site conditions or structural movement.
- Exposure to excessive heat that creates white marks, white rings or cracks appear on the product.
- Installed countertop products that are removed from the original place of installation.
- Seam performance, seam appearance, adhesives, caulk and/or other accessory items.
- Damage caused by improperly installed, used or maintained appliances.
- Conditions caused by normal wear and tear such as stains, scratches, water spots, and burns. Products are not scratch, heat or stain proof. Cutting boards should be used for cutting, rubber footed trivets used when moving a hot object directly from a heat source onto the product, and compliance with the care and maintenance are highly recommended.
- Quartz is made from pure, natural quartz. Variation in quartz, color, shape, shade, pattern and size are unique traits of quartz surface countertops. Color variance is an inherent trait expected of quartz. In addition, small blotches or random distribution of particulates are an inherent part of overall design and composition and are not considered to be defects or product non-conformity. The Lifetime Limited Warranty does not cover color variance, and the quartz surface countertop will not be replaced for these unique, inherent traits.
- Supplemental repair including, but not limited to, electrical, tile or wall surfaces, backsplashes, cabinetry, freight, and plumbing modifications necessary to repair products.
- Product usage for commercial application(s) including, but not limited to, installation in store, office or other place of business.
- Products in which the factory applied surface finish has been altered in any way.
- Defects that were visible at the time of fabrication/installation and were not avoided during fabrication/installation.
- Cracks caused by “dry” cutting, polishing, unevenness or improper edge details. Minimum requirements for fabrication and installation must be followed.
The professional fabricator/installer is responsible to inspect the products before fabricating and/or installing the products. All parties must agree to comply with the terms and conditions outlined in this Lifetime Limited Warranty.
When choosing a color or finish, please refer to samples only as a general indication of a particular color’s design pattern, aesthetics, hue and finish. Samples are not guaranteed to be an exact replica of quartz and may vary slightly from the actual, installed product. If after, or during installation, you decide that you do not like the color you selected, replacement is not covered by this warranty.
No other warranties express or implied, are made, including merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. Except as provided herein, Sage is not liable in tort or contract for any loss or direct, incidental, or consequential damages as a result of the use or the inability to use products. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights, which vary from state to state, or in Canada, from province to province. Some states/provinces do not allow the exclusion or limitation of implied warranties or of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.
Sage makes no other guarantee, representation, or warranty (express or implied) with respect to its products, except as expressly stated herein. No one other than Sage is authorized or permitted to make or provide any promise, representation or warranty with respect to products.
To qualify for service under this warranty please contact the retail location from which you purchased your product. A purchase receipt or other acceptable proof of purchase clearly showing both the date of purchase and that the installation was performed by a Sage authorized fabricator/installer will be required before warranty service is rendered.
If the warranty resolution is not handled to your satisfaction, please send us an email at customerservice@sagesurfaces.com or send your request via the “Contact Us” link at the bottom of our site and provide us with the details so we may better serve you.
Sage Surfaces
33300 Egypt Lane, Ste. A400
Magnolia TX 77354
877-648-3706
customerservice@sagesurfaces.com
Download Residential Quartz Surface Lifetime Limited Warranty (PDF)