The Countertop Material HGTV's Hilary Farr Loves For Its Low-Key Maintenance

In the selection of countertop surfaces for clients' homes, Hilary Farr, host of HGTV's "Tough Love With Hilary Farr," is like a lioness in the wild when it comes to pouncing on the right choice of material for her designs. One of the countertop surfaces she featured on the show "Love It or List It" was a quartz countertop from Caesarstone. "This Caesarstone is one of the easiest things to maintain," Farr said (via YouTube). Prized for its durability, versatility, and nonporous nature that is highly resistant to staining, Caesarstone is one of the most popular quartz countertop brands.

Farr's affection for using this countertop is also practical. Caesarstone quartz surfaces are easy to keep clean, unlike granite, which is labor-intensive to maintain because it requires sealant. Only mild dish soap, warm water, and a microfiber cloth are needed for daily upkeep. For deeper cleaning, other agents may be used, like a vinegar and water solution, but never clean your countertop with undiluted bleach, as it can trigger staining. 

Designers like Hilary Farr, as well as many homeowners, appreciate the quiet beauty and effortless care of quartz. It is why she believes it is the countertop material you can rely on. But what exactly makes Caesarstone different? Its engineered quartz countertops are made from 90% raw quartz minerals that are crushed and mixed with resins. Pigments are then added to the mix to create its stunning quartz countertop colors. 

Natural quartz is inherently strong, but engineered quartz surfaces are stronger and more durable because they're chip, heat, and crack-resistant. The nonporous composition of Caesarstone means it won't harbor bacteria, mold, or mildew, which makes it a great surface option for high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms. 

While Caesarstone quartz counters are strong and sturdy surfaces that can stand up to many misuses, they cannot withstand certain types of damage. Though heat-resistant, these countertops are vulnerable to extreme heat from pots. A best practice is to always place a trivet or a potholder underneath a very hot object. The resin material in the counters can get a heat burn when exposed to high temperatures and create a ring on the countertop. Caesarstone quartz counters are scratch-resistant; however, they are not scratch-proof. Always use a cutting board when slicing or cutting.