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No, you don't have to apply polyurethane to butcher block countertops. Polyurethane sealant is a long-lasting finish for a butcher block counter, but its application also requires thoroughly sanding the surface multiple times. Other materials, such as mineral oil, require less work but must be applied more frequently.

Yes, you can put hot pots on concrete countertops, but only if they’ve been properly sealed. While the concrete itself is heat-resistant, the sealant may not be, meaning heat may discolor the sealant, so use caution.

The best way to protect your quartz countertops is to keep them clean. Promptly wipe any spills and clean with a damp cloth and dish soap as needed. Doing a deeper clean weekly is also recommended. To do this, move small appliances and fruit bowls out of the way and wash the entire surface with a squirt of dish soap on a damp cloth.

You can cut food on tough, scratch-resistant granite countertops. However, these hard surfaces can quickly dull your knife blades, and continual cutting in the same spot can eventually lead to marks forming and compromising the protective sealant. As with any countertop material, it’s always best to use a chopping board.