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No, you should not put a hot pan or pot directly on a quartz countertop. While quartz is generally heat-resistant, the resin binders used in its manufacturing are sensitive to extreme heat. Placing a hot pan on the surface can damage the resin, leading to discoloration or other cosmetic issues. If the heat exceeds 150 degrees Fahrenheit, it can cause permanent damage, such as burns or even cracking. To protect your countertop, always use trivets or hot pads.

Yes, Corian® and other solid surface countertops can be cut with standard woodworking tools like a circular saw or a jigsaw, but using the correct blade is crucial for the best results.

The recommended blade is a tungsten carbide-tipped blade, often called a solid-surface planer or triple chip grind blade. This type of blade is hard enough to cut through the material effectively. For a jigsaw, a fine-tooth down-cutting blade should be used.

It is important to note that a diamond blade is not necessary. Diamond blades are designed for harder materials like natural stone, concrete, or brick, and Corian is not a natural stone.

Using blades designed for wood is not recommended as they can cause microfractures that weaken the countertop's edges. While a tungsten carbide blade provides a much cleaner cut, the resulting edge will still be rough and must be sanded and smoothed to prevent microfractures from developing over time.

The most expensive countertop materials are marble and granite. These natural materials are very heavy and require specialized tools and knowledge to install. Their natural veins and flecks elevate the design and make a beautiful statement in the kitchen or bathroom. Because they’re natural, no two countertops will be the same. 

Caesarstone® offers both quartz and porcelain counters, which are types of engineered stone countertops. Generally, you can expect to pay $50 to $200 per square foot for quartz countertops. If you decide to go with Caesarstone® quartz counters, then you’ll pay $75 to $125 per square foot, which is in the mid-range of what most quartz manufacturers charge.

Additionally, Caesarstone® is typically less expensive than quartzite, which is a natural quartz countertop that costs $80 to $220 per square foot. Depending on the Caesarstone® countertop you choose, you may spend significantly more on quartzite counters.