Are you looking for a durable, low-maintenance, and aesthetically beautiful countertop material? Have you considered quartzite but want to know about the pros and cons of this countertop material before you make the investment?
In this blog post, we will break down why quartzite is so popular and the things you need to consider before investing in quartzite countertops. By the end, you will know exactly what quartzite is as well as the pros and cons of quartzite countertops in your home.
What is Quartzite?
Quartzite is a metamorphic rock formed over millions of years through pressure and heat applied to quartz-rich sandstone. While it looks much like marble, quartzite is tough and durable, withstanding strong impacts, scratches, and stains better than any other natural stone.
Quartzite kitchen countertops are mainly different from quartz countertops due to quartz being man-made.
The Pros And Cons Of Quartzite Countertops
Pros Of Quartzite Countertops
Now that we understand exactly what quartzite is and how it is formed let’s take a look at the many pros of this beautiful natural stone.
Heat Resistant
Not surprising for a material that was formed under heat and pressure; quartzite is pretty heat resistant. Some tests have shown that quartzite can withstand temperatures up to 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit. That being said, heat resistant doesn’t mean completely heatproof (more on that later). However, unlike some laminate countertops, you can count on quartzite not melting under a piece of hot cookware.
Very Durable
For those considering adding quartzite countertops to their kitchen remodel, durability is certainly a major advantage. Quartzite is a strong and resilient natural stone that can withstand daily wear and tear quite well–making it the perfect choice for active, family homes. In fact, quartzite is one of the hardest materials on earth, ranking a 7 on the Mohs hardness scale.
Unlike other softer stones (such as marble), quartzite holds up exceptionally well against scratches, chips, and dings. With proper care and maintenance, these countertops can provide years of reliable service with no loss in beauty or functionality.
UV-Resistant
Quartzite is a natural rock, which means that it provides a very high level of protection from UV light rays–a huge bonus if you plan to put your countertop near windows or other sources of bright sunlight. The UV-resistant quality of quartzite also makes it ideal for outdoor kitchens, sunrooms, or any area near large windows with natural light.
Relatively Low-Maintenance
Quartzite requires minimal maintenance. You just need to clean it regularly with soap and water and reseal it every few years for maximum protection against staining. Unlike granite or marble, quartzite doesn’t require a rigorous regime of frequent polishing to give off its beautiful vibes.
Aesthetically Beautiful
Quartzite offers a natural beauty and elegance to any kitchen or bathroom, with visual appeal to match its superb performance. Its sparkling, semi-translucent crystals have irresistible color variations in a wide range of neutral tones.
Timeless Look
One of the pros of a quartzite countertop is its timeless look. Quartzite countertops, made from natural sandstones, can blend into virtually any modern or classic décor. Quartzite holds a distinctive beauty with its slight sparkle and color variation, unlike other granite-look surfaces–such as plastic laminate, concrete, and solid surfaces–that never seems to go out of style.
Versatile Style
One of the primary benefits of using this material is its versatility when it comes to style. Achieving a luxurious look in your home is easy because quartzite is an incredibly versatile countertop material. It can be finished into polished slabs as well as rough-hewn tiles, providing any kind of design style and custom look you desire. This natural stone has both light and dark veining and a range of colors, from grays to creams, giving you plenty of options for pairing with different cabinetry and décor.
Resembles More Expensive Marble
One reason why homeowners often choose this option is that it has the same look and feel as more expensive marble. It is a great way to get a modern, luxurious feel without having to make a hefty investment.
The Cons of Quartzite Countertops
Now that we’ve covered the many pros of this attractive and durable material let’s take a look at some of the cons of quartzite countertops.
Porous Natural Stone
A major con of quartzite countertops is their porosity. Certain acids or strong cleaning chemicals can cause damage due to how it absorbs liquids quickly. Wine, lemon juice, or anything else with high acidity can potentially stain quartzite.
That’s not to say that quartzite isn’t stain-resistant, but it must be sealed regularly and scrubbed with only approved cleaning products in order to prevent long-term damage.
Installation Is Difficult
Installing quartzite countertops takes more time, skill, patience, and precision than many other countertop materials. One reason is that it is extremely heavy, weighing in at about 20 pounds per square foot. Quartzite also requires specific care because it can crack during the installation process. Installation for custom countertop configurations can also be difficult since it requires cutting through large quartzite slabs of sturdy natural stone, which takes longer than other materials.
Harder To Manufacture
One disadvantage of quartzite countertops is that they are harder to manufacture. This can lead to longer lead times and higher costs due to the extra amount of labor that goes into making a quartzite countertop.
More Expensive Than Other Countertop Materials
With all the pros associated with quartzite, it should come as no surprise that this natural stone material also costs more than many other countertop materials. Quartzite is a little more expensive than granite and substantially higher than laminates.
It Needs To Be Sealed (And Resealed)
Quartzite requires special care and maintenance as it must be sealed multiple times annually in order to prevent stains and moisture damage. While some people may be willing to put in the extra effort required for upkeep, quartzite may not be the ideal choice for someone who doesn’t want regular maintenance or wants a kitchen you can “set and forget.”
On a related note, the sealer is also quartzite’s Achilles heel when it comes to heat resistance. Although quartzite itself is highly resistant to heat, the sealer can crack if exposed to too much heat. Once the sealer cracks, your quartzite becomes vulnerable to staining from heat and acidic liquids.
Quartzite Doesn’t Have As Many Color Options
If you’re looking for variety in color options, quartzite may not be the best choice. Quartzite’s color palette is typically limited to variations of whites, off-whites, and near-black, with little variance between them. This is because quartzite is a natural stone, so color choices are limited to whatever Mother Nature produces!
There are certainly other materials that can provide a wider range of colors, and if that is one of your top priorities when choosing a countertop material, you may want to consider researching other options.
The Difference Between Quartz And Quartzite Countertops
As noted above, quartzite is a naturally occurring metamorphic rock that is formed when sandstone is subjected to high heat and pressure. It is also an extremely hard material. Quartzite is more expensive than quartz, although both are considered premium countertop materials.
Quartz is an engineered stone (not a natural stone) that is composed of approximately 90% quartz and 10% other materials, such as resins and pigments. It’s non-porous and available in a wide range of colors and patterns, making it a versatile material for any space. Since quartz includes resins and binders, it is not as heat resistant as quartzite and can typically only withstand temperatures up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. There are other pros and cons of quartz countertops as well.
How To Clean A Quartzite Countertop
Quartzite countertops offer a lot of benefits to homeowners, such as luxurious aesthetics, scratch and heat-resistant properties, and an ultra-durable surface. But with any countertop material, regular maintenance is necessary to keep it looking its best.
To clean a quartzite countertop, there are a few things you’ll need: a soft cloth, mild detergent, and warm water. Start by wiping the surface down with the damp cloth and then lather up a small amount of soap in your palms before rubbing them across the area to remove dirt and grime. Get rid of any residual soap by rinsing your countertops with warm water.
Since it’s a natural stone, quartzite countertops should also be sealed once a year to protect against staining. With these easy maintenance steps, your quartzite countertops will stay beautiful for years to come.
Design Your Perfect Kitchen Or Bathroom With Brucksch & Sons Contracting
All things considered, choosing whether or not you should invest in quartzite countertops ultimately comes down to personal preference as well as budget constraints. But no matter what route you decide to go down, we can help.
Our team at Brucksch & Sons Contracting is experienced in working with all different types of materials and can easily fabricate and install quartzite countertops in your kitchen or bathroom. Give us a call today or fill out our contact form–we’d love to hear from you!