Quartzite countertops have become increasingly popular in recent years, becoming the top choice for kitchen countertops alongside marble and granite. However, are quartzite countertops worth it? Read on to learn more about quartzite and its pros and cons.
What Are Quartzite Countertops?
Quartzite is a type of natural stone known for its incredible beauty and hardwearing properties. A metaphoric rock, it is mostly composed of naturally occurring quartz sandstone crystals that have been condensed with heat and pressure. The result is a natural stone that is the perfect kitchen countertop material.
Be careful not to confuse quartzite with quartz, as the two materials are quite different. Quartz is a manufactured material made of a blend of ground quartz, resins, and polymers.
Quartzite Countertop Pros
Beauty
Quartzite has the beauty of natural marble without as high a cost. Just like marble, it comes in a variety of stunning natural hues and has a veined pattern. Choose from a variety of quartzite countertop colors, from rich green and burgundy red to pure white and black. Additionally, there is a range of finishes available, including polished, leather, and honed.
Durability
The main advantage of quartzite countertops is how incredibly durable and long-lasting they are. With a rating of 7/10 on the Mohs hardness scale, it ranks higher than granite in terms of hardness. Therefore, be rest assured that your quartzite countertop will not chip or break easily.
Heat resistant
Quartzite countertops have heat resistance, so they will not be damaged by hot objects or UV rays. Therefore, you do not need to worry about placing any hot pans on a quartzite countertop.
Easy to clean
Quartzite countertops are easier to clean than marble because they are not susceptible to etching from acids. Simply use an all-purpose cleaner or wet rag to wipe its surface.
Quartzite Countertop Cons
Porous
As quartzite countertops are porous, they do require regular re-sealing to safeguard their surface. Without sealing, quartzite is susceptible to staining. Be mindful of cleaning any spills on a quartzite surface quickly to prevent any stains from seeping below the surface.
Susceptible to scratching
Quartzite countertops are susceptible to scratching. Therefore, be sure not to place any metal objects directly on its surface and always be careful when using knives.
High cost
Although quartzite is cheaper than marble, it is still a natural stone. Therefore, it has a higher cost than manufactured materials like quartz or porcelain.
The Appeal of Quartzite Countertops
The natural beauty of quartzite countertops makes interior design easy. If you want the luminescence of your quartzite countertop to shine, simply pair it with minimalist white or wood cabinets. In turn, if you prefer a bolder look, consider choosing a vibrant quartzite slab, such as blue or red, to stand out.
Whatever the design you choose, you can rest assured that your quartzite countertop will be a durable and hardwearing investment that will last years to come.
Shop Quartzite Countertops Online
Browse Marble Systems’ collection to see the full range of possible quartzite countertops available. As one of the country’s leading natural stone suppliers, Marble Systems has a wide range of high-quality quartzite slabs available to browse online.