The Pros and Cons of Quartzite Countertops
Quartzite is a natural stone that is rapidly increasing in popularity due to its natural beauty and high durability. Many people get quartz and quartzite mixed up because of the similar names, but they’re completely different stones. Quartz is a man-made stone that is created by crushing quartz and binding it into a slab with a resin. Quartzite is a natural stone that is created when sandstone is compressed in the earth, then pushed up through natural geological events, then mined in quarries like granite is, creating the beautiful, unique patterns and colors that make quartzite so special. Read about some of the pros and cons to decide if you want to consider quartzite countertops.
Pros of quartzite:
Quartzite has many similar properties of granite including extreme hardness with quartzite being just slightly harder, a high resistance to heat, and natural, unique patterns that allow you to have a beautiful, one-of-one countertop. Many people love the elegant look of marble, but are hesitant to have it installed because of the worries related to durability and maintenance. Quartzite is a great option for those that are after the marble look, as it does not have the same issues that marble does, such as ease of etching and scratching.
Cons of quartzite:
Quartzite comes with a premium price tag, at least the same or higher than quartz, and usually more than most granites. As a natural stone, quartzite is porous and must be sealed regularly, up to twice a year, depending on the sealer used, to keep it stain resistant. Quartzite is the hardest of the common kitchen countertop stones used, but has a very small range of colors, versus granite, which is nearly as hard and durable and comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns.
Take your time when deciding what stone is going to fit best with your taste, space, and expected use amount. Quartzite has many great pros, and if cost isn’t as big of a factor as styling and functionality, it could be a great choice for you, especially if you’re into the look and style of marble. Different stones are going to fit better for different people, and there is no stone that is the obvious best above the others. Visit a local fabricator’s showroom and see some different types of stone in person and learn from a knowledgeable sales rep so that you can be confident in your investment.
