Quartzite countertops are often confused with quartz countertops, but quartzite countertops are a separate, naturally occurring stone that is quarried in a similar way to granite countertops. There are lots of reasons why you may want to consider quartzite kitchen or bathroom countertops. In this blog we are going to dive into a few pros and cons of incorporating quartzite countertops into your home!
Pros of Quartzite Countertops
Quartzite vs. Marble Countertops
If you are a fan of marble countertops, you might also want to consider quartzite. Quartzite has the look of marble, but it’s much easier to care for, so if maintenance is an issue that keeps you from marble, quartzite is a great alternative.
Quartzite is a Durable Countertop
Many people look for durability in a natural stone surface. Like granite, quartzite leans toward the hard side of natural stone, so that means it won’t wear down or develop problems in the short term. If you are comparing quartzite vs. granite, check out our blog that goes further into the characteristics of granite.
Quartzite is Low Maintenance
Cleaning quartzite countertops is simple. Soap and warm water will make the surface look fantastic. There isn’t a need for unusual cleaners. The only thing to consider is you’ll need to clean up spills fairly quickly, but most of us do that anyway.
Quartzite is UV Resistant
Quartzite is highly resistant to UV rays, which is fantastic if you’re using it in an outdoor setting or in a room that gets tons of direct, natural light. You won’t have to worry about fading at all.
Cons of Quartzite Countertops
Quartzite Countertops Can Be Damaged by Sharp Objects
Many surfaces can stand up to sharp knives. Sadly, quartzite is not one of them. Knives will mark quartzite countertops up when used directly on it. A cutting board for chopping is advised.
Quartzite Countertops Can’t Stand High Heat
While heat helped quartzite form, that doesn’t necessarily mean it stands up well under direct heat. That means you’ll need pot holders or trivets when dealing with a pan or dish directly from the oven or stovetop. This will help protect quartzite countertops so that they will last for years to come.
Some Varieties of Quartzite Need Sealing More Often
There are a lot of varieties of quartzite. Some are harder and last longer and others are a bit softer. Sealing usually needs to happen once a year, but there are some that need it more often. While that’s something you can do yourself, it’s still be a factor when thinking about this material.
Quartzite Comes in Limited Color Choices
Because it’s a naturally formed stone, quartzite is limited on the kinds of colors that you can choose from. You’ll mainly find whites and greys with some shades in between. If you’re looking for more color in your kitchen countertops, quartzite offers a little, but not a great deal of vivid selections.
The Conclusion on Quartzite Countertops
Quartzite countertops can be used in a lot of places and a lot of ways. If you are interested in learning more about quartzite countertops and or looking for quartzite countertops near you, contact us or visit one of our countertop showrooms located in Largo, Charlotte, or Newburgh! Our Stoneworks team would be happy to discuss the possibilities when incorporating quartz countertops in your home.
