Quartzite is often confused with quartz, but it’s a separate, naturally occurring stone that is quarried in a similar way to granite. There are lots of reasons why you may want to consider it as a surface in for your kitchen and bath. Here are a few pros and cons.
Pros
Looks Like Marble
If you like marble, you’ll love quartzite. It has the look of marble, but it’s much easier to care for, so if maintenance is an issue that keeps you from marble, this is a great alternative.
More Durable Surface
Many people look for durability in a natural stone surface. Quartzite tends toward the hard side of natural stone, so that means it won’t wear down or develop problems in the short term.
Low Maintenance
Cleaning quartzite 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.
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
Can Be Damaged by Sharp Objects
Lots of surfaces can stand up to sharp knives. Sadly, quartzite is not one of them. Knives will mark this surface up when used directly on it. A cutting board for chopping is advised.
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.
Some Varieties 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.
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.
Conclusion
This versatile stone can be used in a lot of places and a lot of ways. Your best bet is to contact us to discuss just what you can do with this natural stone product that can help your home have that breathtaking look with durability that you’ll be pleased with.
