Quartzite is one of the most popular choices for people looking to renew their countertops. There is a good reason for this popularity, as quartzite is formed under immense pressure and heat.
Therefore, it is highly durable. As it can be quarried from different locations, all quartzite slabs have a different and unique appearance. This durability in a natural stone is one of the biggest pros of quartzite countertops.
In this post, we will examine the cons of quartzite countertops and the advantages of quartzite countertops to help you decide if it is the right choice for you.
Pros of Quartzite Countertops
· Appearance
Quartzite is a gorgeous stone known for its similar appearance to marble. Although it has a limited amount of color options especially compared to its counterparts, the classic beauty of the selection available more than makes up for it.
It is generally available in white, cream, and light gray hues, but slabs with red, green, blue, gold, brown, and pink tones can also be found. Regardless of the color selection, quartzite has an upscale and eye-catching aura. Moreover, as a natural stone, it has an organic and earthy feel that is almost impossible to replicate fully.
· Durability
Quartzite has the advantage of being one of the hardest natural stones available. It has a similar hardness level on the Mohs scale to granite. In other words, your quartzite countertops will not break even under pressure. However, the possibility of the edges chipping is not nonexistent.
Therefore, we suggest being careful not to apply too much force or use sharp objects so that you can prevent any harm to your countertops.
· Low maintenance
Quartzite is a countertop material that requires proper sealing. You might think of sealing as a hassle and a chore. However, the process of sealing also makes the countertops more durable and easy to clean.
Thanks to this sealing process, whenever a spill occurs on your countertops, the liquid won’t seep into the pores of the stone to leave a stain or cause bacterial growth. This protective layer also makes it so you don’t need to buy or use any specialty products to keep your countertops clean.
The best cleaning solution for your quartzite countertops is something you already have at your home: mild dish soap and warm water. Don’t forget to avoid cleaners that are too harsh, as they can cause the sealant to wear off quickly and make your countertops appear dull.
· UV resistance
One of the biggest pros of quartzite countertops is UV resistance. In other words, its color won’t fade or get discolored under prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. This incredible quality makes quartzite the best option for outside kitchens and other outdoor projects.
· Versatility
Quartzite is a beautiful natural stone. It is usually available in neutral colors and has a subtle and elegant appearance, so it can easily fit into every aesthetic and design style.
Whether it’s farmhouse chic or industrial modern, quartzite can fit into and elevate every kitchen and bathroom. This makes quartzite a very versatile stone as this chameleon-like quality prevents it from overpowering its installed space. Therefore it can be styled as countertops, islands, backsplashes, accent walls, and so much more.
Cons of Quartzite Countertops
· Can be scratched
As mentioned before, quartzite is an incredibly hard and durable material. However, that doesn’t mean it is indestructible. Similar to how the edges can chip, the countertops can bed scratched and damaged by sharp objects.
For this reason, we advise never cutting directly on top of the countertop and always using cutting boards.
If you were not to use a cutting board and cut directly on the countertop, you likely wouldn’t notice any damage directly, but over time the outermost layer can be damaged and lose the benefits of the sealant.
· Porous
Similar to all of the other natural stones, quartzite is porous too. This porous quality is one of the most prevalent cons of quartzite countertops. There are microscopic holes all over the stone that could absorb any liquid spilled on it, which is why it is sealed during installation.
The sealing process includes pouring resin on the stone to cover and seal all of the tiny holes so that any liquid or dirt can’t seep into them. This process must be done before you use your kitchen countertops and yearly after that so that the worn-off resin can be replenished.
If you notice that your countertops look dull, the shine has worn off, or they seem to get scratched or discolored, you need to reseal your countertops even if it hasn’t been a full year yet.
· Difficult installation process
The hardness of quartzite is a huge advantage for homeowners as it means the countertops are durable and long-lasting. However, this same quality makes it hard to cut, shape and install. Because it is hard, quartzite needs to be cut with diamond cutters.
Furthermore, it is an incredibly heavy material. In other words, this isn’t a weekend afternoon project you can do by yourself. If you choose quartzite for your countertops, you need to hire professionals and leave the installation and all of the handling of the stone to them.
This will prove to be the best choice for you and your house in the long run, as properly installed countertops will last longer, and you won’t risk permanent harm to yourself.
· Limited colors
Although some rare colors of quartzite are available, there are certainly not as widely found as the classic colors quartzite is known for, such as whites and grays. The reason for this limited variety of colors is quartzite is a natural stone.
Therefore, it doesn’t come in the bright and artificial colors engineered stones offer. The colors that sometimes appear within the quartzite are remnants of other minerals.
These minerals can cause gorgeous hues of browns, greens, blues, and pinks to appear in the otherwise neutral quartzite and create beautiful shapes and patterns.
Related Read: Marble vs. Quartzite
What is unique about quartzite?
Quartzite is incredibly unique in its ability to bring a delicate, airy appearance with hardness and durability. It has a very similar appearance to marble, a stone known for its softness and high maintenance. Another unique ability of quartzite is its resistance to UV light, making it an ideal material for outside kitchens, which are notorious for getting damaged easily as they are constantly under direct sunlight, rain, snow, and many other natural factors.
Conclusion
In short, quartzite is one of the best options if you are interested in natural stone countertops. It is durable, affordable, resilient, and good-looking. As long as you maintain it properly, it will undoubtedly last you a long time.
FAQ
What are the 3 characteristics of quartzite?
Quartzite is mainly known for its appearance, similar to marble, durability, and UV resistance. These 3 qualities are the most influential ones in making quartzite an attractive option.
Which is better, quartz or quartzite?
Both quartz and quartzite have positive and negative qualities; it wouldn’t be correct to say one is better than the other. Instead, you should consider both options’ pros and cons and decide which fits your needs the most.
Do quartzite countertops crack easily?
As one of the hardest stones, quartzite doesn’t crack easily. However, you should still approach it cautiously and not use sharp objects.
Is quartzite good for kitchen countertops?
Quartzite is an excellent option for kitchen countertops thanks to its durability, versatility, and beauty. You are sure to find a color, pattern, and style that will meet your aesthetic and practical needs.
Does quartzite chip easily?
Quartzite doesn’t chip easily. It has a 7 out of 10 on the Mohs Scale of hardness and it is one of the hardest natural stones used for home renovations. It shares one of the main benefits of granite countertops which is their durability and longevity.
Quartzite has a very dense and strong base that makes it less susceptible to damage that can be caused by pressure or abrasions. The resistance and durable nature of quartzite against chipping and scratching make it a very popular choice to use as countertops for your kitchen.
What is unique about quartzite?
Quartzite is a captivating stone that boasts unique qualities that make it stand out among other alternatives. It is known for its sophisticated appearance and long-lasting durability. It is a popular choice for homeowners who want to incorporate a practical addition to their homes without compromising on aesthetic appeal.
One of the most dazzling qualities of quartzite is its refined and luxurious appearance. It supports a wide range of colors and patterns with unique textures.
As a natural stone, each slab has a unique and one-of-a-kind look. It usually comes in neutral and light colors such as beige and cream with gray or brown veins on the base. However, slabs with vibrant hues such as blue, red, and green can also be found, and incorporating these unique tones will help you express your personality and design style.
Quartzite is also very resistant to scratches and stains thanks to its hardness and strength, making it an ideal choice for high-traffic areas such as kitchens. High-quality quartzite can withstand the wear and tear of daily use. Its resistance ensures that the stone won’t get damaged by heat if hot pots or pans are placed on it.
One of the other amazing qualities of quartzite is its versatility. It is available in large slabs, which contributes to its wide range of uses. Furthermore, different thicknesses of slabs are also available.
The thicker countertop will create a luxurious and substantial appearance. The thickness will also give the countertops more strength, ensuring they can withstand pressure.
The square foot cost of quartzite can be higher compared to some other countertop materials such as granite. However, its unique and useful qualities make these countertops a worthy investment.
Does water soak into quartzite?
Quartzite is a natural stone, therefore it has a porous structure. A porous structure means the stone has microscopic holes all over it that allow dirt and liquids to seep into the stone, causing stains and discoloration to occur.
As a natural stone, quartzite is less porous compared to alternatives such as granite, making it more resistant to moisture. However, it should still be sealed to ensure that it will be fully resistant and ready to use in the kitchen and bathrooms, similar to sealed granite countertops.
