When is comes to kitchen designs or remodels, homeowners must decide which material is the best option for their new countertops. Quartz countertops have been all the rage for the past decade, but natural stones are making their way back into the market and into the hearts of homeowners everywhere. You cannot deny the phenomenal beauty captured in each unique slab of natural stone slabs, but are they the right product for your kitchen countertops? Let’s take a closer look at Quartz Countertops vs Quartzite Countertops.
What is Quartz?
Quartz is technically an engineered stone. 90 – 93% of it made up for grounded natural quartz mineral infused with resin. Due to its composite build, Quartz countertops are non-porous and at least 2 times stronger than other natural stone products. Non-porous means that Quartz countertops do not absorb liquid into its surface, therefore making it extremely stain resistant and requires virtually no maintenance since it does not need to be sealed.
ELMHURST, IL, USA – JUNE 2, 2021: A luxury white kitchen with black pendant lights hanging above a waterfall granite island, stainless steel Bosch appliances, and gold hardware and faucet.
What is Quartzite?
Quartzite is 100% natural. It is a hard, metamorphic rock that derives from quartz sandstone compressed by intense heat and pressure. It’s extremely heat-resistant, we’ve even heard heatproof! Although it is a fairly hard stone, it is less dense than quartz, and due to its porous nature, it is susceptible to stains in a heavy-traffic area such as the kitchen. Quartzite does require sealing to help protect against staining its surface.
Which is better for Kitchen Countertops?
We’ve probably said this a couple of times, but it really comes down to your preference and lifestyle!
COLORS & DESIGN
With so many brands and designs, Quartz countertops offers great options for customization and color selection. Quartzite is a much more unique and condensed palette as you are limited to the stone’s natural appearance.
MAINTENANCE
Quartzite countertop surfaces will require an application of a sealant at least once a year, which is not an issue with quartz alternatives. Both products should be cleaned daily with soft cloth or paper towel, warm water and mild soap.
STAIN-RESISTANCE
Quartz Countertops are non-porous, meaning that they will not absorb liquid into it’s surface, therefore is extremely stain resistant. Quartzite is also stain-resistant, but not nearly at the same level at Quartz. It is a naturally porous stone and requires yearly sealing to help prevent against stains.
SCRATCH-RESISTANCE
Both are subject to scratching if treated with aggressive cleaners or brushes.
HEAT-RESISTANCE
Quartzite worktops are incredibly fire-resistant and can bear temperatures of as high as up to 2000 degrees.
Quartz is an engineered product, and lots of artificial inclusions like resins and polymers make it less fire-proof than its primary rival. When manufacturing quartz, natural quartzite crystals are fused with a special resin (epoxy adhesive) to form a countertop. A quartz countertop contains up to 93% of quartz, the rest content is resin and pigments. The resin can only withstand temperatures up to 200 degrees. This means that you cannot place hot cookware directly on top of the surface.
SO WHICH ONE IS BEST?
Ultimately, it comes down to your preference and which stone you fall in love with. Some homeowners are okay with the extra maintenance needed for quartzite in exchange for it’s unmatched beauty. While others love the look, feel and low maintenance of quartz.
Or, you can go with the best of both worlds…
