A kitchen or bathroom remodel is a big project that involves a lot of choices. One of the most important choices you’ll make lies in regard to your countertops. And, there are so many options, from marble to granite, and quartzite, of course.
Quartzite may sound similar to another stone that you’re probably thinking of, quartz. However, it is quite different. Quartzite is created when sand is compressed and heated within the earth while Quartz is a man-made material using ground quartz and resin.
The benefits of installing a quartzite countertop may suit your taste. Keep reading to learn a few good reasons to consider this stone over other choices on the market.
Why Choose Quartzite?
You can find quartzite at your local stone yard and take your time performing comparisons between other stones. You may find slabs that even appear to look like marble. You can ask the stone yard for a sample to bring home for a lemon test whereupon you can leave a sliced lemon on your sample overnight and if it hasn’t discolored, you’ll know it’s quartzite.
Quartzite is a porous stone so you’ll also need to think about sealing it once you have it installed. Otherwise, there are a few things you should know about quartzite before you start shopping for stone countertops.
Durability
Quartzite is actually one of the hardest natural stones available, even surpassing Granite on the Mohs Hardness Scale. That’s what makes quartzite countertop care so easy. It is considered less porous than granite and won’t etch like marble.
This material is both heat and scratch resistant making it a more popular choice among homeowners with busy kitchens.
Cost
For the look that you get with quartzite, you’ll love the cost. It may be more expensive than laminate or wood countertops, but it will be less than marble. You can compare the cost of quartzite to quartz or granite and remember the durability in your comparison.
Low Maintenance
Quartzite maintenance is simple and easy. There is no special quartzite cleaner required. Simply clean up spills as they occur and wipe countertops down daily with a pH balanced soap.
Try to avoid abrasive cleaners in order to protect your sealant. Of course, they’re resistant to heat and scratches so carry on.
Final Thoughts
Quartzite comes in a variety of colors but most predominantly shades of red and blue. It’s important to remember that this is a natural stone which does limit the choices for colors a little bit. Most slabs of quartzite countertops have a white, cream, or beige base color with those hues of red and blue.
You can find greys, browns, and shades of green in some quartzite slabs. Some folks prefer Amanzonite quartzite which is a blend of whites and soft greens. Look for shades of pink to match the perfect kitchen cabinets or flooring design.
If you have more questions about quartzite or other countertop choices in Johns Creek, feel free to contact us. We offer free quotes and showroom hours six days per week.