So you’ve narrowed down your countertop choices to quartz and quartzite. Now what? How do you choose between two great stones? Let’s compare the two so you can make an educated decision.
Comparisons
Manufacturing Process of Quartz
Quartz is an engineered stone, with countertops manufactured through a combination of 90% quartz and 10% resins, pigments, and polymers.
Variations of Quartz Countertops
There are so many different variations of quartz countertops, so you won’t be faced with a limited selection. While an engineered material, quartz can be modified to take on a natural stone appearance, with the ability to be cut into different shapes and angles.
Formation of Quartzite
Quartzite is made from a blend of sandstone, which is made from quartz after exposure to high heat and pressure. You will not find a denser natural stone than quartzite.
Variations of Quartzite Countertops
Quartzite countertops most commonly come in shades of white and gray, but you may find more distinct colors with variations in each slab due to the mineral content.
Appearance
You can manufacture quartz to take on just about any look, which means this material is easily customizable. Quartzite also lends your counters a beautiful look, with an appearance compared with that of marble.
The one you choose is entirely a personal decision. If you like more variations and customized looks, go with quartz. If you like the look of marble but don’t want its upkeep, go with quartzite.
Cost
For quartz countertops, you will spend between $70 to $175 per square foot installed. With quartzite, prices start around $60 per square foot but it all depends on the type of quartzite you choose. Customized selections can increase the cost to $100 per square foot and higher.
Maintenance
Quartz is not porous because it is engineered, which is great for cleaning and general care. You don’t need to seal it like you do natural stones, and all you need to clean the counter is some soap and water. Just keep in mind that quartz countertops do not resist heat so keep hot pans and plates off this material.
Quartzite, a durable material, is also easy to clean with soap and water, but you will have to seal your quartzite countertop regularly to prevent staining from liquids.
Installation
You’ll need to hire a professional to install both kinds of countertops, as these materials are extremely heavy and you risk damage and poor installation if you do it yourself.
Durability
Quartz is an indestructible surface except for the lack of heat resistance. Quartzite is also durable yet it does resist heat, so it may be better for your kitchen countertop if you put it through a lot of wear and tear.
Resale Value
Quartz is attractive to prospective buyers due to its easy maintenance. In this respect, it holds significant value if you’ll be selling your home in the future.
Quartzite countertops can also be attractive to buyers and can also increase the value of your home. In fact, both materials are among the top materials on the market today that command value and respect when it comes to kitchen countertops.
Contact Granite Guy
If you need trusted Brookline stone installers to put in your quartz or quartzite countertops, look no further than Granite Guy. Just contact us today at 508-460-7900 and we can get started!
Visit our showroom in Southborough, MA and see our stone inventory including both quartz and quartzite