Quartzite Good for Kitchen Countertops?
When it comes to kitchen design, the right material for the countertops plays a very important role. It affects the overall design and the final aesthetics of the room. Moreover, it is one of the deciding factors for whether the kitchen is functional or not. As there are so many options, it can be hard to decide which one is the best.
Quartzite is a durable and beautiful material that shines in every home. As it becomes more and more popular, you might be wondering, is quartzite good for kitchen countertops? Continue reading to learn about all of the advantages and disadvantages of quartzite countertops and decide if it is the right choice for you.
What is Quartzite?
Quartzite is a metamorphic, naturally occurring rock. It starts as sandstone and transforms into quartzite through immense pressure and heat. Quartzite is much denser and stronger than sandstone and has a similar visual appearance to marble. Its durability is comparable to granite and it is an incredibly versatile stone.
Quartzite is most commonly used in high-traffic areas. Its durability ensures it can withstand a lot of wear and tear without showing its age. The most common uses for quartzite slabs are kitchen countertops, bathroom countertops, kitchen island tops, kitchen backsplashes, bathroom vanity tops, and fireplace surrounds.
If you are interested in renovating your kitchen countertops, you might be wondering, is quartzite good for kitchen countertops? It is a popular option for kitchen countertops and brings a sophisticated appearance to any kitchen.
How Quartzite is Formed
Quartzite begins its formation journey as a simple sandstone, which is a sedimentary rock. Over time, within the crust of the Earth, sandstone undergoes intense pressure and heat. The combination of heat and pressure changes the structure of sandstone, causing the quartzite grains within it to fuse into each other.
As the grains fuse, they get denser and denser until they form the stone we know as quartzite today. This process makes the stone stronger and more durable than its starting point.
Because it is a natural stone, each quartzite slab is deeply characterized by the area it is formed. Depending on where it is quarried different slabs will have different characteristic patterns or colors. This makes each slab unique like a fingerprint, making your countertops a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.
Durability of Quartzite Countertops
Durability is one of the most important factors to consider before purchasing new countertops. As one of the busiest spaces in any home, the kitchen countertops have to endure a lot of wear and tear each day. If you want your countertops to last you a lifetime, investing in a material that can shoulder that is a must.
Quartzite excels in the durability department. It is much harder than alternatives such as marble and it has a ranking of 7 out of 10 in the Mohs Scale of hardness. In other words, it is highly resistant to scratches and chips. Kitchen countertops are the home of heavy appliances and sharp utensils. Therefore, quartzite wil be a valuable part of your home thanks to its exceptional durability and strength.
Quartzite and Heat Resistance
Heat resistance is another very important part of all kitchen countertops. Most homeowners want to be able to place hot pans and pots directly after taking them off the stove or out of the oven. This creates an easier cooking experience and more flexibility in the kitchen.
As a natural stone, quartzite has excellent resistance against high levels of heat. Hot pans, pots, or dishes won’t change the structural integrity of the appearance of the stone in any way.
With that being said, most professionals recommend homeowners use a trivet on the countertops just in case. The trivet will protect the sealant on the countertops which isn’t as heat-resistant as the stone itself. Using a trivet will extend the life of the protective barrier, which in turn will protect the stone better and for a longer period.
Stain Resistance and Sealing Quartzite Countertops
Although quartzite is incredibly durable, it is a porous material. Most natural stones have a porous build, meaning they have small holes all over them. This could allow small food particles, liquid spills, or dirt to seep into the stone and cause unwanted blemishes such as stains or discoloration. Moreover, these particles of food or dirt can cause bacteria, making the countertops unhygienic for food preparation.
However, there is an easy way to combat all of these possible problems: sealing the countertops. Sealing the surface of the stone will protect it against any outer factors and create a barrier. This barrier will disallow any contact with the stone, thus making it highly resistant against stains.
Sealing the countertops is an easy step that doesn’t require a lot of effort or know-how. Regularly resealing the countertop will ensure that the stone gets to show off its striking beauty for decades to come.
Quartzite vs Other Stones
One of the best ways of figuring out the answer to the question “Is quartzite good for kitchen countertops?” is to compare it to its alternatives. Stones with similar popularity will provide you with a clear understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of quartzite.
Similar to quartzite, granite is a very durable and hard stone. Although quartzite has a very elegant and upscale appearance, granite slabs are available in a wider range of colors compared to quartzite. Both materials are porous and require sealing and they are both easy to clean and maintain.
Marble is known for its associations with luxury and opulence. It has a very unique appearance that is very hard to imitate which makes the stone a favorite. However, it is also relatively soft and needs a lot of maintenance. On the other hand, quartzite shares its beauty without the fuss that comes with marble countertops.
Quartz and quartzite are often confused due to their similar names. Quartzite is a natural stone whereas quartz is a manufactured one. Quartz is made out of crushed quartzite which is then mixed with added binders and resins. This makes quartz incredibly resistant to stains without the need for sealing it. However, the addition of resins also means quartz is not resistant to heat.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Maintaining and cleaning quartzite countertops is very easy and takes very minimal effort. As mentioned before, one of the, if not the most important steps of quartzite maintenance is sealing the countertops. With each use, the sealant on the countertops will wear off ever so slightly. This means the countertop will need to be resealed after a certain amount of use.
Most professional countertops installers recommend resealing the countertops every six months or a year. However, it should be noted that how often you should reseal the countertops depends heavily on how often and how heavily they are used.
Another important aspect of quartzite maintenance is daily cleaning. This might seem like a lot of work, but all you need to do is wipe the countertops using mild dish soap and a soft cloth every day to prevent the accumulation of dirt or hard water build-up. Avoid chemicals with harsh chemicals or highly acidic ingredients.
Visual Appeal of Quartzite Countertops
One of the most influential reasons for choosing quartzite for your kitchen countertops is its beauty and elegance. Quartzite is available in a myriad of colors and patterns, meaning you have a lot of options to pick from. The color and pattern combinations range from soft and neutral tones with thin, dainty veins to bold and dramatic patterns on a brightly colored base.
Quartzite possesses an organic and natural appearance that is hard to imitate. The irregular patterns and the subtle color changes on the stone give it a unique look. It also pairs amazingly well with other natural elements in the kitchen such as hardwood or decorative plants.
Conclusion
Quartzite is one of the most sought-after materials used for kitchen remodeling projects. It has a versatile look that can be combined with any style ranging from traditional to contemporary. Moreover, it is a very durable stone that can last you for decades with proper care.
With all of these amazing qualities in mind, is quartzite good for kitchen countertops? The answer is absolutely yes. It is a great option that combines functionality with visual appeal. It can meet the demands of any homeowner looking to invest in countertops that can withstand the demands of a busy kitchen.
