When you are looking to beautify and update your kitchen by replacing those worn out countertops, you are probably thinking about going with stone. While researching you have probably uncovered a lot of information about different types of stone, but there is a lot of confusion about quartz and quartzite countertops.
At Arch City Granite, we dedicate our time and resources to provide you with the best countertops in St. Louis. We understand that making a decision about your new stone countertops can be a lot of work. In order to help you make an informed decision, we want to provide you with the information you need. Here are the big differences between quartz vs quartzite.
Quartz Countertops
First off, the biggest difference you will discover with quartz is that it is not a natural slab of stone cut from a quarry. Quartz is an engineered countertop. Don’t worry though, even though it is engineered, it is still made from 92-94% quartz, the rest is epoxy resin. The main component that goes into the Quartz surfaces is a naturally found mineral or rock in the Earth, called Quartz. It is a naturally occurring stone that is just as hard as granite. The quartz is crushed and mixed with the resin. The resulting mixture is poured into a form under very high temperatures and very high pressures. Once the mixture sets and cures it becomes a hard slab. It can then be finished and installed.
Benefits of Going with Quartz
The biggest benefit with quartz is the selection. Since it is engineered, you can get hundreds of different colors. In recent years, quartz can even been engineered to look like marble. Veins of color can be inserted into the countertop. Quartz can give you the look of marble, with the durability of granite. Another advantage with quartz is its durability. Since the quartz and resin are nonporous, you won’t have to worry about stains. In fact, you won’t have to worry about sealing your quartz countertop at all. Any natural stone will need to be maintained by applying a sealer.
Disadvantages of Quartz
Even though the resin makes quartz countertops resistant to stains, that same resin makes it vulnerable to heat. If you place a hot pan from the oven onto your countertop, you can burn the resin. You will need to use hot pads or trivets. Make certain you avoid using abrasive cleaners.
Another significant disadvantage of engineered quartz surfaces is that they cannot be used in areas that are exposed to direct sunlight. The ultra violet radiation in the direct sunlight fades the colors of Quartz surfaces.
Quartzite Countertops
Quartzite is natural stone. Quartzite began its life as a sedimentary rock, which underwent extreme pressure. The pressure transformed the rock from sedimentary to metamorphic. You will notice beautiful swirling white and gray patterns in quartzite countertops. If there were other minerals present during its formation, you can have quartzite that is orange, yellow, blue, or even green. Since it is natural, quartzite is cut from quarries in large slabs. At Arch City Granite we take those slabs and are able to use specific measurements from your home and we are able to create stunning quartzite countertops.
Benefits of Going with Quartzite
You have probably heard that granite is one of the hardest countertop materials; well quartzite is just a bit harder. Since quartzite was formed under extreme pressure, it makes it a very hard substance and that translates into durability. You will be able to set hot things from your oven or stove, straight onto the surface. Your quartzite countertop can take the heat with ease. If you like the way natural stone looks, then you will definitely be moving toward quartzite.
Disadvantages of Quartzite
Since it is a natural stone, quartzite will need a bit of maintenance. When it comes to your home, your quartzite countertop is sealed. Every once in a while you will need to have your countertops resealed. The best way to identify if your seal coat is working is by sprinkling the surface with water. If the water beads up, your sealer is doing its job. If the water soaks into the stone, it is time for a new coat of sealer.
When the sealant is in place, cleaning your countertop will be a breeze. Just make certain you use a cleaner that is labeled for quartzite. Another disadvantage of quartzite is the color selection. While white and grey are very popular in kitchens right now, if you are looking for variety, you will notice that quartzite is very limited when you compare it with the manufactured quartz. Even though quartzite is extremely durable, you will want to use a cutting board to avoid the potential of scratching the surface. Many homeowners do in fact cut up food right on the surface, and never see a scratch, but there is always the possibility.
Arch City Granite
Now that you know more about Quartz vs Quartzite, you can decide on the type of countertop that you like most. No matter what surface type you decide to go with, both will absolutely beautify your kitchens, bathrooms, or laundry room. When you go with Arch City Granite, we will be able to provide you the skill and expertise you need to have a beautifully cut custom countertop.
We use specialized computer aided measuring and fabrication devises, to make certain that every countertop fits perfectly into you home. Our installation crew is friendly, courteous, and will work around your schedule. When you want to increase the value of your home and give it that aesthetic appeal that only beautiful countertops can achieve, come to Arch City Granite. You can tour our facility and see how new countertops are cut. You can watch the entire fabrication process from a rough slab of rock, to a new beautiful countertop. When you want the best countertops, come to Arch City Granite. Your kitchen will thank you.