Tougher than granite and sleeker than marble, quartzite countertops are taking over the design world for all the good reasons. But is quartzite really worth the hype? For better understanding, you need to focus on each element of quartzite counters, including their pros and cons. When doing a home renovation, it’s important to weigh durability, appearance, and long-term value in addition to disadvantages before choosing your countertop. It is really helpful in making a more informed and wise decision. You can also make changes to your design theme once you know the good and bad points of every countertop option.
Let’s explore each pro and con of quartzite countertops for a better overview:
What Is Quartzite?
Quartzite is a naturally formed hard metamorphic rock that contains quartz (SiO₂) particles along with some impurities. It undergoes extremely high pressure, temperature, and numerous chemical reactions under the Earth. The final form we get is a colorful rock with layers of different pigments. Impurities or pigments in the quartz affect its colors, layers, and patterns. That’s why it ranges from white, gray, and tan to red, orange, pink, green, and many other colors.
Pros And Cons Of Quartzite Countertops
Quartzite countertops are one of the most premium options when it comes to home remodeling. You can design five-star spaces, bars, and luxury villas using such stunning countertops. However, not everything is perfect, and the same applies to quartzite as well. There are some pros and cons that you might need to consider before choosing a quartzite stone counter for your next project. Let’s explore those in detail:
Pros
Here are some of the pros of quartzite countertops worth noticing:
Elegance of Natural Stones
Quartzite countertops look very natural and appealing thanks to their deep layers and patterns. A natural stone has a strength and charisma, and so do the quartzite stones. Its unique, swirling grey and white vein designs make it look natural and ideal for a variety of projects. Moreover, it complements every space well, making it suitable for all sorts of remodeling projects.
Durable and Strong
The durability and strength define quartzite countertops. The layers of strong quartz, along with other particles, give it a robust structure. Interesting point is that it ranks 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, which proves it’s harder than many natural stones like granite, marble, etc. It means it is one of the most durable options when it comes to kitchen counters.
Low Maintenance
Low-maintenance countertops are everyone’s need. If we say that a quartzite countertop has beauty, but you need to clean or seal it frequently, you might feel a bit disappointed. But that’s not the case. You don’t have to do that because it can easily hide dust, smudges, and fingerprint spots. However, cleaning once a day and sealing once a year is recommended.
Resistant To Damage
Quartzite countertops are strong, which means they are resistant to cracks. Other than that, they have a less porous and more durable structure. A quartzite counter can stay firm for years due to its durable structure. Moreover, you hardly see any dirt marks or spots on it if you take good care of it. Here are some of the factors highlighting the quartzite resistance:
UV Resistance
UV rays can damage countertops, especially those that are treated with resins or pigments. A quartzite countertop is strong and free of any artificial pigments. Therefore, quartzite counters are said to be resistant to UV rays. They can stay unbothered even if installed in outdoor spaces where there is continuous light exposure.
Stain Resistance
Stains are one of the most common problems faced by any countertop. However, quartzite countertops are highly resistant to stains because of their less porous surface. Additionally, the sealants make them even more enduring. So, if you accidentally spill sauces or tea, a quartzite counter can handle it easily.
Versatile Designs
Quartzite features intricate veining and a wide range of colors, making each countertop a unique work of art. The quartzite countertop colors and patterns add to its versatility. Like marble, granite, or any other natural stone counters, no two pieces are the same. You can select quartzite in your favorite patterns with custom slab cuttings to create your ideal themed kitchen. Furthermore, depending on your style and needs, you can get both simple and fancy quartzite counters. Thus, design variations are not limited when it comes to quartzite.
Cons
Here are some of the cons of quartzite countertops:
Susceptible To Scratches and Cracks
Quartzite is resistant to heat and etching. But countertops require sealing and attention to protect their surface against scratches. Exposing your quartzite countertops to heat might not hurt the material, but the sealer will most likely crack. Therefore, you might need to be a little careful when installing a quartzite countertop in an outdoor space. A shade or a roof can easily prevent damage by protecting the countertop against the heat rays.
Porous Surface
Quartzite has a porous surface that makes it somewhat susceptible to damage. The pores are fewer than many other natural stones, but it still counts. Quartzite countertops can get damaged by dirt or moisture if it occupies the pores. Sometimes it becomes really hard to clean a porous and dirty countertop. However, a sealant can provide the necessary protection against moisture and dirt.
Difficult To Cut and Install
Cutting quartzite stones from rocks and then converting them to slabs is a difficult job, and only experts can do that. This is a time-consuming and expensive procedure that also demands excellent skills. Other than that, shaping those slabs into countertops needs experts who know how to cut stone with perfection. Doing all of these tasks is not something that a beginner can do. Therefore, this might be a con for you if you are a starter.
Cost
Quartzite stone countertops are expensive, just like any other natural stone. Due to quartzite’s hardness, cutting the rock is difficult and requires special diamond cutters. So, it costs more. Also, add the labor, transport, and installation expenses to get a complete picture of what it will cost you to install quartzite countertops. One more factor that determines the price is rarity. The rarer the slab, the more it will cost.
Conclusion:
Quartzite countertops offer an impressive combination of durability, designs, low maintenance, and high resistance. It makes them ideal for a wide range of remodeling projects, especially as kitchen countertops. But everything fascinating comes with some cons as well. The disadvantages of quartzite countertops may include their cost, porous surface, and difficulty in cutting. Considering all the factors is important to make a more informed decision.
Need the most premium quartzite countertops? Contact us at SK Stones USA or visit our showroom to explore our latest quartzite collection in person!
Read More: Reasons Why Granite is So Valuable
