Quartz or Quartzite: What Should I Get for My Countertop? – Infographic
If you’re currently planning to remodel your kitchen or bathroom, you may be wondering about what material to get for your countertop. Though there may be many options to choose from, Quartz and Quartzite are among people’s favorites. These luxurious stones are high-quality natural stones, making them excellent for kitchen and bath remodels.
Of course, choosing between these two fine countertop materials may be stressful, but if you know what you want and what you need for a countertop, then the features of these two stone materials are enough to help you decide.
Here are the things you need to know between quartz and quartzite.
Though they may sound alike, these two are different from each other. The first thing to know is that both materials are expensive, but quartz is more affordable than quartzite, although it’s still a high-end countertop material. However, the more customization you want for a quartzite, like cutting it accordingly, can additional costs that make it pricier. With quartz countertop, customizing them in the pattern you want is easy, and a little less money is required.
In terms of cleaning, quartz is easier to clean than quartzite. With quartz, you only need to ensure that juices, water, or sauces spill are immediately wiped away with a damp rag. Since it is a countertop material engineered using quartz crystals mixed with pigments, shards of glass, and resin, maintenance is easy. It is non-porous, does not easily chip, and is resistant to scratches.
On the other hand, quartzite countertop is a natural stone that underwent natural heat and pressure as a result—often mistaken as marble or granite—is porous in its raw form where water can get stuck. For this reason, quartzite requires coating or sealing using wax, acrylic, or polyurethanes that make the appearance glassy. This glass-like treatment to quartzite prevents stains and strains from happening to its surface.
Cleaning a quartzite with all that process may mean extra care or invest in good quartzite cleaning products.
When it comes to various colors and styles, quartz countertops can be patterned according to your liking of color and style. But with quartzite, you can only choose from the elegant light grays, reddish browns, and sometimes pinkish or gold marble-like features.
For a recap, you should choose your countertop material according to the following:
- material that’s water and moisture resistant.
- has the type of colors and styles that you prefer
- durable
- easy to clean and easy to wipe after any spill
- less likely to scratch and stain
So, whether you choose quartz or quartzite, it will all end up as a personal choice. While both countertops are beautiful, they have distinct pros and cons. Both materials can be expensive, so it’s essential to shop around before making a final decision. Your role as a homeowner will be of great importance in taking care of your countertop once it is installed. Taking care of them will solely be the homeowner’s responsibility—no one else.