27

Jul

Quartz Vs Quartzite Countertops: How Are They Different?

There are a number of countertop materials you can choose from and deciding which one to go for can be nothing less than a hassle. You’re in luck because this comparison between quartzite and quartz kitchen countertops will make the selection a piece of cake for you.

Differences Between Quartz And Quartzite Countertops

Composition

Quartz Countertops

Quartz is actually a man-made material. It is made up of pulverized quartz crystals with sand and it’s mixed up with resin to create a hard slab that is a perfect choice for your kitchen if you’re looking for something beautiful and durable.

This countertop material is available in tile form as well as slab form, but slabs are preferred more by people. Because it’s more durable, have a nicer and elegant appearance, and can give your kitchen that flair of character. Quartz is one of the most versatile man-made materials and it is definitely a winner in the kitchen.

Quartzite Countertops

Quartzite is a natural stone so it does have a majestic appearance as granite and marble does. It is made up of quartz, mostly, but some variants might also have mica and some percentage of sand as well.

Quartzite has a beautiful and subtle appearance as well because it has an array of veins going all over its surface in different directions. It has a light base, and the top is decorated with light and dark veining that looks absolutely breathtaking in different lighting.

If you’re looking for a natural countertop material that’s going to be a statement in your kitchen, but don’t want to spend a lot on options like granite and marble, then quartzite is the way to go.

Durability

As far as durability is concerned, both quartz and quartzite are up there.

Quartz Countertops

Quartz, since it is a man-made material, is going to be extra durable and strong, as compared to its natural counterparts. It is compacted under high pressure and there is reinforced strength that makes this material a much better option.

The material doesn’t shatter or crack under high pressure or under forceful impacts and it’s going to last a lot longer, especially if you take care of them properly. It is also quite heat resistant.

Quartzite Countertops

Quartzite might seem like a less durable option out of the two, but it doesn’t mean that it’s a fragile material. It is considered to be even harder than granite, even though both are natural and porous rocks.

Quartzite is quite comparable in strength with quartz, but if you really want to get down to the nitty-gritty, then a better and more durable option would be quartz because it’s low on the maintenance side of things on top of being strong. It is also one of the very few natural stones that have built-in UV protection so the color doesn’t fade over time and it also keeps the surface free from germs.

Cost

Price is another important factor to consider when buying a countertop material for your kitchen. A lot of people tend to opt for materials that are reasonably priced because they don’t want to spend so much on countertops.

Quartz Countertops

Quartz is available in a huge variety, but the price solely depends on the retailer, the thickness of the slab you’re choosing, and the overall quality of quartz.

A one-square-foot slab of quartz will cost you anywhere between $60 to $70, which is quite reasonable for a durable and strong countertop material.

Quartzite Countertops

Quartzite is a natural stone and although the stone itself doesn’t cost a lot, there are overhead costs that might make it an expensive choice. This material isn’t as expensive as other natural stones like granite and marble, so it’s still a reasonably priced material as far as natural stones are concerned.

Quartzite will cost you around $70 to $80 including additional things like sealing and polishing, for a slab. It  is pretty heavy and the installation cost of this material is also insanely high, from $200 to $300 so a lot of people tend to go for DIY countertop installation.

Maintenance

Quartz Countertops

Quartz is a very low-maintenance material. There is no need to seal it. You can clean it very easily and it is heat resistant as well. Even though quartz is quite durable, that still doesn’t mean that it can’t get damaged by heat. It’s better to take care of the countertops as much as you can because heat can ruin the look of quartz countertops and it can lead to heat stains if you constantly put the countertops in contact with heat.

Even though you can get away with a few times, it’s better to take good care of these countertops, so that their maintenance doesn’t become a hassle for you in the future.

Quartzite Countertops

Quartzite, since it is a natural stone, needs to be sealed because it is porous and any contact with water, moisture, and even certain foods can lead to permanent stains on the countertop. Because quartzite is also quite light in color, the appearance of stains can be very obvious and the surface can look very dirty.

Sealing the countertops will ensure that your countertops stay in good condition for long. But it is still an extra step and you’ll need to reseal the countertops every year to freshen up the look of the countertops.

Stain Resistance

Quartz Countertops

Quartz is a non-porous material, so it is naturally stain-resistant, especially when it comes to things like food and water stains. Being virtually non-porous and highly dense, quartz will last a lot longer than most materials and it also won’t get damaged as easily from moisture or mold formation.

The only real culprit that can damage and ruin the look of quartz is sunlight. Quartz isn’t resistant to UV rays, so the color can fade over time.

Quartzite Countertops

Quartzite, on the other hand, isn’t stain resistant without the extra help of a sealant. Sealing quartzite countertops is considered to be an extra step towards protecting the stone from severe damage and bacterial infestations.

Some people can be wary of sealing these countertops because it’s extra work and expense, but it’s going to go a long way.

Variety In Colors

Lastly, the variety in colors and designs is something that can be a deal maker or breaker for a lot of people. Nothing is more off-putting than having a seemingly perfect countertop material, but not having enough color options according to your liking.

Quartz Countertops

Quartz is very forgiving when it comes to color selection. There are light, dark, and bright colors available in this material and you can get just about any color in quartz countertops.

Quartzite Countertops

Quartzite lacks the variety of colors that quartz has. The former material is only available in a range of neutral and light colors, which isn’t usually an issue for people who prefer lighter-colored countertops. However, light colors can be a pain in the neck to maintain since they can get dirty and murky pretty quickly. This is why a lot of people choose darker countertop colors.

Conclusion

This comparison covers everything from durability to price and whatnot. Now, keeping these things in mind about both countertop materials, you can make the choice for your kitchen. Whichever material you choose, hire a quartz countertop installer Rockville to flawlessly install the countertop in your kitchen.

18

May

Quartz vs. Marble Countertops: How To Pick The Best One?

Granite, marble, and quartz are the most popular countertop materials for kitchens. We have blogged about the differences between granite and quartz in the past, so this time, we’ll determine which one is better among marble and quartz countertops. Let’s begin!

Defining Marble And Quartz Countertops

Marble is a natural stone that is readily available in most parts of the world. There are veins in marble that are due to the presence of minerals during the formation of the rock below the Earth’s surface. These veins add to the beauty of marble countertops.

Quartz countertops are manmade and manufactured using quartz and resins for stone-looking slabs. They are also called engineered stone countertops.

Face Off: Marble vs Quartz

Appearance

As mentioned before, the appearance of marble slabs is natural due to the minerals underground. They form attractive and beautiful veins in slabs that are unique to each slab. No two marble countertops will have the exact same pattern. So, if you buy a marble countertop, you can be sure there is no other countertop anywhere that will look 100% like the one you’re taking home.

On the other hand, quartz countertops are made in factories so many patterns are manufactured in large quantities. So, it’s possible that you and your neighbor or friend end up with the same-looking quartz countertop without the knowledge of each other’s purchase decisions.

However, the color choice with quartz countertops is virtually endless because any sort of pigment can use for the desired color and pattern. So, although quartz countertops are not unique to each slab, the vast color choices ensure enough diversity. Moreover, there are quartz countertops available that appear similar to natural stones like marble and granite.

Winner of this round: Marble countertops for their unique and gorgeous appearance.

Heat Resistance

Marble is a metamorphic stone. This means that it’s made underneath the Earth’s surface with immense pressure and high temperature – among other factors. So, the heat resistance of marble countertops is higher than quartz countertops.

However, you should avoid putting hot pans on the surface of either type of material because even though marble’s heat resistance is high, it might stain with hot pans. The same is true for quartz countertops. Putting hot pans will leave stains on the beautiful surface of your quartz countertop.

Winner of this round: Marble countertops.

Durability

Quartz countertops resist stains and etching while marble countertops are prone to these problems. Why? Because marble is made of calcite and it reacts with acidic spills that lead to etching. Moreover, calcite allows spills to be absorbed and results in staining.

So, even if you don’t use any acidic things in your kitchen, the usage of common items like tomatoes, sauces, and lemon juice can also etch and stain the surface. Over time, the marble surface will appear dull and unattractive.

Moreover, marble countertops are considered soft and they can crack easily compared to quartz and even granite. On the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, marble received a 3 while quartz got a 7. The higher the rating, the harder and more durable the material is.

Due to this, stunning is more common in marble countertops as well. Stunning means white marks left due to the fall of a heavy item on the countertop surface. Quartz countertops are more resistant to these problems.

Winner of this round: Quartz countertops.

Sealing

Marble is a natural stone and all natural stones are porous. This is one of the reasons, marble countertops are more susceptible to stains. Sealing marble countertops is mandatory for avoiding stains and bacteria growth inside the slabs to an extent.

Quartz countertops are non-porous and don’t allow stains to be absorbed by the surface. This means you don’t need to seal your quartz countertop at all.

Winner of this round: Quartz countertops.

Maintenance

It’s established in the above points that marble countertops are prone to etching and staining. Due to this, you need to care for your marble countertops much more than quartz.

If a spill happens, you must clean it right away. If it leaves a stain, you will need a poultice for removing the stain. Moreover, you will need to avoid common household cleaners for cleaning the surface because most of them are acidic and can etch the marble surface. You must use a cleaner made specifically for marble or natural stones.

On top of that, you must seal your marble countertop to make it resistant to stains. The seal can wear off over time, so resealing it every six months is necessary.

With quartz countertops, you can be a bit less attentive to maintenance. They resist stains and etches better than marble and are easier to clean as well. However, you should only use special cleaners safe for your quartz slabs.

In terms of repairs like filling in small chips, you can use an epoxy or resin repair kit for both types of materials. However, you need the services of a professional for bigger cracks. As quartz countertops require less maintenance and are less prone to cracks. This means it will be more likely for you to hire a professional to fix a quartz slab than a marble slab.

Winner of this round: Quartz countertops.

Cost

The cost of both marble and quartz countertops is quite similar. However, keep in mind the common rule that you get what you pay for. There are cheaper variants of quartz and marble as well. So, comparing a cheaper variant of quartz with a high-quality variant of marble or vice versa won’t be fair.

Fun fact: Marble and quartz slabs are costlier than granite slabs.

Winner of this round: Tie.

Resale Value

Marble and quartz both are high-end countertop materials. As their cost is similar, their impact on the resale value of your house is also fairly similar. So, whether you install a marble or quartz countertop, it will add value to your house.

If you’re renovating your kitchen or home for sale, check the real estate listings to find out which type of countertop material is desired by the buyers in your locality.

Winner of this round: Tie

Outdoor Use

Marble and quartz are excellent countertop choices for indoor kitchens, but are they as good for outdoor kitchens? You may be surprised to know that both these materials don’t hold up well when exposed to outdoor elements like sun exposure, rain, snow, and temperature changes.

If you love stone countertops and don’t want any other material, then choose granite because it’s more durable than marble. And for outdoors, it’s way better than quartz as well. Other options for your outdoor kitchen are concrete and tiles.

Winner of this round: Tie. (We’re not comparing granite with these materials, otherwise, granite is the winner along with concrete.)

Conclusion

To sum it up, marble countertops are absolutely stunning when it comes to aesthetics, but they require quite a lot of maintenance and are also more prone to chipping and staining than quartz. Quartz on the other hand is more durable than marble but is a bit behind marble in terms of visual appeal. Discuss your preferences with a quartz countertop contractor Potomac to go with the countertop option that is right for you.