Why Quartzite is the Most Durable Countertop on the Market
Its name may sound similar to quartz, but quartzite is, in fact, its very own material. Unlike manmade quartz, quartzite is a naturally occurring stone that forms when soapstone is exposed to extreme heat and pressure.
Quartzite boasts impressive durability, beautiful patterns, and a range of vibrant colors that can enhance nearly any room in your home. Are you thinking of installing one of these striking surfaces? Before you do, read on to learn about the cost, care, and maintenance requirements for a quartzite countertop.
What To Know Before You Choose Quartzite
Quartzite is well-known among homeowners and interior designers alike as the single hardest natural countertop material on the market. Able to easily withstand high temperatures and stand up to scratches, stains, and etching, quartzite only requires that you reseal once or twice a year to keep it in pristine condition. Properly sealing quartzite on a regular basis also makes it easy and quick to clean up any spills.
Quartzite sports a range of shades, ranging from neutral white and gray to striking pinks, blues, purples, and even orange. The colors can be enhanced with the right finish, and quartzite is particularly well suited to an understated honed or leathered finish.
Quartzite Is Perfect For Multiple Rooms and Design Layouts
Homeowners can consider lots of different stylistic applications for a quartzite surface because of its hardiness and visual aesthetics, including:
Bathroom surfaces, which benefit immensely from the lighter, more neutral shades of color that quartzite offers. Natural stone never goes out of style in home bathrooms, and quartzite is no exception.
Kitchens with lots of activity are perfect for quartzite because of how durable and heat-resistant the stone is. Quartzite is nearly impervious to etches, scratches, and stains from acidic liquids or oils, so you can consider putting quartzite surfaces in just about any area of your kitchen.
Living areas with fireplaces can become more modern with natural quartzite stone. Since quartzite is essentially heatproof, it can stand up to the high heat of a fireplace.
Rooms with dark-colored walls or ceilings can contrast well with the neutral, subdued tones of quartzite. Quartzite can add a sense of depth to existing dark colors in rooms and provides an attractive juxtaposition that lends an air of elegance to your room's layout.
Rooms Where Alternatives To Quartzite Are Best
Quartzite requires that you seal it several times a year to prevent stains, so bathrooms with shower areas can potentially get excess moisture beneath quartzite's porous surface. Non-porous stones like granite are often better alternatives to quartzite for high-use bathrooms.
Overall, quartzite does a very good job of accommodating multiple spaces in your home due to its neutral color shades, high durability, heat resistance, and low maintenance requirements. This makes it a great option for new countertops in your home.
How To Bring Out The Best in Your Quartzite
Quartzite is easy to care for, but there are a few things you can do to increase its lifespan, including:
Properly cleaning your quartzite can help you avoid staining your stone and keeping it in pristine condition for as long as possible. Clean your quartzite with mild soap and a soft rag. You should not use solvents, acidic bleach, or ammonia-based cleaning products.
Finish your quartzite with polished or honed finishing styles to create exciting and lustrous visual aesthetics in your room. Polished quartzite provides an inviting and glossy appearance that makes the natural colors and patterns in your stone stand out. Honed finishes, on the other hand, lend a softer, smoother finish that almost resembles satin. Honed and polished quartzite makes a statement about the rest of your room's design layout and absolutely increases your surface's lifetime value.
Allow quartzite to develop a patina, which will resonate well with certain homeowners if you sell your property. Although it's true that not everyone cares for the deepened, darkened appearance of natural stone like quartzite, certain homeowners absolutely gush over the aesthetic maturation of a full patina.
Is it Time to Install Quartzite in Your Home?
Quartzite is a unique and beautiful surface that can set your home apart from others in your area. If you’d like to get one of these stunning surfaces in your own home, get in touch. You can also download our free Ultimate Buyer’s Guide to see what it’s like to get new countertops with Alpha Surfaces.