Quartz Vs. Quartzite Countertops: What’s the Difference?
When choosing the material for the surfaces in your home, there is a lot to consider. Quartz and quartzite are two popular choices with similar names. Despite sharing quartz in their names, these two materials differ in a number of ways. If you are weighing quartz vs. quartzite costs, the pros and cons of quartz vs. quartzite countertops, and which material looks the best and meets the demands of your household, we can help! When it comes to price, manufacturing, and composition, here’s some ways in which quartz and quartzite differ.
Composition
When you’re remodeling your kitchen or bathroom, you want your surfaces to look sleek and stand up to the demands of your day-to-day life. When choosing quartz or quartzite, it is important to know the make-up of both, as these can help you make an informed decision as to which material is right for you.
Quartz is a man-made material that is composed of a variety of different materials to produce a durable, sophisticated surface that many people choose to include in their remodeling projects. Made from ground quartz, resin, and pigments, quartz countertops can be designed to customer specifications. Whether you like the natural stone look or want a simpler, minimalist concrete style, the customizable nature of quartz countertops make them a top choice for homeowners everywhere. The ground quartz and resin provide a durable surface that is also resistant to stains, heat, and scratching.
Quartzite is a naturally occurring metamorphic rock that forms when sandstone comes into contact with magma deep within the Earth’s surface. While quartzite and quartz are both “mined” to some degree, quartzite is pulled straight from the Earth and finished to customer specifications. While it is less customizable than quartz, certain customers prefer it for its natural beauty.
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Quartz Vs. Quartzite: Quality, Care, and Preventative Maintenance
We truly believe that you can’t go wrong with either quartz or quartzite. However, when it comes to caring and maintaining the surfaces of your home, there are some things you should know. Quartzite is generally softer than quartz and thus less scratch-resistant, it is slightly more prone to cracking, which can turn into a big expense down the road. Quartzite has a natural look that is hard to beat, but because of its natural beauty, it requires a bit more TLC than quartz. It is recommended that homeowners reseal their quartzite 1-2 times a year, whereas quartz does not require resealing or any chemicals to clean.
That being said, both materials are incredibly durable and can withstand far beyond the traditional demands of kitchens, bathrooms, and countertops. Quartz countertop maintenance is certainly an easier process, but the natural allure of quartzite often justifies the preventative maintenance it requires for many homeowners.
Quartz Vs. Quartzite Price and Cost
Quartzite and quartz have similar costs. Installation costs can differ between the two, as quartzite is a natural stone so the cutting and customization can increase the overall cost of your project. Quartz is easier to customize and thus generally cheaper to install into parts of your home that would be difficult for quartzite installations.
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As previously mentioned, quartz is also much more inexpensive to maintain. Resealing quartzite every year can add up over time, whereas quartz doesn’t require resealing.
All that is to say that both options are great choices, and your vision and budget ultimately determines which material is right for you. If you are looking for quartz countertops in the St. Paul and Minneapolis areas, Select Surfaces wants to help make your dream home a reality. Visit one of our showrooms or contact us today to set up a consultation!