If you like the marbleized look of quartz countertops, you’ve likely run across quartzite countertops as well. But although their names are similar, these materials are far from being the same. In a nutshell, quartz countertops are engineered composite material, while quartzite countertops are slabs of natural quartzite stone.
At Washington Marble Works, we carry an array of both quartz and quartzite counters, and we have the expertise with both to help you decide which works best for your residential or commercial project. Call us today for a free quote at 253-466-7481.
What are Quartz Counters?
Quartz counters use the natural material of quartz, but it’s crushed and then combined with resins and pigments. Quartz countertops are nonporous and come in a variety of designs, some “speckled” with chunks of quartz, and in colors such as earth hues, whites, and grays.
What are Quartzite Counters?
Quartzite counters are composed of quartzite, a natural stone that forms when sandstone fuses with quartz crystals under heat and pressure. Although minerals in the stone can add tones of reddish-brown, pink, or gold to quartzite, quartzite counters most often come in shades of light gray or white.
Quartz vs. Quartzite Countertops: Which is Better?
When weighing quartz vs. quartzite counters, you’ll want to consider their appearance, use, durability, and maintenance. Both are highly durable materials that resist scratching, etching, and chipping.
Quartz counters are not completely heat-resistant. A kettle of boiling water or a hot skillet can damage a quartz countertop if you don’t use a trivet underneath the hot object. Because sunlight can discolor quartz countertops, they’re also not the best option for outdoor surfaces.
On the plus side, because of the resin used in their fabrication, quartz countertops never need resealing. As long as you wipe up spills right away with a gentle soap or a soft cloth, your quartz countertops can look beautiful for years.
Quartzite countertops do need resealing about every six months to one year because quartzite is a natural, porous stone. Resealing can be a relatively simple process, but it’s understandable that even DIY-ers might fall behind on this maintenance while caught up in the business of everyday life.
Quartzite can mimic the multiple hues and veins of marble, giving you the elegance of marble at a lower price. Quartzite also doesn’t become damaged in sunlight, so it works well outdoors, too.
Washington Marble Works carries dozens of varieties of quartz and quartzite counters for your residential or commercial project, all competitively priced by the square foot so you buy only what you need.
In addition to our virtual showroom, we have expert design specialists available to assist you with matching your quartz or quartzite counters to the décor and particular needs of your home or business. We also use the latest technology to ensure a precise installation so you can enjoy your new countertops worry-free. Please call Washington Marble Works today at (253) 891-1823 for a free quote or to arrange for a consultation.
