Creating a Timeless Kitchen With Quartzite Counters: Style Guide

Homeowners love tackling big renovation projects because they can’t wait to see how the work transforms the home. When the kitchen is the room being remodeled, they are ecstatic. This room serves as a gathering place for family members, so they want to ensure they get every element right.

Careful planning ensures the homeowner chooses timeless items so the room doesn’t feel outdated in a year or two. One choice many homeowners make today when revamping this room is quartzite countertops. Why should a person consider getting quartzite counters? What makes this a popular option today?

What is Quartzite?

Quartzite is a metamorphic rock found in nature, unlike quartz, an engineered stone. Quartzite formation occurs when sandstone is exposed to extreme heat and pressure. This process occurs underneath the earth’s crust, so the stone must be mined. Upon exiting the earth, it is cut, polished, and sealed for use on countertops and other interior features.

Many people today choose quartzite countertops because this rock is breathtaking, thanks to the natural veining patterns. It looks in many ways like marble, but it is a better option for countertops thanks to its durability and minimal maintenance requirements. Before determining whether quartzite is the right option for their remodeling project, what should a person know?

Cleaning and Maintenance

Kitchens are used regularly and must be kept clean to prevent foodborne illnesses. One illness can quickly spread throughout the entire family in the foods prepared and eaten at home. The easiest way to clean the countertops is to use mild dish soap and water, but it is always best to check with the manufacturer to see what is recommends for its products.

Never use harsh cleaners or abrasive tools on the countertops. Doing so could strip the sealant and permanently stain or etch the countertop. Products to avoid include ammonia, bleach, and anything acid-based.

Clean spills immediately. While quartzite is incredibly durable, it can be damaged. The surface will soak up stains, so wipe spills immediately. Acidic substances can do significant harm quickly.

Sharp objects, such as knives, can also mar the surface. Always use a cutting board to prevent this. While quartzite resists heat, protect the surface by using potholders and trivets. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Reseal the surface each year to ensure it remains nonporous.

Color Options

One drawback homeowners find when researching quartzite countertops is that the color options are limited to those in nature. They must choose from white and gray tones in most cases. However, there may be some color variations. These variations occur when minerals are present in the stone when the quartzite forms. Iron is one mineral that can bring about color changes in the stone. Every quartzite slab is unique in terms of color and veining patterns because Mother Nature remains in complete control of the process.

The Cost of Quartzite Countertops

People often worry they will pay more for a quartzite countertop. Quartzite doesn’t cost as much as marble, but a person will pay more for this material than for granite and quartz. The average cost of a quartzite countertop today is $60 to $120 per square foot. Most quartzite countertops come with a polished finish. The price will increase if the buyer wants a honed or leathered finish.

Quartzite countertops are popular today for several reasons. They offer numerous benefits with few drawbacks. However, people must know what they are purchasing and the cleaning and maintenance requirements to ensure this material fits their lifestyle. For those who find it does, a quartzite countertop will be the perfect addition to their kitchen or any room in the home.