Quartz and quartzite are two types of materials that are commonly used in kitchen and bathroom countertops. Quartz is generally more expensive than quartzite, but both have similar looks and styles. If you’re not sure which to choose for your project, consider these questions:
What’s the difference between quartz and quartzite?
Quartz is a quartz-based composite material that’s composed of sand, silica, and minerals. Quartzite is a metamorphic rock made up of the same components as quartz but in different proportions.
In terms of durability, quartzite is more resistant to heat and scratches than quartz. It also holds up better when it comes to scratching by knives and utensils as compared to its counterpart.
The major disadvantage of using quartzite over quartz is its higher cost; you’ll have to dish out more money for this countertop option.
How do quartz and quartzite differ when it comes to upkeep?
Quartz is a hard stone that is more scratch-resistant than quartzite. Quartzite is softer, which makes it more susceptible to scratches. Granite and marble are also soft stones, but they have a higher absorption rate than quartz and quartzite. Because of this high absorption rate, granite and marble require frequent sealing to protect against stains and keep them looking great for years to come.
The best way to determine how well you will care for one material over another is by knowing what the material looks like on its own—and then comparing that appearance with your preferred color scheme. You can use our Color Match Tool at Homewerks or visit your local showroom, where we will help identify your perfect countertop!
How do they compare in terms of price?
Quartz is a more expensive option. While it’s not necessarily always going to cost you more than quartzite, it definitely could, depending on the color and style of quartz you choose. Quartzite is one of the most durable countertop materials, which means that you will likely be able to use your kitchen for years without needing any repairs or replacements. However, quartzite tends to be more resistant if something goes wrong with your counters—a scratch or stain—because of its composition (it has naturally occurring mineral inclusions).
Quartz vs. Quartzite: Which is right for your kitchen or bath project?
When trying to decide between quartz and quartzite in your kitchen or bath project, it’s important to consider which of these materials will best meet your needs. Quartz and quartzite are durable materials with high heat, water, and stain resistance. ct:
Quartz is scratch resistant, while quartzite is not. Because of this difference in durability, if you have high-traffic areas where items may come into contact with the countertop surface regularly (such as the kitchen sink or stove), then quartz might be a better choice than quartzite because it won’t scratch easily when used regularly with metal utensils like knives or forks. However, if this is fine, choosing either material should not make any difference!
Quartzite heats up faster than its counterpart, so keep that in mind when planning out what type would best suit whatever needs arise during remodeling projects involving kitchens or bathrooms (or anywhere else!).
Consider which is best for your lifestyle
To help you choose the right material for your kitchen, we’ve outlined some of the main differences between quartz’s and quartzite’s properties.
Quartz is more scratch resistant than quartzite, which makes it ideal for families with children or pets. However, this also means that it is more vulnerable to staining—if you’re concerned about getting stains on your new countertops, consider looking at other options, such as granite or engineered stone, instead.
Quartzite is much heavier than quartz (as much as four times heavier), so if space constraints concern you, then it may be worth considering its lighter counterpart instead. In addition to being heavier, it also costs significantly more than quartz—but most homeowners report that they could still save money on installation costs by opting for this material over other comparable materials like marble or granite.
Conclusion
You should base your choice of material for countertops on more than just price and upkeep. It’s important to consider whether or not your lifestyle fits with these materials. For example, suppose you are a chef who regularly cooks large meals at home. In that case, it might make sense to go with an inexpensive but sturdy material like granite instead of spending more money on a highly durable stone like marble or limestone (which can crack). If you plan on doing lots of baking or cooking over an open flame, then quartz could be the right option, thanks to its heat resistance properties.