Alright, let’s be real. Choosing countertops? It’s no walk in the park. You think you know what you want. Then bam—aisles of choices. Granite, quartz, marble, butcher block. It’s like a dating app for your kitchen.
Lately, quartzite countertops have been stealing the spotlight. Folks are falling for them. And hey, they’re gorgeous. Strong too. Total eye candy. But are they actually a smart buy?
That’s what we’re unpacking here. Straight talk. No fluff. Just the good, the bad, and the “wait, what?” about quartzite countertops. Oh, and if you’re keeping things budget-friendly, keep an eye on granite remnants Milwaukee. Seriously underrated.
Contents
So, What Even Is Quartzite?
Quick science moment. Quartzite is a natural rock. It started as sandstone. Over time, heat and pressure turned it into something tougher.
Here’s the mix-up: it’s not quartz. Totally different. Quartz is made in a lab. Quartzite? Nature’s creation.
It gets cut into slabs, polished up, and installed in homes. Each slab? One of a kind. The patterns, the streaks—completely natural. It’s like marble but way stronger.
That’s what makes quartzite countertops a stunning and durable choice if you want beauty that’s built to last.
Why People Are Loving Quartzite
Time to talk upsides. Because honestly? There are a bunch.
It Looks Ridiculously Good
Every slab? Unique. Swirls, veins, soft colors. It gives off those “designer kitchen” vibes. Classy without even trying.
People often say it’s a marble. But stronger. More dependable. Not as needy.
In fact, HomeAdvisor reported in 2023 that natural stone surfaces lead the pack for boosting home value.
It’s Crazy Durable
This stone? Tough as nails. It’s a 7 on the Mohs hardness scale. That’s harder than granite, which is around a 6.
It shrugs off scratches. Can handle a dropped pot. Not too fussy. Real-life proof that beauty and brawn can coexist.
The Natural Stone Institute says if sealed properly, it can last decades. We’re talking about lifetime commitment here.
Heat? It Doesn’t Care
Place a hot pan on it. Go ahead. Quartzite doesn’t crack or burn. It handles heat like a pro.
Perfect for cooks who forget trivets. No damage. No stress.
Sunlight? Bring It On
Natural light won’t hurt it. It’s UV resistant. So, bright kitchens? No problem. It won’t fade or yellow.
Quartz, by comparison, sometimes does. Especially over time.
Cleaning Is a Breeze (With Sealing)
Just soap, water, and a cloth. That’s all you need—if it’s sealed right. No special cleaners or fancy tricks.
Sealed quartzite doesn’t soak up stuff. That means fewer stains and less bacteria.
Doing a quick update? Don’t overlook the granite remnants of Milwaukee. They’re money-savers and look fantastic in smaller spots.
The Not-So-Great Stuff
Okay, not everything’s sunshine and rainbows. Quartzite’s got a few quirks too.
It’s Gonna Cost Ya
Let’s not sugarcoat it—it’s expensive. Installed, it runs from $80 to $200 per square foot. Yikes, right?
Granite, says Forbes Home, usually falls between $40–$100 per square foot. So yeah, quartzite is a bit bougie.
Great value? Sure. Cheap? Not so much.
It Needs Regular Sealing
Quartzite’s porous. That means it can absorb liquids. So, you’ve gotta seal it. Once a year, maybe twice.
Skip the sealing? Say hello to stains. Tomato sauce, red wine—they’ll leave a mark.
Some Sellers Mislabel It
Here’s the shady part. Some sellers label quartzite as quartz. Or the other way around. Sneaky stuff.
Ask questions. Scratch the surface. Ask for a sample test. Real quartzite scratches glass.
Get what you pay for. Always double-check.
It’s Tough to Install
Quartzite’s strength? It’s a blessing and a curse. It’s hard to cut. Installers need serious tools.
It’s also heavy. Cabinets might need reinforcement. Definitely not a DIY job.
Get someone who knows what they’re doing. No shortcuts.
Color Choices Are Subtle
Don’t expect neon green or bright blue. Quartzite’s palette is pretty chill. Think whites, creams, soft greys, warm tones.
It’s elegant. Earthy. But not wild. If you want drama, look elsewhere.
Compared to the Others
Let’s line ‘em up. Because a side-by-side makes it way easier.
Quartzite vs Granite
Granite’s familiar. Durable. Affordable. But quartzite’s harder. More heat-tolerant. And it’s rarer, so it feels fancier.
Granite has more colors, though. And it’s easier to cut.
Quartzite vs Quartz
Quartz is engineered. Comes in wild colors and wild patterns. It’s sealed from the factory. No maintenance.
But it can fade in sunlight. And it’s not as heatproof.
Quartzite vs Marble
Marble’s a softie. Gorgeous but delicate. It stains. Scratches. Needs constant care.
Quartzite gives you that luxury look, but without the babysitting.
Caring for Quartzite
It’s not needy. But it does need some love.
- Seal it once a year.
- Wipe up spills quickly.
- Avoid harsh cleaners. Mild soap is perfect.
- Don’t cut directly on it.
- Still use trivets, just to be safe.
The Marble Institute says some natural stones can last 100+ years. Just treat it right.
Going Green
Quartzite is all-natural. No chemicals. No resins. That’s a win if you’re into eco-friendly choices.
Want to take sustainability a step further? Check out granite remnants in Milwaukee they’re perfect for reducing waste and cutting costs. Beautiful, budget-friendly, and better for the planet. Total win-win.
Final Thoughts: Should You Go Quartzite?
So, here’s the scoop.
Quartzite countertops are stunning. Crazy strong. They laugh at the heat. They won’t fade. They last forever with the right care.
But yeah—they cost more. And they do need sealing. You’ll need a pro to install them right.
Worth it? Totally. If you’re doing a big remodel and want something timeless.
On a tighter budget? Give granite remnants Milwaukee a look. Still gorgeous. Still real stone. Less cash.
Quick FAQs
Q: Is quartzite better than granite?
A: For durability and heat? Yes. But granite offers more colors and usually costs less.
Q: Is quartzite expensive?
A: Yep. Around $80–$200 per square foot, installed. It’s on the higher end.
Q: Does it stain?
A: Only if it’s not sealed. Seal it yearly, and you’re golden.
Q: Can I put hot pans on it?
A: Totally. It’s very heat-resistant. Still, use a trivet just in case.
Q: High maintenance?
A: Nah. Just clean it gently and keep it sealed.
Q: Can I use quartzite outside?
A: Yep. It won’t fade in the sun like quartz does.
