Pros And Cons Of Quartzite Countertops

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Of course, no matter what type of material you choose for your countertops, you'll have some pros and cons. Therefore, it's always crucial to know any material's qualities before deciding to use it in your home. Here's a look at the pros and cons of quartzite countertops.

Quartzite's pros far outweigh its cons, which is a plus by itself. Many of the pros are what make quartzite a fantastic countertop choice for a bustling kitchen.

1. Pro: Quartzite Looks Like Marble

Marble is a popular choice for countertops, but it can be rather challenging when it comes to maintenance. Marble doesn't tend to hold up too well in a kitchen, chipping and scratching easily. For this reason, many installers either won't put marble countertops in the kitchen or refuse to offer a warranty.

Therefore, quartzite's durability and similar appearance to marble make it a good substitute for your kitchen countertops.

2. Pro: Quartzite Is Durable

On the Mohs Scale, which rates the hardness of minerals, quartzite's rating is approximately seven. Some varieties fall even closer to an eight on the scale. Compare this to marble's hardness rating of about three, and you can see how much more durable quartzite is.

Quartzite is one of the strongest stones there is. In fact, it's even stronger than granite, which falls closer to a 6 on the Mohs scale. This hardness makes quartzite very resistant to scratches and chips, outstanding qualities to have in a kitchen. Still, why tempt fate?

When you're chopping or cutting on the countertop, use a cutting board. Although quartzite is scratch-resistant, it isn't invincible to scratches. Plus, you can ensure your quartzite retains its original beauty and durability for as long as possible.

3. Pro: Quartzite Is Low Maintenance

Kitchen countertops undergo a lot of use, and the last thing you want is cleaning them to take forever. Luckily, quartzite countertops are a breeze to clean, and you don't need any special cleaners to do it. Simple soap and warm water will do the trick, and you should avoid using bleach.

Ensure you wipe up any spills quickly, even though you should have sealed your countertops upon installation. Using a disinfectant wipe to mop up a spill promptly is okay, just don't make a habit of it.

For maintenance, it's recommended to reseal your countertops once a year for the first five years. Although some sealers claim to last for as long as 15 years, it depends highly on the sealer you use! To ensure your countertops last a long time, it's best to seal them annually.

4. Pro: Quartzite Holds Up Well To UV Rays And Is Weather And Heat Resistant

If you have an outdoor kitchen, quartzite is an excellent choice for your countertops. The durable material is very UV resistant and holds up well in a variety of weather conditions. This quality is also great for indoor kitchens that receive a lot of natural light, so fading is not an issue.

Quartzite can stand up very well to heat, much more so than man-made quartz. However, it's always best to place hot pans and pots on a trivet or potholder. Still, it's nice to know that setting down a hot pan isn't an instant death sentence for your countertops.

ou can't have pros without cons, and as durable and beautiful as quartzite is, it's not without some downsides. So, when considering the pros and cons of quartzite countertops, you can't ignore the downsides.

1. Con: Quartzite Can Stain Easily

Quartzite is extremely porous, so it seeps up liquids very quickly. Even when you seal your countertop, it's best to wipe up any spills as soon as possible. Otherwise, you run the risk of staining your counters permanently.

However, if you seal your countertops regularly and stay on top of spills, staining shouldn't be a huge issue. It's worth noting that there are many different quartzites, like Taj Mahal and White Macaubus. Some varieties of quartzite last longer than others. Likewise, you will need to seal some types of quartzite more than others.

Therefore, keep this in mind when putting together your maintenance plan for your quartzite. Although sealing once a year is the norm, you may need to do it more often, say every six months.

Of course, this is a task you can handle yourself, usually in a short amount of time. All you need to do is carefully follow the instructions on the sealer. But, it's still something to consider when choosing your countertops.

2. Con: Quartzite Has Limited Color Choices

Since quartzite is a natural stone, you get limited color options. For the most part, your quartzite color choices are white, gray, and some shades in between. However, it's not unheard of to see some pink or red undertones, depending on the amount of iron oxide in the stone.

Some quartzite might even have some hinges of yellow or blue. But, the most common shades are variations of white and gray. Therefore, if you want more of a color selection, you'll likely need to opt for a different material.

3. Con: Sharp Objects Can Damage Quartzite Countertops

Although many materials can resist damage from sharp objects, quartzite doesn't hold up well to a knife. If you cut directly on a quartzite countertop, the knife will scratch and mark the countertop easily. Of course, an easy way around this downside is to always use a cutting board.

The Pros And Cons Of Quartzite Countertops: Final Thoughts
Overall, if you're looking for a durable and beautiful material for your kitchen counters, quartzite is an excellent option. As long as you seal it regularly, it lasts for many years, and it isn't much pricier than similar countertops. But, if you're looking for a broader range of color choices, quartzite isn't your best bet.

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