Important Facts To Know About Quartzite Countertops
Quartzite has many properties that draw admiration from interior designers and contractors. The stone’s natural beauty creates a unique look for every countertop. And its remarkable durability and straightforward maintenance needs make it an ideal choice for homeowners. Harder than granite and easier to care for than marble, quartzite is a tempting option for kitchens, bathrooms, outdoor living areas, and so much more. Explore these important facts to know about quartzite countertops to see why quartzite is a popular material choice among homeowners and industry professionals alike.
Natural Stone, Natural Beauty
There are many valuable materials that contractors use to create strong, beautiful countertops, but few can match the elegance of natural stone. Quartzite—like marble, granite, and limestone—comes in natural slabs that suppliers quarry directly from the earth. The natural formation of the stone means that no two slabs of quartzite are alike.
As a result, every quartzite counter boasts a unique, naturally occurring beauty. The light, earthy tones and mesmerizing veining turn each stone slab into a work of art, bringing effortless style to the room.
Quartzite tends to come in light, neutral shades of white, gray, and beige, which make it particularly popular for the sleek style of modern or minimalist homes. However, quartzite can vary in color depending on several factors. These include where the slabs come from, the stone’s age, and whether there’s iron oxide in the stone. Though rare, some quartzite counters boast stunning shades and veins of green, blue, pink, or red.
Quartzite Delivers Remarkable Durability
Another key fact to know about quartzite is that it is naturally hard—even harder than granite. Even better, quartzite is resistant to heat and chemicals and doesn’t etch as easily as marble. This wonderful combination of traits makes it a remarkably durable option for your countertops. With quartzite, you don’t have to worry about damage from knives or heat.
Keep in mind that quartzite comes in various levels of porousness, which means that stains can soak into it if you don’t clean them quickly. This proves especially harmful with acidic liquids, such as coffee or citrus juices, as these are more likely to cause etching. Wiping spills away quickly is a useful habit that will help preserve the look and quality of your quartzite countertops.
Straightforward Maintenace for Lasting Beauty
It’s always important to consider your maintenance routine before choosing a countertop material. Fortunately, quartzite is a low-maintenance, easy-to-clean stone that doesn’t require special attention or unique products to stay in good shape.
Soap, warm water, and a soft cloth are all you need to deal with most casual messes. But remember to clean up spills quickly to avoid stains soaking into the stone. For more intense spills, choose a cleaning product that is specifically safe to use on natural stone. Avoid using solvents or ammonia-based cleaning products on your quartzite counters, as the porous nature of the stone can cause it to absorb these harsher cleaners.
Sealing your quartzite countertops helps prevent stains over time. A high-quality sealant will also enhance the appearance of your counters by bringing out the gorgeous natural colors and veining of your stone.
Are you considering quartzite countertops for your home? Learn more about quartzite and get started on your stone countertop installation at LaCour Stoneworks today.