Advantages and Disadvantages of a Quartzite Benchtop

Granite, marble, concrete, wood, and more are excellent choices for your benchtop; however, quartzite has recently surpassed the others in popularity. Just to clarify, quartzite is not the same as quartz. When quartz sandstone is subjected to high temperatures and pressure, it forms. The sand grains and the silica cement that links them re-crystallize under these conditions. The end product is a massive network of interlocking quartz grains.

Although the natural stone’s elegance and solidity make it an excellent benchtop option for kitchens and bathrooms, it does have some disadvantages. If you’re thinking about getting quartz countertops but aren’t sure if it’s the best choice for your kitchen, this blog will go over the benefits and drawbacks of the stone.

Advantages:

- Quartzite looks like marble
The look of quartzite is similar to that of marble. Its beautiful swirling grey and white swirls add interest and definition to the benchtop and assist to create a stunning kitchen. If marble countertops are out of your price range, quartzite is your best option for achieving a similar aesthetic at a lower cost.
- Quartzite is durable
Quartzite is a natural stone that shares many characteristics with granite, such as hardness and durability. Because of the unique characteristics of this stone’s development, it is very resistant to heat and water, ensuring that it will last a long time. (Quartzite is a 7 out of 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness.) It also has great resistance to the acids that might cause etching.
- Warranties
Quartz benchtop manufacturers are so confident in their product’s durability that they provide substantial guarantees. The warranty periods provided by the leading quartz countertop manufacturers vary. These warranties cover manufacturing flaws, but not damage caused by abuse, mistreatment, chemical exposure, direct or prolonged heat or cold, outside installation, or high pressure. If you don’t abuse your counters, they’ll last a lifetime.
- Quartzite is versatile
Quartzite has a distinctive color palette, making it both adaptable and appealing. It normally varies between white and grey, however, depending on the mineral makeup of the rock, there are various color variations in earthy tones. As a result, it’s a popular choice for kitchens with a minimalist, industrial, or rustic theme.
- Quartzite is appealing to look at
Quartzite’s remarkable visual appeal makes it excellent for contemporary kitchens and bathrooms. It’s an interesting addition because of its unusual veining and natural colors.
- Quartzite is low maintenance
It will be simple to clean and maintain your quartzite benchtop if it has been sealed. Clean spills with mild dishwashing soap and warm water, and you’ll have a spotless tabletop ready to use. Chemical-based cleaners have to be avoided because they can harm the sealant.
- Quartzite is UV resistant
If you intend to construct an outdoor kitchen or if there is a lot of natural light in your kitchen, quartzite countertops will not fade or darken as they are UV resistant.

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Disadvantages:

- - Quartzite is expensive
  Despite being less expensive than marble, quartzite, like any natural stone, is an expensive material for countertops. Fabricating it to the size of your kitchen or bathroom countertop is a pricey operation that requires trained employees because it requires diamond cutters to cut.
  - Quartzite is porous
  Quartzite is a porous substance that requires sealing. Spills can soak in without sealing, causing tenacious stains and bacterial growth, especially if spills are not cleaned up straight away. Seal your quartzite benchtops at least once a year to keep them gleaming and stain-free. You may need to seal your quartzite more than once, depending on the type of quartzite you bought.
  - Quartzite is prone to scratches
  Sharp things, such as blades, can damage quartzite, despite its strength and durability. Chopping vegetables on a quartzite kitchen countertop, for example, will produce scratches and marks on the surface.
  - Quartzite is a tough material to work with
  Quartzite is not a good countertop material to work with if you’re a do-it-yourselfer. It is a dense, hefty, and hard natural stone that should only be put by professional craftsmen using advanced techniques. As a result, make certain to pick a countertop fabricator who can also install your countertop.

Quartzite