Have you been searching for the perfect countertop for your new kitchen and have seen samples of quartz and quartzite, but there seems to be a significant difference in price? While their names are similar, they are not the same material and do come with a couple major differences. The Countertop Shop in Monclova, OH is happy to help you sort through the details, so you can pick the perfect top for your new space.
Not the Same Thing: Quartz and Quartzite
Quartzite is a metamorphic rock that is created from sandstone. It is the hardest natural stone commonly used for kitchen countertops. Quartz is a manmade surface crafted from crumbled bits of quartzite and granite that are the byproduct of the quarry process. The crushed stone is mixed with colorants and epoxy and pressed into slabs, which are cut to order just as the slabs of natural quartzite. Quartz and quartzite are just about the same hardness and deliver a durable work surface able to last twenty years or longer.
Quartz: Order from a Sample with Confidence
The leading benefit of quartz is what you see in the showroom is what you will get in your newly renovated kitchen. If you take home some samples to compare with other finishes for your bath or kitchen decor, you get an accurate representation of how the final installation will appear. Also, you may have a larger array of color variations from which to make your selection as dyes are used during the manufacturing process.
Quartzite: Unique Slabs Deliver a Stand-Alone Design
Each slab of quartzite will have unique graining and veining, so you need to pick the exact piece and even designate where to make the cut for the sink to highlight the texture that most appeals to you. Some quartzite has an evenly distributed grain while others can include bold streaks of black, yellow, and even green. Nobody else on your street, in your town, or the state will have a countertop that looks exactly like yours.
Installation and Edging are the Same
Once the quartz and quartzite slabs arrive at our countertop factory, the process for measuring, cutting, and installation are largely the same. You can also select the type of edge you desire such as bullnose, ogee, or bevel. For regular maintenance, quartzite will need to be sealed once or twice a year to resist stains and discoloration. Quartz requires nothing more than regular cleaning with mild detergent and a soft cloth.
Now you know why quartz samples are hung on a wall in our beautiful Greater Toledo showroom and quartzite slabs are available to peruse right outside our door. Give the Countertop Shop a ring to schedule your personalized countertop shopping experience today.
