Homeowners often desire the elegance of marble with the hardwearing nature of granite for their kitchen worktops. Several engineered materials like quartz can be customised as per these requirements. But the unique appeal of a natural stone can never be fully replicated. Quartzite countertops are perfect for marble lovers who wish to avoid the maintenance hassles of marble. Unlike quartz worktops that are manufactured by combining pulverised quartz with resins, quartzite is a 100% natural stone. A metamorphic rock made of quartz-rich sandstone, quartzite is slightly harder than granite. Quartz-rich sand grains recrystallise and fuse, resulting in a beautiful reflective stone. Like marble and granite, quartzite is quarried, transported, fabricated, finished, and sealed before installation.
The Salient Features of Quartzite Countertops
- Based on the mineral content and the extent of crystallisation, quartzite is available in several colours, like white, pink, cream, yellow, and grey. The impressive veining and subtle shades are similar to that of marble.
- Rated 0.5 higher than granite on the Mohs scale, quartzite is a fairly durable natural stone. As long as it is sealed regularly, it can easily withstand the wear and tear that kitchen worktops are subjected to.
- Like marble, quartzite countertops have excellent heat resistance. If you are keen to buy a marble worktop but cannot afford to, quartzite is a mid-priced option with similar properties.
- A sealed quartzite surface is impervious to spills and most chemicals. Since the pores are closed, no moisture/odours can seep in, nor will it fester harmful bacteria.
How to Care for and Maintain Quartzite Countertops?
Since quartzite is structurally similar to granite, its care and maintenance instructions are similar as well. Buyers who are dissuaded to buy marble worktop (owing to the rigorous maintenance) should consider opting for a low-maintenance quartzite worktop.
- Despite its hardwearing properties, quartzite is naturally porous. Hence, it is extremely important to use a high-quality sealant before installation and reseal it periodically thereafter.
- Clean spills immediately with a soft sponge or a paper towel. The longer a spill is left unattended, the higher the probability of a permanent stain.
- Daily wiping with a diluted, pH-neutral cleaner is all it takes to keep quartzite worktops sparkling clean. Ensure a final round of dry wiping with a microfibre cloth to prevent water marks.
- Never take the physical or heat resistance of quartzite for granted. Using chopping boards and trivets/mats will ensure higher worktop longevity.
- Similar to marble, baking soda is the safest chemical to dislodge hard stains from quartzite worktops. Apply a paste on the affected area, leave some time to react, and scrub out gently.
Are Quartzite Worktops Worth Investing In?
No natural stone worktop can claim to be 100% maintenance-free. The natural faults and porosity of quartzite are imminent. But quartzite worktops are far easier to maintain than their marble counterparts. The high density and innate hardness of the material make it hard to dent, chip, or scratch. Similar to marble, the visual appeal of quartzite is timeless and it matches effortlessly with a wide range of kitchen interiors. Especially if you plan to sell your house in the distant future, installing quartzite kitchen countertops is a smart financial decision. A plush, well-furbished kitchen with a superior natural stone like quartzite will always fetch a higher price as compared to a cheaper manmade substitute.
Conclusion
Choosing the right kitchen countertop material can be tricky because you want high durability and ease of use without impacting the visual appeal. A superior natural stone like quartzite ranks high on all fronts. By following the proper care, cleaning, and maintenance instructions outlined above, homeowners can ensure that their quartzite kitchen worktops last a lifetime.