DESIGN – PLAN – REMODEL
Reasons Why Quartz and Quartzite Countertops Are A Must-Have For Any Home Renovation
Quartz and quartzite are two popular materials used for countertops. While their names may sound similar, there are significant differences between them.
The main difference between quartz and quartzite countertops is their composition. Quartz is a man-made material, while quartzite is a natural stone product.
Quartzite countertops are heat-resistant and more durable than quartz countertops, making them perfect for busy kitchens. However, quartz countertops offer a wider variety of colors and patterns to suit different design preferences and aesthetics.
When choosing between quartz and quartzite countertops, it’s important to consider your specific needs, budget, and style preferences. Both materials offer excellent benefits and can add value and functionality to your home.
Quartz Countertops
Quartz countertops are an engineered stone made of quartz crystals, resins, and pigments. They are highly durable, non-porous, and resistant to stains and scratches. With a wide variety of color options, designs, and patterns available, quartz countertops offer a sleek and modern look. They are easy to clean and require low maintenance, making them perfect for busy kitchens.
Quartzite Countertops
On the other hand, quartzite countertops are natural stone countertops made from metamorphic rock. They are formed from sandstone and quartz that have been exposed to extreme heat and pressure. Quartzite countertops are very durable and heat-resistant, making them ideal for use in the kitchen. They have a unique veining pattern and are available in a range of colors, including white, gray, and pink. The natural beauty is amazing, and no two pieces are exact. However, this material is expensive and costs more to fabricate as it requires special blades, and typically a water-jet machine is needed.
Reasons Why Quartz and Quartzite Countertops Could be a Great Addition to Your Home Renovation
If you’re planning a home renovation, your kitchen and bathroom countertops are a great place to start. Quartz and quartzite are two materials that offer many benefits and can add value and style to your home. We do not offer any other material besides quartz/natural stone. Butcher block or other wood elements can be used, but these can only work in the right design. Here are some reasons why quartz and quartzite countertops could be a great addition to your home renovation:
Quartz Countertops
- Durability: Quartz countertops are engineered to be durable and long-lasting. They are stain-resistant, and scratch-resistant, and don’t require sealing or waxing.
- Variety: Quartz countertops come in a wide range of colors and patterns, allowing you to choose a style that fits your home’s aesthetic.
- Ease of maintenance: Quartz countertops are easy to clean and maintain. All you need is a soft cloth and mild detergent to wipe them down.
- Eco-friendly: Most quartz countertops are made with up to 93% natural quartz, making them an eco-friendly choice.
Quartzite Countertops
- Natural beauty: Quartzite countertops are a natural stone and come in a range of unique colors and patterns that add character to your home.
- Durability: Quartzite is a highly durable material that can withstand heat, scratches, and chipping making it perfect for kitchen countertops.
- Low maintenance: Like quartz, quartzite countertops require minimal maintenance. They are also resistant to spills and stains, which can be easily wiped off.
- Sustainable: Quartzite is an abundant natural resource, making it a sustainable and environmentally-friendly option for countertops.
Both quartz and quartzite offer benefits in terms of durability, style, and ease of maintenance. Whether you are doing a complete home renovation or just updating your countertops, considering quartz & quartzite countertops can enhance the practicality and aesthetics of any kitchen or bathroom.
How to Select the Style for Your Countertop
We love the new quartz material by Aurea Stone, the line is called Symphony. This material offers impressive depth through soft and creamy tones beneath the surface. With an equivalency to marble but has the strength of quartz (marble is a very soft stone). Symphony is free of visible grains, which results in a better light reflection, brightness, and clarity to produce a more realistic look than any other engineered stone. My favorites are Carmen and Rigoletto.
Consider Your Home’s Color Palette
Consider your home’s color palette when selecting a color for your countertop. You’ll want to choose a color that complements your existing décor and brings cohesiveness to your space. If your home has a warm color scheme, consider a countertop with warm hues and vice versa.
Look for Inspiration
Find inspiration for your countertop color through home décor magazines, websites, or social media platforms. You can also visit showrooms or display homes to see how different countertops look in a finished space.
We have a kitchen remodel, and a whole home remodel I have incorporated symphony material. I also have an upcoming kitchen remodel that will have natural stone installed
Think About the Maintenance
Different colors and patterns show wear and tear differently, so think about how a particular color of the countertop will affect the maintenance of your counter. If you’re worried about visible scratches, stains, and chips, consider a countertop with a busier or darker pattern which can hide imperfections better.
Check with Sample Tiles
It’s important to make sure that the countertop you’ve selected will work well with other materials in your home. Requesting samples from your countertop supplier and trying them with different lighting and decor scenarios will give you a better idea of how different countertops will look in your space. Also, it can be used in showers and backsplash.
Consider the Future
Remember, a countertop is a long-term investment. Consider how the color and pattern of the countertop will fit in with your long-term goals to avoid regrets later. Often a timeless, neutral hue is the way to go.
Taking the above tips into consideration when selecting a color for your countertop will help you avoid or minimize disappointment with your chosen color or design.
Maintenance Tips to Keep Your New Countertop Looking Its Best
Congratulations, you’ve had your new countertop installed! Here are some maintenance tips to keep it looking its best:
Regular Cleaning
It’s important to clean your countertop regularly with warm water and mild soap. Avoid harsh abrasive cleaners, which can cause damage to the surface of the countertop. Wipe up spills immediately with a damp cloth or paper towel to prevent staining.
Avoid Contact with Heat
Make sure to use trivets or hot pads when placing hot pots and pans on your countertop to avoid damage from heat exposure. Avoid placing objects that are extremely hot, such as hot irons, on the countertop to prevent discoloration.
Use Cutting Boards
Cutting boards should always be used when chopping and cutting anything on the countertop. Scratching, cutting, or carving on the surface may leave marks.
Avoid Contact with Acidic Substances
Acidic substances like lemon juice, red wine, vinegar, or tomato sauce left on the countertop for a prolonged period could damage the surface or cause stains. Make sure always to wipe away any spills immediately.
Regular Sealing
We primarily use Monterrey Tile and Bedrosians for our quartz materials
Use Proper Cleaning Agents
There are specific cleaning agents for different types of countertop surfaces. For instance, if your countertop is made of natural stone, you may need specific cleaning agents. Avoid using ammonia, bleach, or any acid-based cleaner, as these could eat away at the surface of your countertop.
Taking care of your new countertop is important to maintaining its beauty and longevity. With regular maintenance and care, you can keep your countertop looking as good as new for years to come.
Installation Process for Quartz and Quartzite Countertops
The installation process for both quartz and quartzite countertops is similar. Here are the general steps involved:
Measuring and Templating
The first step in the installation process is measuring and templating the countertop area. This involves taking precise measurements of the countertop space to ensure accurate sizing of the countertop. This step helps to ensure the countertop fits perfectly into the designated space.
Fabrication
The fabricator comes out to measure, taking into account any specific cuts such as faucets, RO faucets, glass washers, etc. He then takes the measurements to his shop and fabricates the material exactly to the space. Installation typically requires 3 bodies due to the weight and size of the slabs. Plywood is installed as a base on countertops, and quartz is glued/installed on top.
Installation
The final step in the process is installation. The installation team will transport the finished countertop slabs to the job site and begin the installation process. The countertop will be carefully placed on the existing cabinetry, and held in place off the counters by the shims to make sure it’s balanced and level. The installation team will apply the sealant and any necessary caulk and secure the slab firmly into the designated space.
After the installation is complete, the countertop will be cleaned and polished, leaving it looking as good as new.
The installation process should be handled by professional installers to ensure proper installation and prevent possible damage to your countertops.
Proper installation is critical for the longevity and durability of your countertops. By following these steps, your quartz or quartzite countertop should last for many years to come.
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