Aside from the floor, your kitchen countertop is arguably the most significant surface in your house. Your kids’ school projects, late-night snacks, family meal preparation; everything seems to take place there. Additionally, the kitchen is essential for entertaining because it appears to be where guests congregate. That is why making the right choice is crucial since you might be using your granite or quartzite countertop for decades to come.
It can be difficult to choose the ideal kitchen countertop because there are so many options available, including laminate, stone, wood, and even metal. It gets even more difficult to choose the ideal countertop when you consider the significant investment you’re making.
If you’ve narrowed down your options to quartzite vs. granite countertops and are still trying to decide which material would be best for your new home, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll go over the similarities and differences between them below so you can choose the best countertop for your needs and price range.
What Is Quartzite?
Sandstone gives rise to quartzite, a naturally occurring metamorphic rock. It is produced when the sandstone in the earth’s crust is exposed to intense heat and pressure. After the stone is polished and sealed, it is mined and then cut into slabs to make quartzite countertops.
Due to the fact that quartzite is a naturally occurring stone, no two slabs of quartzite will have the same color and pattern. Although quartzite is usually white or light grey in color, it can also be yellow, blue, green, reddish-brown, etc.
Because it hasn’t been altered from its natural state, it also has natural streaking and is a little coarser, giving it a more organic and earthy feel. For people who adore the appearance of marble counters but prefer something more robust, quartzite is a great, practical substitute because it can look a lot like marble.
What Is Granite?
Similar to quartzite, granite is a naturally occurring rock. Being an igneous rock, granite was created by the melting of rock, or magma. It develops beneath a mountain or volcano deep within the Earth when melted rock cools or solidifies into rock. Then the granite becomes visible as the mountain or volcano above it is eroded by wind, ice, and water over time.
Since granite is a natural material, every slab will be different and slightly different. You can choose the precise slab you want for your house from a variety of colors. Compared to quartzite, it offers a wider variety of styles.
Quartzite vs. Granite Countertops – 3 Differences
There are a number of significant differences between the two materials that you should be aware of before installing your countertops. Reading this comparison should help resolve the quartzite vs. granite countertops debate so you can make an informed decision and understand which material is best for your home.
The most typical distinctions are as follows:
Difference by Appearance
Quartzite will make your countertop look sophisticated. Its appearance has been likened to marbles. Marble cannot, however, provide the same functional advantages as quartzite.
Granite will also make your countertop look more fashionable, particularly if you use it in the kitchen.
Granite, however, has a slight advantage in terms of appearance. Granite has more styles to choose from, even though quartzite is also a stunning natural stone.
Difference by Durability
Although both quartzite and granite are extremely hard, quartzite has a small advantage on the Mohs hardness scale. On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the hardest, it is about a 7, and granite is about a 6 to 6.5.
If durability is your deciding factor, quartzite is the ideal material to select because of its exceptional durability. Because all you need to clean a quartzite countertop is soap and water, it’s also very simple. Regarding upkeep, one of the simplest aspects of your home to maintain is a quartzite countertop.
Granite countertops are extremely durable, even though they are not as durable as quartzite countertops. Granite can be cleaned just as easily as quartzite. The surface can be cleaned with warm, soapy water. All things considered, granite is a very resilient material that, with the right maintenance, should remain in excellent condition.
Difference by Cost
The price of quartzite has increased due to supply and demand issues. It starts at about $80 per square foot and goes up to about $120 per square foot, making it typically more costly than granite. However, if the type you’re looking for is uncommon and therefore hard to find, the price may be much higher.
The price of granite starts at about $40 per square foot and goes up to about $100. Similar to quartzite, if the granite you’re looking for is uncommon, the price may increase dramatically.
Price increases for both granite and quartzite are caused by two factors: scarcity, and location. A specific slab will cost more if it is hard to obtain. Therefore, remember that a higher price does not always translate into better quality; it could simply indicate that sourcing was more challenging.
Quartzite vs. Granite Countertops – The Similarities
As we have already discussed, the first similarity between granite and quartzite is their durability.
Porosity is the second similarity between these two types of natural stone. Every natural stone, including granite and quartzite, has some degree of porosity. These materials have pores, just like any other natural stone. Natural stone will absorb liquid due to its porosity. The stone may become discolored if the liquid has color or reacts chemically with the minerals in the stone.
Their uniqueness is the third. Granite and quartzite are both completely unique since they are natural stones. Not only do they differ from one another, but they also differ from stone to stone. Since the colors and patterns are never exactly the same, the variety in the world of natural stone is infinite. This means that you will be choosing the actual material that will be used to make your countertop when you go to choose your granite or quartzite slab.
Finally, they are comparable in that they will raise your home’s value. Adding natural stone to your home always increases its value and appeal. Any prospective buyers will be thrilled to have quartzite countertops in their home if you take good care of them, just like with any other natural stone. Having granite countertops is no exception, as many homeowners adore the stone, particularly in their kitchens. When a homeowner sells their house, they usually recoup at least 100% of the granite countertop installation expenses.
How to Make a Choice Between Quartzite and Granite Countertops?
Ultimately, they are both stunning and long-lasting stones. Your priorities and personal preferences will determine whether you choose quartzite or granite. Does the countertop’s increased functionality or aesthetic appeal matter more? Is cost the decisive element?
This is a long-term choice, so do enough research until you’re satisfied. It would be beneficial to visit a few stores and gather information locally. Look for a knowledgeable, patient, and sincere stone fabricator or salesperson who is happy to answer any questions you may have regarding quartzite vs. granite countertops.
After you’ve made up your mind about the stone you want to purchase, an interior decorator can help you pick the color that will work best with your cabinets and the rest of your kitchen.