Table of Contents
What Exactly is Quartzite Anyway?
The Difference Between Quartz and Quartzite
The Benefits of Quartzite Bathroom Countertops
Quartzite Maintenance Tips
Get Pricing for your Bathroom Countertops
So, you’ve decided to makeover your bathroom but don’t know which area to prioritize? One of the most effective upgrades you can make is changing out your bathroom countertops to a sleek and modern material such as quartzite.
Along with this, you might want to replace the vanity and the sink to match your countertops. But other than that, these simple changes can make a world of difference to a tired and outdated bathroom.
Why should quartzite bathroom countertops be your top choice? Check out the rest of this blog for more about this versatile material, ideal for bathrooms.
What Exactly is Quartzite Anyway?
You’ve probably heard of quartz before, but the first thing you should know is that quartzite and quartz are not the same thing. Quartzite is the real deal — there’s nothing engineered about it.
Quartzite is a natural form of metamorphic rock. It is usually mined in large slabs from mountainsides for all types of architectural, manufacturing, construction, and decorative purposes.
Due to the sheer amount of force and pressure this rock endures, quartzite forms a network of interlocking grains over time. This makes it one of the durable and strong materials to use in your home.
The material is so tough that it can only be cut and divided into workable slabs with diamond blades. The manufacturing of market-ready quartzite slabs is intricate. It requires plenty of technical skill and finishing.
This is why you end up paying a little more for quartzite compared to some other materials. But the trade-off is a superior quality material that will last you a lifetime.
The Difference Between Quartz and Quartzite
If you are aware of the clear differences between these two materials, you’ll have a better understanding and idea of which option to go with. Here’s how quartzite differs:
- It’s a 100 percent natural stone, whereas quartz is an engineered material and includes resins, polymers, and pigments
- You can only find quartzite in its natural color form, such as black, brown, beige, and white, while quartz is engineered to include different pigments
- Quartzite is a far more durable, scratch-proof, and long-lasting material
- It’s also highly resistant to heat, while quartz can be damaged by high temperatures
- Quartzite may be a little more expensive than quartz, but you are paying for longevity
To add to this, quartzite is a material that most closely resembles marble. It also offers a similar type of durability and resilience to this high-end material. In other words, it’s the type of long-term investment that offers true value-for-money.
The Benefits of Quartzite Bathroom Countertops
In case you weren’t already convinced that quartzite is a super high-quality material, here are a few other unmistakable benefits:
1. It’s Completely Unique
If you want to make a real statement in your home, quartzite is a great material as each slab is 100 percent one-of-a-kind. Thanks to the power of nature, you are investing in beautiful, naturally formed countertops that are completely unique in their own way.
While quartz and other engineered stones mimic the colors and patterns of nature, quartzite is the real thing. Quartzite bathroom countertops are a unique stone option for your home, and guarenteed to be a showstopper in any space.
2. Quartzite Is Stronger Than Most Materials
As mentioned, quartzite is incredibly strong and durable, with very similar qualities and strength to granite, which is virtually indestructible. In terms of toughness, quartzite ranks as a 7-out-of-10 on the MoH’s Hardness Scale.
Due to the fact that this stone lives and develops under such tremendous pressure beneath the earth, it is ideal for home installation in busy areas such as the kitchen and main bathrooms.
You can expect quartzite countertops to resist scratches, fading, warping, and etching.
3. Quartzite Is Low-Maintenance
No one wants to invest in a fussy material that requires excessive amounts of maintenance — especially in a busy area of the home such as the main bathroom. Unless, of course, you have the time to dedicate to it!
If you want a similar look to marble, but without the upkeep, quartzite is your answer (and you’ll spend far less, too). It’s a lower maintenance stone compared to Marble Countertops, that you can clean with a simple solution of warm water and dish soap. Quartzite Bathroom Countertops do require sealing though, unlike Quartz Countertops.
4. It’s Resistant To Sun Damage and Fading
Quartzite is also a material that’s resistant to UV rays. So that beautiful sunlight that streams into your bathroom each morning is not going to damage your bathroom countertops or fade its beautiful color/patterns over time.
This is because the material is far less porous than other countertop choices, such as engineered stone.
5. It Will Match Your Home Aesthetic
Finally, quartzite is an amazingly versatile material that ties in well to almost any home aesthetic. While you aren’t really spoiled for choice on color, you have plenty of variety to choose from on the black, white, grey, and beige color palette.
If you want to stick to a more minimal or simple vibe in your bathroom, quartzite is a brilliant choice. This also makes it easier to tie in other elements of your bathroom, while you can add flair and color with your décor. Quartzite bathroom countertops will look natural and vibrant for years to come.
Quartzite Maintenance Tips
As with any other countertop material, quartzite must be sealed in order to protect the material and maintain its longevity. The seal also helps to resist stains and makes it easier to clean. Yes, quartzite is far less porous than other materials, but it’s still a natural element of the earth and does have its own porous nature.
So, when you purchase your countertops make sure they are pre-sealed or call in an expert to do it for you. Once your countertops are sealed, maintenance is very low-key:
- You only need to clean with warm water and dish soap as and when needed
- Avoid all abrasive cleaners that contain acids or other harsh chemicals
- Avoid using abrasive cleaning tools i.e. scourers
- Make sure to clean up spills with a damp cloth after they happen — don’t leave them to stand as it could stain the sealant
You don’t have to worry too much about scratching and vulnerability to heat. However, if you use hot tools in your bathroom, you might want to place them on a heat-resistant surface after use because you don’t want to damage the sealant.
Find Your Ideal Quartzite Bathroom Countertops With Us
If you’re on the hunt for quartzite bathroom countertops, International Granite & Stone has got you covered. We offer a wide range of products, including granite, quartz, real stone, and luxury countertops, as well as backsplash options, too.
Check out our recent installs to get a feel for the high-quality work and installation we offer.
