How to choose the right material for your countertops
The most common question we are asked is: What is the difference between quartz and quartzite?
Let’s first discuss quartz. Quartz slabs are a man-made product comprised of approximately 90-93% crushed quartz, with resin acting as a binder and pigments for coloring. Brand names include Silestone, Cambria, and Caesarstone.
The ingredients are mixed and poured into a slab form, then baked in oven to cure the slab. Once cured, the slab is polished using diamond abrasives to create a brilliant shine on the surface.
Quartz countertops are very popular and comprise 80% of our countertop business today. The popularity is mainly due to ease of maintenance…the countertops are nonporous and never need sealing. Soap and water is all that is needed for everyday cleaning.
There are many patterns and designs available from marbled designs to solids and even textured or leathered finish.
For a low maintenance countertop, quartz is the clear winner.
Quartz Price: $-$$$
However, some clients want a surface that is more unique and an “art piece.”
Quartzite is quarried from the earth, and no 2 slabs will be exactly the same. Your kitchen or bath will be uniquely yours as you personally select the slabs for your project!
Quartzite is one of the finest creations of Mother Nature, created when Sandstone mixes with magma. This process makes quartzite very hard and dense. This hardness makes it somewhat difficult to quarry and process the blocks of stones into single slabs. It may take 3x longer to process a slab of quartzite than any other natural stone, making quartzite a pricier option.
However, the hardness and density is what makes quartzite a great countertop option. Quartzites hold up well in kitchens and baths, resistant to etching and most stains if sealed well.
Quartzites are available in shades of whites, creams, greys and even some darker shades. Some popular colors include Taj Mahal, Mont Blanc, and Bianco Superiore.
If considering quartzite, it is imperative that you approve your slab prior to cutting. Each slab is different, and the color range and movement can vary greatly.
Quartzite Price: $$$-$$$$$
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The most common question we are asked is: What is the difference between quartz and quartzite?
Let’s first discuss quartz. Quartz slabs are a man-made product comprised of approximately 90-93% crushed quartz, with resin acting as a binder and pigments for coloring. Brand names include Silestone, Cambria, and Caesarstone.
The ingredients are mixed and poured into a slab form, then baked in oven to cure the slab. Once cured, the slab is polished using diamond abrasives to create a brilliant shine on the surface.
Quartz countertops are very popular and comprise 80% of our countertop business today. The popularity is mainly due to ease of maintenance…the countertops are nonporous and never need sealing. Soap and water is all that is needed for everyday cleaning.
There are many patterns and designs available from marbled designs to solids and even textured or leathered finish.
For a low maintenance countertop, quartz is the clear winner.
Quartz Price: $-$$$
However, some clients want a surface that is more unique and an “art piece.”
Quartzite is quarried from the earth, and no 2 slabs will be exactly the same. Your kitchen or bath will be uniquely yours as you personally select the slabs for your project!
Quartzite is one of the finest creations of Mother Nature, created when Sandstone mixes with magma. This process makes quartzite very hard and dense. This hardness makes it somewhat difficult to quarry and process the blocks of stones into single slabs. It may take 3x longer to process a slab of quartzite than any other natural stone, making quartzite a pricier option.
However, the hardness and density is what makes quartzite a great countertop option. Quartzites hold up well in kitchens and baths, resistant to etching and most stains if sealed well.
Quartzites are available in shades of whites, creams, greys and even some darker shades. Some popular colors include Taj Mahal, Mont Blanc, and Bianco Superiore.
If considering quartzite, it is imperative that you approve your slab prior to cutting. Each slab is different, and the color range and movement can vary greatly.
Quartzite Price: $$$-$$$$$
[email protected]
 Calacatta quartz with full backsplash and island with waterfalls |  DaVinci Quartzite slab |
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