If you are looking for a beautiful, durable, and unique countertop material, then quartzite countertop is the right choice. Quartzite is a natural stone that comes in many different colors and patterns. No two slabs are identical because this is a natural stone. Although it is a natural stone, it is very hard and durable.
It has the hardness of granite and marble combined, which makes this a great choice for your kitchen countertop. Quartzite can be installed in any type of setting—from an island to traditional cabinetry.
After looking at numerous granite and quartz slabs, I stumbled upon the quartzite selection, and I was amazed at the uniqueness and beauty of each slab. It didn’t take me too long to lock my decision on Yosemite Falls Quartzite it is such a beauty.
Now the truth about quartzite countertop…
Quartzite is a very porous material and is not naturally stain-resistant. The best way to maintain your quartzite countertop is by sealing it with a special sealer. This will help prevent stains from penetrating the stone and make cleaning easier.
The initial seal is usually performed by your installer or fabricator. They will use a heavy-duty sealant that likely requires a professional. You can test your countertop to see if it has been sealed by placing a drop of water on the countertop. If it beads up like Rain-X on a windshield, it’s sealed; if it completely disappears and permeates the stone, it likely has not been sealed.
I use TriNova as a daily cleaner, polisher, and sealer for my quartzite countertop. This is a great product to have on hand as it does a good job of cleaning and polishing granite, marble, and other natural stones.
You should avoid using abrasive cleaners or scouring pads, as these can scratch the surface of quartzite. If you have a spill or stain on your quartzite countertop, use a soft cloth to wipe off any food particles, then rinse with water and dry it off completely.
If you have a deep stain on your quartzite countertop, it’s best to use a special stone cleaner to remove the stain. I use Stonetech Oil Remover for any stain that doesn’t come out with regular soap and water. If you don’t have a similar product, try using a poultice made of baking soda and water. Remember to reseal the countertop after using the oil stain remover as it removes all the existing sealant.
Quartzite Slab Thickness Variation
If you are replacing an existing countertop, it is important to know that quartzite is naturally occurring, and the 2 cm and 3 cm are just a guide if you need a certain thickness to measure your countertop. We, unfortunately, didn’t know this and replaced our 3 cm quartz with what we thought was 3 cm quartzite, and we ended up having to have our backsplash re-done because of this variation.
The reason for the variation is that quartzite is naturally occurring and mined from the earth. The stone is formed in layers, and sometimes there are gaps between those layers. This can make it difficult to get a uniform thickness throughout your quartzite slab. You can see in our photo the issue with our countertop.
We’ve only had our countertops for about 3 months, so I am still in the beginner stage, but the beauty of the countertops gets me every time I walk into my kitchen.
When considering what would best suit your needs, there is a plethora of options to choose from. The material, thickness of the stone, and color should all be taken into consideration when selecting your new countertop. You can confidently make the right decision that will last you a lifetime through patience and research. Be Well-Omniley
