If a Marble Benchtop is too high maintenance, take a peek at Quartzite Benchtops before you sigh and give up the idea. Quartzite is a lovely natural stone that resembles Marble but has the hardness and durability of Granite. Its high-end appearance elevates kitchens and bathrooms to a new degree of luxury.
What is Quartzite?
Quartzite is a metamorphic rock that makes an excellent countertop material. It started as quartz sandstone, but the metamorphic process transformed it into Granite. It’s harder than glass.
Quartzite has more features than just being a tough and long-lasting surface. It has grown in popularity as a result of its natural beauty. Quartzite has a wonderful veining pattern that runs the length of the slab.
In comparison to Marble’s more erratic veining, this veining is prominent and usually runs in a parallel and linear pattern. Swirls and striations can be used to give interest to slabs. You can virtually see how the various layers were developed and imagine the processes that altered the stone while looking at a Quartzite Benchtop.
Sadly, Marble slabs are frequently mislabeled as Quartzite. Because the stone is softer in these circumstances, it does not perform as well as it should. It can etch, scratch, and stain. Keep this in mind when testing and verifying that the stone is Quartzite.
Designing your benchtop
- Quartzite comes in a wide range of colors. Many slabs resemble Carrara or Calacatta marble in color. At Quartzite Slabs Sydney, several options, like Atlantis Quartzite, Bianco Quartzite, Mont Blanc, and more variants in grey, green and black are available.
- Because Quartzite is a natural stone, each slab will vary somewhat from one another, even within the same bundle. With this in mind, you should go to the stone yard and select individual slabs. If more than one slab is required, sequential slabs are the best option because they will have comparable color and veining patterns.
- Because Quartzite slabs are similar in size to granite slabs, most kitchens will require multiple slabs. The fabricator will recommend the number of seams, their positions, and seam directions during the designing process. Make sure the color and veining at the seams are consistent so the countertop seems to be one continuous piece. Keep in mind that precise alignment may not be achievable, so strive to reduce the deviations as much as possible.
- There are a variety of surface finishes that can be used to modify the appearance of Quartzite. A polished surface will appear shiny, highlighting the stone’s colors and veining. Honed surfaces offer a softer, matte appearance, with less veining and color variation. The surface of a leathered surface is slightly rough and has a delicate gloss. It’s ideal for concealing less-than-magazine-perfect housekeeping, and it’s also a terrific option for families.
- Quartzite Benchtops, like other benchtop materials, provide a variety of edge profile options. The linear veining of Quartzite is ideal for a waterfall edge, while a simple softened edge may showcase the beauty of a slab.
Quartzite Benchtops can be used as the kitchen island benchtop to be the star of the show. The other “players” such as cabinets, backsplash, and flooring must be aware of their supporting roles. Pick basic backsplashes with this in mind. Avoid mosaics, penny rounds, and materials that have a lot of movement because they will compete with the star. Allow your Quartzite Benchtop to be the center of attention and shine!
Is Quartzite Good For Benchtops?
Quartzite is a great material to utilize in the kitchen. While it is not as common as Granite Kitchen Benchtops, it has the same strength and durability as Granite while still having the appearance of Marble. And, unlike Marble, it is resistant against etching and scratching if sealed twice a year. Quartzite is a beautiful material for an island countertop.
Quartzite, as previously stated, is ideal for a kitchen island, where it can command all of the attention. An island with cabinets that are a different color is a current trend.
What is the Difference Between Quartz and Quartzite Countertops?
It’s easy to mix these two, but they’re not the same. Quartz is an artificial substance, which means it was created by humans. The slabs are made by combining crushed Quartz with resins. Pigments and other natural resources are used to create a wide range of color options. Quartzite, on the other hand, is a fully natural stone mined from the ground.
Quartzite has it all: beauty, strength, and durability. It’s a beautiful addition to today’s decor.