How Quartzite Countertops Are Changing Modern Kitchen Design
Curious about kitchen quartzite countertops? We break it down simply — design trends, cool facts, and how they stack up against granite countertops. Get the inside scoop here.
Lets be real the kitchens not just for cooking anymore. Its where life happens. People talk, snack, laugh, make coffee, and scroll TikTok. You get the idea. Thats why homeowners are stepping up their game. They want kitchens that look good and work hard. One major upgrade trend? You guessed it kitchen quartzite countertops. Yep, theyre kinda having a moment. They look high-end, last forever, and honestly make any kitchen pop. Thanks to better tech and sourcing, theyre easier to get now too. That means more people are going quartzite instead of old-school granite.
Quick stat: In 2023, a NKBA survey said 43% of kitchen renos included natural stone counters. Quartzite made the top list.
So, What Even Is Quartzite?
Quartzite is straight from nature. It starts as sandstone. Then heat and pressure work their magic over time. Boom you get quartzite. Its not the same as quartz or marble. Some folks mix 'em up. But heres what makes quartzite different:
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Tougher than granite
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Barely scratches
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Doesnt fade under sun
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Looks classy like marble but stronger
Basically, its the whole package if you want beauty and brawn.
Why So Many People Are Falling for Quartzite
1. Its Just So Dang Pretty
Lets be honest quartzite is a stunner. No two slabs are the same. Youll get cool swirls, soft lines, rich color shifts. It doesnt matter if your vibe is modern, boho, farmhouse, or industrial. Theres a quartzite look for it. Colors? Youve got soft whites, sleek grays, beachy beiges and even bold blues or greens.
Fun fact: Houzz found that 22% of folks picked countertops based mainly on looks. Totally get it.
2. Built Tough for Real Life
These counters arent just pretty faces. Quartzite is tough. Like, seriously tough. It scores about a 7 on the Mohs scale. That means its harder than granite countertops. So it handles all the chaos hot pans, dropped spoons, random bangs. It lasts forever, doesnt chip easily, and keeps your kitchen looking fresh for years. Perfect if your kitchen sees lots of action.
Quartzite vs Granite vs Quartz: Lets Break It Down
Feature |
Quartzite |
Granite CounterTops |
Quartz |
Type |
Natural Stone |
Natural Stone |
Engineered Stone |
Durability |
Super High |
High |
Medium-ish |
Heat Resistance |
Handles Heat Well |
Excellent |
Meh |
Scratch Resistance |
Pretty Awesome |
Good |
Okay-ish |
UV Resistance |
Sun Safe |
Decent |
Not Great |
Maintenance |
Needs Yearly Sealing |
Same |
Easy Peasy |
Price Range |
$90$250 per sq. ft. |
$80$180 per sq. ft. |
$60$120 per sq. ft. |
Sources: HomeAdvisor, Fixr, Marble.com
Bottom line? If you want something stronger than granite countertops, quartzite is a top-tier choice.
Granite Countertops Are They Right for Your Kitchen?
People often wonder: are granite countertops still a good choice? Absolutely. Granite is durable, widely available, and comes in a huge range of colors and patterns. Its heat-resistant, scratch-resistant, and can last decades with proper care. While other materials like quartzite have their perks, granite remains a timeless, cost-effective option for many homes.
Learn more about granite countertops and see if theyre the right fit for your kitchen makeover.
Quartzite Is Totally In Right Now. Heres Why.
1. Open Floor Plans Love It
Modern kitchens are wide open. They blend into living spaces. That means countertops are on display. Big quartzite slabs? Gorgeous. Especially on islands or waterfall edges. Major wow factor.
2. Earthy Tones Are Trending
Bye-bye stark white. People want warmth now. Think beige, taupe, soft gray. Quartzite fits right in. Popular styles like Taj Mahal or Sea Pearl nail that earthy vibe.
3. Going Green? Quartzite Helps
Quartzite is natural. No weird chemicals. Don't mess with your air. Its a solid choice for eco-conscious homes. Local sourcing? Even better.
Bonus: Natural stone can earn LEED points. Just saying.
Quartzite by the Numbers
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18% growth in U.S. quartzite sales (20212023)
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27% of luxury kitchen remodels in 2024 used it
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Natural stone market may hit $52B by 2030
(Source: Stone World, Remodeling Mag, Grand View Research)
Choosing the Best Kitchen Quartzite Countertops
Quartzite isnt one-size-fits-all. There are tons of types. Each with its own vibe. Your pick depends on how you cook, your kitchen theme, and your budget. This quartzite buying guide makes it easier to choose.
Caring for Quartzite Isnt Hard. Just Be Consistent.
Its tough, but not totally worry-free. Do this, and itll last decades:
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Seal it once a year. Seriously.
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Use mild soap + water to clean. Skip the bleach.
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Dont chop straight on it. Use a board.
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Hot pans? Use trivets. Just in case.
FYI: Quartzite isnt super porous, but it still needs that seal.
Hot Quartzite Styles Youll Love
Check out these buzz-worthy quartzite options:
Quartzite Name |
Look & Feel |
Taj Mahal |
Creamy white, soft glam |
Sea Pearl |
Cool gray, flows like waves |
White Macaubas |
Clean lines, sleek modern energy |
Azul Macaubas |
Rare blue tones, super dramatic |
Each one changes the whole mood of your space.
Price Talk: Is Quartzite Worth It?
Yep, quartzite is fancy. But a lot of folks say its worth every penny.
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Average cost: $90$250 per sq. ft.
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Granite costs less: $80$180 per sq. ft.
Pro tip: Rare styles or thicker slabs? Theyll cost more.
What affects cost:
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How rare the stone is
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Slab size and thickness
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Fancy edge details
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Labor and install stuff
Final Thoughts: Should You Go Quartzite?
Looking for something thats drop-dead gorgeous and built to last? Go with kitchen quartzite countertops. They bring that wow factor, stay strong for years, and totally elevate your kitchen. Granite is still solid, no doubt. But quartzite? Its the rising star.
Quick FAQ Time
Q1. Is quartzite better than granite?
Depends. Quartzite is harder and doesnt fade in the sun. Granite is easier to find and still awesome.
Q2. Does quartzite need sealing?
Yep. Once a year. Easy job, big payoff.
Q3. Can I use quartzite outdoors?
Heck yeah. Its UV-resistant, so it wont bleach in the sun.
Q4. Are there colorful quartzite options?
Definitely. Most are neutral, but you can find cool blue and green ones too.
Q5. How long will my quartzite counters last?
With care? Easily 20+ years. Maybe more.