When we were building my custom home, we came across quartz and quartzite countertops. After speaking with the home builder, we understood the difference between the two. The primary difference between quartz and quartzite is that quartzite is a natural stone, and quartz is a man-made material. A quartzite countertop is made by mining this natural stone and cut to perfection to create a slab of countertop. Quartzite is more expensive than quartz because of the labor involved.
Let’s discuss some of the advantages and disadvantages of quartz vs quartzite. The following table looks at the pros and cons of both.
Table of Contents
Pros and Cons of Quartzite
| Advantages of Quartzite | Disadvantages of Quartzite |
| Durable | Scratches Easily |
| Low Maintenance | Expensive |
| Resembles Marble | Highly Porous |
| UV Resistant | Difficult Installation |
| Versatile | More Sealing Needed |
Quartzite is a metamorphic rock that naturally occurs with the help of pressurized heat. This countertop material become popular among new home buyers due to its appearance. A quartzite countertop has a glassy look, often in a shade of white/grey. Some home builders agree that it almost looks like marble.
A quartzite countertop is made using a precision cutting tool that takes a slab of the naturally occurring stone and cuts it to create the requested appeal. In its most basic form, quartzite is very porous, meaning it will absorb liquids.
Since a kitchen countertop needs to be non-porous, a quartzite countertop is coated in acrylic or polyurethane.
In comparison to quartz countertops, a quartzite countertop is more expensive because more labor is used in it’s manufacturing. A home builder will have access to both types of countertops – which is usually an upgrade in most kitchens.
Pros and Cons of Quartz
| Advantages of Quartz | Disadvantages of Quartz |
| Sturdy and Durable | UV Discoloration |
| No Sealing Required | Visible Seams |
| Stain Resistant | Exposure to Chips |
| Less Expensive | Heat Damage |
| Adds Value to Home | Lack of Integrated Sinks |
A quartz countertop is manufactured using engineered stone, making it more robust and versatile than quartzite. Using a mix of resins, pigments, and quartz – a non-porous countertop is created.
Due to the manufacturing enhancements available to countertop makers, these quartz kitchen countertops look better than the original stone itself. These kitchen tops undergo a vigorous process of pressing, curing, heating, and polishing. The final product is one that is highly sought-after by new construction home buyers.
Quartz countertops have become the go-to option in many new build homes. They are easier to clean and more resilient to cleaning agents, liquids, and spills.
Can Quartz Countertops Be Repaired?
Quartz countertops can be repaired by using either super glue or a pigmented epoxy adhesive to repair the chip in the countertop. You can do this at home or have it professionally done by a countertop repair service. On average, it will cost between $75 and $150 to repair a quartz countertop chip.
How to Clean Quartz and Quartzite Countertops
When cleaning quartz and quartzite; please avoid using any strong chemicals. It is best practice to clean spills and water content as soon as they appear. You can use soap and water to clean quartz. This will prolong the life of your countertop.
If you have quartzite in your kitchen, remember that spills can stain your material. The coating acts as a barrier, but the countertop can still get stained. Over the course of 4-5 years, the coating will thin out, so adding a second coat of coating to your quartzite is a good measure.
To avoid the hassle of coating, most homeowners prefer purchasing quartz countertops.
Is Quartz or Quartzite More Expensive?
Quartzite is more expensive than quartz countertops, because of the extensive manufacturing process required to make it. The installation cost of a quartzite countertop is also more expensive, as higher precision cuts are needed. On average, both materials cost between $60 and $100 per square foot.
In a kitchen with multiple corners and design elements; it’s advisable to use quartz as it will be less expensive. Depending on the layout and style of your kitchen, you should think about labor costs for the installation of your countertops.
Between quartz vs quartzite countertops, we preferred to use quartz due to the advantages it gave us in our kitchen.
So, what do quartz countertops cost per square foot? On average, quartz countertops cost between $60 and $100 per square foot in 2021. If you’re ordering a quartz countertop, you can use this quartz countertops cost calculator.
Most new construction home builders will have this available as an upgrade. We have a guide on new construction builder upgrade prices. This guide will help you better understand the current 2021 kitchen upgrade prices for items such as quartz countertops.
If you’re looking to save money on your kitchen upgrades in your new construction home, we recommend always starting the upgrade process in the kitchen. It is the one place that will require most of your upgrading budget.
Recommended Read: 13 New Construction Home Upgrades to Avoid and Skip
