Reviewing My Quartzite Countertops— 6 Years Later
When I think back to remodeling my kitchen, countertops were a no-compromise purchase! I knew exactly what I wanted them to look and feel like, and I was committed to waiting to find the RIGHT slabs, not just ones that would work. I learned so much through our experience selecting, and figured I gained more than enough wisdom to share! It’s been 6 years since the remodel, so let’s discuss the 3 things I STILL love about my countertops and the one thing I don’t. (From someone who has Quartzite!)
3 Things I Love About Quartzite
1. Natural product
I LOVE that the product is natural, God-made, earth-hewn, and quarried by human hands. Quartzite was non-negotiable. We always knew it would be the only option for us. Quartzite is a natural stone that offers some of the most beautiful stone variations. It is naturally occurring mainly in Brazil, Italy, and some parts of the US, and is made mostly of natural quartz crystals (which appear white or cream in color). Quartzite often has some trace minerals like iron oxide or mica, which offer the gorgeous color variation. There is simply nothing like standing in front of a 10’ x 12’ quartz slab and exploring the different characteristics that the stone has to offer. Some even believe that quartzite, or natural stone, provides a healing impact. I’m not sure about all of that, but I’m for it!
2. the look
Natural stone will nearly ALWAYS be a timeless choice. (And of course, I mean, think about it. The stone took millions of years to form, so it will definitely take another million to go out of style.) I kept saying, “I need them to look like vanilla ice cream with caramel and chocolate” — I wanted that toasty vanilla feel with the warm veins running through it. Absolutely. Many slabs came close, but we landed on a very specific Brazilian material called Chamonix. And specifically, it is CROSS-CUT, Chamonix. This cross-cut is a very interesting feature that gives you a completely different look. Imagine you have a 3-layer birthday cake. Now cutting that birthday cake like you normally would — that is a CROSS-CUT. You can see all of the layers: cake, icing, cake, icing. Beautiful. On the contrary, that is NOT how natural stone is normally cut. Normally, they take that 3-layer cake and simply pull off the top layer. While this design is still totally beautiful, it offers a totally different look.
3. How the material wears
I LOVE how the material wears. Listen, is it chipped on the edges? Of course! Because I cook 365 days of the year! That first cast iron skillet on the edge of the sink made me a little bit sick, but it happens! But there has been zero etching, zero staining, zero cuts on the top. I mean it is a very hard and durable material!!!
The Downside of Quartzite
Because quartzite is a natural stone, it is porous. Entirely porous. (That means it absorbs liquids and oils). Now, with my material, it does not absorb from the top; it only absorbs from the cut edges. So think, the edges next to the stove, the edges of the sink, or even the edge where my daughter eats breakfast every morning. In those places, the stone absorbs whatever makes contact with the edge. Over the years, what started as a small strip of darkening near the stove top is now about 10 inches of a dark wave across the stone. In reality, it looks like it’s part of the natural design of the stone, so I’m the only person who knows it’s not original. Just interesting.
Knowing what I know now, would I make the same selection???? Literally, heck yes. Are you kidding? Lol. It’s stunning, durable, natural, and gorgeous!! Different countertops provide different feels and fit one home more than another! The right countertop can refresh an entire space, elevate your home, and take you one step closer to your perfect vision. Let us help you get there—partner with us for your next remodel project! You won’t regret it! I’ll even make it easy for you, click the button below to schedule your free initial consultation!
