Know your countertops: quartz and quartzite
Kitchen and baths are key elements in the home. There are some who say the modern family spends half their waking hours in the kitchen because it’s the hub of family living. However, there comes a time in most families when a decision is made to either remodel a kitchen or bath in an existing home or design a kitchen or bath in a new home. Real estate experts note that the remodeling of a kitchen and bath help sell a house— especially if one of the key elements is eye-catching countertops. Design professionals say three questions to ask before making a final choice of countertop material are: How will I use my countertop? How do I live? What should I spend?
Northbrook-based Lewis Floor & Home has in-house kitchen and bath consultants who can help you design the kitchen or bath you’ve been dreaming of, and lead you through the myriad countertop choices.
Popular picks
The selections available in countertops are amazing. Among those choices are two popular picks – quartz and quartzite. In working with the public, Lewis notes there is some confusion about these materials.
“Most people are familiar with granite and quartz for countertops but there’s another material consider while shopping — quartzite,” says Susie Axelrad of Lewis. “People are getting quartz and quartzite confused with each other and we want to set the record straight.” Lewis has put together a comparison of the two countertop possibilities to allay some of the confusion and questions that arise:
- Quartz is manufactured stone – 93 percent quartz and 7 percent resin.
- Quartzite is natural stone and comes from the earth
- Quartz has a wide array of colors because pigment can be added.
- Quartzite is typically white and gray with a hint of other colors. It has the look of marble but acts like granite.
- Quartz is not heat resistant since the resin is plastic.
- Quartzite is harder than granite and can withstand heat well.
- Quartz is easy to maintain. It wipes clean with damp cloth and won’t stain.
- Quartzite must be resealed before use and resealed every few years. When properly sealed, clean up is easy.
Another aspect that is important in choosing quartz or quartzite is food safety. Neither is porous and therefore don’t have tiny pockets for germs to get in and thus are resistant to mold. Cost is often a factor in choosing between quartz and quartzite, but quartzite is only slightly more expensive than quartz.
Stop in
What Lewis can offer are choices and help in making the tough decision on countertops easier. Come to Lewis to see its countertop selection and shop natural stones and quartz countertops from around the world. The company has over 80 colors and selections in stock including elegant Caesarstone Quartz, which can be used in both baths and kitchens.
The chance to make a dream kitchen and bathroom a reality is an opportunity that should be seized and enjoyed. It is the time when a homeowner can bring his or her choices in remodeling or purchasing a new home to the forefront. Then, let the experienced Lewis Floor and Home staff guide you through the process.