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When considering the cost of countertop materials, quartzite and granite are both popular choices with distinct price ranges and factors influencing their costs.

Quartzite typically ranges from $125 to $175 per square foot. This pricing reflects its higher initial cost due to its relative rarity and the intricate processes involved in quarrying and processing this natural stone.

Granite, on the other hand, presents a broader price spectrum, ranging from $55 to $175 per square foot. While granite can reach similar high-end prices as quartzite, it also offers more affordable options starting at $55 per square foot.

In essence, yes, quartzite generally tends to be more expensive than granite, particularly at the lower end of the price range where granite provides more economical choices. The price difference is largely due to the scarcity of quartzite and the complexity involved in its extraction and preparation for use as a countertop material.

Understanding Quartzite and Granite

Quartzite is a natural stone formed from sandstone and quartz under high heat and pressure. This process results in a very hard, durable stone with qualities similar to marble but with greater resistance to staining and etching.

Granite, on the other hand, is an igneous rock primarily composed of quartz, feldspar, and other minerals. It’s known for its durability and variety of colors and patterns, making it a versatile choice for countertops.

Factors Influencing Cost

Several factors influence the cost of quartzite and granite countertops:

1. Availability and Rarity: Quartzite is less abundant in nature compared to granite, which affects its price.
2. Complexity of Installation: Both materials require professional installation, but the difficulty can vary depending on the type and thickness of the stone.
3. Customization: Custom cuts, edge treatments, and special finishes can add to the overall cost of the countertops.

Aesthetics and Appearance

Quartzite offers a sophisticated, elegant appearance with swirling patterns and hues that resemble marble. Its natural veining and unique color variations make it a sought-after choice for those seeking a luxurious yet durable countertop material.

Granite, known for its speckled appearance and variety of colors ranging from earthy tones to bold blues and reds, provides a more traditional and versatile aesthetic. The natural variations in granite slabs ensure that each countertop is one-of-a-kind.

Durability and Maintenance

Both quartzite and granite are renowned for their durability, making them suitable for high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms. Here’s how they compare:

Quartzite: Highly resistant to heat, scratches, and stains, quartzite requires minimal maintenance. Periodic sealing is recommended to protect its surface.

Granite: Similarly durable, granite is heat-resistant and less prone to scratches and stains when properly sealed. Regular sealing helps maintain its luster and resilience over time.

Practical Considerations

When choosing between quartzite and granite, consider the following practical aspects:

• Usage: Determine how heavily the countertop will be used and whether it will be exposed to potential staining agents.
• Design Preferences: Assess how each material complements the overall design scheme and aesthetic preferences of your space.
• Budget: While both materials offer durability and beauty, quartzite generally requires a higher initial investment compared to granite.

Environmental Impact

For environmentally conscious consumers, understanding the ecological footprint of each material is crucial:

• Quartzite: As a natural stone, quartzite is mined from quarries, impacting local ecosystems and landscapes.
• Granite: Quarrying granite also has environmental implications, but efforts are made in many quarries to minimize ecological disturbances through sustainable practices.

Get Started Today

Are you considering upgrading your kitchen or bathroom countertops? Let Granite Pro guide you in making the perfect choice between quartzite and granite. Our expert team specializes in crafting exquisite countertops that enhance both the aesthetic and functionality of your space. Whether you prioritize the luxurious appeal of quartzite or the versatile options of granite, we’re here to help you find the ideal solution tailored to your needs and budget. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discover how Granite Pro can transform your home with quality craftsmanship and superior natural stone materials.

Yes, quartzite is heat resistant. As a natural metamorphic rock formed under intense heat and pressure, quartzite can withstand high temperatures without being damaged. This makes it a suitable choice for kitchen countertops, where hot pots and pans are often placed.

Quartzite and granite are both highly heat resistant, but quartzite is generally considered to be more heat resistant than granite. Here’s a comparison of their heat resistance:

Will Quartzite Crack From Heat?

In some cases, Quartzite can crack from heat, but this is rare. Quartzite is highly heat resistant and can generally withstand high temperatures without cracking. 

However, like any natural stone, it is not completely impervious to thermal shock. Thermal shock occurs when there is a rapid and extreme change in temperature, which can cause the stone to expand and contract quickly, potentially leading to cracks.

To minimize the risk of cracking due to heat, follow these precautions:

Use Trivets or Hot Pads: Place trivets or hot pads under hot pots, pans, and other heat sources to protect the quartzite surface from direct heat exposure.

Avoid Sudden Temperature Changes: Do not place extremely hot items directly on the cold quartzite surface or vice versa. Allow the stone to acclimate to room temperature gradually.

By taking these precautions, you can help prevent your quartzite countertops from cracking due to heat and maintain their durability and beauty.

 

Can You Put Hot Pans Directly on Quartzite Countertops?

While quartzite countertops are highly heat resistant and can withstand the heat from hot pans without cracking or getting damaged, placing hot pans directly on the surface is not recommended. The quartzite itself will be fine, but the sealer applied to protect the stone can be damaged by high temperatures. 

The sealer is designed to shield the quartzite from stains and moisture, but high heat can degrade or discolor it, reducing its effectiveness and potentially requiring reapplication sooner than expected. To maintain the integrity and appearance of your quartzite countertops, always use trivets or hot pads under hot pans and cookware to protect the sealer from heat damage.

 

Is Quartzite More Heat Resistant Than Granite?

Yes, quartzite is more heat resistant than granite, however, this is a small difference in the two stones. Keep reading to get the full picture. 

Quartzite:

Quartzite is formed from sandstone that undergoes intense heat and pressure, making it extremely hard and durable.

It can withstand very high temperatures without being damaged, making it one of the most heat-resistant natural stones available.

Granite:

Granite is also a natural stone formed under high heat and pressure, and it is known for its durability and heat resistance.

While granite is highly heat resistant, it is slightly less heat resistant than quartzite due to its mineral composition.

 

Practical Considerations:

Both quartzite and granite can handle the heat from hot pots and pans, making them excellent choices for kitchen countertops.

Regardless of the stone, using trivets or hot pads is recommended to protect the surface and prolong the life of the sealant.

While both materials are suitable for high-heat environments, quartzite generally offers superior heat resistance compared to granite.

 

Takeaway

Quartzite is highly heat resistant, making it an excellent choice for kitchen countertops, but it’s important to use trivets or hot pads under hot pans to protect the sealer from damage. While quartzite itself can withstand high temperatures without cracking, the sealer used to protect the stone can degrade or discolor if exposed to direct heat.

When searching for a countertop, many local homeowners have one regret: the final result looks nothing like they envisioned. And this typically boils down to breezing past due diligence on your choice of Maryland quartz and granite company before signing the bottom line.

How to Find the Right Granite Countertop Company

The right countertop can be a focal point of your home, but installing it is a substantial task. It starts by picking a suitable granite or quartz company to do the job.

List your needs:

Start by making an in-depth list of your requirements. And when we say in-depth, we mean going into detail, and nothing should be too small or insignificant to note down. Consider the material of your countertop and how you will use it, how many you will install, the material you prefer, and so on.

Make your budget

Once your list is ready, you can create a realistic budget that will cover your requirements. Remember, when researching granite, the type and grade of granite come into play.

Start the search

Now that you have your list and budget, the critical part is searching for the best granite and quartz company. You want to spend adequate time and effort on your research because your contractor selection can make or break your project. You want to avoid companies that bid low only to get the contract and do not have the work ethic that’s the right match for you. These pitfalls are why doing your research is so important.

Go local

This recommendation is one of the essential factors. A local company will not only be easier to check out thoroughly, but they will also have access to local subcontractors and be able to source materials easily. Going local will also reduce the cost of shipping, which is not insignificant for dense materials like quartz and granite. So while doing your research, focus on finding a Maryland quartz and granite company.

Research well

We cannot stress the importance of being thorough. This recommendation means going online, checking the official websites, checking public forums, and checking with family, friends, neighbors, and anyone else who might have used the services of these companies. A first-hand account is always valuable.

Meet in person

As far as possible, set up a time to visit the business in person. Meeting face-to-face will help you better gauge how the company works and its employees’ rapport with you. After all, the team you select will work on one of your most prized investments – your home. They may also interact with family members while installing the countertop. Don’t hesitate to ask all your questions and see how much time and consideration they give them.

Check the countertop you want in person

Have a detailed conversation about what will fit your home well and how to take care of it post-installation. Ask the company to take you around, show you the options available, and also see how they consider your design and layout before giving you their opinion. They need to tell you how the countertop material you see in the store will look when placed in your home.

Contact Us Today

Undoubtedly, a stunning countertop can make a style statement apart from being functional. Still, to do this, you need the right experts to ensure that everything from the quality of materials used to the safety aspects of installation proceeds smoothly. At GranitePro, we seamlessly guide your project from start to finish. So before you drop your dream look or settle on a countertop that doesn’t match your needs, contact us today to see how we can take your countertop project from fixer-upper to modern marvel.

Granite makes a stunning addition to any home – there’s no argument here. Surveys show that when asked to choose between a granite countertop and a roof, the majority of homeowners actually opt for granite. If that’s not a testament to its popularity and appeal, we don’t know what is. There is one thing that deters people from picking granite, though – the price. But while there’s no denying that granite is an investment, it’s also not true that it will add a massive, irreparable dent to your wallet. Well, not if you know the insider tips and tricks to pick a granite that checks all the quality boxes. We tell you just how to do this.

Consider These Factors to Remain In Budget

When it comes to deciding whether your granite countertop will be a big investment or a very big investment, there are certain factors that come into play. Some of the key ones to consider are:

Location of the company. Granite slabs are extremely heavy, so it stands to reason that from a logistic perspective, the cost will tend to go up as the distance increases. So, to bring down your cost, try and look for a local supplier. Large, national companies or exotic, distant suppliers might have tempting offers, but you also have to factor in the shipping cost, which can tend to be steep. By buying from a local supplier, you can bring down your cost to a big extent, plus they will factor in a more affordable price for installation if they are in the same area as you. But here, don’t just go with the first local firm you find. Just because they are in your area, doesn’t mean they are the right fit for you. Instead, pick more than one option and then do your research, ask around to find people who have used them, check out their website, meet them to review their credentials, and only after all of this, go ahead and finalize the one that seems the most suitable.

Wholesale options. If you are looking at adding more than just one countertop and have multiple properties that need granite slabs, try to see if getting them wholesale is an option. This will reduce the cost, as they will most likely come to you directly from the quarry.

Quality of the stone. Granite comes in different qualities and thicknesses. Thinner and more affordable stones are typically 2cm (¾”), and a higher quality granite is going to be 3cm thick (1 ¼”). It is important to only purchase 3cm materials as it is far less prone to cracking or other forms of damage down the road. An essential aspect that can affect the quality of a slab of granite is the type of resins embedded into the stone. This can be difficult to determine by looking at it. If you look at the slab and there are hard yellow patches that appear to be cracking this could be a sign of a lower quality resin or of slabs that were left out in the sun for long periods of time. Working with a trusted vendor that only sells 3cm premium materials with high-quality resins will ensure you are purchasing a quality product.

Size of the slab. Oversized pieces such as very large islands or complex shapes which require additional laborers may increase the cost of your project as they are difficult to move. Shapes such as batwings or very large pieces with no seams will cause lower yield during the fabrication process and may require additional slabs to complete the project, which will increase the overall cost of your new countertops.

Color of the slab. This quarried stone comes in a breathtaking array of natural colors that each have its own unique swirls, flecks, depths, and patterns. On the whole, more consistent materials tend to be more affordable, as this type of granite is found more abundantly all across the globe and is typically easier to quarry. A good rule of thumb is the more movement and unique looking the material is, the more expensive as it tends to be more time-consuming to fabricate, harder to quarry, and higher in demand.

The finish. As with colors, you get a variety of finishes with granite, and the cost can either go up or come down depending on what you choose. By far, the most popular and affordable option is a polished finish that is also the most low-maintenance in terms of upkeep over the years. If you want to go more upscale, look at something like leather or a honed finish, but remember that this will sometimes cost you more.

The design complexity. Countertops that are customized as much as possible can go a long way in elevating the look of the room, but different customizations come at different price points. If you are looking for complex designs or are looking at adding in your own quirks, extra seams, and an edge style that’s unique, it may increase the cost of your granite.

Contact Us Today

When you want only the best for your home, it makes sense to go to the professionals who can deliver just this. Not only do you get the right expertise you need, but it can also be a more economically viable option for your home. A granite expert will be able to do everything from helping you choose the slab that is the perfect fit for your home to installing the finished product in much less time and at the best possible rate that matches your budget. That’s what we do at GranitePro. Contact us today to see how we can help you add unique countertops to really elevate your home.

From the many types of granite countertops suitable for your home, you are spoiled for choice with the options available. And while granite ticks all the right boxes regarding its advantages, which include being stain resistant and highly durable, the fact that this natural stone comes in so many variations and colors can make picking just one countertop overwhelming.

So how do you know what types of granite countertops will work best for your home? To make a good choice, you need to consider a lot. For one, pay close attention to the existing layout, design, and space of not just the room where you will install the granite countertop but your whole home to ensure it looks seamless. Then check the ambiance of your home or the vibe you want that room to portray. For example, adding a sleek black granite countertop that looks stunning in the store with its shimmering flecks and sparkles might not be the best fit for a room with a cozy, country vibe. So, keep this aspect in mind while picking your granite countertop. The other element you need to consider is how much you will use your countertop and for what purpose. For instance, choosing a light white hue might look elegant and classy, but in a busy kitchen where spills are the norm rather than the exception, it might not work as well as a darker shade.

Consider These Options When Choosing Kitchen Countertops

Once you have your list of requirements in place, it’s much easier to narrow down the types of granite countertops that will be the best fit for your home. After all, investing in granite is a long-lasting choice, given that your countertops are not changed regularly once installed. So, you want to ensure you get the best for your home. Here are some exciting options to choose from:

1. Keep it classy with white. You cannot go wrong with white countertops if you want a timeless, classic look that never goes out of style. Pick from a polished, solid Andino White to a lighter, more versatile Moon White, depending on what you like. You can also pick a countertop with contrasting veins to add some edge. Flecks of black and grey can add a nice bit of contrast to your white countertop, while you can get one with rose flecks to add a dash of unbeatable old-school charm. An option for this is the pretty Bianco Antico variety.
2. Steel grey can add glam. When you want to go dark but do not have the space to opt for a black countertop, it’s a great idea to pick the Steel Grey variant. It looks fabulous when paired with white or cream cabinets as well.
3. Up the drama with black. Sensual, dramatic, sophisticated, or sleek—nothing increases that luxe, glamorous vibe like black granite countertops. If you want to add a conversation piece, this is the one you need. Keep in mind that it requires a larger area to pull off the shade well. Even with black, many variations are available, from dense, solid black to a sparkly surface that looks like the night sky has fallen into your kitchen or bathroom. Options like Absolute Black or Black Galaxy are genuinely spectacular. Irrespective of the one you pick, you can be sure it will make an impact.
4. A lighter gray can lighten the mood. If steel gray is not your vibe, but you still want a shade that is softer than black, opt for a softer grey tone with flecks of pink, blue, green, or even gold to lighten and brighten your space. Azul Platino, which is a light grey granite with subtle hues of green, blue, black and white flecks, looks great in any room, whether a bathroom or kitchen.
5. Pick a pearl. This option works beautifully for bathrooms, especially to give them that dreamy look with its shimmer and sheen. It can simultaneously be exciting and enticing, particularly if you complement it with the proper lighting. We particularly love the Black Pearl option with its flecks of gold, silver, brown, and green, among other hues. An alternative is the equally stunning Luna Pearl granite.
6. A greenish-grey can make a statement. Options like Costa Esmeralda, a green-colored granite with white and grey veining, can add serenity and a soothing yet fashionable vibe.
7. You can’t go wrong with brown. Brown granite countertops are your best choice for spaces where you want to add warmth or complement an existing cozy vibe. With its yellow and gold flecks, St. Cecilia is a great option to pick, as is the even more elegant Venetian gold with its beige-gold tones and red, grey, and brown veins.
8. Go bold with red. Not for the faint-hearted; nothing makes a room pop quite like a solidly bold red. Options like the Imperial Red granite add a lively, vibrant touch that makes it impossible to ignore.
9. Add charm with a deep green. If you don’t want to go as bold as picking a red, why not choose a more subtle but equally outstanding green instead? Pick an option like Peacock Green, a vivacious deep hue with swirls of gold, blues, and grays, or even the beautiful Green Pearl variety for a touch of class.
10. Bring home the sky with blue. This incredibly versatile shade can be at once sophisticated or subtle. If you want to go elegant, look at Blue Bahia with its gold flecks as an option.
11. Go with a rainbow of flecks. When you want to make your countertop your focal point yet keep the color interesting enough to match just about any change to the décor you make, look for a stone with multi-hued flecks like Uba Tuba. While the base is a deep green, its flecks range from gold to green, brown, grey, and black, making this one a sight to behold.
12. Try metallic flecks. Try a mix of these universally flattering shades when you cannot pick one predominant color. An excellent option to consider is the super versatile New Caledonia. Its base of grey with flecks of black, grey, white, and silver and gold flecks make it a genuinely attractive option for a countertop.

Contact Us Today

There are so many options, variations, shades, and designs to pick from when it comes to types of granite countertops, and the list is certainly not restricted to the ones mentioned above. If that gives you a sampling of what’s on offer, you can appreciate being confronted by even more options and choices. At GranitePro, we are experts in not just installing your final choice but helping you pick the best one for your space, keeping all parameters in mind. And, of course, we pay close attention to what you want the final result to resemble. Contact us today to let us help you get the granite countertop that makes the right statement in your home.