Quartzite Countertops

Popular Quartzite Choices

Explore Diverse Quartzite Countertop Colors: From Taj Mahal to Blue Lava, Mont Blanc quartzite, and white quartzite countertops.

Few pieces of furniture can bring such elegance to your Chicago home as an exquisite quartzite countertop. Quartzite comes in a wide array of vibrant colors and intricate patterns that will bring a unique aesthetic to your home. U&K Cabinets offers you a multitude of choices and consultations regarding what would be the best one for your space. 

We offer many options to give your home a classical, elegant look. Taj Mahal Quartzite, one of our most popular varieties, has a subtle, creamy white background with lovely gold and beige veining, resembling the opulent look of marble. Mont Blanc Quartzite is similar, a sophisticated blend of white and gray, perfect for a sleek, modern kitchen or bathroom. White Fantasy Quartzite is more exciting, mixing white, brown, and gray tones. At the same time,  Crystal Ice Fantasy captivates attention with its translucent white and crystalline structure and often contains subtle golden veining that gives a luxurious look. Finally, Allure Quartzite impresses with its intricate patterns in a blend of creams, grays, blues, and white veining.

If you prefer a bit more color in your kitchen or bathroom, we also offer Blue Lava Quartzite in vivid blue hues mixed with white and gray veins, which are bold and impactful. On the other hand, Sea Pearl Quartzite is more serene, has a light gray or greenish background and wavy veins, and has a more subtle beauty. For those who enjoy shades of green, we also have Florida Wave Quartzite with its wavy patterns of creamy white, gray, and warm greens. 

There are many more to choose from, whether you enjoy a natural, subtle look or something more dramatic. Quartzite countertops offer a sense of timelessness but are also very practical and durable, making them a popular choice for kitchens and bathrooms.

Perfect for Any Space: Kitchens and Bathrooms

Quartzite Countertops are a formidable choice for kitchens and bathrooms due to their durability, low maintenance, and beauty. Since they can withstand heat, moisture, and scratches, they are perfect for high-traffic areas. Quartzite comes in a wide range of colors and patterns, which allows for versatile design options. Whether it’s the kitchen’s hub of activity or the bathroom’s retreat, quartzite brings beauty and functionality to any space.

Quartzite Kitchen Countertops:

Quartzite’s hardness makes it highly resistant to scratches, perfect for withstanding the demands of a busy kitchen. It is also heat resistant, which ensures it can handle hot pots and pans without damage. 

Regarding hygiene, quartzite is very easy to clean but needs to be correctly sealed yearly as a natural metamorphic rock. If the surface of your quartzite kitchen countertop is sealed, it will help prevent the growth of bacteria and mold, which ensures a hygienic environment for food preparation. Proper sealing protects your quartzite countertop from stains, like oils, wine, and acidic foods. Everyday cleaning with mild soap and water is enough to maintain the appearance of your quartzite countertop.

If you wonder if a quartzite countertop is the right look for your kitchen, keep in mind that quartzite offers a myriad of colors and patterns and that we at U&K Cabinets will find something you like. Choose, for example, the demure elegance of Taj Mahal Quartzite or the stunning blue of Blue Lava Quartzite. Quartzite is so versatile that homeowners can choose a style that matches their kitchen decor, whether modern, traditional, or eclectic.

Quartzite Countertops in Bathrooms:

Quartzite’s low porosity, when sealed, makes it resistant to water and humidity, making it suitable for wet environments such as bathrooms. Sealing helps prevent staining and damage from prolonged exposure to moisture. Keep in mind that you need to dry all quartzite surfaces thoroughly after use; you should not let them soak. 

Quartzite can also withstand the daily use of personal care products and styling tools in bathrooms without showing signs of wear. It is resistant to chemicals and heat and, therefore, remains in pristine condition if properly maintained. 

Quartzite can be used for many bathroom elements, such as vanities, shower walls, and even flooring, giving them an elegant look throughout. We suggest using varieties such as Crystal Ice Fantasy and Allure Quartzite, which offer exquisite patterns that will surely attract attention.

Unique Finishes and Textures

Customize with Unique Finishes: Leathered Quartzite and More

Each quartzite slab needs to be given a suitable finish. Today, there is versatility beyond traditional polished finishes, allowing custom looks and textures such as leathered, honed, flamed, and brushed options. 

• Leathered quartzite has a matte surface with a grainy texture. This enhances grip and hides imperfections, making it ideal for kitchens. 
• Honed quartzite features a smooth, satin-like finish with demure elegance, suitable for modern and traditional spaces. 
• Flamed quartzite undergoes a heating process for a rough, non-slip texture, perfect for outdoor uses where durability is paramount. 
• Brushed quartzite has a slightly textured surface, achieved through brushing. This underlines its natural beauty and provides a warm, pliable feel. 

These finishes cater to aesthetic preferences and contribute to practical benefits such as improved grip, stain resistance, and unique visual appeal, making quartzite countertops a versatile choice for enhancing indoor and outdoor spaces with style and functionality.

Comparison to Other Stones

Quartzite vs. Granite: White Fantasy and Beyond

Customers often wonder what the difference between granite and quartzite is and which they should choose for their homes. Both materials are natural stones that are highly durable, scratch—and heat-resistant, and, with the proper maintenance and sealing, also stain—and moisture-resistant. 

The main difference is that quartzite is slightly harder and, therefore, more difficult to scratch, while granite countertop is not as hard but also durable and somewhat less expensive.

Regarding appearance, quartzite offers more uniform and subtle veining, often resembling marble. A good example is the Taj Mahal Quartzite, creamy white with gold veining. This is a prime example of how luxurious a quartzite slab can look. Granite, on the other hand, has a more speckled and varied appearance due to its mixed mineral content. Just observe the exquisite beauty of White Fantasy Granite, which features a blend of white, gray, and brown tones with intricate veining patterns. 

Finally, your choice must depend on your project’s specific requirements, aesthetic preferences, and budget. Both quartzite and granite can be good choices. Quartzite, with examples like Taj Mahal Quartzite and Mont Blanc Quartzite, is a bit harder and offers a more marble-like appearance. At the same time, Granite, such as White Fantasy Granite, has more varied patterns and is almost as strong and durable but at a lower cost.

Quartzite vs. Marble

While quite similar, metamorphic rocks can be almost indistinguishable in appearance. Unlike quartzite and marble, metamorphic rocks are pretty different regarding durability and maintenance. Even though it is one of the most popular materials in interior design, marble is a lot softer and more prone to scratching, etching from acidic substances, and staining if not properly sealed. Quartzite also needs to be sealed at least once a year, but marble needs more care in usage and more frequent sealing. 

Therefore, quartzite is a superior choice for high-traffic surfaces, such as kitchen countertops. At the same time, marble is more suitable for areas with lighter use, such as bathroom countertops, shower walls, and flooring. Marble countertops can also be more affordable, although high-quality or rare marble can be expensive. Regarding color palettes, quartzite offers more variety and bolder patterns but can also look almost exactly like marble, while marble gives a more classical, elegant look.

Quartzite vs. Quartz

Although their names sound almost identical, quartzite and quartz are very different materials. Unlike quartzite, which is a natural metamorphic rock, quartz is an engineered stone made from about 90-95% ground natural quartz mixed with resins, polymers, and pigments. Since it is manufactured, it is fully customizable in appearance. It is also non-porous, which means it does not require sealing to be moisture- and stain-resistant. Quartz is slightly softer than quartzite but also resistant to scratches and impact. It can, however, be damaged by high heat and UV exposure, making it less suitable for outdoor use. 

As it is manufactured, quartz countertops come in almost any shade or pattern, mimicking natural stone. Quartzite has a more limited range but provides a more natural look. Quartz is also generally more affordable.

Easy Maintenance and Cleaning for Quartzite Countertops

One of quartzite’s many advantages is that it is quite easy to maintain. Clean all your quartzite surfaces daily with a soft cloth or sponge using mild dish soap and water. Avoid harsh cleaners, especially acidic cleaners. Once a week, you should use a stone-specific, pH-neutral cleaner. 

Quartzite is naturally a porous rock and needs to be sealed for optimal performance. It requires an initial sealing upon installation and then resealing every 1-2 years or when water no longer beads on the surface. 

When properly sealed, quartzite is resistant to spills. However, spills must still be wiped immediately with a soft cloth and mild soap, especially acidic substances like wine and citrus juices. For light stains, use a baking soda paste; for tougher stains, use a stone poultice or commercial remover. It is also heat-resistant, but hot items should be placed on trivets to prevent potential damage. Cutting boards, coasters, and placemats should be used to protect the surface and avoid heavy impacts. These practices will keep your quartzite surfaces looking beautiful and lasting longer.

Your Trusted Source for Quartzite Countertops in Chicago

Once you have decided that quartzite is a suitable material, you should choose a reliable provider for quartzite countertops in the Chicago area. U&K Cabinets offers a wide array of quartzite slabs that satisfy every taste and expert advice every step of the way. From material selection to design and installation, we are there to cover all your needs.