There are numerous natural stone choices for home renovations, and understanding the differences between them all can be daunting. That’s why we like to share client experiences with homeowners like you to show different natural stone slabs in use. As seen in a co-op renovation in Prospect Park South in New Jersey, carefully chosen and properly installed Quartzite countertops became the anchor of this home. The clients selected a super white Quartzite slab, which we fabricated and installed in their bathroom and kitchen. This successful renovation was even featured on a prominent NYC real estate and architecture blog shortly after completion. Read on to learn about Quartzite and how it can elevate your home’s design.
What Is Quartzite?
Quartzite is a natural stone that begins as sand, then is compressed into sandstone. Added pressure and heat binds the granules together to form a Quartzite, which is quarried and finished as slabs for countertop use. The result is a light, sandy-colored, classic-looking natural stone surface.
Benefits of Quartzite
In our clients’ renovation, our M. Teixeira Soapstone New Jersey location proudly fabricated and installed the bathroom vanity, kitchen countertops, and the Quartzite island to provide the aesthetic the client was looking for while imparting many benefits of this beautiful stone into their home. Quartzite is a popular option because it resists stains and acids, and is a fairly low maintenance material. It’s also slightly harder than granite, making it a durable option that’s ideal for high-traffic areas such as the kitchen or bath.
Quartz Versus Quartzite Countertops
The biggest between quartz and Quartzite is that quartz countertops are engineered, using resin to bond together shavings or pieces of natural stone into a slab, while Quartzite countertops come from natural quarried stone. Quartzite gets its coloring from runoff of river beds or other natural elements, while quartz slabs are colored during production and can minic the look of any natural stone.
Quartzite’s Natural Hues Suit Any Space
Quartzite is often chosen for its beautiful organic coloring. Whether you’re looking for serene and subtle shades or dramatic veining patterns, Quartzite colors can complement many design styles. In the case of the Prospect Park South renovation, the interior was a tastefully eclectic mix of mid-century modern and vintage boho, reflecting the personalities of the homeowners, Brian and Amy. The lightness of the Super White Quartzite slab helped ground and connect the homeowners’ individual tastes in natural, elegant way to enhance their favorite decor, furniture, and artwork.
Custom Quartzite Countertops Brighten the Kitchen
Beyond the visual appeal, Quartzite countertops are a practical choice for a kitchen or bathroom update. The stone can be polished, honed, or brushed, and fabricated with different edge finishes to create a custom countertop style that highlights its surroundings. The light coloring of Calacatta Quartzite can make any home feel airy. In the Prospect Park South renovation, the sandy-hued, marble-like surfaces helped the galley kitchen feel open and bright, especially set against the striking blue cupboards. Their counters reflected natural light to offset the stronger dominant color brilliantly.
Add Surface Area With a Quartzite-Topped Island
A kitchen island provides extra usable space and upscale styling, and the sugary crystal appearance of Quartzite is a beautiful countertop option, while the gray veining provides texture and depth. The Quartzite slab for the Prospect Park renovation featured shades of dark and light gray, which presented without overpowering the space. Whether you’re designing a large or small island, a Quartzite slab helps brighten the kitchen without detracting from the other décor elements. With proper sealing, your Quartzite island will resist stains and bacteria, making it ideal for a food prep space and countertop dining.
Quartzite Bathroom Countertops
Quartzite bathroom countertops suit modern or traditional styles for a timeless bathroom renovation. No need to worry about Quartzite fading or staining—when properly sealed, this stone resists stains and etching, making it a long-lasting countertop choice. The stone is also resistant to mold, which is an ideal feature for fixtures in damp spaces that may be more susceptible to mildew and bacteria.
As you can see in the pictures, using Quartzite in the Prospect Park South renovation greatly improved their space with upscale visual appeal and user-friendly benefits. Whatever your personal style, stone countertops are a modern option to complement your tastes. Find the right countertop material to create your own private haven, and see more renovation ideas in our blog.