Quartzite has become one of the hottest countertop materials in recent years. For many reasons, homeowners seem to love it. We carry it in all our Utah showrooms because local homeowners are just as crazy about it. But like all natural stone materials, quartzite needs a certain amount of TLC.
A Word About Quartzite
The main topic of this post is maintaining quartzite countertops in kitchens that get a lot of use. But before we get to that, a word about quartzite is an order. Do not confuse it with quartz.
Quartz is a manufactured product made by combining quartz crystals with an epoxy resin and a selection of dyes. Quartzite is a naturally occurring stone. It’s actually a metamorphic rock formed from sandstone under high heat and intense pressure.
The heat and pressure force quartz grains within the sandstone to recrystallize and fuse. The result is a dense rock that is beautiful, durable, and really hard. It is ideal as a countertop material because it can take a lot of abuse. Yet it still needs to be maintained.
Tips for Keeping It in Good Shape
Maintain quartzite countertops properly, and they will last for decades. The big question is how? Fortunately, it is easier than you might think. Just focus on the following five things:
1. Routine Cleaning
Routine cleaning is a must. It involves wiping down the countertops daily with a soft cloth or sponge. Warm water and a mild dish soap will take care of dirt, debris, and germs.
Never clean quartzite with harsh or abrasive cleaners. Do not use bleach, ammonia, and acidic cleaners either. After cleaning, dry the surface with a clean, soft cloth to prevent water stains.
2. Occasional Sealing
Quartzite is not as porous as some other natural stones. But to maximize longevity, sealing is still recommended. A good sealant protects against moisture, stains, and impact damage.
We recommend a high-quality stone sealer suitable for quartzite. Sealing every three years is the bare minimum. In an especially active kitchen, you may have to seal every year or two. The best way to test whether quartzite needs to be resealed is to place a drop of water on the surface. If it beans, the existing coat is still good.
3. Basic Prevention
You can extend the life of a quartzite countertop by practicing basic prevention. It boils down to these few things:
- Use trivets or hot pads under pots, pans, etc.
- Use coasters or mats under glasses, bottles, etc.
- Never cut directly on the countertop surface; always use a cutting board.
- Don’t place heavy or abrasive objects directly on the countertop surface.
Basic prevention is all about not exposing quartzite to things that could damage it. The more proactive you can be, the better.
4. Addressing Spills
The easiest thing you can do to maintain quartzite countertops is address spills immediately. Just let nothing hang around for too long. Be especially diligent about acidic things like tomato sauce, citrus juices, and wine.
5. Routine Inspections
Finally, inspect your quartzite countertops on a regular basis. Look for small chips, cracks, and stains. If you repair minor damage in its earliest stages, you can prevent more serious damage that proves harder to deal with.
We love quartzite here at Bedrock Quartz. So do many of our customers. If you are in the market for new countertops for the kitchen, bath, or both, quartzite is hard to beat. You can pay a visit to any of our Utah showrooms to see it for yourself. Stop in. We are confident that you will be impressed.
