Are you trying to figure out which stone surface is right for you between quartz vs quartzite vs granite? These materials are all beautiful and durable, but whether they’re right for you greatly depends on your needs.
In this article, we’ll break down the differences and benefits of these luxurious stones to help you decide which one is the best fit for your home.
Quartz
Quartz surfaces are a popular choice for many homeowners and designers because they combine natural beauty with engineered durability. Quartz is a human-made material composed of crushed quartz minerals combined with resin that is pressed and baked at very high temperatures, making it non-porous and highly customizable.
This material shines in areas where you need a durable, low-maintenance surface, such as kitchens, bathrooms, or high-traffic commercial settings. Because it’s engineered, it’s also available in a wide array of colors, textures, and patterns, which makes it super versatile.
The Benefits of Quartz
Quartz comes with a ton of advantages that make it one of the top choices for surfaces in both residential and commercial spaces. Here are some of the key benefits of quartz:
- Stain Resistance: Quartz is non-porous, which makes it highly resistant to stains. As a result, it’s perfect for kitchens and bathrooms where spills are common.
- Low Maintenance: Unlike natural stone, quartz doesn’t require sealing. Cleaning it is as simple as wiping it down with a mild cleaner, which makes it relatively low maintenance.
- Durability: Quartz is one of the most durable stone surface materials on the market. It’s resistant to scratches, chips, and cracks, even in high-traffic areas.
- Consistent Appearance: Because quartz is engineered, you get a consistent color and pattern throughout your surface.
- Design Flexibility: Whether you want a surface that mimics natural stone or something bold and unique, quartz offers a wide range of beautiful design options.
Quartzite
Quartzite is a natural stone that’s often chosen for its stunning, marble-like appearance. It’s made from sandstone that has been subjected to intense heat and pressure. As a result, quartzite retains a natural, earthy feel while offering more durability than marble.
This type of stone is best used in areas where you want the beauty of marble but need something more durable. Kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor spaces can be perfect environments for quartzite because it can handle both heat and natural wear and tear without losing its beauty and charm.
Many quartzites contain resin and so should not be used in outdoor applications. If you are planning to use quartzite outside, ensure it does not contain resin that may fade and discolor from UV exposure over time.
The Benefits of Quartzite
Quartzite is one of the most popular stone surface options available on the market today. Here’s why:
- Natural Beauty: Quartzite offers the rich, unique patterns you’d expect from natural stone like marble. No two slabs are alike, so each surface has its own unique character.
- Heat Resistance: Quartzite can withstand super high temperatures, making it perfect for kitchen countertops near stoves or outdoor spaces exposed to direct sunlight.
- Scratch Resistance: Quartzite is tougher than marble and is less likely to scratch, making it an excellent choice for busy areas like kitchen countertops.
- Durability: Quartzite is a hard stone surface that can resist wear and tear, making it an incredible option for areas that get a lot of use.
Granite
Granite has been a favorite in home and commercial design for a long time because of its natural beauty and high levels of durability. This gorgeous natural stone is formed deep within the earth, making it exceptionally hard and resilient. And like quartzite, it’s also known for its unique patterns and colors.
Granite surfaces are commonly used in kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor applications where strength and heat resistance are important. It’s a versatile material that can stand up to the demands of busy households and commercial spaces while maintaining a timeless and eye-catching design aesthetic.
The Benefits of Granite
Granite is a reliable, beautiful material for a range of environments. Here are the key benefits of granite stone surfaces:
- Natural Durability: Granite is incredibly strong and resistant to scratches, heat, and general wear. As a result, it can stand up against the heavy demands of everyday use with ease.
- Heat Resistance: Granite can handle the heat from hot pots and pans without taking damage, making it an ideal surface for kitchens and outdoor cooking areas.
- Unique Patterns: Each slab of granite has its own unique patterns and colors, so you’ll never have to worry about having the same pattern as someone else.
- Long Lifespan: Granite is super durable and long-lasting, and when it’s properly cared for, it can look great for decades.
- Resale Value: Homes with granite surfaces tend to have higher resale values. This material is widely recognized as a sign of quality and luxury.
Quartz vs Quartzite vs Granite: Which is Best?
When it comes to choosing between quartz, quartzite, and granite, there’s no wrong answer—it all depends on your needs and preferences. Quartz is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for something low-maintenance and versatile. Quartzite offers the stunning beauty of natural stone with added durability, making it great for both indoor and outdoor spaces. And granite, with its natural toughness and timeless appeal, is perfect for anyone looking for a long-lasting, unique stone surface that exudes luxury.
Each of these materials shines in its own way, so when you’re choosing between them, think about the environment you’re working with and the qualities you value most in a stone surface. No matter which stone you choose, you can’t go wrong!
Get Your Pick of Stone Surfaces with UMI Stone
Ready to upgrade your space with the perfect stone surface? At UMI Stone, we offer a wide selection of quartz, quartzite, and granite stone surfaces that are ideal for any home or environment.
Visit one of our showrooms to discover your favorite stone!
