Kitchen countertop trends in 2019 continue to have a strong focus on quartz counters and quartzite. Your countertop decision is an important element in your kitchen design since it covers a vast amount of space in the area where you will be doing all your food prep. Aside from the kitchen cabinetry you choose, the countertop will be the design element that pulls everything together and helps give the kitchen the character you are looking for. This post will guide you through the differences between quartz and quartzite.
Quartz Counters
Technology has made it possible to design quartz slabs that realistically resemble natural stone in various colors. Although it is synthetically engineered, quartz counters can be made with interesting veining and patterns that closely resemble natural stone. If you prefer something more uniform in style, quartz can also come in a single, consistent pattern and colorway. The appeal to homeowners is that quartz is a super hygienic, non-porous material that doesn’t need to be resealed regularly like natural granite, quartzite, or marble.
Whether the finish on your quartz countertop is polished (shiny), matte (little to no shine), or leathered (a more recent 2019 countertop trend with a different texture and feel), quartz counters are durable enough to withstand the heavy workload of the kitchen and are highly resistant to staining. With so many beautiful options to choose from, you can have fun finding one that artistically complements the other elements in your kitchen like the backsplash and the floors. These photos are quartz countertops from the following manufacturers: Cambria, Compaq, Silestone, Caesarstone, and Corian Quartz.
Compaq Quartz: Color Unique Calacatta
Caesarstone Quartz: Color Raven
Corian Quartz: Color Snow White
Silestone Quartz: Color Marquina
Silestone Quartz: Color Eternal Pearl Jasmine
Compac Quartz: Unique Marquina
Quartzite Counters
The next question we are often asked is “What is the difference between quartz and quartzite countertops?” Is one a better choice over another? Both quartz and quartzite are amazing choices in the kitchen. What it comes down to when deciding which countertop is the best for you is personal preference, and you should make your choice based on the special qualities you like in the stone. The main difference between the two is that quartz is a handmade, engineered stone made from a mixture of natural stone, resin, and pigment formed into slabs. Quartzite is a raw natural rock like marble and limestone, mined in quarries, and cut into slabs of stone. Quartzite is considered a luxury stone and is typically more expensive than quartz or granite. As with all natural stone, quartzite needs to be sealed, but it is an extremely strong, scratch and heat resistant, long lasting surface. These photos are natural quartzite.
Kitchen Countertops with Veining
Quartzite counters will have natural veining and unpredictable patterns unique to the piece of stone found in nature. The appearance of quartzite stone will not be as consistent as a countertop made of quartz because it is a completely natural rock with naturally varying swirls and patterns. With that said, you can find engineered quartz countertops specifically made with veining that resembles quartzite or marble if you prefer quartz with a marble feel. The first photo is engineered quartz with veining to look like natural stone. The second is natural quartzite with veining from Mother Nature.
Cambria Quartz: Color Brittanica With Veining — Notice how this engineered quartz has veining that resembles natural stone.
Natural Quartzite: Color Wicked White With Veining — Photo Credit: Joseph Corrado, Morningstar Marble; Jeanne Rappone
Best Kitchen Countertop for You
When choosing the best kitchen countertop material for your project, go shopping in the stone yards. Make note of the subtle differences between marble, quartzite, quartz, and granite before making your final decision. After determining your budget, take the price difference off the table and choose the stone that you love for its inherent qualities and the overall look you are trying to achieve. Since your kitchen counter is a major design element in determining the look and feel of the space, feel free to tap into our expertise and let us help you make this decision. Look at designer kitchen photos online or in magazines and save the ones that jump out at you. Share these with your kitchen designer during the planning stages of your kitchen renovation.
Kitchen Countertops Help
Our designers are happy to help you design, plan, and build every aspect of your custom kitchen, including assistance in selecting your marble, granite, wood, quartzite, or quartz counters. Call us when you are ready to work with some of the best kitchen designers in the US. Our entire team is amazing. We know the investment in your new kitchen is substantial, and you want to get it done right. We are here to help you achieve the best design for your space and get the most out of your budget. Come in (or call) for a free consultation at our NY location. We also design and ship anywhere in the United States.
Our signature kitchen and bath showroom is located in Long Island — Kitchen Designs by Ken Kelly, 26 Hillside Ave. Williston Park, New York — 516-746-3435 or get help from a local kitchen designer if you do not live in our area. Look at how beautiful these kitchen countertops look in these custom designer 2019 kitchens.
Note: Designers if you would like your work featuring quartz and quartzite countertops to be added to this post, please send photo and credits to info@kitchendesigns.com.
Other related articles you might like:
All about Kitchen Countertops
How to Choose a Kitchen or Bath Countertop Edge Detail
Countertops – Concrete is the New Wood
Jumbo Slab Cambria Quartz Countertops Now Available
Long Island Loves White Kitchens and Marble Countertops
Can You Live With Wood Countertops
Quartz Alternative to White Carrara Marble Kitchen Countertops
