Quartzite comes up more often in showroom conversations as homeowners discover it’s a distinct material from both granite and quartz, despite the similar name causing frequent confusion. It’s a genuinely durable natural stone with its own unique set of characteristics worth understanding before choosing it for a project. As a company that fabricates and installs countertops in Rainsville, AL and throughout the Huntsville area, here are four key facts about quartzite everyone should know.
Fact 1: Is Quartzite the Same Thing as Quartz?
No, quartzite is not the same as quartz, despite the similar name causing frequent confusion in showrooms. Quartzite is a natural stone formed from sandstone under intense heat and pressure, while quartz is an engineered material made from crushed quartz crystals combined with resin.
This distinction matters significantly, since the two materials perform very differently in terms of heat resistance, maintenance, and overall durability. Homeowners researching countertops in Rainsville, AL should clarify which material they’re actually asking about, since the pricing and care requirements differ substantially between the two.
Fact 2: Is Quartzite More Durable Than Granite?
Yes, quartzite is generally harder and more scratch-resistant than granite, ranking close to diamond on the Mohs hardness scale. This makes it one of the most durable natural stone options available for kitchen countertops.
Its exceptional hardness means it resists scratching from knives and daily kitchen activity even better than granite does. We regularly recommend quartzite for countertops in Rainsville, AL kitchens where homeowners want maximum durability alongside a natural stone appearance.
Fact 3: Does Quartzite Require the Same Maintenance as Granite?
Quartzite generally requires similar sealing maintenance to granite, needing resealing roughly once a year to maintain its stain resistance. However, some quartzite varieties are more porous than others, which can mean more frequent sealing depending on the specific stone.
We test each slab’s porosity during the consultation process to give homeowners an accurate maintenance expectation rather than a generic answer. This matters specifically for countertops in Rainsville, AL projects, since quartzite’s sealing needs can vary more than people initially assume.
Fact 4: Does Quartzite Cost More Than Granite?
Yes, quartzite typically costs more than granite, generally running higher due to its rarity and the more difficult fabrication process required for its extreme hardness. This increased cost reflects both material sourcing and the additional time needed to cut and finish the stone properly.
Granite generally runs $50-$90 per sq ft slab, while quartzite typically runs $75-$120 per sq ft slab, with installation fees from $35 per sq ft for either material. Homeowners comparing options for countertops in Rainsville, AL should factor in this price difference when deciding between the two materials.
Quartzite vs. Granite vs. Quartz: How Do They Really Compare?
Quartzite offers superior hardness, granite offers a more accessible price point with strong overall performance, and quartz offers low maintenance without natural variation. Here’s how the three compare directly.
| Factor | Quartzite | Granite | Quartz |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness/scratch resistance | Excellent, near diamond hardness | Very high | High, but can chip at edges |
| Heat resistance | Excellent | Excellent | Good, can discolor under heat |
| Maintenance | Annual sealing, varies by porosity | Annual sealing | Low, no sealing required |
| Price (slab + install) | $75-$120 per sq ft installed | $50-$90 per sq ft installed | $60-$110 per sq ft installed |
This comparison helps homeowners understand where quartzite fits among the more commonly discussed materials, particularly for anyone prioritizing maximum durability over cost.
When Is the Best Season to Plan a Quartzite Project?
Late winter and early spring tend to be the best times to plan a quartzite project, since this period typically sees better slab availability following post-holiday restocking and slightly less scheduling pressure than peak summer months. This timing often gives homeowners more selection before popular quartzite varieties get picked over.
We also see promotional pricing periods around holidays like Presidents Day, Memorial Day, and Labor Day, which can apply to quartzite alongside granite and quartz. Homeowners planning countertops in Rainsville, AL projects around these seasonal windows often find better availability and occasional savings compared to booking during the busiest spring and summer renovation months.
Does Quartzite Work Well for Outdoor Applications?
Yes, quartzite’s natural composition makes it an excellent choice for outdoor applications, handling UV exposure, heat, and temperature swings as well as or better than granite. This is particularly relevant for homeowners in our region dealing with intense Alabama summers.
Its exceptional hardness also means it resists the kind of weathering that softer materials struggle with over time outdoors. Countertops in Rainsville, AL outdoor kitchen projects benefit from quartzite’s durability, especially for grill islands exposed to direct sun and heat.
Which Quartzite Colors Are Popular Right Now?
Lighter quartzite varieties like Taj Mahal and White Macaubas remain popular choices, offering a marble-like appearance with significantly better durability than actual marble. These stones give homeowners the soft, flowing veining look they want without marble’s vulnerability to etching.
We keep a rotating inventory and can special-order specific quartzite varieties if a client has a particular look in mind. Homeowners drawn to countertops in Rainsville, AL with a marble aesthetic but better daily performance often land on one of these popular quartzite options.
How Long Does Quartzite Installation Take?
Most quartzite installations are completed in 5-7 business days from template to install, similar to granite and quartz timelines. Quartzite’s extreme hardness can occasionally add time to the fabrication stage specifically, since cutting this material requires specialized equipment and more careful handling.
Custom or premium quartzite varieties that need to be special-ordered can extend that window by a few additional days. Homeowners planning countertops in Rainsville, AL installations using quartzite should confirm availability early, and we travel from our Huntsville showroom to handle both templating and installation on-site.
FAQ
Is quartzite the same as quartz?
No, quartzite is a natural stone formed from sandstone under heat and pressure, while quartz is an engineered material made from crushed quartz crystals and resin.
Is quartzite harder than granite?
Yes, quartzite generally ranks higher in hardness, making it even more scratch-resistant than granite for daily kitchen use.
How much does quartzite cost compared to granite?
Quartzite typically runs $75-$120 per sq ft installed, higher than granite’s $50-$90 per sq ft installed range, due to its rarity and harder fabrication process.
Does Granite Empire of Huntsville have an office in Rainsville, AL?
No, our only showroom is in Huntsville, and we travel out for templating and installation to serve the surrounding area, including Rainsville, AL.
Does quartzite need to be sealed like granite?
Yes, quartzite generally requires annual sealing, though some varieties are more porous than others and may need more frequent attention.
Is quartzite good for outdoor kitchens?
Yes, its hardness and natural composition make it an excellent choice for outdoor applications, handling heat and UV exposure very well.
How long does quartzite installation take?
Typically 5-7 business days from template to install, though extremely hard varieties may add some time to the fabrication stage specifically.
If you’re considering quartzite for your next project and want to see specific varieties in person, Granite Empire of Huntsville can walk through options and seasonal availability during a showroom consultation. We’re located at 11104 Memorial Pkwy SW, Huntsville, AL 35803, and can be reached at 256-832-9888 to schedule a visit or ask about current stone availability.