It was "stone love" at first glance. I was looking for something that resembled marble, but did not prefer actual marble itself at least not for kitchen countertops. I would rather not be tasked with having to seal and maintain it.
When I saw the quartzite slabs, I was amazed at how closely they resembled marble. It was a tough decision, but as mentioned, we ultimately ended up installing this quartz. Durable and low-maintenance materials were high priorities in our kitchen design, so quartz won out. It was also the more cost-friendly option.
We selected "carrara" slab quartz for the kitchen countertops. The stone has a marble-like veining appearance and subtle gray undertones. It gave us the marble look we wanted, without any durability or maintenance concerns.
Quartz is virtually maintenance-free and does not need to be sealed. It is a fabricated material comprised mainly of quartzite (93% or more) but blended with a binder and pigment. Quartzite, on the other hand, is 100% natural stone. Since it is all natural stone, it requires sealing every 6-12 months - just like granite. We used to have granite countertops in our last kitchen. We lived there for seven years, and during that time, I never sealed them. :) It showed. There were noticeable chips that developed in a few areas.
I love our countertops! I'd select quartz again in a heartbeat. They were installed seven months ago, and they have performed just as expected. They are extremely durable and withstand our daily
If you prefer more veining, there are several other quartz options available these days. We actually brought a few different quartz samples home thinking we'd pick a stone with more veining. But, it actually looked too "dirty" against our white cabinets. CAD Design Tip: Bring large stone samples home to try out, and physically look at slabs in person if you can. Computer images cannot compensate for how they look in real life.
A few of you also asked how much our countertops cost. Well, we paid $3k all-in, including installation. I think we needed 1-1/2 slabs of quartz.
There are no visible seams...
...and the edges are mitered. Those are small details that make a big difference.
When we were pricing out quartzite, the stone alone was easily that much or more. It was another contributing factor to why we chose quartz!
When we were pricing out quartzite, the stone alone was easily that much or more. It was another contributing factor to why we chose quartz!
In case you missed the most recent kitchen posts, you can click on the images below:
The quartzite slabs you photographed, look so much like marble, I'd never guess they aren't.
ReplyDeleteAnd your countertops still look brand new. Here's to low maintenance and still getting a gorgeous look! :)
I really loved the quartzite slabs because of how closely they resembled marble. In the long run, I knew low maintenance and durability was the way to go for us (we have 2 boys!). I am so happy with the decision!
DeleteCarol I think you are actually making me consider quartz with this post. I have been obsessed with quartzite for our future kitchen but all the pros of quartz are very attractive - specifically the maintenance free characteristic! They look beautiful in your kitchen!
ReplyDeleteOh, I hear you on the beauty of quartzite!!! But between cost, practicality, and durability, quartz was just the better option for us. Our counters need to withstand our two growing boys, and this mama doesn't want another household chore that requires sealing countertops. :)
DeleteCarol what a GREAT choice! It looks fabulous!
ReplyDeleteThank you Laura! I am so glad we went with quartz. It holds up extremely well for how we live. I have two boys! :)
DeleteI think this is the way to go! Our house had beautiful granite when we picked it but if I were redoing a kitchen, I'd follow in your shoes. Beauty + durability is definitely the preference.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your sweet comment today at Poofing the Pillows. :)