![]() So I’m going to just dive into all the whys of that very big statement about grout – and I’m also going to toss in some tips for picking the right grout color (including our go-to color that works nearly every time – we’ve used it in so many rooms) and my new trick for minimizing grout haze while I’m at it. Even our contractor swears by this stuff. We are going on 2+ years of not buying a single other type of grout (we don’t even look their way – our heart is TAKEN). But the duplex tiling just gave us more time for our romance to blossom, so I wanted to tell you why this has become THE ONLY GROUT we ever buy & use. I meant to proclaim our love for this grout after finishing the beach house tiling two summers ago but we got sucked into the duplex and, well, this post never got written. And no, this is not sponsored by either Mapei or Floor & Decor, which is where we typically buy ours (sorry, necessary disclaimer because this post is going to sound pretty gushy). I know this sounds like I’m overreacting, but take it from people who have grouted 7 bathroom floors, 3 showers, 3 mudrooms, and 2 backsplashes in the last two years: this grout has been life-changing. Despite slight differences, both are very durable and deserve consideration as you plan your bathroom or kitchen renovation project.If you’ve got a tiling project in your future (even the distant future), remember, bookmark, voice memo, tattoo, or do whatever you need to do to remember Mapei Flexcolor grout. Quartz and quartzite countertops are two gorgeous options for your home. ![]() As with most countertop installations, it is a great idea to find a reputable contractor to do the work. The more complex the job, the more the cost of quartzite will exceed that of quartz per square foot. Quartzite must be cut with diamond blades in a process that takes time and skill. That is because quartz can be poured into a mould to produce virtually any shape. In complex jobs, quartzite will cost more. The material begins at about $60 per square foot, but most exceeds $100 and can cost significantly more. Prices are similar for these two countertop types. When properly sealed, quartzite cleanup is easy. This is a weakness shared by all natural stone including granite and marble. Without a proper seal, stains can penetrate into the stone. It must be sealed before use and re-sealed one or two times per year. In any event, as with all countertops, it is advisable to use cleaners designed for your type of surface. Ease of maintenance is the main advantage quartz countertops have over quartzite. Abrasive cleaners should not be used on quartz, and they really aren’t needed. Both countertop materials can be scratched by sharp objects, and a cutting board should be used.Ĭountertop Maintenance: Quartz requires very little maintenance. Where quartz has an advantage over quartzite is that it is less prone to denting and chipping because it is more flexible. The resin used in manufacturing quartz countertops is a plastic, so it is prone to melting in heat above 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Quartz is hard too, but not quite as hard as quartzite. Hardness and Durability: Quartzite is harder than granite, so it is quite durable. If you’d like a more diverse selection of colors and patterns to consider, you’ll find it in quartz. The bottom line in appearance is that if you want natural stone, quartzite is your choice. The way the countertop material is formulated gives it the appearance of natural stone such as granite or marble. ![]() Quartz, because pigment can be added, is available in a much wider range of colors for you to consider. Regardless of the color, the quartzite will have streaking caused by varying degrees of pressure in its formation and the random presence of iron oxide or other minerals. Yellow, blue, green and orange quartzite results from the presence of other minerals. Pink and red hues are a result of iron oxide in the stone. Quartzite is generally found in white to gray. Here is a comparison of quartz and quartzite that will help you decide which material is right for your bathroom or kitchen countertops project.Īppearance: It’s impossible to say that one material is more attractive than the other, since beauty is subjective for each of us. It is blended with a binder and pigment and formed into countertops. Loose quartz makes up about 93 percent of the material. Quartz countertops are often called engineered countertops because they are fabricated from natural silicon dioxide and synthetic materials. The tops are polished and sealed for beauty and durability. The stone is mined and sawn into slabs which are later precisely cut to become countertops. It is created when sandstone is subjected to extreme heat and pressure caused by tectonic plate compression in the crust of the earth. Quartzite is a naturally occurring metamorphic rock. Quartzite countertops Understanding Quartz and Quartzite ![]()
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