countertops Articles

Quartzite and Quartz are two high-end countertop materials both derived from quartzite. They are very popular options to homeowners but have several differences. The biggest difference between quartz and quartzite is that quartz is a man-made material, while quartzite is a natural stone.

Quartzite Countertops

Quartzite is an abundant metamorphic rock. It occurs naturally when sandstone in quartz experiences heat and high pressure. Quartzite is typically made of more than 90% quartzite; some can be as high as 99%. Quartzite typically comes in shades of white, light grey, and bluish gray but minerals in the stone can also include pink, gold, or reddish-brown hues.  

Quartzite has a glassy appearance and resembles marble in some cases. Quartzite countertops, like marble or granite, are a natural stone and have a porous surface. They require a high-quality sealant to protect against staining. 

Quartzite countertops are some of the most beautiful on the market. Those seeking a natural look with lots of movement may prefer a quartzite countertop. This desirable appearance has made quartzite one of the most popular countertop materials.

Quartz Countertops

While quartzite countertops are a natural stone, quartz countertops are made using engineered stone. This engineered stone is comprised of about 90% loose quartz. A quartz countertop is engineered with the same quartz crystals found in quartzite, but a man-made process binds the crystal with resins, pigments, and other materials such as bits of glass. Resin and pigments are added to bind the loose quartz and create the coloring of the countertops. 

Because quartz is man-made and resin is added, no sealer is needed.  Quartz is very durable and low-maintenance.  It can even be made to resemble materials such as granite and marble. Quartz countertops are more durable than quartzite.

Quartz is offered in many different shades and patterns. If you have a specific color in mind, or want a low maintenance option, quartz would be a good choice.

Ready to replace your countertops? This is one of the most important decisions a homeowner can make because your countertops are the center of your design and can add more value than you realize. There are so many materials available that the choice can be daunting. Granite, Quartz, and Marble are three of the best quality and sought-after stone countertops on the market. Granite is a popular choice due to its affordability and durability, while marble countertops have been the centerpiece of homes for centuries. Quartz on the other hand has become somewhat of a phenomenon recently with its marble-like features and unmatched durability. The question is which one is right for you? To help you decide, here is a guide comparing the similarities and differences between each material.

Granite Countertops

Granite is an igneous rock that consists of feldspar and quartz. Since many homeowners prefer a more natural-looking stone, it’s a popular choice for both traditional and contemporary homes.

Pros

Granite is one of the most durable stone countertops. It is scratch-resistant, heat-resistant, and stain-resistant. One of the best reasons to choose granite countertops for your kitchen is that the material is so durable that it resists chips and scratches under normal use. These are just some of the qualities that make it the perfect choice for many homeowners.

Granite is also a gorgeous material. Each slab is unique. It has a seemingly endless array of colors and finishes to choose from. Explore color options of white, yellow, gold, blue, grey, and black and its patterns of solid, marble, and speckled for a perfect focal point for your space. Granite’s finish options include polished, honed, leathered, and flamed.

Cons

Since granite is a natural stone, it is porous and needs to be sealed to maintain its beauty and longevity. It also has a more limited color selection compared to quartz. However, some sealants last for 25 years, and granite has much less maintenance than its other natural stone counterparts.

Marble Countertops

Marble is a metamorphic rock made up of recrystallized carbonate compounds formed with an immense amount of heat and pressure. Though it is available in an array color options, classic white marble is the most sought after choice of homeowners.

Pros

Marble is a classic choice for not only countertops but walls, flooring, and some of the world’s most famous statues and architecture. While there are numerous options for countertops, many feel that there are none comparable to the timeless beauty of marble. 

Cons

Like any other natural stone, marble is quite porous and needs a little more maintenance. It needs to be professionally resealed a few times a year to ensure its longevity. Acids will etch marble leaving a white mark behind. While it does have more upkeep, marble has unsurpassed beauty and can withstand a lot of heat because of how it is formed.

Quartz Countertops

Quartzite is the most widely distributed mineral on earth. It along with resins and recycled materials is used to engineer quartz countertops. Many manufacturers may have their own method to engineer quartz countertops with varying percentages of quartzite and added metallic flecks for aesthetic purposes.

Pros

Quartz countertops are gorgeous and add a luxurious feel to any space. Quartz kitchen countertops have become an increasingly popular choice, and it is not difficult to see why. Quartz countertops are more scratch and chip resistant than granite. They have the widest array of finishes and colors since it is an engineered stone. Quartz’s finish options include polished, honed, rough, suede, concrete, and volcano.

Since quartz countertops are a man-made product they are not only durable but sealed from any bacteria. This is a nice advantage over natural stones as those need to be sealed to prevent staining and bacteria from seeping down into your countertops.

Cons

While quartz countertops are durable and low maintenance, they are not entirely heat-resistant. If you overexpose quartz countertops to heat they will melt and leave a burn mark on your countertop. This is the only area where quartz does not surpass other options. Its durability, beauty, and affordable price point all lend itself to being the perfect option for many homeowners.

Which Should You Choose?

When choosing your countertops, you want to make a decision that will make you happy and add the most value to your home. The choice you make will depend on what you prioritize whether it be uniformity, organic movement, maintenance, affordability, or durability. While you have to make the final call, hopefully we will be able to help you make the final decision.

If you prioritize variability in colors, durability, and low maintenance, granite countertops are perfect for you.

If you prioritize timeless beauty, organic movement and heat resistance than marble is a great choice for you. As long as you don’t mind the added maintenance, marble is a excellent choice for homeowners who love to bake.

If you prioritize customization, low maintenance, uniformity and unsurpassed durability, quartz will be a great fit for you. Just be sure to be careful to avoid burning the surface.

Regardless of whichever material you choose for your countertops, we have everything you need with hundreds of slabs to choose from. When you’re ready to design the kitchen of your dreams, contact us for a free in-home estimate!

New countertops are the most important and largest investment of the kitchen remodeling process. They can radically transform any space and add significant value to your home. However, before your countertops are installed, you must go through the templating process. Here is a guide that will go through the countertop template process including what it is, why it is important, and how to prepare for your template appointment.

What is Templating?

Templating is the process of creating a template that has the exact measurements of your countertop. Without a template, the fabricator cannot accurately manufacture your countertop.

How Can You Prepare for Your Template Appointment?

There are a few things you will need to do before your template appointment:

• Make sure your cabinets are level and secure
• Make sure all appliances are on site
• Remove any objects on and around your countertops
• Locate your water cut off valve before the technicians arrive
• Set up a temporary workspace and prepare meals ahead of time
• Ensure an adult over the age of 18 will be present to make decisions

How is Templating Done?

On the day of your appointment, a skilled technician will arrive and remove any existing countertops to take the measurements of your cabinets. There are two options countertop fabricators use to create a template: the stick method and the digital method. The stick method entails using plastic material and hot glue or acetone to create a template. This gives the fabricator a physical outline to place on a slab and cut out your countertop. The digital method involves using a high-intensity laser that records the dimensions and sends information to a computer. At the fabrication facility, a technician adds any overhands and cutouts, the template is laid out, and the stone is cut. We use the stick method because it allows our experienced technicians to quickly customize the template on-site and add any pertinent details that the customer desires.

Can You Make a Countertop Template on Your Own?

For stone countertops, you must have a professional complete the templating and installation process. Having an experienced professional complete the job will ensure accuracy, which is particularly important in such a large investment. If the measurements are even a fraction incorrect, it can cause issues with your project.

What Happens Next?

After the templating process is complete, you can set up an appointment to select where to place the template on the slab. Then the stone will be cut to reflect the exact measurements drafted during the template appointment. Lastly, you can set up a day for our team to deliver and install your new countertops.

Stone countertops can add visual appeal, increase the functionality of your space, and add value to your home. If you have any questions, please consult our team of experts or another design professional. We have everything you need from countertops to cabinets. With over 15 years of experience, we’ve mastered multiple kitchen styles. When you’re ready to design the kitchen of your dreams, contact us for a free in-home estimate!

Quartz countertops are the modern way to take your kitchen countertops or bathroom vanity to the next level. The clean and elegant flow throughout the surface will make any room shine. Another factor other than the beauty of the material is the durability. Quartz countertops are hermetically sealed during the manufacturing process. Quartz will withstand daily use and abuse while remaining easy to maintain and resisting stains and bacteria growth. Let’s take a look at the various levels of Quartz countertops and weigh the pros and cons of having this material as a kitchen countertop.

The level or the grade of Quartz countertops is determined by the Quartz material used in the manufacturing process. The Quartz stone that is chosen to go into any particular batch will be classified in one of the following classifications;

Seconds:

This grade of Quartz will have numerous veins and could possibly include discolorations throughout the stone. The upside to this is that most of the defects are not visible once the Quartz is crushed and married with the resin.

Standard:

Also known as “commercial” grade, this is the standard Quartz level. This level of Quartz will offer average color depth and quality.

First Quality:

This level utilizes the most premium Quartz. With this Quartz grade the countertops will offer rich colors and very minimum veins.

We carry a multitude of Quartz slabs ranging the spectrum of styles and looks. The three main brands we carry are Cambria Quartz, Zodiaq by DuPont and Cosmos Quartz.

Cambria:

Composed of 93% Quartz, resin and pigments. Cambria Quartz countertops are engineered to feature zero emissions and to be free of Radon. Cambria offers a fully transferrable lifetime warranty.

MSI:

Premium quartz products produced with high-quality materials in a wide variety of colors and designs. MSI offers a lifetime warranty to the original homeowner. 

Cosmos:

Cosmos offers a 10 year warranty on their Quartz surfaces. They also use the perfect blend of polymeric tech combined with Natural Quartz. The results are stunning and extremely durable while remaining easy to clean and maintain.

No matter the brand or level, Quartz kitchen countertops are stunning. The grade of the Quartz will strictly depend on your taste, style and budget. Quartz will give you the custom and unique kitchen you have always dreamt of. As mentioned in the beginning of this article, another great aspect of Quartz counters is that they will never have to be sealed.

Quartz Countertop Maintenance

No matter the brand, color or pattern, Quartz counters are a breeze to maintain. The vast majority of the time a sponge, hot water and elbow grease is all that is needed to clean up any spill that occurs on the countertop. Using any soap for cleaning can build up a film like residue and leave your surfaces dull and hazy.

Our best recommendation is to use a high quality stone cleaner, such as a Granite or Marble cleaner, to keep your counters clean. These cleaners not only clean your surfaces, they are mild enough as not to damage or discolor your countertops. As a bonus, these cleaners have an optical brightener to keep your quartz countertops shining brightly.

Even with Quartz’s rise in popularity, Granite is still one of the most popular choices for kitchen countertops. Why is granite a top choice for kitchen countertops?

Strength

A major reason granite is chosen for applications in the kitchen is its strength and durability. It is a material that will last you a lifetime. Marble is very unique in its visual appeal, but the softness of the stone can create issues in high-traffic applications. Granite is a great all-around choice for any space you choose to install it.

Since granite is so strong, it is perfect in any application in your home. Large kitchen, high-traffic bathroom vanity tops, and outdoor living areas/kitchens are a perfect pairing with granite.

Color Options

Granite contains a number of different minerals. Every slab is different, so any piece you select is sure to be unique. The composition of the mineral deposits dictates the unique colors and patterns. Granite contains quartz, feldspar, mica, and many other materials. The balance of these minerals always varies thus leading to beautiful individualistic kitchen countertops.

Granite colors can range the color spectrum. Currently, the popular stones have a White or Gray background color. Neutral palettes compliment just about every decor and house style.

Granite is also known for the possible exotic tones available. Some look like artwork, with bold colors forming the veins and flakes. These slabs normally range in the higher prices but are well worth the money if you are looking to have a custom designer look in your space.

Easy To Maintain

Most natural stones are porous and require a sealing treatment to fill the pores. Marble is notorious for staining if not sealed, especially the lighter varieties. Some homeowners still select marble because it is a timeless stone with stunning beauty. There are high-quality sealers that can last for many years.. This sealer is applied after installation and will protect your surfaces for years to come. 

Granite definitely has many great qualities. This is why it is one of the most used natural stone materials for kitchen countertops. Granite adds beauty and durability your kitchen and any other space that you use it in. If your style is a modern, contemporary, or even a traditional style, there are a multitude of granite colors to choose from.

If you are design-savvy and are looking to add an upgraded feel to your kitchen, you should strongly consider Quartz for your kitchen countertops. Quartz counters add a striking visual appeal and durability to your kitchen surfaces. Due to its near infinite design options, quartz has become the most popular alternative to natural stones such as Granite and Marble for countertop material

1. (The Obvious) They Are Very Trendy

Since Quartz countertop manufacturers are constantly innovating new sophisticated patterns and colors, Quartz offers many style options that fit all kitchen design types. You will find a material to match your style; from farmhouse to traditional, modern to rustic, any style is covered. When you travel down the Quartz color options, there are dark colors to pair nicely with White/light cabinets and White/light Quartz countertops that match well with dark cabinets. Are you looking for a style that possesses more cohesion through the surface? You will love the colors of the consistent patterns Quartz can offer your kitchen countertops.

The consistent nature that manufacturers can give to Quartz will allow your entire surface to have even patterning throughout your space. This is a great option if you want to avoid the unwanted inconsistencies that can be found in natural granite and marble. We believe the “natural occurrences” in Granite and Marble are beautiful, however, we understand this does not fit all desired motifs. A predictable pattern is great because you can match up seams. The ability to hide seams gives your surfaces a great pattern and color flow throughout the space.

2. Easy Maintenance

Now lets talk about functionality. We know that visual aesthetics and the cost are important, but the functionality and low-maintenance will pay for itself in the long term. Since Quartz countertops are among the most durable surfaces and are hermetically sealed during manufacturing, an easy-to-maintain countertop material is readily available. Quartz countertops rarely chip, heat and stain resistant, and nearly impossible to scratch. These characteristics make for the perfect kitchen countertop surface. As we mentioned above, since Quartz is hermetically sealed during the manufacturing process, there is no need to continually seal your countertops. One thing to note, we do recommend to use a natural stone cleaner when you clean your kitchen counters.

3. The Manufacturing of Quartz is Eco-Friendly

We have outlined many benefits that come with “manmade stones”, now we will discuss the environmental perks Quartz countertops offer.

Quartz is a very common element found throughout the United States. Although mining practices have evolved and improved through the years, mining is not entirely eco-friendly. A great thing about Quartz countertops is that the process uses Quartz that has already been mined. So, manufacturers recycle the “scrap” pieces from other mining that has already been completed. No natural Quartz is mined just to make Quartz countertops.

Quartz countertops are manufactured by introducing crushed quartz with resins and pigments. All brands use basically the same method. The positive of this process is, there is the little-to-no impact on indoor air quality, which should help you keep your peace of mind where health matters are concerned. As always, manufacturing, mining, and transportation can have a negative impact on the environment. These processes are constantly reconfigured to ensure the environment is taken care of as best as they can. The point is that quartz countertops are proving to have less impact than the other most popular surfaces.

4. Design Options are Virtually Infinite

While you are planning your new kitchen design, do you like having a wide variety to choose from? If you just answered, “Yes!”, Quartz countertops are probably a great fit for you and your project. Prepare yourself to have to choose from a large variety. As we spoke earlier, The selection of colors and patterns are almost endless. Even if you have the most precise taste or design idea, there is a Quartz to match your style. Albeit, Granite comes in a plethora of colors you could make the argument that there are more color options with Quartz.

As with all natural stones, the earthy tones, speckles, veining, and colors that have melded together. It is truly a magnificent feat that Mother Nature creates these stunning works of art in natural stone. Quartz offers the cleanliness of pure colors and patterns that are orchestrated and consistent. This creates a clean visual landscape in your space. If you are considering a kitchen remodel, there is a perfect quartz countertop for your project out there. East Coast Granite can help coordinate the quartz color with your cabinets and flooring ideas and then design a backsplash to match. Or we can simply install the same quartz you choose as a 4-inch backsplash.

5. Quartz Countertops Are Perfect For All Household Types

Due to its durability, affordability, functionality, and low maintenance, quartz countertops perform well in a wide variety of kitchens. A quick summary of the highlights of Quartz countertops:

• Quartz countertops offer a modern style and versatility for anyone looking to add long-term value to their home.
• The durability of quartz makes it perfect for families with children. We all know that children can be rough on a home, and your kitchen countertops need to withstand frequent spills and accidents.
• Quartz countertops are strong, durable, and low-maintenance. This makes them an excellent match for anyone who wants a countertop that will last and does not require upkeep or annual seal treatments.