Quartzite and granite are both reliable and elegant options for bathroom or kitchen countertops. Granite has a natural and luminous surface, while quartzite is an excellent alternative to marble. However, aside from aesthetic and functional considerations, your budget is one of the top things you need to think about when deciding which slab to get. So, how much do they cost? Is it worth it? We have researched answers for you.
The type and quality of the stone determine its price. Granite is slightly softer than quartzite, so quartzite is bound to be pricier than granite. Granite costs around $50 per square foot, while quartzite can cost up to $100 per square foot.
Here are other considerations that affect the price of quartzite and granite:
- Thickness
- Composition
- Seam Visibility
- Color
- Durability
- Installation
- Heat, Scratch, and Moisture Resistance
- Maintenance
- Aging
Choosing a countertop material is challenging since it will be a permanent fixture in your house. It will also determine how much value is added to your home. If you want to learn more about price considerations surrounding quartzite and granite, keep reading below.
Price Considerations for Quartzite and Granite
Both quartzite and granite are high-quality materials, so both of them can be relatively expensive. Quartzite is 100% natural stone carved out directly from the earth. Since it is are made of natural minerals, you can't get the same type twice; each one has unique swirls and patterns.
Quartzite scores a 7 out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it a strong and resistant material that is guaranteed to last a long time.
Granite is another natural material coming from igneous rock. However, it is slightly softer than quartzite, scoring 6 out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale. Despite this, it has a lot of sought-after qualities that make it in demand among many homeowners.
Here are the factors that affect the pricing of both granite and quartzite.
Read: "What Color Cabinets Go With Cream Countertops?"
Thickness
The thickness of the countertop will determine its strength and durability.
You may be tempted to get a slimmer countertop for a sleeker profile, but if you're going to put it in a high-traffic and busy area such as the kitchen, getting a thicker countertop would be more functional.
Thicker countertops will cost more, but the investment will be worth it. Getting a three-centimeter quartzite or granite countertop will make your countertops more durable and endure heavier weights, which is inevitable in kitchens.
Composition
The composition of each stone also contributes to its pricing. Granite has a coarse texture since its magma has a slower cooling process, which can create bigger crystals. Granite is composed of interlocking natural stones, namely quartz, feldspar, sand, and mica.
Meanwhile, quartzite is made with 90% quartz with high concentrations of silica. Quartzite is denser than granite, so it can be more difficult to cut and install.
Because it takes more resources to custom-fit quartzite, they are more expensive slabs. Granite is easier to work with because of its composition, so you'll have a relatively more affordable purchasing and installation cost.
Seam Visibility
One of the reasons quartzite is more expensive is that it doesn't show its seams. This is because the slabs are all identical, so it can easily camouflage the seams. This makes it sleeker and more aesthetically pleasing installed in your kitchen or bathroom.
Granite, on the other hand, shows its seams easily. However, you can work around this by hiring a contractor who can effectively hide the seams. They will be sealing the edges with epoxy resin that matches the tone of granite to suit your preferences.
However, leaving the seams to show has its own rugged charm too. If that's your preference, choose granite.
Color
The rarer the color, the more expensive the pricing will be. This is usually the case with natural stones; the color is entirely dependent on nature and chance.For this reason, suppliers will be increasing the price if a particular color only comes once in a while.
Lighter colors are considered rare for granite since darker colors are more abundantly formed in the earth's crust. This is why many homeowners often choose darker colors because of their aesthetic appeal and affordable price range.
Aside from color, granite's veining also plays a part in its pricing. The more detailed, intricate, and rich the veins are, the more expensive a slab can be.
On the other hand, quartzite colors are more limited compared to granite. The colors are also lighter, adding to their elegant appeal. Because of these factors, the price of quartz is generally higher.
Quartzite comes in very in-demand colors such as white, pink, grey, and even black. Each color can be difficult to come by, especially orange, since it requires other materials to be mixed in with the crystal.
Durability
Durability is every homeowner's topmost priority when choosing countertop stones that they expect will last them a long time.The pricing of each stone is determined by how much stress it can handle before showing signs of wear and tear.
Quartzite has a higher score on the Mohs hardness scale, so naturally, it is bound to be more expensive. Granite is a softer stone compared to quartzite, although it can still boast decent durability levels considering its lower price.
How long will granite last?
Granite countertops can maintain a reliable level of strength for up to 30 years. Of course, you need to seal it periodically so it won't suffer water damage or be penetrated with mold and mildew.
How long will quartzite last?
Because of its durability, quartzite can technically last for a lifetime. Unlike granite, it is generally low maintenance and does not require resealing every year.
However, you can apply a sealer every one to two years if you want to avoid potential issues. Note that some quartzite slabs can be porous, although it is technically identified as a non-porous stone.
To be sure, it is best to do everything necessary to protect quartzite surfaces, especially since it is essentially an investment in your space.
Installation
Installation and labor costs contribute to the overall pricing of quartzite and granite countertops.Both stones need to be cut and installed by professionals so your stones won't go to waste. The difference in pricing lies in the difficulty of installation.
Quartzite is more expensive since it is harder and denser, making it more difficult to cut and install. For this reason, professional contractors are likely to charge more compared to granite installations.
Granite is softer and easier to cut and install, so the overall labor costs are more affordable.
How much is the installation cost for quartzite?
The cost to install quartzite depends generally on the size. Countertops below 12 square feet can cost approximately $960, while it can cost you up to $4,200 to install them on a 30 square foot surface.
On average, the cost of installing quartzite would be closer to $5,000.If you are looking into installing quartzite in bigger spaces, prepare to shell out up to $6,300.
How much is the installation cost for granite?
Granite countertops are relatively more affordable, with installation costs ranging from $2,000-$4,500. Compared to quartzite, which will cost you over $6,000, the maximum installation cost would be slightly lower; around $5,000.
Heat, Scratches, and Moisture Resistance
Aside from durability, resistance from heat, scratches, moisture, and other potentially harmful elements is essential to countertops. Both granite and quartzite are resistant to these elements, although quartzite is more naturally resistant to moisture since it is less porous than unsealed granite.
On the other hand, granite is slightly more resistant to scratches, especially when it's sealed. However, quartzite is more heat and UV-resistant.
You will need to weigh which ones are more present and more likely to happen in the kitchen or bathroom. If your kitchen has a lot of windows, you want your countertops to have better heat and UV resistance.
Aging
Since quartzite is UV-resistant, the color does not easily fade, so quartzite ages better than granite in this regard. This is also one of the things that affect a stone's pricing--the better it ages, the more you will need to spend since it will essentially be an investment that will add value to your house.
The colors are guaranteed to stay vibrant for a long time as long as you regularly clean the surface. Granite, on the other hand, can get darker over time. However, that just adds to its natural appeal and gives the space a unique charm.
Read: "How to Fix Dull Spots on Quartz or Granite Countertops."
Final Thoughts
The stone's quality affects its pricing, but that doesn't mean you immediately need to go for what is more expensive. In the end, it all depends on your lifestyle and priorities to see if either granite or quartzite will be best for you.
