Quartzite has become one of the most requested countertop materials among Cleveland homeowners who want luxury, durability, and a truly natural surface that elevates a space. Its marble-like elegance paired with exceptional hardness makes it ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and high-traffic living areas. At Design Surfaces in Westlake, serving homeowners, designers, and contractors across Cleveland, we help you compare full quartzite slabs in person so you can understand their movement, veining, and natural variations. If you are considering quartzite for your home, this guide explains everything you should know about its performance, strengths, drawbacks, and how to choose the perfect slab.
Quartzite is a natural metamorphic stone formed when sandstone undergoes intense heat and pressure. During this transformation, individual quartz grains fuse together, creating a dense, incredibly strong surface that offers both beauty and performance.
Quartzite is often compared to marble because of its veining and organic movement, but it surpasses marble in strength and everyday practicality. Unlike engineered quartz, which blends resins with crushed quartz crystals, quartzite is one hundred percent natural stone. Every slab tells its own visual story, making it an ideal choice for homeowners who want a one-of-a-kind countertop.
Key traits of quartzite include:
At Design Surfaces, viewing full slabs allows you to see the depth, movement, and undertones that smaller samples cannot show.
Quartzite is one of the hardest natural countertop materials available. Many quartzite slabs rate above a 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, which means they resist scratching, etching, and everyday wear better than marble and even many granites.
Homeowners who love the bright whites and dramatic veining of marble often choose quartzite for its similar visual appeal. Quartzite offers the look of luxury with much stronger performance in kitchens and bathrooms.
Quartzite forms under extreme heat, so it naturally handles high temperatures in the kitchen. While trivets are still recommended, quartzite is more forgiving than engineered quartz.
Quartzite does not discolor under sunlight, which makes it a great option for bright kitchens, bathrooms with natural light, and even some outdoor installations.
No engineered surface can replicate the originality of quartzite. Each slab has its own pattern, mineral composition, and visual movement, giving your home a custom feel that cannot be duplicated.
Quartzite is premium and high-performing, but it is important to understand its limitations before selecting it.
Quartzite is less porous than marble but still requires sealing once a year to prevent stains from oils, wine, or highly pigmented liquids.
Because quartzite is quarried, rare, and complex to fabricate, it is often more expensive than granite or quartz. Premium colors can be especially costly.
Quartzite’s natural palette includes whites, creams, grays, beiges, greens, and occasional blues. Homeowners looking for bright or saturated colors may prefer engineered quartz.
Quartzite’s hardness makes it difficult to cut, which can increase fabrication costs. Professional installation is essential for clean seams and accurate fitting.
Just like granite, quartzite slabs may show seams in long countertops or oversized islands. Skilled fabricators can minimize their visibility.
Quartzite is natural, heat tolerant, and unique. Quartz is engineered, nonporous, and more uniform in appearance. Both are durable but appeal to different design needs.
Granite is widely available and durable. Quartzite is often harder and more luxurious, offering a refined, marble-inspired appearance.
Marble is elegant but soft, porous, and prone to etching. Quartzite provides a similar aesthetic with significantly more strength and easier maintenance.
Quartzite is low maintenance with the right habits.
With basic upkeep, quartzite maintains its beauty and performance for decades.
Quartzite typically ranges from 80 to 150 dollars per square foot installed, depending on:
Exotic options like Taj Mahal, White Macaubas, Azul Macaubas, and Cristallo often fall at the higher end of the range.
The natural movement of quartzite can only be appreciated in full slabs. At Design Surfaces, you can compare several pieces side by side.
Quartzite often has subtle warm or cool undertones. Bringing cabinet samples or photos helps you select a cohesive match.
Northeast Ohio homes often have softer natural light, especially in winter. Slabs with reflective minerals or lighter coloring can brighten a room.
Families who cook frequently may prefer denser, tightly grained quartzite varieties that resist staining more easily.
Polished quartzite offers shine and easier cleaning. Honed quartzite provides a soft, matte look but may require more frequent sealing.
Design Surfaces offers one of Northeast Ohio’s most curated quartzite selections, with full slab viewing and expert guidance at every step. Our team is trusted by homeowners, designers, and contractors across Cleveland for helping them compare quartzite with granite, quartz, marble, and dolomite to make informed design decisions.
You will find:
Quartzite delivers unmatched natural beauty and long-term durability for kitchens, bathrooms, and custom living spaces. If you want marble-inspired elegance with stronger performance, quartzite is an exceptional choice. Visit the Design Surfaces showroom in Westlake to explore full slabs in person, compare colors and patterns, and work with experts who understand the needs of Cleveland homeowners. Let us help you select a quartzite countertop that brings lasting value, luxury, and natural artistry into your home.
Call: 440.899.9900 • Contact: Submit a Request • Email: info@designsurfaces.com