There’s no shortage of kitchen countertop materials, finishes, styles, and color options. However, certain types of countertops are more requested than others. Not only should your kitchen countertop look good, but it should also be durable and easy to maintain.

There are dozens of kitchen countertop options out here, but there are several types that seem to grab more attention right now. Quartz and quartzite continue to be the most popular countertop choices amongst homeowners in 2022 – 23.

Quartz

Quartz Countertop is a manmade stone that is composed of roughly 80% to 93% natural material mixed with pigments and resins, making it a very durable and low-maintenance option. With quartz, the artificial pigments that are added allow homeowners a wide variety of choices, making it a more flexible option when coordinating the other aspects of your kitchen design, too.

Average price: The price of quartz varies greatly depending on the quality. Quartz countertops cost $50 to $200 per square foot to install and about $125 per square foot on average.

Pros:

  • Recyclable.
  • Long-lasting.
  • Easy to clean.
  • Variety of color and design options.
  • Ultra-durable.

Cons:

  • Expensive.
  • Prone to heat damage.
  • Heavy.

Quartzite

Quartzite is an all-natural stone that requires sealing annually, and while it’s not quite as stain-resistant and low-maintenance as quartz, it’s still more so than other natural stones. Another thing to consider is that because quartzite is a natural stone, it cannot be customized, which limits design and color options.

Average price: The cost for quartz and quartzite is generally within the same range, Kaercher adds, but quartzite is much more expensive and labor-intensive to install. Installing a quartzite countertop in a standard kitchen costs $2,300 to $8,300, assuming a size of 30 square feet to 40 square feet.

Pros:

  • Low maintenance.
  • UV resistant.
  • Environmentally friendly.
  • Naturally occurring stone.
  • Resistant to heat.

Cons:

  • Limited design and color options.
  • Difficult and expensive to install.
  • Prone to scratches.
  • Very porous and requires annual sealing.

For further information about kitchen and bathroom cabinets, countertops or to add granite, marble, or quartz countertops to your kitchen and vanity tops to your bathroom, call Potomac Kitchen & Bath Now! You can also make a free appointment to get service in:

Leesburg, McLean, Chantilly, Merrifield, Dunn Loring, Annandale, Dulles, Oakton,  Aldie, Warrenton, Lorton,  Sterling, Alexandria, Arlington, Potomac Falls, South Riding, Gainesville, Vienna, Gaithersburg, Great Falls, Bethesda, Rockville, Clifton, Haymarket, Burke,  Dumfries, Dalecity, Springfield, Reston, Centreville, Ashburn, Herndon, Manassas, Fairfax, Fairfax Station, VA.