The answer is yes. Quartzite's inherent qualities make it an excellent candidate for outdoor applications. Its resilience against the elements, including resistance to UV rays, makes it fade-resistant, ensuring that the vibrant or subtle hues of the stone remain unchanged even under the sun's relentless gaze.
In conclusion, quartzite's blend of natural beauty, durability, and heat resistance makes it an outstanding choice for outdoor countertops. With proper care and maintenance, quartzite can withstand the rigors of outdoor use while adding a touch of elegance to any space.
While marble and quartz aren't great for outdoor countertops, there are two natural stones that work well outside, Soapstone and Granite.
Quartzite Countertops Cons:
Porous: Like all natural stones, quartzite has a porous nature which means it has tiny holes along its surface. That is why quartzite is sealed during installation. If not, the spills or water can seep in, causing permanent stains or bacterial or fungal growth.
Quartzite tends to be more UV-resistant than granite, making it a better choice for outdoor applications or areas with high sun exposure.
Due to its durability and resistance to weathering, quartzite is well-suited for outdoor kitchens and patios. It withstands UV exposure, preventing discoloration and damage from sunlight. Its dense composition also makes it resistant to rain, wind, and temperature fluctuations.
The best options for an outdoor kitchen countertop are natural stone, concrete, or tile. These materials hold up well in outdoor conditions but protect the kitchen as best as possible to keep the counter and any appliances in good condition for years.
Don'ts for Cleaning Quartzite Countertops
Avoid using acidic or abrasive cleaners like vinegar, lemon juice, or bleach, as they can etch and dull the surface. Harmful substances include ammonia, oven cleaners, and scouring powders. They can easily cause permanent damage.
Quartzite is a good choice for a kitchen countertop because it has a high level of heat-resistance that allows individuals to rest hot pots or pans directly on the natural stone. The drawback to having a quartzite countertop is that this material is highly porous, making it susceptible to water and staining.
Quartzite should be sealed to protect it from stains and moisture because, despite its hardness and durability, it is still a porous stone. Sealing creates a protective barrier, preserving the stone's natural beauty and longevity.
Bluestone. Bluestone has consistently been popular for outdoor patio stones for two main reasons. Not only is it extremely tough and durable, but it is also weather-resistant.
Install porcelain tile countertops in your outdoor kitchen for a sleek and stylish finish. Porcelain tiles are heat-resistant, stain-resistant, and easy to clean. This makes them suitable for food preparation and cooking.
Some countertop areas may need to be sealed more often than others. To determine if it's time to re-seal a countertop, dribble some hot water onto the countertop. If it beads up, great! If the water soaks into the quartzite, it's time to re-seal.
Natural Stone is Best for Outdoor Countertops
No matter what color you go with, granite will not crack or fade, even in the presence of the relentless summer sun. Similarly, quartzite is great for outdoor kitchens, though expect to pay a little more for this luxe material. Another popular choice is soapstone.
Natural quartzite is at home in many applications, from countertops and flooring, to outdoor kitchens and cladding. Harsh weather and UV light won't affect the stone. However, Quartz should be left indoors since the resins in engineered stone will turn yellow in the sunlight.
It is a dense and hard natural stone that can withstand the rigors of outdoor environments. Quartzite countertops are highly resistant to scratches, impact, and heat, ensuring their longevity and resilience and are even harder than granite measuring an impresive 7 on the Mohs hardness scale.
As with all stone, quartzite countertops should be sealed and resealed periodically (about every one to two years depending on usage).
Steer clear from Clorox wipes or anything containg bleach on quartz to avoid dulling, discoloration, or other damage.
Etching: Quartzite is also susceptible to etching, which is when the surface of the stone is dulled or damaged by acidic substances. Common acidic substances include lemon juice, vinegar, and wine. To prevent etching, it's important to use coasters under glasses and to wipe up any acidic spills as soon as they occur.
First off, you don't need specialty cleaners. You can use them, but they're just an extra cost to you. All of these countertops (marble, granite, and quartzite) can be cleaned with just 1-to-3 drops of dishwashing soap and a few cups of warm water, and a good rinsing.
White marble countertops are a hallmark of Joanna's kitchens, effortlessly bringing luxury and timeless elegance. Paired with dark cabinets, they strike the perfect balance of modern style and cozy warmth, as seen in her Waco home.
Unlike quartz, granite has excellent heat resistance, making it ideal for outdoor kitchens or barbeque areas. It can withstand high temperatures without the risk of damage, so hot pots and pans can be placed directly on the surface without concern.