When it comes to countertop material, you have plenty of choices! Walk into any home decor showroom, and you will be surrounded by the likes of Quartz, granite, laminate, Quartzite, marble and more. The advice will be similar: granite is classic, quartz is low-maintenance, quartzite is luxurious. The question that remains is at the altitude of 6500 feet in southwest Colorado, which countertop material will prove its mettle in functionality and durability?
The Colorado weather is unique. It is semi-arid with low humidity. Winters are cold and dry, and UV radiation is high in the summer. Like any desert, the temperatures drop rapidly at night. Variations in temperature and dryness cause rapid wear and tear on different materials. Thus, the need to match the features of countertop materials with the homeowner’s requirements and usage cannot be stressed more.
Here we bring a simplified analysis of the three most popular countertops: GRANITE, QUARTZ, AND QUARTZITE. What you need to understand before you make your final choice!
Engineered Quartz: Low Maintenance, With One Caveat
Manufactured in factories, engineered quartz is non-porous and so does not require sealing. It is a man-made material manufactured mostly from natural ground Quartz, resins and pigments. All these materials, when combined, form a durable and very hard surface. These features have made quartz one of the most popular countertop materials in the last decade. It is consistent in colour and texture. It does not hold stains from coffee, wine or oil.
For busy kitchens, Quartz is a no-brainer. Low in maintenance and quick to clean, Quartz performs indoors here as well as anywhere else.
It has just one caveat – the stone is not great for outdoor use. The resins in the material react to UV Rays and are prone to discolouration and damage. If the stone remains exposed to direct sunlight for an extended period, it will degenerate fast. Thus, here in Colorado, which is prone to high UV radiation, the outdoor performance of Quartz is a question. For most of the kitchens, quartz is a go-to choice, but it is important to check if the windows in the south or west are directly pouring in the afternoon sunlight on the countertop.
Granite: A Strong Performer, if You Respect the Sealing Schedule
Granite is a natural stone formed by the slow cooling of magnum beneath the Earth’s crust over a lengthy period. The natural process gives granite the course texture and makes it hard and durable. It is available in multiple colours that suit both modern and classic look. Multiple properties make it a great choice for both indoors and outdoors. It is very strong and durable, is heat-resistant, does not hold onto stains, and is quick to clean.
For decades now, granite is the most common material used for kitchen countertops and other high-traffic areas. It holds up to the Durango climate very well, apart from one thing, which catches homeowners off guard- the dry arid climate dries out the sealer very fast. A protective sealer needs to be applied to the porous granite surface, preventing oil and water from soaking in. Usually, the sealer can last up to 3 to 5 years in a humid climate, but here it needs to be reapplied more frequently.
If you want a granite countertop, plan to check on its sealer every 1 to 2 years. The test is simple. Drop a small amount of water on the surface, if it darkens or soaks up its time for resealing. Darker granites tend to be denser and less porous than lighter ones, so if low maintenance is a priority, a darker slab is generally a smarter choice here.
Quartzite: The High-Altitude Overachiever
Quartzite is again a natural stone. Actually, it is a normal sandstone subjected to extreme heat and pressure for many years, resulting in the formation of a very hard stone, we now know as Quartzite. Quartz and Quartzite are completely different with different properties, but are often confused with.
Quartzite formed over a period of millions of years, is very hard, harder than granite. Luxurious looking, it can replace marble. Quartzite also gives marble style veining without being vulnerable to etching from cleaners. Acidic substances do not react with it and cause no harm to the stone. Hard, durable, less porous than granite and is also heat resistant. Each slab is different. Available in polished, honed and leathered finishes, it is a winner.
With all the qualities, it still needs to be resealed. Sealing intervals may be less, but checks are needed, especially in drier climates.
Homeowners looking for a natural stone look, without constant maintenance anxiety, can undoubtedly go for it.
The Climate-Smart Way to Choose
A single answer does not fit. The smartest way is to assess the need, the priorities and the location.
QUARTZ: Low on maintenance, no sealing required, Quartz can be a choice if the countertop does not fall in the path of direct sunlight.
GRANITE: Hard, natural stone. Great for both indoors and outdoors. If annual maintenance check and resealing is not an issue granite is the most common opted for material.
QUARTZITE : Even with resealing required in some intervals, Quartzite can prove to be a very good investment. Its durability and functionality is second to none.
At Tile & Light Art of Durango, our design consultants have helped hundreds of local homeowners navigate exactly these decisions. We know what holds up in this climate and what looks beautiful doing it. Come see our full slab selection in person there’s no substitute for seeing and touching the actual material before you commit.