I get asked about quartzite almost every single day in our showroom, and I get it — it’s one of those materials that looks like marble but performs like granite, so people are curious whether it’s actually worth it. After more than a decade of helping Conejo Valley homeowners pick out slabs, I want to walk you through what a quartzite kitchen countertop actually brings to the table, without the sales pitch.
What Makes Quartzite Different From Granite or Marble?
Quartzite is a natural stone that forms when sandstone is compressed under intense heat and pressure over a very long time. That process is what gives it the soft, flowing veining people love about marble, but with a hardness that rivals or even exceeds granite. If you’ve been torn between the two looks, quartzite is often the material that lets you have both.
One thing I always tell customers: not everything labeled “quartzite” on the market is the real thing. Some slabs are actually dolomitic marble being sold under the quartzite name, and they don’t hold up the same way. This is exactly why it helps to see and touch the slab in person rather than ordering off a photo online — something we make easy at our quartzite countertop showroom in Thousand Oaks.
Why Homeowners Choose Quartzite for Their Kitchen Remodel
When someone comes in planning a kitchen countertop remodel, here’s what usually seals the deal on quartzite:
- Heat resistance — you can set a hot pan down without worrying about scorch marks
- Scratch resistance — daily knife slips and cutting board use won’t dull the surface
- Natural variation — no two slabs look identical, which means your kitchen gets a countertop nobody else has
- UV stability — it won’t fade or yellow, even in a bright kitchen with a lot of natural light
To be fair with you, quartzite does need to be sealed periodically since it’s a natural, porous stone. It’s a simple part of ownership, not a dealbreaker — I just don’t like leaving that detail out.
Our Role in Your Countertop Remodel
I want to be clear about what we do and don’t do, because I think it actually helps you plan your project better. Arena Marble & Granite specializes in the countertop and stone portion of your remodel — that means helping you select the right quartzite slab, fabricating it to your exact measurements, and installing it in your kitchen. We’re not a general contractor, so if your project involves new cabinets, flooring, or layout changes, you’ll want to coordinate that separately. But if it involves a slab, that’s exactly where we come in.
We also sell floor and wall tile if you’re doing a broader kitchen refresh, though we don’t handle the tile installation itself — just so there’s no confusion there.
Seeing Quartzite in Person
Photos genuinely don’t do this stone justice. Every slab has its own movement and color depth that’s hard to capture on a screen. Homeowners from Westlake Village, Newbury Park, and Oak Park regularly make the trip out to our Thousand Oaks showroom just to walk the aisles and see what’s currently in stock, since quartzite inventory changes as we bring in new imports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is quartzite more expensive than granite?
Generally, yes — quartzite tends to run a bit higher than granite due to sourcing and the rarity of true, high-grade quartzite. That said, pricing varies a lot by color and pattern, so it’s worth comparing actual slabs rather than assuming based on material type alone.
How long does a quartzite kitchen countertop installation take?
Once you’ve chosen your slab, fabrication and installation typically take one to two weeks, depending on the complexity of your layout and how many edges and cutouts are involved.
Does a quartzite kitchen countertop need special cleaning products?
A mild soap and water is usually all you need for daily cleaning. Avoid acidic cleaners like vinegar-based products, since they can wear down the sealant over time.
Can I use quartzite for other parts of my home besides the kitchen?
Absolutely — quartzite works well for bathroom vanity tops, backsplashes, and even fireplace surrounds, since it holds up well in a variety of settings.
Ready to See Our Quartzite Selection?
If you’re planning a kitchen countertop remodel and want to see quartzite slabs in person, stop by our Thousand Oaks showroom at 2300 Corporate Center Drive. You can also find us on Google Maps to get directions or check our hours before you visit. I’m always happy to walk you through our current inventory and help you figure out if quartzite is the right fit for your kitchen.