How quartz, quartzite, and other stone countertops age
- Jack Barron
- May 18
- 5 min read
Choosing a countertop can be a fun but important process. Think about it. You’re most likely spending thousands of dollars on something that will hopefully be in your kitchen for many years to come or until you sell your house.
With such a big decision to be made about the most important part of your kitchen, you might be worried that the countertop won’t stand up to the test of time and normal use. That’s why in this blog post, I will break down the specific details of how different types of stones age.
Knowing this information makes it easier to pick a stone and feel more confident using the countertop throughout its life. Keep reading to learn how these different stones, like quartzite and quartz, age and what to look out for.
In this post, we will examine the following types of stones:
Quartz
Quartzite
Granite
Marble
Quartz
Quartz is a really strong choice for almost any kitchen. For us, quartz is one of the most popular stone choices, partly because of its amazing appearance, which can set a kitchen apart.
Luckily, quartz isn’t just good for its looks, as it generally ages very well and predictably. Quartz is an engineered stone made using resins and natural stone. These countertops are heat, stain, and scratch-resistant and are also easy to clean and don’t require sealing.
Typically, quartz countertops keep their original appearance for many years, and the colors remain uniform throughout their lifespan. Not to mention, quartz isn’t prone to the effect of patina, which is the natural, gradual transformation of a surface.
Over time, however, a quartz countertop can be prone to some issues depending on its use and installation quality. For example, quartz countertops can age with long, high UV exposure over many years. Yet this is typically only a concern for countertops installed outdoors that may be exposed to sunlight year-round for years to come.
To add to this, it is also possible for quartz countertop seams to become more visible over the years. This can be the case due to dirt and dust accumulating over time or structural settling.
How visible a seam becomes is directly tied to the quality of installation. Some installers aren’t as precise as others when they cut slabs or when they choose where to make a seam. We take this into account when designing countertops by placing the seam in the least visible place possible to make a countertop composed of several cuts look like one continuous piece.
Lastly, quartz countertops can lose some luster in high-use areas after years of use. Luckily, with quartz, these concerns are normally just things to note when picking a stone, not inevitable problems you’ll have to solve. This is why quartz is great for those looking for low maintenance, consistent appearance, and minimal visible aging.
Quartzite
Quartzite is a natural stone that is made of sandstone. It is generally easy to clean, heat-resistant, and durable. Most say that quartzite can age beautifully, as it has a natural stone character that meets hardness and durability.
Quartzite generally maintains its structure and polish very well over time, even with normal use and aging over the years. The stone is resistant to scratching and is known for keeping its high-end appearance intact.
However, it is worth noting that quartzite requires sealing and is more susceptible to stains. Quartzite requires sealing upon installation and then every one to two years to fight against devastating stains, water marks, and damage from acidic substances.
Much like quartz, quartzite is an incredibly durable stone if treated right.
Choosing not to reseal a quartzite countertop leaves your stone at risk of these stains and damage that wouldn’t seep in if it were sealed.
On the whole, quartzite can even be a better choice than quartz if sealing is done to maintain it. This is because quartzite isn’t susceptible to things like fading that resin-based quartz slabs may be more prone to.
If you are willing to put in a little work every year or so, quartzite may be one of the best choices for your kitchen. Its incredible durability, paired with its beautiful appearance, can make quartzite a good option for those prioritizing consistent long-term appearance and stress-free use over the years.
Granite
Like most other options, granite countertops tend to age very well indoors. In an indoor setting, a granite countertop is highly likely to stand up to the test of time with very minimal changes or noticeable aging.
Granite countertops are great because they:
Keep their color and pattern with minimal fading
Are extremely hard
Are resistant to cracking and heat
Granite also isn’t prone to some damaging effects like these:
Warping
Peeling
Delaminating
Fading
Scratches from use
Typically, a granite countertop can easily last 30-plus years.
Still, it is important to clean your countertop when you spill something like oil or an acidic substance.
These spills have the potential to stain or leave dull spots on countertops if they are left to seep in. Luckily, you shouldn’t have any issues with this if you clean or wipe off your stone after noticeable spills like these.
Still, granite isn’t our top choice for most clients as it does require more upkeep and attention than stones like quartz. This is because granite countertops require sealing and can be more prone to chipping from things like dropped pans.
If you want to install granite countertops, it is important to consider some best practices to keep them looking brand new for years to come.
Clean with a pH-neutral stone cleaner or mild soap
Wipe acidic spills quickly
Use cutting boards
Reseal your countertop.
Marble
Here’s where things get a little tricky. Marble can be a great aesthetic choice for a kitchen or almost any other project, but it isn’t the most durable type of stone.
Marble is at risk of etching because it is a calcium-based stone susceptible to acidic substances. Sometimes, kitchen items like lemon juice, vinegar, wine, or coffee can leave dull spots if not cleaned up.
Marble is also at risk of the patina effect as the countertop ages. This stone is more likely to have a softer shine, texture changes, visible scratches, and use patterns, and even darkening in heavily used spots like around sinks or stoves.
Not to mention, marble is more porous than stones like granite. This means that it can absorb things like oils. The risk of staining can be reduced with sealing, but it does not make the stone stain-proof.
While it sounds like marble isn’t the most durable choice, this can highly depend on where the stone is installed. For one, marble can age well in spaces like bathroom vanities that typically aren’t exposed to the same risks as kitchen countertops.
To add to this, marble can be a great selection for those seeking unique designs for places that don’t see a ton of heavy use. For instance, marble can be a great choice for baking areas as it is cool and is great for rolling out dough. Marble can also be perfect for things like floating shelves, home bars, and accent furniture.
Conclusion
It’s clear that every stone has its strengths and weaknesses. Stones like quartz and quartzite are incredibly durable and can be used in a variety of different spaces. Meanwhile, granite and marble can be chosen for unique designs and beautiful appearances, but they are more prone to issues over the years of regular use.
At the end of the day, the choice is yours when it comes to which stone to install. While we hope this blog post is a helpful introduction to the pros and cons of each stone, we believe that the best way to pick the right stone is to talk to an expert.
Our team has designed and installed countless kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, home bars, and so much more. With all that experience comes knowledge of proper use and the best choices for your unique project. Please contact us today to learn more!
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