Quartz vs Quartzite

Wed, 30 Aug 2023 15:59:51 GMT

What's the Difference Between Quartz and Quartzite?

Quartz and Quartzite are two different materials that vary in appearances, durability, care and cost. Here’s what you need to consider before deciding on your countertops...

Composition :

Quartzite is a natural stone formed when sandstone is subjected to high heat and pressure over time. Like granite, it is then quarried and sliced into quartzite slabs.

Quartz is an engineered stone composed of quartz crystals found within rocks, resins and pigments. Typically, quartz will contain 90-95% natural quartz stone.

Appearance:

Quartzite has a natural, elegant appearance and is usually a granular texture of white to gray with streaking throughout. Traces of impurities of other minerals present during its formation can result in a variety of different colors and patterns.

Quartz can be engineered and manufactured to have a wide range of colors and patterns, including solid patterns and veining that mimic the look of natural stones like marble and granite.

Durability:

Quartzite is one of the hardest natural stones available and withstands heat very well. It is highly resistant to scratches.

Quartz is nearly as hard as quartzite and highly resistant to scratches, but the resin present in the material is prone to melting in heat above 300ºF. Excessive sunlight or UV radiations may discolor quartz over time.

Maintenance:

Quartzite has low porosity, so it’s dense structure makes it resistant to stains or chemical damage. However, it will require sealing before use and a few times a year to enhance its stain resistance.

Quartz is generally non-porous making it resistant to stains, bacteria and mold growth. Quartz can often wipe clean with a damp cloth.

Pricing:

Quartzite and Quartz are priced similarly. Quartz can be poured into a mould to produce virtually any shape. However, Quartzite must be cut with a diamond blade requiring greater time and skill. Project complexity will result in the per square foot cost of Quartzite to exceed that of Quartz.

You can see why it’s important to consider functionality within your lifestyle in addition to the aesthetics of your project when choosing a countertop material. Both quartzite and quartz are beautiful and durable stones worth considering for your kitchen or bathroom.

HOW MUCH WILL MY BATHROOM RENOVATION COST?

Wed, 12 Jul 2023 17:03:00 GMT

Budgeting for a Bathroom Renovation

The cost of a bathroom renovation can vary significantly depending on several factors, such as the size of the bathroom, scope of the renovation, the materials used and the location. It’s challenging to provide an exact figure without these specifics, but we can give you a general idea of the costs involved.

On average, a bathroom remodel can cost anywhere from $15,000 to $25,000. This type of renovation typically includes updating fixtures, installing new flooring and tile, replacing the bathtub or shower, adding new countertops and cabinetry, and making cosmetic changes to update and improve the overall appearance of the bathroom.

A high-end bathroom remodel with luxury features and premium materials can exceed $35,000 or more. This kind of renovation may involve custom cabinetry, high-end fixtures, intricate tile work, and additional amenities such as heated floors, a walk-in rain shower, or a spa tub.

It’s important to note that these figures are just estimates, and the actual cost will vary based on your specific project and local market conditions. To get an accurate estimate for your bathroom remodel, consult with local experts who can assess your project and provide a detailed cost breakdown.

Here’s a breakdown of some common expenses in a bathroom remodel:

Labor : Labor costs can vary depending on your location and the complexity of your project. The cost of hiring professionals for demo, plumbing, electrical work, carpentry, tiling, and other tasks can account for a significant portion of the budget.
Materials : The cost of materials such as tile, flooring, fixtures, cabinets, countertops, lighting, mirrors, and more can vary greatly depending on the quality and brand you choose. Naturally, custom or high-end materials are going to be more expensive. (Note: When working with luxury materials, it’s especially important that you’re working with a highly-vetted, highly-skilled installer to avoid costly mistakes and subpar outcomes.)
Plumbing and Electrical : If you’re moving any plumbing fixtures or electrical outlets, this additional work is likely to increase your overall cost. Factors such as the location of your bathroom (is it on the main floor or upstairs?) and your foundation (do you have a crawl space or slab foundation?) can affect the overall scope of work.
Space : This one's kind of obvious, but the size of the bathroom your remodeling will impact the total labor and materials required to transform your space. Renovating a 200 sqft master bathroom with 10' ceilings is significantly more expensive than a 40 sqft guest bathroom with 8' ceilings.
Design and Planning : Hiring a professional designer or architect to help with the layout, design, and planning can add to the overall cost. While it isn’t often a necessity, these professional services can ensure a well-executed and functional bathroom design.

Note : Working with a contractor who runs a project management-style process will increase your cost compared to hiring/vetting your own tradesman and managing your own project. But the experience and expertise of a trusted expert is likely to save you time and money overall.

It’s never a bad idea to get multiple quotes from contractors in your area to have a better understanding of the costs specific to your project and make sure you’ve found a trusted expert that you’re excited to work with.

Kingdom Custom Construction | Blog

Quartz vs Quartzite

What's the Difference Between Quartz and Quartzite?

HOW MUCH WILL MY BATHROOM RENOVATION COST?

Budgeting for a Bathroom Renovation