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27 Aug 2024

Is Caesarstone More Expensive Than Quartzite?

Is Caesarstone More Expensive Than Quartzite - Markham Tiles

Caesarstone is a popular brand known for its quartz and porcelain countertops. These countertops offer the look of natural stone but are easier to maintain than Quartzite. While people often refer to speckled or white quartz countertops as natural stone but, it is not! Quartz countertops are actually made from a mix of natural mineral dust and synthetic resins. Quartzite is a naturally occurring stone which is quite similar but has a lot of differences in quality and type, which affects its price. In this article, we will learn whether Caesarstone is more expensive than Quartzite or not.

What is Caesarstone?

Caesarstone countertops are manufactured with over 90% quartz, resin, and colour pigments. They are non-porous, hygienic, strong, and easy to maintain.

Pros and cons of Caesarstone countertops

Pros

  • Highly Durable
  • Easy to maintain
  • Sealing is not required
  • Stain and scratch-resistant
  • Moisture Resistant
  • High return on investment

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Not resistant to heat

What is Quartzite?

Quartzite is a natural rock formed when sandstone rich in quartz is exposed to high heat and pressure. Unlike some other rocks, Quartzite doesn’t have any visible layers or coloured bands.

Pros and cons of quartzite countertops

Pros

  • Durable
  • Heat resistant
  • It costs less than marble
  • UV Resistant

Cons

  • It is more expensive than wood and laminate
  • Porous
  • Annual sealing is required
  • Limited colours and patterns are available

Cost Factors of Caesarstone Countertops

The cost of Caesarstone depends on certain factors, such as size, style, and finishing. We have mentioned them briefly below.

Countertop Size

The cost estimation of the Caesarstone project can be calculated by measuring the size of your countertops. This will give you an idea of how much material you need.

Fabrication

Most installers charge fabrication charges, which include the cost of designing the layout, cutting the countertop to the right size, and adding the edge style you want.

Edges

Caesarstone is a highly durable material that can be crafted with different decorative edges, such as bevel, ogee, half bullnose, waterfall, and so on. The cost for these edges usually ranges from $30 to $60 per linear foot, depending on the fabricator. Generally, fabricators don’t charge extra for a square or eased edge.

Cutouts

Installers will cut the Caesarstone slab to fit your kitchen and make openings for sinks, cooktops, and outlets. The cost will vary depending on the number of cuts made, especially the detailed ones.

Colour and Pattern

Caesarstone countertops come in over 60 styles and colours. The pricing will be different for each colour and style you choose. Slabs that are harder to find or need to be specially ordered will cost more. Generally, the most affordable options are available in solid neutral colours.

Finish

Caesarstone has five types of finishing in its category: natural, polished, rough, honed, and concrete. The finishing types that are easy to produce, like polished, are affordable. Conversely, complicated finishes that require more processing, like honed, require more time to complete and are a bit more expensive.

Labour

Labour for installing Caesarstone countertops generally costs between $16 and $26 per square foot. You can hire a professional to do this process to get a warranty on the cracks or defects in the countertops.

Cost Factors of Quartzite Countertops

There are a lot of differences you can observe between Quartzite and Caesarstone. Quartzite also has some factors to consider when you buy it.

Labour

Installing quartzite countertops costs around $10 and $40 per square foot or $45 to $85 per hour. Even though Quartzite is a high-end material, installation costs are not high. Always the price depends on the contractor and your location. Some installations can be complicated. If your countertop is part of a larger renovation, you may also need to bear the plumber and electrician’s expenses. If an old countertop is to be removed, it can cost around $50 and $300, including the labour and disposal of the removed slab.

Quartzite Type

The cost of Quartzite depends on its rarity and quality. Super white Quartzite, which has light gray veining, is popular and can cost as low as $50 per square foot. Higher-end varieties like Taj Mahal quartzite cost between $90 and $150 per square foot and can have dramatic, colourful veining. The more attractive the colour and pattern, the more expensive the slab will be. People consider it a natural work of art.

Edge Type

The type of edge you choose can make a big difference in your renovation. Creative and complicated edging can cost more per linear foot. Square or eased edges are standard and don’t involve extra cost. For custom edges, pay an extra $10 to $40 per linear foot.

Finishing

Quartzite countertops come in various finishes, each with a different price range. They come in three different finishes: polish, honed, and leather. The standard polished finish is shiny and doesn’t cost extra. The honed finish costs an additional $10 to $20 per square foot. The leathered finish costs an extra $15 to $25 per square foot.

Cutouts

Usually, the cost of adding standard sink or faucet cutouts is included in the countertop price, as they are done during fabrication. But if any special shapes or custom cutouts are required, there might be an extra charge, like $45 – $85, which takes two to five hours.

Reinforcement of the Cabinet

Since Quartzite is a heavy natural stone, it may be necessary to reinforce your cabinets to support the weight. This reinforcement typically costs between $45 and $85 per hour.

Ongoing Expenses For Caesarstone Countertops

After buying the new Caesarstone countertops, there will be some ongoing expenses to keep them in good shape for years together.

Maintenance

Caesarstone countertops’ maintenance is simple. To remove rust marks, rub them with a powder cleanser for $5 to $10 or wipe them regularly with a soap solution and a clean, soft cloth.

Repairs

You can fix small scratches or minor damage to countertops yourself. But if the damage is complicated, it’s better to call a professional. Hiring a professional to repair your countertops can cost around $10 to $12 per square foot.

Ongoing Expenses For Quartzite Countertops

Quartzite countertops require regular cleaning and annual sealing to prevent staining and spills in the kitchen or bathroom.

Repairs

Most people spend around $300 – $400 on a repair. However, repairs can be minimized if you take good care of your quartzite countertops. Quartzite is very durable and resistant to heat, but it can still crack or chip if something heavy hits it.

Sealing

If you hire an expert to seal, it will cost between $100 and $350. However, if you do it yourself, the sealant will cost only $20. Sealing is an easy task, and many homeowners choose to do it themselves.

Conclusion

While deciding what material to choose for new countertops for your home, consider the factors mentioned above. Caesarstone and Quartzite are both durable and offer elegance to the home. Each has its characteristics, which affect the overall price. Considering the above factors, you can easily estimate the budget and choose the perfect countertop for your home. For expert advice and a wide selection of premium countertops, visit Markham Tiles. Our team is ready to help you find the perfect solution for your renovation project. Contact us for more details.

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