Leathered quartzite countertops are among the growing trends in home design with natural stones. Unlike their normal versions – which feature a clean look – and polished counterparts, with their smooth and shiny appearance, leathered quartzite is iconic for its pebbly and textured feel, ranging from a diverse pool of colors and finishes.
In this article, you’ll find out what leathered quartzite countertops are all about, peeking at some main advantages and aesthetic possibilities they offer.
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What are leathered quartzite countertops?
Quartzite is a fantastic option for those seeking to invest in a prestigious, strong, and durable surface in home design. Made of quartz crystals, quartzite ranks at about 7 on the Mohs Hardness Scale (having approximately the strength of granite, if not harder) and often features soothing, delicately colored veining that resembles marble. This means that, if you want something that looks like marble and is harder than granite, quartzite is the go-to choice on the market.
That said, quartzite slabs can be manufactured into a variety of finishes – which not only give its surface a distinct look but help strengthen it. In the case of leathered quartzite, the stone is processed to create a textured, matte finish resembling the “soft” feel of leather, showcasing its natural variations and patterns while offering increased durability compared to other versions.
Those other versions would include polished quartzite and honed quartzite, which have their own set of benefits. Many people confuse the latter for leathered quartzite due to their similar workmanship – but as you can check in our complete guide to honed quartzite, there’s a key difference here.
Leathered quartzite features a matte texture resembling leather and tends to be more durable, while honed quartzite offers a smooth, matte surface and requires slightly more maintenance. Both finishes differ primarily in appearance, texture, and caring needs.
Cost comparison
The cost of quartzite can vary depending on factors such as quality, availability, source, and the specific finish applied. Overall, the cost comparison among different finishes on any natural stone follows a general trend: natural cleft or unfinished ones being the least expensive, followed by polished, honed, and leathered ones as the most costly.
Unfortunately, due to the nature of this specific finish, involving not only a difficult quarrying process but precise handwork, leathered slabs are usually the most expensive versions you can find. The leathering process takes specialized techniques to create the textured and matte look, which adds to the overall cost.
But don’t let that fool you!
5 main benefits of leathered quartzite countertops
While leathered quartzite countertops may not offer as many design options as some engineered materials, they still provide plenty of opportunities for customization and creativity. The unique texture and natural beauty of leathered quartzite can add warmth, character, and sophistication to any space.
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Natural variation
Like all natural stone materials, leathered quartzite exhibits natural variation in color, pattern, and texture. This variation adds character and uniqueness to each slab, allowing for a one-of-a-kind countertop design.
Color choices
Quartzite is available in a variety of colors, ranging from neutral tones like white, gray, and beige to more dramatic hues such as blue, green, and gold. This diversity of color options allows for flexibility in matching the countertops with different kitchen or bathroom designs.
Texture
The leathered finish of quartzite countertops adds texture and depth to the surface, creating visual interest and a tactile experience. This unique texture can complement various design styles, from rustic and traditional to contemporary and modern.
Edge profiles
While the leathered finish itself does not affect the edge profiles of the countertops, you can choose from a variety of edge profiles to customize the look of your countertops further. Common edge profiles include straight, beveled, bullnose, and ogee, among others.
Compatibility with other materials
Leathered quartzite countertops can be combined with a variety of other materials to create cohesive design schemes. For example, they can be paired with natural wood cabinets for a warm, inviting look or with sleek stainless steel appliances for a more contemporary feel.
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How to clean and maintain leathered quartzite countertops
All you need to do is to clean your countertops during usage with water and mild detergent. You can use a cloth, a microfiber cloth, or a sponge.
But take note: leathered quartzite countertops are generally more porous than their polished and normal counterparts due to the texture of the finish, which leaves their surface slightly more open. This makes the stone more prone to absorbing liquids and potentially staining if spills are not promptly cleaned up, so you must be extra careful when installing these countertops in bathrooms and kitchens.
Nevertheless, it’s essential to take extra care when cleaning and maintaining leathered quartzite countertops to preserve their appearance. Regular sealing (with a properly applied sealant) can also help reduce the porosity of the surface and provide added protection against structural problems in the future.
Take a look at our maintenance tips below:
- Avoid using harsh chemicals and abrasive or acidic cleaners, such as those containing bleach, ammonia, or vinegar, as they can damage the surface of the quartzite;
- While quartzite is durable, it’s not completely scratch-proof, so always use a cutting board to prevent scratches and gouges from knives and other cooking objects;
- Do not place hot items directly on the surface – sudden changes in temperature can cause thermal shock and potentially damage the countertop, so always use trivets or hot pads to protect the surface from hot pans and pots;
- Stay away from scouring pads, steel wool, or abrasive brushes when cleaning quartzite countertops, as they can scratch the surface;
- Do not ignore spills – clean them up promptly to prevent staining, and that includes leftover food crumbs (even though quartzite is less porous than some natural stones, it can still absorb liquids and organic substances if left sitting for too long);
- Dragging heavy pots, pans, or appliances across the countertop can scratch or chip the quartzite, so lift and place heavy items instead of dragging them.
Some design possibilities for leathered quartzite countertops
In nature, quartzite stones are commonly found in pale, neutral colors – such as cream, beige, and gray – featuring faint remnants of the light veining that makes marble stones so famous. When it comes to leathered finishes, some of the top choices among homeowners include:
Leathered Mont Blanc Quartzite
It is a luxurious natural stone renowned for its elegant appearance and durability. Featuring a predominantly white or creamy background with subtle veining and occasional gray or beige undertones, the leathered finish enhances its natural beauty with a textured surface resembling the feel of leather. Highly durable and resistant to heat, scratches, and stains, Mont Blanc Quartzite is ideal for high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms. Its neutral color palette and versatile aesthetic make it suitable for various design styles, from traditional to contemporary, and it pairs seamlessly with a wide range of cabinetry and decor options.
Pearl Leathered Quartzite
A captivating natural stone known for its exquisite appearance and durability. With a soft, pearl-like hue and subtle veining, this quartzite showcases a delicate elegance that is further enhanced by its leathered finish, which provides a textured surface reminiscent of leather. Renowned for its resistance to heat, scratches, and stains, Pearl Leathered Quartzite is an excellent choice for countertops, backsplashes, and other interior applications, particularly in high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms. Its neutral color and versatile aesthetic make it compatible with a wide range of design styles, from classic to contemporary.
Sequoya Brown Leathered Quartzite
This is a sophisticated natural stone renowned for its warm, earthy tones and distinctive texture. Featuring rich brown hues with hints of gray and beige, this quartzite exudes a rustic charm that is enhanced by its leathered finish, providing a tactile surface reminiscent of leather. Renowned for its durability and resistance to heat, scratches, and stains, Sequoya Brown Leathered Quartzite is an excellent choice for countertops, backsplashes, and other interior applications, especially in kitchens and bathrooms. Its versatile aesthetic complements a variety of design styles, from traditional to modern, and pairs seamlessly with a range of cabinetry and decor options.
Purchase the right leathered quartzite for your home at Eagle Stones
If you live near Sarasota, Florida, not only do we have the right catalog of quartzite countertops for you but also offer the best installation and maintenance services in town. We work with a variety of natural stones from all over the world – including granite, marble, onyx, and quartzite – and well-reviewed technical approaches that only professionals with years in the business 100% approve. We can even go to your home to give you a free estimate!
Get in contact with our expert team to start planning your next finished countertop project today!