Quartzite Countertops in Thornton, CO
We measure, supply and fit quartzite countertops in kitchens and bathrooms across Thornton, Colorado.
- Quotes in writing
- 20 areas covered
Thornton Countertops fits quartzite countertops in homes across Thornton. We measure your cabinets first, then have each quartzite slab cut to fit them.
What quartzite is
The U.S. Geological Survey says quartzite is a rock made mainly of quartz, and that it forms from sandstone. The National Park Service says this kind of rock forms when high temperatures and pressure act on a rock and change it. At Mount Rushmore, it says, heat and pressure turned sandstone into quartzite, an extremely hard, glassy rock.
We fit quartzite in kitchens, on islands and on bathroom vanity tops.
How hard quartzite is
The National Park Service rates one quartzite, the Sioux Quartzite, at 7.5 on the Mohs hardness scale. That scale measures how well a mineral stands up to scratching. On the Park Service's chart, a steel nail is 6.5 and a knife or a glass plate is 5.5. It says the Sioux Quartzite is harder than ordinary steel.
We plan the seams and the sink cutout on a drawing before your slab is cut, so the cuts are right the first time.
Quartzite and silica dust
At Pipestone National Monument, the Park Service says most of the sand grains in the quartzite are quartz crystals glued together by silica. OSHA says stone contains crystalline silica, and that very small silica particles, at least 100 times smaller than ordinary sand, are made when stone is cut, sawed, ground or drilled.
Whoever you hire, ask where your slab will be cut and how they keep the dust down.
What sets the price of quartzite
We price quartzite countertops for your house once we've measured, and you get that quote in writing. Our price depends on the slab you choose, how much counter we cover, the edge you pick, and how many holes we cut for the sink and the cooktop, the burners set into the counter.
Can't decide on a stone yet? We can quote more than one. We also fit granite, quartz and marble.
What to get in writing
Ask for these in writing, whoever you hire:
- The name of the quartzite and the thickness of the slab.
- A drawing of the layout, with every seam and cutout marked.
- Which edge you are getting.
- Where the slab will be cut and shaped.
- Whether taking out and hauling away the old countertops is in the price.
- Who disconnects and reconnects the sink, faucet and cooktop.
Questions about quartzite countertops in Thornton
Do I need a permit for new quartzite countertops in Thornton?
Not for the countertops themselves. The City of Thornton lists replacing cabinets and counter tops among the inside projects that don't need a building permit. Plumbing, electrical or structural modifications do need one. If your new quartzite top means moving the sink, we'll check with the city's building division with you before we start.
Is quartzite the same as quartz?
No. NIOSH says engineered stone is also known as quartz, and OSHA describes engineered stone as man-made, while the U.S. Geological Survey calls quartzite a rock. If you want engineered stone instead, we fit quartz countertops too.
Is quartzite the same as marble?
No. The National Park Service lists both as rocks changed by heat and pressure, but the U.S. Geological Survey says quartzite is mostly quartz and forms from sandstone. If you like the look of both, we can show you marble countertops as well.
How do I clean quartzite countertops?
FoodSafety.gov says to wash countertops with hot, soapy water, especially after they've held raw meat, poultry, seafood or eggs. It also says never to thaw or marinate food on the counter. On any countertop we fit, we'd still set hot pans on a stand or pad and use a cutting board for knives.
How do I pick a quartzite slab?
We'd have you look at the full slab before you choose, not just a small sample. Bring a cabinet door or a paint chip with you to hold next to it.
Can you replace my old laminate with quartzite?
Yes, we can take out old laminate or tile tops and fit quartzite in their place as part of a countertop replacement job.
Can you put in a backsplash at the same time?
Yes, we can. Once the quartzite is set, we do backsplash installation, facing the strip of wall just above the counter with tile or stone that goes with it.
Can you fix a chip in a quartzite countertop?
Send us a photo, or we can come out and look. We'll tell you whether a countertop repair will hold or the piece should be replaced.
Get a quote for quartzite countertops
Call us, or send the quote form with your ZIP code and the rooms you want done. We'll measure, go through quartzite slabs and edges with you, and give you a written quote. To see the other countertops we fit, go to the Thornton Countertops home page.
Ready to talk about your countertop job?
Send the quote form with your ZIP code and what you need. We will get back to you with a written quote.