HGTV's David Bromstad Reveals The Kitchen Counter Upgrade He Had To Have In His Own Home

Knowing the pros and cons of the most popular kitchen countertop types is essential to pulling off your dream remodel. While you may already be familiar with the basic debate of marble versus granite, as well as the many pros and cons of using synthetic or natural materials, there's an excellent countertop option that you're probably overlooking — quartzite. HGTV host, David Bromstad, loves the benefits of the material. As he explains on an episode of My Lottery Dream Home, "It kind of looks like marble, but it's much more durable," adding, "That's what I'm putting in my house."

This lesser-known countertop material is a total game-changer for anyone who loves a glamorous kitchen aesthetic but hates the maintenance issues of delicate stone. Quartzite offers plenty of durability while also having a gorgeous veining pattern that gives your kitchen a luxe, elevated feel. A naturally derived stone with convenient properties, quartzite just might be the perfect compromise between high-end marble and cheap laminate.

Quartzite is formed from pressurized quartz-rich sandstone, which can produce elaborate veining and incredible color variations. It can come in shades of black, white, and gray, but it can also feature bolder hues, such as green, gold, or sandy orange. If you like the aesthetic of organic materials and patterns, quartzite is especially appealing. And, unlike quartz, quartzite countertops form naturally, so the veining and colors are totally unique. 

Quartzite is also much more durable than other premium natural countertop materials. Marble looks incredible, but it can cause you a lot of headaches in the long run as it's a notoriously high-maintenance material that's prone to staining and chipping. It's also only a 3 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, whereas quartzite is rated as a 7. Quartzite countertops are often sturdier than granite, as well, which typically rates around a 6 on the Mohs Scale. 

Additionally, quartzite offers superior heat resistance over other comparable materials. The surfaces can handle heat, of up to 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit, meaning you can place hot pans directly on your countertops without worrying about damage. So, with all that in mind, if you love natural stone but need countertops that can handle the wear and tear of daily use, it may be time to take David Bromstad's advice and invest in quartzite countertops for your kitchen.