Knowing which worktop to choose can be tricky if you want to revamp your kitchen. There are many material options, but quartz and granite are two of the most common. They differ slightly in price, aesthetics and durability, and one may be more suited to you and your home and the other. In this blog, you will discover the similarities and differences between quartz and granite worktops and establish which one is more suited to you and your home.
The Difference Between Quartz and Granite
Although they may appear similar, these two materials have a few differences. The main difference is how they are formulated- this will affect the colours and styles available for you to choose from.
Granite is an igneous rock formed when hot, molten rock crystallises and solidifies. The variety of colours and features are determined by the cooing speeds of the materials within the molten rock. Granite is a more natural stone and will boast a more natural finish. This will often mean that there are fewer colours to choose from, and there will be less freedom to determine the patterns within the granite.
Quartz is made from naturally occurring quartz, which is then crushed and mixed with polyester resin and pigments. It is moulded and cooked to emulate natural stone and often mimics the patterns in marbles and granites. Quartz is semi-artificial, which would give you more freedom to select the colours and patterns you require.
Which is More Durable?
Quartz and granite are some of the best materials for kitchen worktops, and they are both highly durable. However, granite requires more intense aftercare than quartz, so if you want to maintain excellent durability, you may have to spend more money than the initial purchase.
Granite is a naturally porous material, meaning if it is not sealed initially and then resealed at least once a year, it will be prone to stains and far harder to clean. Some people may want to do this themselves, but, in most cases, paying a professional that knows what they’re doing would be a safer option. This will be a further cost on top of the initial price for the worktop.
On the other hand, Quartz does not require this upkeep and is far less prone to chipping. This would undoubtedly be a good option for someone who is busy and does not want to worry about extended maintenance.
Which is More Heat-Resistant?
Putting a hot pan straight from the hob on either worktop is not recommended. Both surfaces are heat resistant to a certain level, but because granite is a natural material, it has a slight edge over quartz.
Putting anything over 250 centigrade directly on a quartz worktop could cause thermal shock, meaning the polymers would break down and the worktop would fracture. This reaction is unlikely to happen with granite.
There will not often be times you would place something extremely hot directly onto a countertop as it is not recommended with either of these materials. Still, there is far less chance of damaging granite in an emergency.
Which is Easier to Clean?
When cared for correctly, both quartz and granite are stain resistant. However, as discussed, granite must be sealed, or you risk permanently staining it.
Quartz is naturally non-porous, which ensures that it is virtually stainproof.
Which Stains Easier?
Both granite and quartz worktops can be easily cleaned with warm soapy water. Avoid products that contain bleach to prevent discolouration of the countertop.
Because of the resins in quartz countertops, you may have to be more cautious when selecting cleaning products. When manufactured, quartz countertops are combined with acid-sensitive resins, making them susceptible to chemical damage. Acidic products (lemon juice, vinegar) can eat through the resins, damaging the surface.
Which is More Expensive?
Because of the controlled nature of quartz, it is often more expensive than granite. Depending on the brand, you can expect to pay anywhere between £280 to £450/m2.
Because it is formed naturally, granite has different grades, which command different prices.
You’ll typically find that tan and black granite is the least expensive, and white and light granites will cost more. Black and tan coloured slabs are the most abundantly available on the market and will average about £250 per square meter.
White granite can be far harder to source and, therefore, can be pricier, with prices of around £400 per square meter.
If you want to incorporate a range of blues, greens and golds into your countertop, you may be looking at far more money than if you settled for a darker granite variation.
Which Looks Better?
Appearance is subjective, so there is no definitive answer to this question; it all depends on how you want your kitchen to look.
Granite tends to offer a bolder worktop design due to its natural qualities. With granite, each piece is unique as the colour and pattern are 100% naturally occurring. If you plan on having a larger work surface, this could be a disadvantage, as you may require multiple pieces of granite to join together. This can create a mismatched effect and impact the overall aesthetic.
As quartz is artificial, you can guarantee a universal finish. There may also be more styles and colours, as the resin creates the colour set. However, depending on the retailer, you may find quartz is limited to popular neutral shades such as black, white, grey and beige.
The join between slabs in lightly pattered quartz will be more inconspicuous than that of granite, but it still won’t be entirely invisible.
Overall, choosing between quartz and granite is still an entirely personal decision. Granite is altogether natural and, because of this, will boast a far more natural finish. Whilst many people cannot tell the difference, you may want an all-natural look in your kitchen. If you are looking for darker shades of granite, this will work out cheaper than quartz.
Whilst quartz is more expensive; it requires less upkeep. There are also more colour options and patterns to choose from. It may be worth the extra money. If you have further questions about what worktop is better for you, visit https://www.mrworktopfitter.co.uk/.
