Both quartzite and granite are natural minerals. Although quartz work surfaces are made of quartzite, they are manufactured. However, they produce an attractive, natural look that is similar to the one-of-a-kind appearance you will obtain from a truly natural stone like granite. Many people like to compare quartz and granite worktops to better understand which will suit their kitchen best. If you are weighing up the relative merits of these two popular materials and want to know more, read on.
Quartz’s Plus Points in the Kitchen
- Quartz is tough. It is just as durable a concrete or granite making it a good choice in busy kitchens.
- Because quartz is a man-made product derived from a natural material, you get a naturalistic appearance but with more colour choices and greater uniformity.
- Quartz worktops are less liable to chips from heavy objects falling onto them compared to granite ones.
- Quartz provides a rich appearance that oozes luxuriousness.
- As a non-porous material in its own right, there is no need to use a sealant to stop water ingression as you might with granite. This makes it great in bathrooms as well as kitchens, of course.
- Kitchen worktops made from quartz are highly resistant to staining – even from problem foodstuffs, such as oil, tomato, coffee and fruit juices.
- Quartz has very few recesses where microbes might build up. Surfaces made from it are easy to keep free of germs.
The Disadvantages of Quartz Worktops
- Quartz is an expensive option for kitchen worktops. There are much cheaper man-made alternatives, albeit ones that won’t offer such a unique or luxuriant appearance.
- As a relatively modern material, quartz will not suit all kitchen design styles. They look a little out of place in traditional farmhouse kitchens, for example.
- Where worktop joins need to be made, they will be detectable under close inspection where quartz is used.
- Quartz is not as heat-resistant as other materials, including granite.
The Benefits of Granite Worktops
- Granite worktops are fully natural which means they look classy and have a genuinely unique look that cannot be replicated anywhere else.
- Although it is possible to chip and scratch granite, there is no denying that it is a very long-lasting and durable material for kitchen worktops.
- The heat-resistant properties of granite are exemplary with few other options offering such a return on your investment in this regard.
- Granites come in many different colour tones, so you are bound to find something that suits the rest of your interior décor.
- Worktops made from granite are easy to clean with nothing more than soap and water.
Reasons Why Granite May be Unsuited to Your Kitchen
- Granite is porous so it needs a sealant. After a few years of use, this will need to be reapplied to ensure you continue to get the best out of your worktops.
- Although it is stain-resistant, acidic spillages can cause permanent damage unless they are cleaned up quickly.
- Granite is heavy and needs adequate supporting structures.
- Like quartz, granite will have visible seams where joins are needed.
- Although its price varies, granite is often just as expensive as quartz.
- Granite is cold to the touch. Although many people are not put off by this factor, it may make a difference if you like warmer surfaces.
For more information contact Total Tops Worktop Installations today!
