Advice centre
Granite worktops VS Quartz worktops
Here are some points to help you decide if you should get Granite or Quartz for your kitchen worktop.
Granite
- Granite are 100% natural stones quarried from the earth as enormous chunks of stone, cut to size and honed down until they are smooth.
- Granite has a natural beauty and a mixture of hues that give it a extraordinary colour palette. However, the appearance is not uniform. Because granites are natural stones coming right out of the earth are not perfectly designed by nature. For some people this will be a benefit while others will consider it to be a disadvantage.
- Granite worktops will need to be sealed before they are used and repeated every year to maintain the beautiful appearance and stain resistance.
- Granite is a porous stone, so to avoid stains a proper maintenance and sealer worktop is high recommended.
- Countertops made of granite and quartz are extremely durable. Granite It is a natural rock and can break or chip if subjected to heavy abuse
- Granite can often end up costing a bit more than quartz since it is a natural rock.
- Because granite is a natural stone, the samples that you see can slightly differ from the stone that you receive. There are colour variances is slabs of the same granite block. For that reason, do not recommend ordering granite samples as samples cannot be a true 100% reflection of the stone you are ordering. The best option is if possible, to visit and choose the granite slabs directly from supplier
Quartz
- Quartz countertops are comprised of 93% quartz, blended with 7% unsaturated polyester resins, additives, and inorganic non-fading pigments.
- Quartz worktops are just as strong as granite but easier to work with during the manufacture and installation process. For that reason, the price for manufacture granite worktop, such as hob/ sink cut outs, edge profiles might be slightly more expensive.
- Quartz is virtually maintenance free and can be cleaned with extreme ease, these material does not require sealing.
- Unlike granite countertops, quartz is non-porous and almost impossible to stain
- Common household spills - such as, tea, coffee, lemon juice, soda, fruit, vegetable juice, olive oil or grease spills - are easily removed and the surface can be restored to its original appearance, just simply requires a quick clean up.
- As disadvantage some quartz can discolour over time when exposed to direct sunlight. This is generally a feature though of older generations of quartz worktop. Modern factory processed quartz worktops do not show this colour difference.
- Quartz worktops are available in elegant designs and colours with an outstanding visual appeal.
- Heavier than granite, these countertops need to be professionally installed
- Quartz is one of the hardest materials in nature, which is an assurance that your quartz surface will not easily scratch or chip. The use of a cutting board is nevertheless recommended.
Quartz VS Granite
Price
Granite and quartz prices can vary according to the manufacturer, the pattern and the colour of the granite slab.
During recent years, the prices on granite countertops have come down significantly since they first made their appearance on the market, however granite can often end up costing a bit more than quartz since it is a natural rock
Aesthetics
Some people like the look of granite more than quartz because it has a natural stone while others prefer the sleek uniform look of quartz. It's a personal choice.
value of your home
Adding a stone countertop to your home will definitely increase its value. If a buyer is looking at 2 homes that are similar and one has a stone counter while the other has a laminate one, the odds are good that the home with the quartz or granite counter will be the chosen one.
Hygiene
Polished worktop surfaces are moulds and bacteria don't have a chance to get settled in which makes quartz worktop a remarkably hygienic surface.
Maintenance
Granite worktop will need to be cleaned off and wiped dry after each use and sealed every year. Meanwhile, a good quality quartz surface is almost maintenance-free.
last the entire lifetime of the home
Both quartz and granite can last the entire lifetime in the kitchen as long as you give them appropriate care and maintenance.
