Pro's and Con's of selecting Granite or Quartz for your Worktops
Are you not sure whether to use Granite or Quartz for your kitchen?
Do you keep receiving different opinions and ‘facts’ about each material?
Look no further! We will give a full break down of each stone type which will make your decision much easier!
Lets begin by comparing them with a brief breakdown before we dive into some of the finer points.
A brief breakdown of Quartz vs Granite for Worktop use
Granite is quarried all over the world in forms of large blocks from the earths natural nature. The blocks will then go through rigorous procedure of being sliced down into ‘slabs’ and highly polished to show its beauty.
Quartz is an engineered stone which contain crushed quartz mixed with resin in a ratio of approx 93% quartz to 7% resin. As Quartz is a manufactured stone, the colours and designs are endless. With 21st century technology, Quartz are becoming more and more like Marble/Granite, without all the maintenance and hassle.
In-depth look at the Pro’s and Con’s of Quartz
Quartz worktops are just as strong as Granite. Due to there added benefit of flexibility, it is much more durable and easier to workwith during the fabrication and installation process.
Just like Marble and Granite, Quartz worktops also have their own set of Pro’s and Con’s. Being an engineered stone, Quartz have many superior benefits and limitless uses in all applications/projects.
Quartz was first manufactured in the early 1960s. The development of this engineered stone is attributed to the Italian company Breton S.p.A. The process involves combining crushed natural quartz crystals with resins, polymers, and pigments to create a durable and non-porous material suitable for use in countertops and other surfaces.
Quartz worktops are just as strong as Granite. Due to there added benefit of flexibility, it is much more durable and easier to work with during the installation process.
Quartz is non-porous and does not require any sealing. The stone offers a virtually no-maintenance material. All required to keep it looking nice and fresh, is warm water and soap detergent like fairy liquid.
One minor drawback on Quartz Worktops is that UV rays can cause the pigments (resin) to discolour over years of constant sunlight. However, most Quartz manufacturers offer at least a 10 year warranty which will cover this issue.
The joint lines are more discreet in Quartz than Granite or Marble. Quartz is a more Contemporary design, so its ability to hide the joint lines, makes this type of material more attractive.
In-depth look at the Pro’s and Con’s of Granite
Here is a list of important drawbacks and benefits when choosing a Granite Worktop for your kitchen. Being a Natural Material, which is quarried all over the world, different types of Granites also have different properties. This allows some granites to be limited to their applications and usage.
Unlike Quartz, the appearance is never uniform. These stones are coming out of the natural resources of Earth. This particular point is a benefit for the material, however many consumers tend to think this is a drawback. Mostly due to faults and imperfections in the material.
We recommend ALL Granite Worktops to be sealed on installation. Even though the porosity level is very low, dropping wine or acidic food on the worktop can leave marks/stains. Please view our ‘Scheduled Maintenance’ page, if you require your Granite Worktop to be re-sealed.
Even though Granite is very durable, it is not to be considered as indestructible. It is a natural stone which is prone to chippings and breakages should it be subjected to heavy abuse.
With Granite, it is impossible to completely hide the joint line. We do aim to create the smallest joint line as possible.
Samples or swatches should never be considered as the final representation of the final product. As Granite is natural, veins, grains and colour will vary from block to block. Always make sure to see the full slab before the fabrication process begins.
Both Quartz and Granite Worktop owners are defending their own personal choices with a vengeance because they are so completely pleased with their end product.
Granite or Quartz?
Honestly, it all comes down to what looks more aesthetically pleasing to your eyes. Forget about all the reviews, everyone has their own opinion.
I hope our Pro’s and Con’s for each material has somewhat helped you make your decision on which Material to choose.
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Find out more
Azzurro provide Neolith, Marble, Granite and Engineered Stone Surfaces in London and surrounding areas.
If you are looking for a perfect, yet affordable supplier, call us now on 0203 576 5722 or simply click here to contact us. We have a wide variety Marble, Granite and Quartz Swatches on show in the ‘Materials' page to view.
For inspiration and/or ideas, please feel free to browse the ‘Projects’ page.
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