Kitchen Work Top Guide

Quartz Worktops Vs Granite Worktops

Rejuvenating your kitchen will generally only happen once every 10 years or more and can be a big expense. In order for you not to waste time, money, and effort, you should choose carefully the right choices.

A common question that is asked with regards to new kitchen worktops is which is better, quartz or granite?

The question between this two is still being asked today since it has still no direct answer. Both of the two materials have their benefits and drawbacks. Eventually it will come down to personal choice, but having an informed idea of what both can offer will only be an advantage.

Expense.

Starting the comparison with price, it is true that both quartz and granite worktops are top of the range for worktops and therefore command the higher end of the price scale. However, quartz worktops are usually pound for pound, slightly more expensive than its granite counterpart.

What are they made from?

Granite is a natural stone that is taken directly from the ground. Granites are usually taken in large slabs, delivered them to the manufacturer, crashed them into smaller parts, then polished them done. Every slab are different since they are natural stones. There will be no consistent patterns for the slabs since they have different and unique patterns.

Similar to granite kitchen worktops, quartz is also a raw material that is originally form the ground. However, it is then mixed with a resin, generally at a ratio of 9:1 (quartz to resin). In order to alter the pore-like holes of the quartz, it is processed to fill in with the resins to produce a smooth, less susceptible to stains, and stronger material. Because of the resins added to the quartz, the manufacturer can produce consistent patterns and a wider variety of color.

Sensible dissimilarities.

Both materials are at the top range compared to the other countertops since they provide better properties for this application. Heat and scratch resistance is not a problem for these two materials.

Quartz is better than granite when it comes the resistance of bacteria since granite is more at its natural form that contains pores in the its surface. To counter this, it is important to re-seal the granite periodically (normally once a year) Re-sealing the granite is not a difficult task therefore you must do it in order to prevent stains. Quartz worktops do not have this problem and require no maintenance. For more facts about granite, watch this video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ayyZe-IjjIs.

Other thing to consider.

A general rule of thumb with a kitchen worktop is, you get what you pay for. Quartz countertops are a little more expensive than granite countertops. There are cheaper kinds but with the same materials at a thinner size. However it is easier to be scratched or chipped.