A worktop is the heart of a kitchen and that’s why it needs to look perfect. Quartz and granite have become popular choices of worktops and that’s understandable when you look at their benefits.
Quartz is an igneous rock made from molecules of silicon and oxygen atoms. Quartz worktops are often made up of 90-99% quartz but the exact ratio depends on the manufacturer and type of quartz worktop.
Granite is an igneous rock made up of primarily quartz and a variety of additional trace minerals. The variety of these minerals give granite the numerous colours and textures we see in the countertops.
What has more durability?
Quartz and granite are both durable materials that make them the perfect fit for kitchens. However, while they’re equally as strong, a heavy object dropped on a granite worktop might damage the granite. Granite is also a porous stone. This means that liquid is able to penetrate its surface if it is not sealed properly and is more at risk to damage. This isn’t a regular occurrence but it is more likely to happen to a granite worktop.
A quartz surface is non-porous, meaning it’s a lot less likely to get stained or cracked. So if you’re the type to be nervous about spillage and stains, then you won’t need to worry! Melrosa offers a wide variety of quartz and granite worktops available in different colours.
Heat Resistant?
Granite melts at roughly 1260°C, so the chances of any serious damage to your worktop are minimal. Because of their high heat resistance, any realistic amount of heat applied to granite in your kitchen will not cause it to chip or crack. However, Heat can damage the sealant that is applied to the worktop, exposing the porous granite underneath and making it more vulnerable to stains.
Quartz worktops are heat resistant but not totally heat proof. However, as quartz countertops are made with 90-99% quartz, the rest of the material is pigments and resin. With the resin only withstand 150 degrees, placing very hot materials such as a pan directly out of the oven will burn the countertop and cause damage. This can be easily resolved through implementing numerous safety measures around your kitchen.
Stain-free?
Both quartz and granite are stain-resistant. However, granite does require sealing once a year as it is a porous material. This isn’t costly but if left untreated, you may end up with stained granite, which will be expensive to fix.
On the other hand, quartz is naturally non-porous, which makes it virtually stain-proof.
Low maintenance?
Day to day cleaning of a quartz worktop is simple – just use a soft cloth or sponge and a little warm water. Never use household cleaners with too high or too low of pH levels, as this can lead to discoloration.
Daily cleaning for granite is also easy. Using a pH-neutral cleaner with a soft cloth can be used to keep countertops clean.
Which is more expensive
The price of granite and quartz worktops depends on the quality of your choice. If you go for the cheaper option it will not offer you all the benefits. So, it makes sense to choose a better quality worktop, even though it costs more. However, since both options are resistant to scratches and chips and have many similarities, it can be a great long term investment.
As quartz worktops become popular, the cost of buying one has significantly decreased. However, there isn’t much difference between the price of granite and quartz. Which one are you going to choose?
How to find the right choice
Melrosa are a leading domestic and commercial supplier of granite and quartz worktops. They provide premium quality materials with the aim to make your dream kitchen become a reality. They are committed to providing high quality customer service and exceeding client expectations. Check out their website at
https://www.melrosamarbleandgranite.co.uk/.
