Choosing the ideal worktop material for your kitchen or bathroom can be a challenging decision. Stone worktops can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any space, making them a popular choice among homeowners. In this blog, we will compare two popular options – quartz and granite worktops – by examining their benefits and drawbacks.
Quartz Worktops: Engineered Elegance
Quartz worktops are crafted from engineered stone, combining ground quartz, resins, and polymers to create a solid and modern material. Let’s take a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of quartz worktops.
Benefits
Strength and Flexibility – Quartz worktops offer comparable strength to granite but possess the added advantage of flexibility, making them less prone to chipping or cracking.
Low Maintenance – Being non-porous, quartz does not require sealing, resulting in a fairly maintenance-free surface for your kitchen.
Stain Resistance – Quartz worktops are highly resistant to stains, allowing for easy cleanup with soap and water, even with accidental spills.
Eco-Friendly – If you’re conscious about the environment, quartz provides the beauty of natural stone while boasting eco-friendly properties.
Drawbacks
Discolouration – Extended exposure to direct sunlight can cause quartz to undergo colour changes over time, leading to visible differences between sun-exposed and shaded areas.
Visible Seams – Quartz worktops may exhibit seams, although choosing darker-coloured slabs can help minimise their visibility.
Granite Worktops: Natural Beauty
Granite worktops are crafted from natural stone, directly quarried from the earth. Let’s explore the benefits and drawbacks of granite worktops.
Benefits
Durability – Granite is an exceptionally durable stone that can withstand the rigours of daily use, ensuring longevity and resilience.
Heat Resistance – Granite exhibits high heat resistance, making it suitable for placing hot pans and cookware directly on the surface. However, using trivets or protective pads is still recommended.
Natural Aesthetics – With its unique blend of colours and textures, granite worktops provide natural and timeless beauty that complements a variety of home styles.
Sanitary Properties – When properly sealed, granite worktops offer a sanitary surface, enhancing its stain resistance and preventing the growth of germs.
Drawbacks
Regular Sealing Required – To maintain its appearance and stain resistance, granite worktops need periodic sealing.
Care and Maintenance – While durable, granite can chip or break if not handled with care, requiring proper maintenance to ensure its longevity.
Visible Seams – Concealing seams completely in a granite counter can be challenging, but skilled fabricators can make them less noticeable.
Cost Considerations
The cost of granite worktops can vary depending on the type and quality chosen, so opting for the best quality within your budget is advisable. Traditionally, quartz worktops were more expensive than natural granite, but due to its growing popularity, the cost of quartz has become more competitive.
Conclusion
At FM Marble, we appreciate the qualities of both quartz and granite worktops. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference and specific requirements. Both materials offer a lifetime of service when properly cared for.
If you’re considering quartz worktops, our team is experienced in working with leading quartz suppliers and offers a wide range of colours, patterns, and finishes to suit your style. For granite worktops, we provide expert design and supply services, offering various sample colours in our materials gallery.
Whether you opt for quartz or granite, FM Marble is here to create the perfect worktop that combines functionality and beauty.