Both granite and quartz are exemplary materials for worktops. They are both durable, hardy and simple to maintain. However, it’s important to remember that they are not the same, and because of this, a granite or quartz worktop may be better for your specific application.
How they are made: Granite is not a manufactured stone. It is mined from the earth all over the world. Because of this, granite is not perfect by nature. Every slab of granite is unique, with a one-of-a-kind appearance. Quartz is a manufactured stone. High quality quartz worktops are 96-97 per cent quartz, with bonding agents. The manufacturing process is a painstaking process, with the result being worktops that are uniform. The benefit to this is that a kitchen’s design can be consistent. However, some people prefer the appearance of granite, because of the marks, ripples and unique characteristics time has created.
Porosity: Granite is a porous stone, meaning that it can absorb moisture. Quartz is a non-porous stone, meaning it cannot absorb moisture. For kitchen worktop applications, quartz has an immediate advantage because of this. However, any reputable installer will seal your granite worktop to reduce porosity. Once sealed, a granite worktop will not absorb moisture, with similar performance to a quartz worktop. Granite worktops do need to be sealed every few years though, while quartz worktops do not. Quartz therefore is simpler and easier to maintain than granite, although not by any significant margin.
The Price Difference: High-end granite, pound-for-pound, costs more than quartz. The simple reason for this is that the cost to mine, extract and sculpt and finish granite outweighs the manufacturing costs associated with making quartz. Also, granite is a more exclusive product. For this reason, quartz worktops will be better suited to projects with a limited budget. The good news with regards to this is that as we discussed above, quartz can equal granite as far as luxury is concerned. However, for high-end projects, you can’t beat the finish of granite or the exclusivity which it offers.
Design and choice: The earth has produced thousands of colours of granite over billions of years; however, what is mined is what you get. Quartz, meanwhile, is available in a practically limitless array of colours, finishes and sparkles. It is also possible to custom order quartz, to your exacting requirements. To be honest, at this stage it’s important to note that granite and quartz just about equal each other where choice is concerned. Granite has been mined for hundreds of years, and therefore, there’s lots to choose from. You can check out some of the granite colours we offer here, and our quartz worktop brands here.
To find out more about granite and quartz worktops or for help and advice with your kitchen, speak with one of our experts today by calling 0113 873 0102.
