When deciding between granite and quartz for your kitchen worktops, it’s important to understand where each of these materials come from. Granite is mined directly from the earth while quartz is manufactured by combining resin with crushed quartz.
While granite and quartz are equally tough, quartz is more flexible which makes it easier to install. Quartz is non-porous while granite needs to be sealed in order to prevent substances from leaving their mark.
Quartz is heavier than granite and, in order to ensure proper installation without damage, it is important that you have these worktops professionally fitted. If your worktops consist of more than one solid piece, you can expect seams to show. Darker quartz makes these seams less visible than those of granite worktops.
A drawback of fitting quartz is that it may fade in time if exposed to the sun’s UV rays. As for granite, you need to understand that the sample you choose will most likely differ slightly from the worktops you receive. As mentioned above, this is due to the fact that granite is a naturally produced stone and you cannot control the results.
Regardless of the type of stone you choose from your kitchen worktops, you should never cut, chop or prepare foods directly on your work surface. Fit a butchers block or at least use a cutting board to prevent chips and scratches. Place hot items like pots and pans on heat resistant boards rather than placing them directly on your worktops. Even though they are really tough, you wouldn’t want to cause even the slightest discolouration or damage.