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A Holistic Comparison of Granite and Quartz Worktops

The average homeowner’s quest for the best worktop material usually ends with either granite or quartz. Both granite and quartz worktops are equally popular across the UK. While some of their benefits are similar, their origin, composition, and properties are completely different. Also, in terms of durability, ease of use, and value for money, both are touted as the best countertop materials by their respective sellers. No wonder, most homeowners end up getting confused about which one to opt for. A full-fledged comparison of granite versus quartz can clear the air and help in making a well-informed choice.

Quartz Worktops versus Granite Worktops

Before going ahead with the feature-wise differentiation, you should know that their origin is completely different from one another. 

  • Granite worktops belong to the category of natural stones (like quartzite and marble countertops) formed by centuries of tectonic forces. Specifically, when molten sandstone undergoes very slow cooling, these silica-rich igneous formations are transformed into granite. These are quarried, cut into slabs, and given the required finish.
  • Quartz worktops, on the other hand, are a product of hi-tech industrial manufacturing. The mineral quartz is purified and pulverised. Binding resins, colour-imparting metallic oxides, and chips are added as required. This is followed by vacuum and vibration to form slabs and kilning to harden them.

Visual Appeal

One of the biggest parameters of choosing a kitchen worktop material is its visual appeal.

  • Every granite slab is unique because the natural pattern of cooling, settling of minerals, and solidification can never be identical. The overall look has a distinct artistic allure but is completely different from that of marble countertops. Yet, there are several colours and spontaneous patterns to choose from. 
  • Since quartz is manufactured, it can be custom-made to yield the exact colour, shade, design, and pattern required to the hilt. While one may have to scan through an entire granite catalogue to find a similar match, quartz slabs/tiles can be found exactly as required in minutes.

Carbon Footprint

Environmental impact wasn’t much of a purchase consideration earlier. But today’s eco-conscious buyers are keen on opting for worktops with a lower carbon impact.

  • The quarrying of granite is an energy-intensive process. Thereon, transporting it (and sometimes even exporting) incurs considerable fossil fuel consumption.
  • Quartz worktops are manmade and the carbon impact of industrial manufacture is lower. Also, when procured from local manufacturers, the carbon footprint is further reduced. However, the use of synthetic resin binders in quartz has sparked some environmental concerns in isolated pockets.

Cleaning and Maintenance

The biggest concern of homeowners is the ease of use and hassle-free cleaning/maintenance of kitchen worktops.

  • All natural stones have a porous surface and granite is no different. Hence, granite worktops have to be sealed before installation and resealed annually/ biannually thereafter. Polishing may be required after a few years. Once sealed, granite surfaces are impervious to food/beverage spills and chemicals. A mild household cleaner/soap and water are recommended for cleaning.
  • Quartz worktops provide the luxury of almost zero maintenance. These are built to be completely non-porous and don’t require sealing or polishing. You don’t have to fret about liquid spills and food stains. Any neutral stone cleaner or a mild detergent with water can be used to keep it clean.

Physical Endurance

Kitchen surfaces always bear the brunt of sharp knives, heavy appliances, dragging utensils, clanging cutlery, and more. So physical durability is an important worktop requirement.

  • Granite is a naturally hard and dense stone. So, to a great extent, granite worktops can resist physical impact without chipping, scratching, cracking, or denting. However, frequent chopping directly on its surface can lead to scratches.
  • The Mohs hardness measurement of quartz is almost equal to that of granite at 7. While quartz worktops have a superior scratch-proof surface as compared to granite, the weight-bearing capacity is a bit lesser.

Heat Resistance

A kitchen worktop material should have a fair amount of resistance to heat. Else, the surface will get scorched as soon as hot pans/pots are placed on the surface.

  • Being an igneous formation, granite is naturally resistant to heat. It doesn’t get scorched easily. Like marble countertops, granite surfaces remain cool.
  • Quartz worktops are fairly heat resistant, but the presence of resins can cause scorching. Hence, using mats and runners is advisable.

Conclusion

Designing/redesigning a kitchen involves a sizable investment. With the amount of time and money spent on buying, fabricating, and installing worktops, you cannot afford to make the wrong material choice. Both quartz and granite are excellent countertop options for state-of-the-art kitchens. If you want zero maintenance, high colour/design flexibility, great longevity, and a possibly lower carbon impact, go for quartz. For homeowners who prioritise the one-of-a-kind appeal and high heat resistance of natural stone worktops, granite is a fine choice. With regular sealing, granite worktops will also last fairly long, embodying sturdiness and resistance. Assess your needs in terms of the kitchen size/design, lighting, range/frequency of activities to be carried out on the worktops, budget, and care/maintenance capabilities.

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