The Best Kitchen Countertop Material: Two Of The Most Suitable Counters

Quartz and granite are two of the most common countertop materials for kitchens. Quartz is a synthetic quartz worktops that comes in many shapes, sizes, colours, and textures. It's usually less expensive than granite worktops because it doesn't require as much processing to produce quartz slabs as it does to produce quartz tiles or quartz countertops from natural quartz stone blocks. Granite is a type of igneous rock that features some great qualities such as being durable and heat-resistant but also has one major downside: high cost. Here are the pros and cons of quartz worktops and granite worktops kitchen countertops:

1. Granite:

Granite worktops are one of the most difficult natural stones mined from the earth and then cut into slabs and polished before installation. Granite is the most popular countertop material.

Pros:

• It's extremely durable, heat-resistant, and able to withstand a lot of abuse.
• It's one of the most gorgeous natural stones, especially when polished to a bright shine.
• Granite comes in a wide range of natural hues (off-white, pink, black, green) and designs (speckled, swirls, streaks, waves).
• Because the price varies depending on colour, thickness, and designs, it is available to everyone.

Cons:

• Granite is an igneous rock and therefore requires very high processing costs because it needs to be mined from its source in large blocks before being carved into smaller pieces for polishing and installation purposes.
• For individuals who prefer a consistent, uniform appearance, the natural variations in colour might be a problem. It's also more difficult to replace a piece of it with an identical one later on.
• Granite, on the other hand, is considerably less porous than natural stones. While granite  worktops are far less permeable than others, it still has to be sealed during installation.

2. Quartz:

Quartz worktops for countertops, also known as manufactured stone, is produced from quartz granules that are combined with a colourant and a binder (polymer resin or cement) to create the appearance of natural stone.

Pros:

• Quartz worktops are one of the least expensive materials for kitchen counters. It's usually less than half the price of granite  worktops because quartz doesn't require as much processing to produce quartz slabs, tiles, or countertops from natural quartz stone blocks.
• It comes in many shapes and sizes that mimic other hard stones such as marble and travertine.
• It has a consistent colour and pattern, so it's less likely to have any unsightly variations like granite can.
• It's the most scratch-resistant of the lot because of its one-of-a-kind formula.
• It keeps its shine for a long time.

Cons:

• Quartz worktops are less heat resistant than granite  worktops or concrete.
• The quartz countertops are usually manufactured in a factory and then shipped to the job site, so there is always a possibility for breakage during transport.
• If exposed to direct sunlight, it fades over time. It does so quickly if left in the light.
• It is as costly as natural stone or wood, although it is manufactured.

If you're unsure which kind of kitchen worktop is ideal for you, go to a store that has a variety of worktops and run your hand over them. Your worktop is perhaps the most important element of your kitchen, both practically and aesthetically. We can provide Granite and Quartz worktops as part of your kitchen design services, contact us.