Quartz & Granite
Find out more about quartz and granite worktops
Both quartz and granite are extremely durable choices, making them among the most robust kitchen worktop choices you can find, and one which will last for years to come. If you prepare and cook food from scratch everyday, which requires lots of cleaning and chopping, this means you will need something resilient, granite and quartz are ideal choices.
Which is stronger, granite or quartz?
Whilst they're equally as strong, granite is more prone to chipping, while quartz is much less likely to do so because it has been manufactured to ensure that not only is it a strong material, it is actually more flexible. During installation, this makes it easier to achieve a good fit.
Granite is a completely natural product, formed from igneous rock. Quartz is made from naturally occurring quartz, which is crushed and mixed with polyester resin and pigments. It is then moulded and baked in huge ovens. The final look of quartz is very similar to natural granite.
Are granite and quartz heat-proof?
It is never recommended to put down a hot pan straight from the hob onto any worktop. However it is unlikely that a hot pan would cause any damage to granite. However, putting a hot pan over 250°C directly on a quartz worktop may cause thermal shock, causing the polymers to break down and the surface to fracture, causing permanent damage.
Do granite and quartz stain easily?
Both quartz and granite are stain-resistant. However, granite does require sealing and should be re-sealed once a year. This isn't a huge task, but if you overlook it, you may end up with stained granite. Quartz is manufactured to be non-porous, which makes it virtually stainproof.
Both quartz and granite worktops are easy to clean, using simply warm, soapy water. Avoid the use of anything abrasive, and be wary of certain chemicals such as chlorine and alkaline-based products, as these may cause damage.
How are granite and quartz fitted?
Both granite and quartz have to be templated and fitted by specialist stone masons. There may be extra fabrication costs if you choose to have drainer grooves, inset sinks and upstands incorporated into your kitchen worktop.
