What Is Granite?
Granite is a natural stone formed deep within the earth, making every slab unique. It’s quarried, cut, polished, and sealed to create stunning, one-of-a-kind surfaces.
What Is Quartz?
Quartz is an engineered stone made from a combination of natural quartz crystals, resins, and pigments. This manufacturing process results in a highly durable and customizable material.
Granite vs. Quartz: A Side-by-Side Comparison
1. Appearance
- Granite: Known for its natural beauty, granite features unique patterns, veins, and colours that no other material can replicate. If you want a truly bespoke look, granite is ideal.
- Quartz: While quartz can mimic natural stone, it offers more uniformity. This consistency makes it great for modern or minimalist kitchens.
2. Durability
- Granite: Highly durable and resistant to heat, granite can handle the demands of a busy kitchen. However, it’s slightly more porous, requiring regular sealing to prevent staining.
- Quartz: Non-porous and stain-resistant, quartz requires less maintenance than granite. However, it’s not as heat-resistant, and hot pans can cause damage.
3. Maintenance
- Granite: Needs to be resealed every 1–3 years to maintain its resistance to stains and moisture. Daily cleaning involves mild soap and water.
- Quartz: Extremely low-maintenance. Its non-porous surface means you don’t need to reseal it, and it resists most stains with simple cleaning.
4. Cost
- Granite: The price of granite varies is usually more expensive than quartz upfront, and more expensive over time with higher maintenance.
- Quartz: Whilst some types of quartz can be more expensive than granite, in general, it is the cheaper out of the two materials when it comes to kitchen worktops, with lower average upfront and maintenance costs.
5. Environmental Impact
- Granite: As a natural material, granite is more environmentally friendly if sourced responsibly. However, its mining and transport can have a higher carbon footprint.
- Quartz: As an engineered product, quartz involves more manufacturing processes, which can make its environmental impact higher.
6. Longevity
- Both quartz and granite are built to last a lifetime with proper care, making them excellent long-term investments for your kitchen.
Quartz vs. Granite: Pros and Cons for UK Kitchens
When it comes to choosing the perfect worktop for your kitchen, the debate between quartz and granite often comes up. Both materials offer beauty, durability, and style, but they differ in key ways that might influence your decision. At Phoenix Granite, we’ve broken down the pros and cons of each to help UK homeowners make the best choice for their kitchens.
Which Is Right for Your Kitchen?
- Choose Granite If…
- You like natural, unique patterns.
- Heat resistance is important to you.
- You don’t mind occasional resealing.
- Choose Quartz If…
- You prefer a more uniform look.
- You want a low-maintenance surface.
- Stain resistance is a top priority.
Conclusion
Both quartz and granite offer excellent benefits, but the choice ultimately comes down to your priorities, style preferences, and budget. At Phoenix Granite, we’re here to help you find the perfect worktop for your home. Whether you lean towards the timeless appeal of granite or the sleek functionality of quartz, our team will guide you through every step of the process.
Ready to explore your options? Get a quote today or visit our showroom to see our stunning range of worktops!
