Quartz vs Granite Worktops for Small Kitchens

Quartz and granite are one of the best options for kitchens overall, small ones included. They are very durable and will resist most mechanical wears. But choosing one or the other can be a tough task because both have great characteristics. But they also have a few differences, so continue reading this comparison between these two materials and find the right one for you.

 Manufactured vs natural stone

Quartz is manufactured stone, made of 93% natural quartz and 7% resins. Granite is a completely natural stone, without any added materials. This fact has an impact on the overall performances of both materials.

 Quartz is non-porous

 Resins are forming a waterproof layer on the surface and making quartz worktops non-porous. Granite is, however, a porous stone. Quartz worktops are better at resisting stains, but granite will not get stained by most liquids either. If you remove the spill on time, no liquid will be able to leave a permanent stain.

 Granite resists heat better

 Granite is better at high temperatures and it will not get discolourations if you need to postpone hot cookware. Natural quartz is also resistant to heat, but resins are not. White spots and cloudiness can occur if you expose your quartz worktops to high temperatures.

 They are easy to maintain

 Both can be cleaned with just soap and water. Just make some soapsuds and wipe your worktops with a soft cloth. The difference is that quartz doesn’t need sealing, while granite does. The sealant will make a waterproof layer and make it more resistant to staining.

 Resistance to scratching

 When having a small kitchen, you sometimes have to quickly cut something on your worktops, because you don’t have much available space for additional utensils. In those cases, it is good to have either quartz or granite worktops. Granted, granite is a bit more scratch-resistant, but you shouldn’t have problems with quartz either

 Durability

 They are both very durable materials that will not crack nor break when exposed to high pressure. In this category, they don’t have notable differences and if this was your only concern, you can choose either one of them.

 Colour options

 Quartz, as manufactured stone, has a wider colour palette. During its manufacturing process, the pigments are added to change colour, add patterns or veining. Quartz often imitates marble and granite in appearance, but its patterns are more predictable. Granite’s colour range is limited to the colours found in nature, but it still has a beautiful colour range. Its patterns are always unpredictable and unique since they are dictated by the different mineral impurities found in the stone. The conclusion is that if you were looking for unusual colour, you will find it only in quartz’s range. On the other hand, if you are looking for a unique product, granite is the way to go.

 Both quartz and granite worktops are excellent options for small kitchens. They are very durable and resistant to everyday use. They have differences and it is best to choose the one that fits your manners of use better.

 Need information about the prices of quartz and granite worktops? Please get a free quote online or contact us expert advice.