Both quartz and granite make excellent, long-lasting kitchen worktops. Granite is a natural stone with unique patterns. Quartz is an engineered stone with more consistent colours and very low maintenance. The right choice depends on the look you want and how much upkeep you are happy with.

What is granite?

Granite is a natural stone cut from quarries into slabs. No two slabs are the same, so the pattern, speckle and colour are unique to your kitchen. It is hard-wearing and very heat-tolerant.

What is quartz?

Quartz worktops are engineered. They are made mostly of crushed natural quartz bound with resin and pigments. This makes colours and patterns very consistent, and the surface is non-porous.

Look and feel

• Granite: natural variation, depth and movement. Great if you like an individual, natural look.
• Quartz: uniform colour, available in plain finishes and in marble-style or veined designs. Great if you want a predictable, clean look.

Maintenance

• Granite: is slightly porous, so it should be sealed, and the seal may need renewing over time. Ask your supplier how often for your particular stone.
• Quartz: does not normally need sealing. Everyday cleaning with mild soap and water is usually enough.

Heat and scratch resistance

• Granite handles heat very well, but it is still sensible to use trivets and mats for hot pans.
• Quartz is tough, but the resin means very high heat can damage the surface, so always use trivets. Avoid direct hot pans and strong chemicals.
• Both resist everyday scratches, but you should use a chopping board and not cut directly on the surface.

Stains

• Quartz is non-porous, so spills generally stay on the surface and wipe away.
• Sealed granite also resists stains well, but spills such as oil, wine or lemon juice should be cleaned up promptly.

Indoors and outdoors

Granite is suitable for many outdoor uses. Quartz is generally recommended for indoor use only, because long-term sunlight can affect the colour of the resin. Check with the supplier for your specific product.

Cost

Prices vary widely depending on the colour, thickness, edge profile and fabrication. Rare or exotic granites can be more expensive, and so can premium quartz designs. The best way to compare is to get a like-for-like quote for your kitchen layout.

Which should you choose?

• Choose granite if you love natural uniqueness, want strong heat tolerance, and don’t mind the occasional sealing.
• Choose quartz if you want low maintenance, consistent colour and a wide range of designs.

See them in person

Visit us to see the surfaces in your own light i possible or visit and our ranges of Quartz and Granites

Ready for a quote? Send us your kitchen plan or measurements and we will help you choose and price it. ( Contact Us )