Granite Vs Quartz
A quick guide on the pros and cons of these popular worktops
Granite Vs Quartz Worktops
Choosing a kitchen worktop can be a time-consuming task – there are so many materials and colours to choose between it can be tricky to navigate which worktop is ultimately the right choice for you.
But two of the most popular materials are granite and quartz, and with good reason.
They’re durable, look beautiful and they add style and elegance to any kitchen.
But they’re also an investment, so you want to be sure you’re making the right decision for your project.
In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of each material to help you decide which is the best option for your home as both look great and will give your kitchen that stunning finish you’re looking for.
Is a Granite worktop better than Quartz?
Granite is a quarried rock similar to sandstone or marble, and it’s cut from a quarry rock face that’s cut into large slabs. These can then be polished and cut down to the right size and shape for your worktop.
Quartz is a gemstone that’s made from silica and oxygen, and worktops made from this material contain crushed quartz that’s mixed into resin with coloured pigments.
This mixture is poured into moulds and formed into slabs that can then be calibrated, polished to perfection, and finished depending on the surface you want, such as suede.
The uniqueness of granite makes it a popular choice, and the fact that it’s a natural material, but with quartz you have more customisation options and it’s a very durable material, so it’s great for busy kitchens.
There are various qualities to both granite and quartz, however, to consider before deciding.
What are the differences between Quartz and Granite?
Granite and quartz may seem similar at first glance, and while they do share some similar properties, there are differences between the two.
The main differences are due to the way these worktops are created. Granite is entirely natural whereas quartz is a mix of natural crushed quartz that’s mixed with resin that’s produced to emulate natural stone or marble.
Quartz is a non-porous material, so it doesn’t require sealing, making it well-suited to kitchen worktops as you don’t have to worry about spillages seeping into the material or staining the surface.
Granite, however, does require sealing, after which it offers the same properties as quartz.
Both quartz and granite can be cleaned easily with water and a mild soap, so they’re easy to keep clean when you’re cooking. Quartz is a naturally food-safe surface, and once sealed, granite is also.
There’s little difference between the two materials in terms of their durability, which is why they’re both such popular options for kitchen work surfaces.
Quartz and granite are both scratch-resistant, which makes them ideally suited to kitchens where you’ll be cutting food and chopping ingredients.
Heat Resistance
Both materials are also heat-resistant, with granite offering slightly more resistance and integrity due to the fact that it’s a natural material.
Both quartz and granite are naturally waterproof and can not only be used in kitchens but also in bathrooms for vanity surrounds and splashbacks.
Appearance
Appearance is one of the most important factors to consider, and there are significant differences between how granite and quartz looks.
There are hundreds of colours of each type of worktop, so you’re guaranteed to find a style that suits your kitchen or bathroom aesthetic.
Since granite is a natural stone, each slab differs in appearance slightly, and some may have more or less patterning than others.
Granite comes in a variety of colours, including black, grey, brown, blue, green, pink, red, white and yellow. It has distinctive grains and patterning, but patterns can vary even in slabs from the same quarry.
As quartz is engineered, every slab will be the same so it provides more consistency in colour and pattern, which may be better suited to the look you’re going for.
It also offers you more choice in terms of colours, as quartz can be produced in a broad range of hues, from cream and black to bold red, navy and every colour in between.
The patterning in quartz is equally as varied, from speckled and clear to marble-like veining.
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Which is more durable: Quartz or Granite?
Quartz is made using quartz particles and a polymer resin which increases the durability of these slabs and reduces porosity.
There are no striations with quartz, which also minimises the risk of cracking and chipping. However, it’s not as heat resistant as granite.
Granite, on the other hand, is highly durable but because it’s a natural stone, it needs to be sealed with resin-based binders which will make it more resistant to wear and tear.
Granite can be prone to chipping because of the natural ridges and grooves in the stone which make it more susceptible to damage.
But with the right care and attention, it’s a material that provides excellent durability.
Stone worktops are popular for good reason – they are able to withstand impact and heat, which makes them a valuable asset in any busy kitchen.
As scratch and cut-resistant materials, they’re perfect for a work surface where you’re likely to be cutting ingredients regularly and handling sharp equipment.
Both quartz and granite offer pros and cons in terms of their longevity.
As a non-porous material, quartz can be used as a waterproof, stain-resistant surface straight away whereas you’ll need granite to be sealed first.
Quartz also offers a warranty with most suppliers, whereas granite does not.
Each material works well as a work surface, providing you treat them with care and maintain them well, and will last a lifetime if you look after them.
Is Granite more expensive than Quartz?
There are actually several factors that influence the price you’ll pay.
Colour and thickness, as well as the source of the material, all go towards the cost.
Granite is a natural stone and some variations of it are rarer than others which can make it more expensive, whereas quartz is manufactured to look natural and that can sometimes mean it’s cheaper.
Both quartz and granite come in a wide variety of colours and patterns, depending on whether you’re looking for something neutral and subtle or bolder with a rare pattern.
The rarer the colour and pattern you choose, the more you can expect to pay for the design.
Thickness
The thickness of the worktop you want will also increase or decrease the cost. Standard worktops are between 2-3cm, but it’s only natural that the thicker the slab, the more expensive it will be.
Thicker slabs are popular, so consider the type of look you’re striving for, and how the thickness of the worktop will play into that.
Cost
The cost of quartz and granite worktops will also be determined by the shipping costs, depending on where the material is being sourced from and how far it needs to travel to be installed in your home, as well as any finishing touches you want such as edging, drainer grooves, cut outs and upstands, as well as whether it requires sealing.
Other Considerations
Each project is different – granite requires sealing, which can increase the price, but quartz tends to come in slabs of around 50sq.ft. which means a larger installation will require seaming.
However, quartz seams are less visible with darker slabs and it’s easier to hide the seams needed since many slabs are artificially coloured.
One of the drawbacks of granite worktop is that it can show installation seams in some cases, because of the natural surface of the stone. The seams can be harder to hide and the number of seams can therefore affect the price – the less seams required, the better.
As a guide, our worktops cost between £1,350 and £5,400 approximately, for a medium-sized kitchen worktop. We’re able to provide quotes for Quartz and Granite worktops.
This depends on the colour and size of the slab required.
Which one is more stain-proof: Granite or Quartz?
Both granite and quartz are highly stain-resistant, but granite requires sealing before use so that no liquids can seep in. You’ll need to have the granite worktop resealed every year to maintain its stain-resistance.
Quartz is a non-porous material meaning it doesn’t have capillary channels between the minerals, so if you spill anything on it, it won’t seep in or stain, making it a highly stain-resistant material that’s perfect for kitchens.
However, in either case, it’s worth cleaning up spillages as soon as possible to reduce the risk of staining.
Is granite easier to clean and maintain than Quartz?
Quartz is non-porous so it’s a very low maintenance material that’s easy to clean and only requires warm soapy water to keep it in good condition.
While granite is also durable and resistant to scratching, it does need to be sealed. However, once the surface has been sealed, it’s just as maintenance-free as quartz and is easy to clean.
Minor Damage
Small scratches or minor chips can be filled in easily with a colour-matching epoxy or rein, but any larger cracks and chips should be dealt with by a professional.
Cleaning
The best way to clean both quartz and granite is to avoid using anything abrasive or harsh chemicals, and stick to warm water with a mild soap, which will keep the surface hygienic without causing damage.
Is Quartz or Granite better for outside use?
When choosing a material for an outdoor kitchen, you need to choose something that’s durable and weatherproof, hardwearing and reliable, but also easy to keep clean.
Granite benefits from being sealed in any application, but especially if you’re using it outdoors, such as for an outdoor kitchen area.
However, once you’ve done this, it’s a durable material that won’t stain or crack easily, and won’t discolour in the sunlight. It’s ideal if you want a more rustic, natural look to your outdoor space.
Quartz can be used outdoors, but it needs to be formulated for outdoor use as it can be prone to fading from exposure to UV rays.
It requires very little maintenance and the unique patterns and great range of colours available give you much more versatility in terms of style.
As quartz is resistant to liquids, it’s easy to maintain as you can simply wipe it down and you’re ready to go.
But it can be worthwhile covering the work surface when it’s not in use to protect it from the sunshine.
What is the installation process like for each?
Both granite and quartz are incredibly heavy, so even a small piece of countertop can weigh quite a lot.
They require a skilled team to install them correctly, so it’s important that you work with a professional to have the worktop installed properly.
You want to be sure that your countertops are correctly installed to avoid damaging the material over time, and ensuring that the areas surrounding the worktop aren’t damaged either.
Fitting quartz is slightly easier in comparison to a granite surface, as this material is slightly more flexible and easier to work with so it’s well-suited to longer worktop lengths that need cut-outs for sinks and appliances.
As we’ve discussed, seaming is easier with quartz too, providing a more professional looking result.
Final Thoughts
Granite is a fantastic choice for kitchen worktops, providing durability and reliability, while quartz provides much more opportunity for creativity and personalisation in terms of colour, pattern and finishes.
Quartz can be ordered directly from the manufacturer without needing to see the stone ahead of time, while granite tends to require you to choose the specific slab as each one varies so widely.
When it comes to choosing between granite and quartz worktop, there are many variables at play, from budget and the look you’re trying to achieve to how much durability you need your worktop to have.
Whichever you choose though, it’s important to work with professionals who have an in-depth knowledge of the materials and can help you achieve the best results for your home.
Our Process
Quote
We offer a broad range of high-quality worktops at affordable prices. Simply choose your material and style and get in touch for a tailored quote.
Survey
For the best results, a member of our team will carry out an on-site survey to template your chosen worktop before the fabrication process begins.
Manufacture
We’ll then manufacture your bespoke worktop, made from the highest quality materials, for a professional and long-lasting result to enhance your home.
Install
Our highly skilled installers will fit your custom-made granite, marble or quartz worktop, ensuring a fantastic finish you can be proud of.