What is the difference between granite and quartz worktops?

Quartz vs Granite is one of the most commonly searched topics online! Whether a cosy communal area or a large open-plan room, the kitchen is the heart of the home. When designing your perfect space, you’ll quickly find yourself deciding which material to use for your kitchen worktop.

Granite and quartz are two of the most popular choices on the market, each with its own unique properties and advantages. Rather than rushing into choosing one or the other, we encourage you to learn more about the materials on offer, so you can make a more informed choice.

Let’s take a closer look at the differences between the two, highlighting their subtle differences and how these can impact your kitchen space. Nobody wants to make a decision that they later come to regret.

How Are Quartz and Granite Made?

Granite kitchen worktops are formed from a 100% natural material mined directly from the earth. Formed from molten magma which consists of mica, granite, and feldspar, granite is a robust material popular in many households – one that may have been around for as long as 300 million years! There is minimal manufacturing involved when mining and preparing granite, with the stone cut down to the required size and then polished. 

On the other hand, quartz kitchen worktops are made from a manufactured material. Although they may look natural, quartz worktops are formed from crushed quartz which is then combined with polymer resins to create the final material. The result is a much more uniform and unblemished material than granite, which may be preferable for many. 

Here at Quartz Kitchens, we provide a wide variety of granite and quartz worktops; you can view them here.

Appearance

From hosting dinner parties to family gatherings, it’s no wonder that the kitchen is the hub of activity for many households. In order to make your kitchen truly shine, you’ll want to choose the most appropriate worktop materials for you.

At first glance, both quartz and granite appear to be extremely similar. One of the main draws of granite is that it is a natural stone, sawed into slabs and then polished. As it is a natural material, you’ll find that the stone contains a variety of visual imperfections – every slab is unique. What’s more, granite can vary slightly in colour, including earth tones and blues. 

On the other hand, as quartz is a manufactured material, there are minimal imperfections, with the colouring being much more uniform. Book matching and vein matching is available for quartz; however, this is not an option for granite. With every quartz slab being uniform, it is easy to align the veins – the result is a consistent pattern throughout.

During the manufacturing process, quartz can also be given a variety of pigmentation to achieve a vast array of colour possibilities. If you prefer a more visually consistent material that is available in many different colours, quartz is a fantastic choice.

Upkeep and Durability

Quartz and granite are materials renowned for their strength and durability. Both are exceptionally hardwearing; however, some differences are apparent when they are compared side by side.

Is quartz durable?

As quartz is a manufactured material, it has the benefit of being more flexible than granite, making it easier to install and achieve a good fit. When it comes to durability, quartz is actually more durable than granite, as well as being heat and scratch resistant. 

Is granite durable?

Granite is a very durable natural material, able to resist heat as well as scratches. While granite that has been sealed with a resin-based product will be more resistant than regular granite, quartz still comes out on top when it comes to durability.

Is quartz stain resistant?

Quartz is highly stain resistant and does not require sealing as granite does. The manufactured material holds up very well against regular kitchen spills, however we recommend avoiding using paints and dyes on quartz surfaces as this can lead to staining – the same goes for every type of countertop material.

Is quartz heat resistant?

While quartz countertops are heat-resistant, they are not heat-proof. As around 10% of quartz countertops are comprised of pigments and resin, they can be damaged if exposed to extremely high heat (approximately 150 degrees).

Properties and Pricing

Both quartz and granite worktops have unique properties, even if they may seem similar at first glance. There are a few further points to consider when deciding between the two materials, including the following.

1. Quartz is a non-porous material

As an engineered material, quartz does not have any pores and capillaries – these are tiny imperfections which can absorb liquid and eventually leads to stains. The absence of these structures means that microscopic germs and viruses cannot reside within the material and can instead be easily wiped away.

Alternatively, granite is a natural material, which means that unless it is otherwise treated, it will remain porous. Regular treatment will provide a coating which protects against bacteria and viruses. 

2. Installation seams

One advantage of granite is its natural aesthetic which can really add an extra layer of detail to your kitchen. However, between quartz and granite, it is much harder to hide the installation seams in granite than it is in quartz. While quartz can easily be artificially coloured to hide these seams, it is much more difficult to do so for granite. The fewer seams that granite has, the more expensive it tends to be as well.

3. Pricing

As with many materials, granite comes in a range of prices to suit all budgets. There are cheaper options available, however these won’t be as high quality as the more expensive variants. Granite does also tend to be more heavily dependent on availability than quartz, as it must be mined directly from the ground.

On the other hand, due to its increasing popularity over recent years, quartz has been rapidly coming down in price, leaving only a minimal price difference between granite and quartz. Many are choosing quartz over granite for its wide array of colour choices while at a similar price point to granite. 

Summing up

Both granite and quartz are fantastic materials to choose from for your kitchen worktops. With unparalleled durability and strength, both materials have plenty to offer. There are, however, subtle differences between the two which are worth considering when making your final decision. Granite is a fantastic choice for those who prefer an all-natural aesthetic, while the array of colours and easier maintenance offered by quartz can be favourable for others. 

If you would like to learn more about which material is best for your needs, you are welcome to contact us today for more information. We are happy to answer any questions or queries that you may have.