There are many alternatives for worktops – but customers often ask about the specific differences between granite and quartz worktops.

Quartz Worktops

Popular Brands of Quartz wortops include: Silestone, Caesarstone, Arenastone.
Unlike Granite, which is 100% natural, Quartz is man-made by mixing quartz – a natural mineral, with various other ingredients to determine the texture and colour. When we look at Silestone in particular the ratio of these ingredients is approximately 90% Quartz to 10% pigments, glass, mirror and resin. The quartz is sourced in granular form then mixed, cured, baked and polished to produce a wide variety of colours and textures.
Advantages of quartz worktops

• 4 to 5 times more durable & heat resistant than granite
• It’s one of the hardest materials so scratch resistant
• Quartz is 100% non-porous, so it’s almost impossible to stain
• Available in a wide and growing choice of colours & finishes
• Doesn’t need sealing like granite

 
Disadvantages of quartz

• Quartz is not 100% natural, but close
• Manufactured patterning and not naturally random
• Can vary in quality by brand

Granite Worktops

Granite is unique – being a naturally occurring mix of Feldspar, Quartz & Mica. Different combinations of these minerals give granite its own hues, veining and other distinguishing characteristics.
 
Advantages of granite worktops

• 100% natural
• Tough & durable
• Each slab is unique
• Consistent quality

Disadvantages of granite

• It’s more porous than quartz and so may stain
• To prevent this staining granite has to be sealed annually
• It’s not as durable or heat resistant as quartz
• The choice of colours is random and what’s available at the time

A word about Silestone

We have installed quartz worktops from a number of suppliers and frequently clients chose Silestone. It has developed a variety of treatments and products beyond the original quartz. These include a range of Integrity sinks made from a single piece of Silestone quartz, and processes to enhance the colour, brightness and ease of cleaning (N-Boost). In addition to Silestone the manufacturer Cosentino also makes the Dekton range – a completely different type of surface made using tension and heat, not resin. This means hot pans can be put directly on it and it can be used indoors and outside. It is also UV, abrasion, chemical and heat resistant. Such new product development makes a good case for finding a quality supplier that specialises in producing a great product while developing it’s potential.