{"id":22740,"date":"2024-11-13T10:09:08","date_gmt":"2024-11-13T10:09:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.goodhomesmagazine.com\/?p=22740"},"modified":"2024-11-13T10:09:09","modified_gmt":"2024-11-13T10:09:09","slug":"granite-vs-quartz","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.goodhomesmagazine.com\/kitchens\/granite-vs-quartz\/","title":{"rendered":"Granite vs quartz worktops – pros and cons, price and care"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A common question is granite vs quartz? And finding out what works best for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you\u2019re planning a new kitchen there are so many choices to make it can be easy to get decision fatigue. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kitchen makers have upped their game in recent years, and there\u2019s a vast range of worktops<\/a> on offer that will make a real statement in your home, as well as adding a luxury feel to the room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, getting your counters right is key – worktops are one of the most-used items in your house. <\/p>

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With daily use they need to be hard-wearing and practical, without compromising on style. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While quartz and granite may seem similar and are equally durable to withstand all the challenges a busy kitchen can bring, they have some key differences. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The primary difference is that granite worktops are completely natural, while quartz worktops are engineered using natural quartz and resin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Both have benefits and drawbacks. Read Good Homes\u2019 guide to granite vs quartz worktops and which will work best in your home and with your lifestyle.<\/p>

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What is granite? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Having solidified from lava or magma, granite is a coarse-grained rock that covers over 70-to-80% of the earth\u2019s crust. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Getting its strength from its crystalline structure, its peppered colour comes from its components, most commonly, a mix of the three minerals: quartz (around 20%), mica, and feldspar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The pale flecks of white come from the quartz; feldspar often has a salmon pink colouring; and biotite brings the dark browns and black. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Granite colours can be more varied, especially if there are dark greens found from amphibole or flecks of gold from muscovite.<\/p>

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Granite is quarried from the ground in huge blocks and then thinner slabs, which will make up your worktop, are cut out of it with a diamond saw.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Image credit: GoodHome Kitchens<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Pros<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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  • Granite is a 100% natural rock, and each slab is completely unique<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • If you\u2019re looking for texture, stone can add a luxury quality to your decor<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Granite worktops absorb heat the best, so you won\u2019t need to worry about hot pans damaging them<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • For outdoor kitchens, granite is a durable option<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
    \"Granite
    Image credit: Searle & Taylor Kitchens<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Cons<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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    • Granite can be the more expensive countertop choice<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Chipping is a higher risk factor with a granite worktop<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
      \"Choosing
      Image credit: Wood Works Brighton<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

      Granite care and maintenance<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      Although it\u2019s still low maintenance, granite is higher maintenance than quartz because it needs sealing every year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      You can test if it needs sealing by pouring a small amount of water on the worktop; if the water starts soaking into the worktop immediately, the granite has become too absorbent and needs sealing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      You\u2019ll need to thoroughly clean the worktop and leave it to dry for 24 hours before sealing, and there are plenty of step-by-step guides you can follow to do the job, such as the one below. <\/p>

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      Before you start, check the guidance that comes with your worktop when its installed, as each granite countertop is different.<\/p>\n\n\n\n