Factors to consider while choosing granite or quartz worktops

Hygiene, affordability, maintenance, heat resistance and durability – these more or less spell out in clear terms, what you should check before choosing granite worktops or quartz worktops or those made of any other material. First of all, you need to keep in mind that worktops are supposed to assist in your kitchen works without causing much hassle. They should be durable, easy to clean, scratch proof etc. The practicalities of kitchen chores must not be ignored while choosing a worktop. Along with the above mentioned factors, the appearance and aesthetics also play a big role in shaping your choice.

Cleanliness

Cleanliness and hygiene are the most important factors while deciding on the worktops. Kitchen worktops need to be hygienic and hence it is important to choose a worktop that is anti-bacterial. Since granite is a natural stone you can keep it clean very easily by using a mild detergent with a damp cloth. Granite worktops are easier to maintain. Even quartz worktops are anti-bacterial and hence you can choose either one on this basis.

Heat resistance

Both granite and quartz worktops are heat resistant. However, since granite is considered to be the best natural stone its heat resistance is better than any other material. It can withstand very high temperatures. It is resistant to water and stains. On the other hand, quartz being synthetically processed has commendable resistance to heat and water as well.

Costs

Costs of installation and maintenance are understandably lower in case of quartz than for granite worktops. Any kind of wine or acids needs to be cleansed immediately and if the stains can’t be removed then you may require to call in the experts. Granite is stronger and easy to maintain than quartz. However, there are certain varieties of quartz that can beat granite to the test of strength and durability, thus taking down the costs to a certain extent.

Durability

Both granite and quartz worktops are extremely durable. There is hardly any marked difference when it comes to measuring the strength of both of these materials for creating worktops. With proper care and maintenance granite worktops may last a lifetime. In case of quartz, quarried quartz is quite durable and its physical properties can improve with chemical treatments.

Aesthetics

If you want a flawless finish to your kitchen worktop quartz is a better choice. However, if you wish to keep a natural appearance with an original stone, then you can choose granite. Granite surfaces not only look classier but also add greater value to your property in comparison to the quartz variety.

The five factors we have discussed here are the basic pointers that will help you in deciding on the worktop. Preference for granite worktops or quartz worktops will be a result of the amount of careful consideration and weightage analysis of any or all of the above factors. Read well and ask around for the opinion of people who have had their worktops refurbished. You may also take some ideas from interior decorators to mix and match the look of your kitchen with the worktop. Go for a contemporary or traditional kitchen and choose your worktop accordingly.

Both granite worktops ( http://www.apolloworktops.com ) and quartz worktops ( http://www.apolloworktops.com ) have their advantages and you must choose one depending on your choice and budget.

I am an article writer, whose hobby is to share with others what I find to be useful on the Internet.