Is Quartz Worktop Better than Granite?

Quartz worktops have been part of our kitchens for decades, and there is zero chance that their hype will slow down. It seems like quartz kitchen countertops and their other applications are taking the place of other types of materials. Soon, that day is not far when quartz material will become the ultimate part of every other kitchen in the UK. But, we face one question many times a week from our customers: “Is quartz worktop better than granite?”

Today, we will share complete insights about “Is quartz worktop better than granite?” and “Why is it better?” in this guide. So…let’s follow the footsteps of this guide to get to the decision of which material is best for doing your favourite DIY-KITCHEN Worktops project this summer.

Here we go!

Is Quartz Worktop Better than Granite?

Yes, quartz is a much better choice in terms of best quality materials, high quality, low maintenance, life span, and much more. Still, “Is Quartz Worktop Better than Granite?” depends on two main factors: your needs (requirements) and priorities (what you like). Otherwise, quartz is a highly recommended and profitable worktop material used in different types of kitchens, bathrooms, and islands.

But it doesn’t mean granite is a waste of money, effort, and time. It has its own properties, uses, and benefits that other worktop materials don’t have. That’s why it’s highly important to compare the pros and cons of quartz vs granite. Only this method of comparison between quartz and granite worktops will help you decide which worktop material is best for your “Do-It-Yourself” kitchen project.

Let’s share “what are the positives and negatives of quartz and granite” in the next section for better understanding.

Quartz vs Granite: Who Wins?

Quartz:

Quartz worktops, also commonly referred to as engineered quartz surfaces, are a popular choice for kitchens and bathrooms. Unlike natural stone slabs, these worktops are manufactured by combining crushed natural quartz crystals (typically 90-95%) with resins, polymers, and pigments. This process creates a dense, non-porous material that offers several advantages.

Let’s see what are those benefits of quartz slabs and what are their associated drawbacks.

Pros of Quartz Worktops

Let’s thoroughly see the perks of quartz worktops below.

• ✅Non-Porous Surface

Quartz worktops for DIY projects and for brand-new installations have become popular all over the UK due to one major reason: non-porous surface. Yup, its non-porous nature or characteristics make it one of the best materials all over the world. It means you don’t need to do regular sealing to protect it from water, heat, and spills. It is self-protected material for DIY worktops and splashbacks.

• ✅Low-Maintenance Quartz 

Then comes one of my favourite benefits of quartz: easy maintenance. You don’t need to clean them by rubbing so hard or using some high-profile cleansers. All you need or a simple piece of cotton cloth, soap, and water to clean it properly. That’s it! No extra regular care or repairing costs are required to maintain its aesthetic beauty and unmatched quality.

• ✅Wide Range of Colours and Patterns Collection

Another worth mentioning benefit of quartz worktops is their wide range of colours and patterns availability. You will never run out of quartz colours, designs, and styles, especially if you are doing a DIY kitchen worktop project. In other words, you have more options to do customisations. It perfectly matches your worktop to your existing kitchen décor or creates a completely new and personalised look. This extensive selection guarantees you can achieve the precise aesthetic you dream for your space.

• ✅Durability (Scratch-resistant)

And here is another fantastic perk you will love: quartz worktops are seriously tough cookies. They are inherently durable and highly resistant to those annoying scratches and chips that can easily mar softer surfaces. This means you don’t have to constantly worry about minor accidents while preparing meals or setting down everyday items. Your premium quartz worktop is built to handle the hustle and bustle of a busy kitchen and keep looking new for years to come.

• ✅Hygiene benefits

Speaking of practicality, let’s talk about hygiene. Our DIY quartz worktops excel here, too. Thanks to that fantastic non-porous surface we mentioned earlier. There are no tiny gaps or pores for bacteria, mould, or mildew to sneak into and set up home. This makes cleaning up spills an easy task and ensures you have a naturally hygienic surface for food preparation. It gives you great peace of mind and relaxation of the body whenever you enter your kitchen.

• ✅More environment-friendly material

Are you someone who cares about the planet Earth? If yes, here is another positive: quartz worktops are a more environmentally friendly choice for homeowners. Many manufacturers, including DIY Kitchens Worktops. (now owned by MO’s STONEX) incorporate recycled materials into their quartz slabs. It includes reclaimed quartz that would otherwise go to waste during the quarrying process. So, choosing quartz means you are opting for a beautiful and durable surface that also helps reduce waste and the demand for brand-new resources.

Cons of Quartz Worktops

Let’s see what the drawbacks are of installing quartz kitchen worktops in your kitchen and bathroom.

• ❌Not as heat-resistant as granite

Quartz worktops have a limit with high heat. They contain resins that can get damaged around 150°C (300°F). Granite resists much higher temperatures, over 250°C (480°F). Placing very hot items directly on many quartz surfaces can cause discolouration or warping.

We recommend you always use trivets or hot pads to protect the surface from extreme heat. This keeps your worktop looking great. At DIY Kitchens Worktops, we have high-quality quartz worktops that are highly heat resistant. So, it depends on the quality of quartz.

• ❌Not Best Material for Outdoor Use

Quartz worktops are best for indoor use. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight is not recommended here. This is because UV rays from the sun can cause the colours to fade. They can also potentially lead to warping or cracking over time because of continuous sunlight.

Therefore, quartz is not ideal for outdoor kitchens or applications receiving significant direct sun. But we provide some high-quality quartz worktops that are best for outdoor use.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone, and that’s its specialty. It forms deep underground from cooling magma. It is mostly made of minerals like quartz and feldspar. This gives it a grainy look and lots of unique colours.

Granite worktops are simply slabs cut from this natural rock. Each slab differs from the other. Plus, they are very durable and stand up well to heat. Properly sealed, they resist stains, too. People love their natural beauty and toughness for kitchens.

But the question is, “Is quartz better than granite?” Let’s discuss its major pros that prove it a great DIY kitchen worktop. We will also share some downsides of granite materials.

Pros of Granite Worktops

Here, we are going to share some amazing benefits of granite worktops:

• ✅Natural and Unique Look

First off, granite is 100% natural material used to build worktops. It comes straight from the earth. This means every single slab is unique. You get these amazing, one-of-a-kind patterns and veins. It adds actual character and natural beauty to your kitchen or bathroom. Remember, no two granite worktops are ever exactly alike.

• ✅Heat-Resistant Powerhouse

Here is another big plus: granite is super heat-resistant. Remember, it is formed under really high temperatures deep in the Earth? Well, that makes it naturally tough against regular kitchen stove heat. You can often place hot pots and pans right on the surface, but we always recommend not doing it. We understand that it won’t easily scorch or melt. This is a huge convenience in a busy kitchen. But, safety precautions are important.

• ✅Durable and Tough

Granite is a tough and durable natural stone. It is naturally hard, which means it stands up well to daily use. It resists scratches and chips pretty nicely. You rarely have to worry about everyday bumps. Now, compared to engineered quartz, granite isn’t quite as uniformly scratch-proof. Also, it is porous, which means it needs sealing to fully resist water and stains. On the flip side, quartz doesn’t. But for natural stone, it is definitely built to last!

• ✅Affordability (Can Be)

When it comes to cost, granite is sometimes more affordable than you think. Prices vary widely depending on the type and rarity of the stone. You can find beautiful granite that fits your budget well. However, it is true that engineered quartz is often highlighted as being highly affordable, especially for DIY kitchen worktops. So, although granite offers natural luxury at varying price points, quartz is the best option for budget-friendly DIY options.

Cons of Granite Worktops

Let’s walk through the reasons why you should avoid using granite worktops in your homes, offices, or other buildings.

• ❌Needs Sealing (It’s Porous)

One thing to know about natural granite is that it’s porous. Think of it as having tiny, little holes. This means liquids can soak in if you’re not careful. Things like wine, oil, or coffee spills can cause stains.

To prevent this, granite worktops need periodic sealing. It is not difficult, but it is an extra step you will need to do regularly to keep it protected.

• ❌Maintenance Needs

Granite worktops do require some ongoing care. This is because they are porous, and you need to seal them periodically (almost every year). This helps prevent stains from spills soaking in. But sealing granite regularly takes a lot of money.

You also need to clean them regularly. Although not difficult, it is a bit more maintenance compared to a non-porous surface like quartz. It needs that little extra effort to stay looking its best.

• ❌Fewer Colour Choices

Granite is a natural product, right from the Earth. This means the colours and patterns available are limited to what nature created. While there is still lots of variety, it is not endless.

Contrarily, engineered quartz is made by mixing materials and pigments. They are offering a much wider range of colours and consistent patterns. So, if you have a very specific or unusual colour in mind, granite might have fewer options for you.

Final Verdict

So…we have finally reached the wrap-up of our guide about “Is Quartz Worktop Better than Granite?” We have learned that picking between quartz and granite for your worktop feels like a big decision. Most of the time, people all over the UK lean towards quartz, which is fair as quartz is undeniably reputable material here. That’s why they find its consistency appealing. Plus, every slab looks much the same, which is a comfort. You can see its number of benefits, too.

Many other homeowners prefer granite. They love the natural variations of slabs where each piece is unique, and adds a ultra beauty and character. Thus, there isn’t one single “better” option for everyone. It depends on what you are looking for. So, you can think about the feeling you want in your space, and consider the overall design vision.

Actually, your personal taste matters most here. What catches your eye? What feels right for your home? That’s the best worktop for you, your family, and your kitchen.

How Can We Help You?

Are you thinking about your perfect kitchen worktop? If quartz feels right for your DIY project, we are here to help. At DIY Kitchen Worktops, we are a family business. We work directly with you – no middleman needed. More specifically, our expert team behind manufacturing quartz slabs specialises in quality quartz worktops.

We can guide you from picking the perfect design to the full installation. Let us make your worktop journey easy. Just call us today to get started and we will handle the rest. 📞Contact us at: 01923223859 or 07432065334.