Stone worktops are very popular – and no wonder, as they’re absolutely stunning! Before making a choice, however, it’s worth understanding the differences between them so that we can make the best possible long-term decision.
What is quartz?
Quartz is an igneous rock consisting of oxygen and silicon atoms. Quartz worktops are made from mined quartz, which is mixed with resin to create a solid, durable material. Would you have thought that people have been making objects out of quartz for over 2,000 years? The earliest finds date from around 600 BC. Initially, it was used to make jewellery; today, it has countless applications, such as serving as the raw material for beautiful kitchen worktops.
What is Gránit?
Granite is also a hard, igneous rock. Few people realise that it can contain various minerals, including even quartz. This is precisely why its colour and pattern are so varied. Granite is formed when magma beneath the Earth’s surface crystallises and solidifies into a crystalline form. It can only reach the surface through the weathering of overlying strata, or when it is lifted upwards by mountain-building forces.
What is marble?
Marble is a so-called metamorphic rock, formed from limestone over the course of millions of years under the influence of heat and pressure. This noble material has been used in architecture throughout the ages, and this is no coincidence. Thanks to its durability, we can still admire the beauty of old buildings, sculptures and staircases today. As it is a natural material, its colour and pattern are as varied as those of granite.
What is the difference in prices?
These stone worktops are very attractive, but you should be aware that they are not among the cheapest options. Prices naturally depend largely on quality and workmanship, but we can still establish a general order of price. Granite worktops represent the most affordable price category, followed by marble, with quartz being the most expensive. Of course, depending on various factors, a higher-quality marble worktop may well be more expensive than, say, a quartz worktop.
Which one lasts longer?
Of course, it is not impossible for a quartz worktop to become scratched or cracked, but this is unlikely. If, for example, a heavy pot were to be dropped onto it from a height, damage could occur, but generally speaking, quartz is a scratch-resistant material. In contrast, a marble worktop is much more fragile; it is very difficult to prevent it from getting scratched. It falls into the luxury category, but in terms of practicality, it would not rank highly. Granite does not scratch easily, but it does require annual maintenance. This is because it is a porous stone, so we need to seal the worktop using a sealer to prevent liquids and dirt from penetrating the surface. This may sound complicated, but it really isn’t; you can simply buy the necessary care product, which you can then easily apply yourself. And applying it to the surface once a year is no great bother, so it would be a real shame to give up on granite worktops for this reason!
A Continued from the previous article It’s now available to read in Mobilan Magazine. It’s important that, before choosing a worktop, we look into the options ourselves. But please do not hesitate to seek the help of our kitchen design expert, whose job – and whose interest – is to provide us with comprehensive, accurate information on the advantages and disadvantages of the various materials. After all, their aim is for you to be satisfied with your kitchen furniture in the long term. For the comprehensive design and installation of bespoke kitchen furniture, please do not hesitate to contact the team at Mobilan via our contact details.
