Granite Worktops for Kitchen & Flooring London, UK

Quartz is considered nearly indestructible, as the surface is not porous like granite. But granite is not as fragile as some people may think due to its porous nature. Granite is also a strong and sturdy worktop material that most homeowners prefer to enhance real estate value of their residence.

Even some granite worktops don’t require sealing due to their denser layout. Granite is also available in several natural colour and pattern variation. Each granite slab bears a unique pattern, so granite in your house will not be present at any other household or property.

While quartz is also available in endless colours and designs, this man-made stone is not unique in its patterns and there are more replicas of the same copy.

Nonetheless, both granite and quartz are the most preferred kitchen worktops in modern homes. The best countertop for your kitchen completely depends on your personal preference and taste.

Earlier granite was more expensive than quartz. But since it’s competing against quartz for the past 15 years, its price has fallen. Now, the price of granite worktop is around £270 per square meter, whereas the high-end granite worktops are priced at £450 per square metre.

On the other hand, the average price of a quartz countertop is around £475 per square metre. However, some quartz may even cost half the price for just £225 per square meter. But its quality may not be as good as the pricier quartz versions.

Granite is reasonably priced even when it’s compared to marble worktops, which are priced at £315 per square metre and also require much more attention and maintenance than granite.

Keeping these comparisons in mind, granite is not a very expensive material as most homeowners may think. But its prices may vary depending on the quality, density and how much material is required to cover your small or large kitchen countertop.

Granite is a very popular and safe choice for kitchen worktops. Granite boasts a rich beauty with a timeless aura that adds aesthetic charm into any interior. This natural stone can take any kitchen worktop from ordinary to become a centrepiece of the entire room.

Homeowners get to choose from over 20 shades of granite. This means it’s easier to blend with any style of kitchen cabinets, walls and flooring. It is also a hard substance and not quite susceptible to scratching. Still, it’s not recommended to work with knives directly on its surface. However, it can take the usual wear and tear quite well.

Granite is also resistant to heat, so it can be used near a cooktop without an issue. But when you have to set down any hot pan or pot on granite, you must place a trivet or hot pad on its surface to prevent it from weakening or heat damage over time.

Granite also can be resistant to staining when it’s sealed properly. A good professional granite installer would be able to seal its surface accurately so that it remains attractive for years to come.

The choice of a kitchen worktop material depends on one’s personal preference and how busy their kitchen is on a day-to-day basis. But considering natural aesthetics and durability, granite is quite a good choice for busy kitchens. Each granite slab is unique and bears rare colours and veining, making your kitchen standout.

It can even bear cuts, heat and scratches to a great extent without damaging its surface. Both polished and matte finishes of granite can resist stains. However, you may require sealing granite to make it complete stain or scratch resistant.

Many people prefer quartz over granite due to its non-porous surface. But if chipped or cracked due to extremely high pressure or impact, quartz is difficult to repair. But if granite is cracked or chipped, it can be easily repaired. So, choosing granite worktops is a good lifetime investment, provided you seal it annually without a fail.

Granite is a durable material and also resistant to heat and other kitchen elements. But due to its porous nature, there can be staining issues if liquids spill on its surface or if it receives a high-impact blow. Quartz, on the other hand, is harder than granite and also stain-resistant due to its non-porous surface that doesn’t absorb moisture.

However, you can also make granite resistant to stains with proper sealing after every 12 months. If you maintain the annual sealing of granite worktops, these can resist staining to a great extent. But you need to wipe off any spillages immediately to avoid any chances of liquid seeping into its porous.

Although quartz is better than granite, it’s also not recommended to keep spillage on its surface for a longer duration. Always keep a dishrag handy for cleaning either of these worktops. Don’t leave dirty or wet dishes on them. Pour juice or wine into glasses while holding the glasses over a table or sink, not on these countertops. With little extra care, you can maintain the beauty of either of these worktops for several years.