Stone is one of the best favourites
when it comes to the selection of kitchen countertop. Many homeowners like the
wide array of patterns and colours but most would stuck at the choice of granite
or quartz. Granite is a natural stone while quartz is manufactured using
natural quartz, pigment and resin. Quartz can never outshine granite’s unique,
natural patterns but it is available in wider choices of colours.
It certainly is a difficult
decision to make considering you’ve probably spent countless nights thinking on
layouts and designs. Here is a simple guide to help you pick between granite
and quartz to suit your kitchen usage, functionality and aesthetics
preferences.
Appearance: As with any material, the visual differences between
granite and quartz are of individual preference. Go for granite if you fancy a unique
look but be aware that uniformity in patterns may be difficult to achieve.
Quartz, on the other hand, is available in a wider range of colours, patterns
and even textures.
Durability: Both the materials are hard, though quartz can go a
notch higher as it’s manufactured to withstand hard-wearing. They do not chip
or crack easily but granite is more vulnerable to breaking upon the impact of a
hard, sharp object. Quartz is made to be
resistant to impact, stain and even acid but granite performs better in heat
resistance so always avoid direct heat on quartz.
Cleaning & Maintenance: Granite, if
re-sealed annually, is highly resistant to stain. Minor cracks or scratches can
also be easily repaired using epoxy or resins of matching colour. Quartz does
not require re-sealing and since it is non-porous, it is incredibly easy to
keep clean and maintain. However, if quartz is damaged, it is more arduous to repair
and you are bound to seek professional help.
Price: Both granite and quartz are not cheap materials given
their quality to be kitchen countertops. Granite used to be pricier but since
the plunge of prices, quartz has become more expensive upfront but lower
maintenance expenses will offset the price difference, making it more worthy in
the long run.
In Malaysia, Silestone (by Cosentino City Centre Malaysia)
is one of the better quartz stone brands with proven quality for kitchen use.
Plus, the anti-bacterial feature will keep you and your family safe with better
peace of mind, in case your food falls onto the worktop.
Or, you may also visit Signature Kitchen, the leading
kitchen cabinet manufacturer in Malaysia that sells Silestone quartz stone.
Here is a summary of a comparison
between the two materials:
Properties
|
Granite
|
Quartz
|
Hardness (MOH Scale)
|
5-7
|
7
|
Composition
|
Quartz, feldspar, biotite, muscovite etc.
|
Pure quartz, resin and colouring
|
Nature
|
Natural
|
Naturally manmade
|
How it’s Made
|
Directly from quarry, cut into blocks then polished,
flamed or honed
|
Processed through vibro-compression (high pressure
compression), polished and fabricated
|
Advantages
|
-
Natural with luminous look
-
Very durable
-
Heat resistant
-
Easy maintenance
-
Value does not depreciate
|
-
Wider range of colours
-
As durable as natural stones
-
High stain resistant
-
High acid resistant
-
High impact resistant
-
Easy maintenance
|
Disadvantages
|
-
Difficult to achieve uniformity
-
Costly in material and installation
-
May crack from sharp and hard object
-
Too heavy, require additional support for delivery
and installation
-
Difficult to remove after installation
|
-
Lack natural pattern and variation
-
Seams are more visible
-
Costly due to manufacturing processes
|
Key maintenance steps
|
-
No sitting on the granite countertop
-
Use warm water and a soft cloth to clean
-
Immediately clean up spills to prevent damage
|
-
Use mild detergent, water and a soft cloth / paper
towel to clean
-
Avoid direct knives or utensils directly on surface
-
Avoid strong chemicals/solvents unless recommended
-
Use trivet for high temperature
|
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