When it comes to kitchen work surfaces, there are many materials to choose from, each with it’s own unique benefits and drawbacks. Here, we explore the three most popular options: Granite, Quartz, and Marble and detail their features and benefits.
Granite Kitchen Work Surfaces
Granite is an igneous rock, formed when magma slowly cools and crystallises under the Earth’s surface. The main minerals found in granite are quartz, feldspar and mica making it a hard and durable surface with good scratch and heat resistance.
Benefits:
– Hardness and durability
– Resistant to scratches and heat
– A huge range of colour and pattern options
– Stain-resistant with proper sealing
Cons:
– Can be more expensive than other options
– some limitations in flexibility in design due to the natural patterns and colour variations
– Granite requires regular sealing to prevent stains
Quartz Kitchen Work Surfaces
Quartz is a man-made material that is made from crushed quartz, resins, and pigments. It is known for its durability and resistance to scratches and stains. Quartz work surfaces are available in a wide range of colours and patterns, making it a very popular choice for those looking for a modern and consistent design. Brand names such as Silestone, Caesarstone and Köinigstone are all very popular.
Benefits:
– A very wide range of colour and pattern options
– excellent resistance to scratches, stains, and heat
– Non-porous, making it easy to clean and maintain
Cons:
– Can be less heat-resistant than Granite
– some quartz surfaces can change or discolor over time with exposure to sunlight
Marble Kitchen Work Surfaces
Marble is a metamorphic rock formed when limestone is exposed to high temperatures and pressures. While marble can appear similar to natural Granite, a piece of marble can be scratched and is generally not as durable or robust.
Benefits:
– Luxurious appearance
– Available in a range of colors and styles
– rerasonalbe heat-resistant with proper sealing
Cons:
– Softer than other options, meaning it can be more prone to scratches and stains
– Requires regular maintenance and sealing to prevent stains
– More prone to chipping and cracking than Granite and Quartz
In summary, when choosing a kitchen work surface, it is important to consider your lifestyle and aesthetic preferences. Granite offers durability and natural variation, Quartz offers consistency and durability, and marble offers a luxurious aesthetic. Each material has its pros and cons, so ultimately, it is a personal and lifestyle choice.
However, whichever option you choose, a stone work surface will add both style and function to your kitchen for years to come.
Want to know more? checkout our dedicated worktop guide below.
Get more information on worktops at our Inverleith and Morningside Showrooms
