Granite is an extremely popular material for kitchen worktops. It is a classic and luxurious stone to use in the home. It benefits from being exceptionally strong (6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale) and very difficult to chip through everyday wear and tear. However, there are also a number of granite alternatives, which are worth finding out about before you make any final decisions.
Granite worktops are also very hygienic for the kitchen; although it is quite porous in its raw form, once it is polished and sealed this is no longer the case. Cleaning is incredibly easy; you will only need water and mild soap to keep your granite countertop looking its best and remaining clean and safe for your family.
Though granite is especially useful and well suited to kitchen worktops, if you are in the process of redesigning your kitchen you will want to consider all your options and make an educated decision. We are master craftsmen with over 65 years of industry experience, so if you have any questions don’t hesitate to get in touch. Here are some alternative materials to the hugely popular granite which you may not have considered yet.
Marble for Kitchen Worktops
Marble worktops are natural like granite and can often be found in kitchens. It is slightly softer than granite so if you are worried about chips and scratches granite may be better. However, it should be noted that even though it is softer than granite it is still stone, and can therefore still withstand a lot.
Both granite and marble are natural with completely unique patterning in every slab, so in terms of aesthetic, it is completely down to your preference. Marble does tend to have more regular and large patterns, such as veining throughout the material which is a more desirable look. It is good to view as many different slabs of marble and granite as you can so you can decide what you prefer. A good way to do this is to book a visit to our showroom.
In terms of maintenance, marble requires slightly more maintenance than granite. The composition of marble includes calcium carbonate which means it is more likely to get stained by acidic spills, these should be cleaned up promptly to prevent permanent discolouration.
Quartz or Granite For Kitchen Worktops
Quartz worktops are another alternative to granite countertops. Quartz countertops are even stronger and more durable than granite, in hardness it is second only to precious stones. Quartz for kitchen worktops, unlike granite and marble, is not natural. The quartz used in worktops comprises around 93% quartz and 7% resin.
The fact the quartz is man-made means that there are more options in terms of colour for quartz which is great if you need to colour match to fit your interior. However, these colours and patterns are artificial, and will therefore not be like the unique natural beauty which can be found from marble or granite.
The best way to choose a material for your kitchen worktops is to see the options for yourself. They all have their pros and cons, and the decision is a personal one. Even so, our expert craftsmen can help you every step of the way and offer advice based on your own needs. Get in contact today or visit our workshop to find out more.