Advantages and Disadvantages of using Quartz Worktops

When you are thinking about updating your kitchen, you need to take a lot into account. The process of choosing the right products to create the kitchen of your dreams can be very stressful. When it comes to installing a new kitchen worktop, Quartz kitchen worktops are gaining in popularity these days.

By knowing the pro’s and con’s of using Quartz worktops, you will have a clear understanding of whether quartz kitchen worktops are right for you:

Pros

•    Non-permeable

Quartz worktops are manufactured from engineered stone, a man made material with many of the qualities of natural rock. Particles of quartz and other minerals are bonded with a plastic resin to create a hard, non-porous composite which machines and polishes like granite. Quartz worktops are easy to clean as they do not allow liquids to seep in and cause stains.  They can actually be better at resisting stains than natural stone worktops.  Because they do not have pores they inhibit the growth of bacteria and other micro-organisms and so they can be considered to be more hygienic.

•    Resistance to heat

Quartz offers substantial resistance to heat when compared to the alternative synthetic options. They do not bend or buckle when touched by hot frying pans or pots.

•    Resistance to crack

They are more impact-resistant than many other types of materials used in kitchen worktops because of the presence of the flexible and elastic resin in between the crushed quartz pieces. Whilst they are scratch resistant, in fact it is not advisable to use sharp knives directly over the quartz countertop as they can blunt the knives!

•    Easy to maintain

Unlike marble and granite they do not require sealing. Other than the regular cleaning, you need not do anything to maintain the quartz worktops.

Cons

•    Costly

It is a high-end product with unique qualities. It can initially be thought to be expensive however the ease of maintenance, its longevity and hygienic benefits makes up for its upfront cost. In the longer term quartz worktops can prove to be a sound investment

•    Engineered material

For those who love the patterns and colours of natural products like marble and granite, a quartz worktop might be a disappointment.

If you are interested in buying Quartz worktop, contact us at Affordable Granite to find out more.

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Why Do Most People Prefer Granite Worktops For Their Kitchen?

Granite is a sturdy rock that is quarried in many parts of the world. Once it has been cut and polished it can be made into a beautiful and hard-wearing worktop. Granite worktops are available in a wide variety of colours, and can be custom made to fit exactly where you want them. Granite kitchen worktops can compliment any kind of cabinet style or design.

This is why the popularity of granite worktops is ever-growing.  Here are some other benefits of granite kitchen worktops:

•    They are highly durable and widely regarded as one of the most hard-wearing worktop surfaces. They offer great resistance to chipping, cracking and scraping. After installing a granite worktop, you don’t necessarily need to replace it ever. Granite kitchen worktops make an excellent long-term investment.

•    They don’t stain easily and you can confidently work in your kitchen without worrying about whether the worktop is up to the task. Granite worktops can effectively resist bacterial growth.

•    Cleaning granite worktops is easygular intervals to keep them stain-free and looking as good as new.

•    They can also improve the value of your home, often by more than the cost of the worktops themselves.

•    Granite worktops are aesthetically pleasing. They look rich and luxurious, and have a distinctive quality appearance about them. They have a natural appearance because each piece of granite is unique which adds to their appeal. Whilst quartz worktops can be as efficient as granite worktops for your kitchen, people who prefer natural materials are more likely to choose granite.

•    In the past, granite was rare and costly but nowadays, due to the wide availability of raw materials and the improved machinery available to cut and polish they have become more popular and affordable.

•    They are not easily damaged by extremes of temperature which means you are free to put hot pans or pots on your granite worktops directly from the hob or oven.

However, make sure that you buy from a professional granite company so that your worktops are exactly what you want and fitted expertly. If you follow this simple rule you new kitchen worktops can last a lifetime

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