These three materials are the best choices for kitchen worktops when considering their hardness, as well as their resistance to scratches, stains and hot objects. In comparison to worktops made from laminate, wood, stainless steel, glass, or acrylic, worktops made from granite, quartz or ceramics have superior practicality. Nonetheless, granite, quartz and ceramic worktops differ from each other. If you prefer a totally natural material, then choose a granite worktop. Do you prefer an ultra pure color such as white, then choose a quartz worktop. If you prefer a very thin and highly durable surface, then choose a ceramic worktop. Due to these three materials being the most suitable for kitchen worktops, we accordingly recommend that you choose the one that looks best in your kitchen.
Please find below a comparative table of the qualities of granite, quartz and ceramics:
|
Dark granite |
Light granite |
Quartz |
Ceramics |
Marble |
Hardness Mohs scale |
7 |
7 |
7 |
8 |
4-6 |
Stain Resistance |
Very good |
Good |
Very good |
Very good |
Low-good |
Scratch Resistance |
Very good |
Very good |
Very good |
Excellent |
Low |
Heat Resistance |
Very good |
Very good |
Good |
Excellent |
Good |
Sealing (impregnation) required |
none |
yes |
none |
none |
yes |
Porosity % |
0-0,2 |
0,2-0,5 |
0,01 |
0,01 |
0,03-0,05 |
Pros and cons for granite, quartz and ceramic worktops:
Granite worktops
- + Dark colors do not stain easily
- + Hardness
- + You can place hot pans on the surface
- + Easy to clean
- + 100% natural
- + High aesthetic value
- + Does not scratch under normal use
- – Light colors absorb water
Quartz worktops
- + Does not stain
- + Available in pure white, as well as in a variety of synthetic colors
- + Non-porous
- + Whilst standard thickness is 30mm, 20mm and 12mm thickness is also available
- + Does not scratch under normal use
- – Not heat resistant
Ceramic worktops
- + Does not stain
- + Heat resistant
- + Non-porous
- + Light-weight