Natural stone for a kitchen worktop

Which one to choose? Granite, engineered quartz or ceramic?

Granite is the most popular and most common natural stone for kitchen worktops when it comes to a durable kitchen work surface. Granite worktops have grown in popularity over recent decades. There is also an engineered stone known as quartz, which in recent years has become an increasingly common alternative to granite. The newest option for kitchen worktops is ceramics in larger formats. We have compared these three materials for you and answered the question of which is the best choice for your kitchen worktop.

Characteristics of granite

It is a completely natural material. Granite slabs have one of the most beautiful surfaces you can find when you are looking at natural materials. With this natural stone you can choose from a wide range of colours and styles, and better still, it is a very hard-wearing material that suits any surface. It is also granite resistant to stains (with standard sealing), heat and scratches, which makes it the right choice for people who think ahead. We offer more than 60 types, in many different shades.

What about quartz?

It is a composite that contains about 90 per cent natural quartz, with binders making up the rest. It has a very rich pattern, so if you want something more dynamic, you cannot go wrong with it. It is a hard, non-porous material, which makes maintenance easier. With quartz, just take care not to expose it to too much heat. It is also slightly softer than natural granite.

Ceramics as a work surface?

The latest trend for worktops is ceramics. Its advantages are its thickness and the many shades and patterns on the surface. Some design trends call for the thinnest possible surfaces. While granite and quartz can only be made 2 or 3 cm thick, ceramics are 1.2 cm thick. Of course, ceramics are not as stable as the two materials above. There are more colour options, because the colours and patterns are printed on the surface, while granite and quartz are limited to natural materials. Still, this material is not as stable and durable as granite.

So which natural stone should you choose for your kitchen worktop?

When it is time to buy a new a kitchen worktop, you want to make a decision that pleases you now and will still inspire you in the future. A new kitchen worktop can complete any home renovation. If you are looking for a completely natural material, which offers different colours and styles, is durable and easy to maintain, then granite is the ideal choice for you. If you want a work surface with more colour options, in colours granite does not offer, choose quartz. As long as you are careful about excessive heat, you will have no problems with quartz. If you want something completely new and on trend, go for a ceramic worktop. With ceramics, take a little more care with loads on the worktop. All three materials can be made in sizes up to 280–320 × 160 cm in one piece. Whichever of these three materials you choose for your home, you will get one of the best options. By weighing the factors listed and explained above, you can work out which material suits your home best.