Deciding on a worktop is one of the most significant decisions when designing or remodelling your kitchen. It defines the style in your kitchen and dictates how long it will last, how easy it is to maintain, and its ongoing value. Quartz and granite are two of the most popular choices because they look beautiful and have functional qualities. Here in the capital, many homeowners – whether it be yourself or those with any indecision – often ask: which is good for london kitchens, quartz or granite?
In this blog, we will look at quartz and granite in terms of cost, style, maintenance, and performance, then delve into why so many people are searching for cheap granite worktops London, when considering good quality stone options that are economical.
1. Expense Factors
Price is one of the most important deciding factors in the quartz versus granite decision.
Quartz: Quartz is an engineered stone, created by taking natural quartz and combining it with resin. You can find quartz in a variety of designs including marble-look patterns, but prices can be higher sometimes depending on the finish and/or brand.
Granite: Granite is a 100% natural stone, cut and polished straight from a quarry. Many homeowners will use the phrase cheap granite worktops London because granite offers a luxury look at a relatively low price compared to other natural luxury materials. Even choosing granite remnants or offcuts will further reduce costs while still providing stunning aesthetics.
2. Appearance and Style
Quartz: As quartz is a man-made material, you can have a consistent pattern and colour. This makes quartz an excellent choice for modern and minimalist kitchens - you can achieve the wow factor of marble or other natural stones without worrying about inconsistencies with the pattern and colour. It can create a clean, sleek look in whites, but you can have it enhanced with dramatic dark stone colours.
Granite: Each slab of granite is completely unique, with natural veining and colours that have formed over thousands of years. London homeowners love the realness and uniqueness to granite. And, of course, with so many suppliers now offering cheap granite worktops London you can achieve a luxury look without the more premium price tag that might accompany it.
3. Durability and Performance
Quartz: Being non-porous and stain-resistant, quartz is ideal for busy homes. It does not require sealing, making it low maintenance and entirely hygienic.
Granite: Granite is very durable, heat resistant, and scratch resistant. However, it is porous so it does require sealing sometimes in order to prevent staining. Nevertheless, with good maintenance, granite worktops should last decades. For this reason, even those who are looking for cheap granite worktops London have an opportunity for long-term performance and value.
4. Maintenance & Cleaning
Quartz: Quartz is easy to clean, using only mild soap and water. Also, due to quartz being a non-porous material it does not hold stains or bacteria.
Granite: Granite is slightly more challenging. Spills should be cleaned quickly, and sealing granite worktops annually to protect from spills is well worth the effort. Most homeowners understand this small amount of maintenance is reasonable, especially if you invest in affordable granite worktops London that look excellent and last for years.
5. Eco-Friendly
Quartz: Quartz is engineered, so it primarily uses synthetic and natural materials. While it is not as eco-friendly as actual stone pulled from the earth, many manufacturers are starting to experiment with sustainable practices.
Granite: Granite is natural, so it requires less impact from manufacture. Although the quarrying process does leave a carbon footprint while transporting it does as well. One way to reduce your ecological footprint is to buy local, so if you do choose granite make sure you purchase from a local business that has supply of inexpensive granite counters London to reduce transportation impact.
6. Availability in London
Homeowners in London have a wide selection of stone suppliers and brands that offer quartz with multiple design options. Additionally, there are many fabricators who offer cheaper granite worktops London, making the option for natural stone popular and easily accessible to the homeowner who wants a high-end look for less.
7. When to choose which?
Choose Quartz if: You are looking for low maintenance surfaces, consistent patterns, and a wide variety of colour options. Quartz is particularly well suited for busy households that want leaders and surfaces that are practical and easy to clean while maintaining individual styling.
Choose Granite if: You enjoy the uniqueness and beauty of natural stone, and are willing to do the bare minimum expected for maintenance, such as sealing. Many suppliers have cheap granite worktops London available, making it a great choice for homeowners looking to add luxury and durability to their home without spending exorbitan amounts.
8. Mixing Quartz and Granite in the Kitchen
Should you be unable to decide between the two, using both is becoming increasingly common within London. You may want to consider quartz for your main counters as it is very low maintenance; and then use inexpensive granite worktops London on your island as a striking natural centre piece. Mixing and matching allows for a beautiful marriage of form and function.
9. Conclusion
Both quartz and granite offer impressive solutions for kitchens in London. Quartz offers ease of use, uniformity, and low maintenance; while granite offers timeless beauty, durability, and originality. In the end, the choice is determined by your lifestyle, cost, and more importantly design choices.
If pricing is the most important factor to you, seeking out a supplier of cheap granite worktops London is the most sensible option, as you will get the quality look of stone for a fraction of the price. If you need styles that need minimal maintenance, then quartz may be the best option for you.
In the end, either way, selecting a fabricator experienced in installation, obtaining precise measurements, and completing solid workmanship is extremely important for the longevity of the installation. Ask your manufacturer for assistance with any of your, quartz, granite, marble, porcelain and Dekton worktop needs at LSD Stone Ltd - the styles really are limitless leaving London homeowners with kitchens that are every bit as practical as they are stylish.
