Granite is one of the hardest materials on earth composed primarily of quartz, feldspar and mica. The other minerals present in the stone give granite its unique colour, texture and pattern. It is resistant to scratches, acids, stains and heat. It is long-lasting, durable and available in a wide variety of colours, textures and unique crystal patterns that create a warm and inviting environment for your kitchen or bathroom.
Quartz surfaces consist of up to 93 per cent quartz which is stronger than natural stone and one of nature’s hardest minerals. Quartz surfaces are resistant to stains, scratches, cracks, heat and common household chemicals. Quartz surfaces retain the cool, tactile qualities of natural stone, while offering almost unlimited design possibilities.
The grades given to granite and quartz are for pricing purposes only and do not reflect the quality of the stone. Often we are asked to price a granite benchtop where the customer has not yet specified the stone.
In this instance we provide a quotation on a range of granites from categories A-F (category A being the lowest price and category F being the highest). Then when the customer selects their stone all they need to do is match the category given to the stone with the quotation provided earlier.
Granite and Quartz are the most versatile stones to work with. Granite and Quartz can be used anywhere indoors or outdoors. The choice or either product generally comes down to colour.
The density and weight of granite is variable. On average, 1 square metre of granite that is 3cm thick weighs approximately 100 kilograms.
As long as your kitchen cabinets are level and are secured to the wall and floor, they will adequately support granite benchtops.
Yes, you do need to re-seal your benchtop. Your benchtop leaves the factory with it's first coat of sealer which makes the staining process slower, thus giving you more time to clean a spill before a stain sets in. We recommend using a Simoniz Hard Wax polish (just like waxing your car), which can be sourced from most Repco outlets.
All lighter coloured granites should be sealed twice a year with other granites once a year.
Quartz does not require to be sealed.
Advantages:
Extraordinary range of colours and patterns
Bacteria Resistant
Scratch Resistant
Heat Resistant
Easy to clean
Disadvantages:
Joins
Granite - no
Quartz - no
However, you may consider the use of a chopping board to protect your kitchen knives. Cutting directly on the surface of a granite benchtop will blunt your knives.
Your granite benchtop may require sealing. Otherwise, cleaning the benchtop with soap and water should suffice. Don't use acidic or abrasive cleaners that will dull the finish over time.
Reasonable damage such as small cracks or chips can be repaired. However, be aware to always try and save the chipped piece of stone.
A study was made to measure the bacteria-resistance of six common benchtop materials.
The study involved contaminating each surface with E. coli. The surfaces were washed and rinsed with soap and water and then sanitised with a vinegar and water solution. The results revealed that Stainless Steel, Granite and Quartz are clearly a hygienic form of benchtop.
In most cases overhang should not exceed 350mm beyond the supported area.
There are few things that will scratch granite and quartz:
diamonds
another piece of granite
hardened steel
If you want to scratch the granite you could, such as by driving a knife into the granite with force and dragging it along the surface. However, under normal conditions you should not scratch it.
By contrast, marbles and limestones are very easy to scratch.