Granite Worktops: Expensive for a Reason

When it comes to counter-tops for homes, people choose from a variety of materials. Typically, it's a three horse race between granite, marble and quartz worktops. Granite worktops in London carry substantial price tags, and that's why many worktop buyers settle for marble or quartz variants.

However, once you consider the advantages of granite worktops, the substantial price tags would suddenly start to make sense. Here are some of the pros that granite worktops guarantee:

Rough and Tough: Kitchen worktops should be tough and durable, and that's exactly how granite worktops are. For starters, granite counter-G is scratch resistant. It is heat resistant as well, and that's not all. Their strength is unparalleled, and they can dull even the sharpest of knives.

Looks Stunning: While marble and quartz worktops look good, nothing comes close to the aesthetic appeal that granite worktops offer. If you have plans to turn your kitchen space into something grand, only a granite worktop can make it happen.

Variety of Colour: You can pick your granite worktop from more than twenty vivid shades. This means that you don't have to renovate your entire kitchen to suit your counter-top. Instead, you can simply choose a granite worktop that is compatible with the look and feel of your kitchen space.

Keeps the Stains Away: Provided you get a professional to install your granite worktop and seal it, you can rest assured that there would be no staining on your worktop. Once sealed, granite worktops become completely stain-proof, which is ideal for people who are clumsy and tend to spill fluids on the worktop.

More Affordable than Ever before: Not long ago, granite worktops were incredibly expensive, and only the rich and wealthy could afford them. However, with more and more granite worktop manufacturers in the market, the prices seem to be on their way down. Even though granite worktops are still more expensive compared to marble and quartz worktops, at least they are within reach of the middle classes.

Granite worktops produced by reputed manufacturers like Corian kitchen worktops can last you more than a decade, and still would not lose any of its sheen and value if maintained well. They sure are expensive, but the price tags are quite justified.

Benefits Of Installing Corian Kitchen Worktops

Corian kitchen worktops are the best of all the solid surfaces sold today, and compete effectively with granite worktops and quartz worktops. Corian worktops are formed by combining acrylic resin with natural minerals and do not have a chipboard core.
  
1. Flexibility in design: The structural nature allows it to have limitless design flexibility you can fabricate them in any shape you want. You can have it shaped like hardwood and make seamless the joints between worktop sections and other kitchen elements (like splash backs). You can end up with a a beautiful, smooth and stunning finish if this is done correctly.

2. Wide range of colors and patterns: Just like Granite Worktops Manchester and quartz worktops, Corian kitchen worktops come in more than 100 color and pattern range, meaning you can get what works for you. You could also consider the color customization options from DuPont if stuck. However, it is not advisable to go for this color customization if needing only a small amount of worktop as it can be very expensive. One thing you should understand when dealing with Granite Worktops, Corian kitchen worktops is that shades affect durability, with some shades and colors being less hard-wearing than others. Dark, heavily pigmented colors will show scratches, dust and ordinary wear and tear compared to the lighter, textured colors according to Corian literature. This is important, acknowledging that Corian worktops will develop small scratches and abrasions, which alters the satin finish present at installation. You need to have and stick to a cleaning plan in order to have luster developing evenly.

3. Great performance and durability: Corian worktops, like granite worktops and quartz worktops, do not just offer aesthetics: the material is a bit durable and high performing since it does not delaminate and stands up well to daily wear and tear. DuPonint also says that the solution resists most of the impacts, nicks and cuts common in heavy traffic areas.

4. Non-porous: This means it is hygienic. There are no joints to allow penetration of germ and grime traps, in addition to the fact that dirt and bacteria does not penetrate into the counter.
 
5. One can overcome most of the damage to the surface: You can also remove minor scratches and marks occurring on the surface, using every day cleaning products. You can renew damaged areas on site although you need a professional to do it. The above does not mean that Corian kitchen worktops do not have disadvantages. However, most of these are associated with other types of solid surfaces as well. In addition to picking scratches over time and having durability that varies based on color or shade, the surface does not work well with hot pans and utensils -- you must use some other surface such as a trivet (with rubber feet) to protect the counter from the direct heat. You must also avoid cutting directly onto Corian and instead use a chopping board or worktop saver – this will help avoid scoring or marking the surface.
 
Price of Corian worktops is the biggest impediment to people buying it. However, although it is more priced than other surfaces, it is of a higher quality. It is more expensive than all laminate worktop, many wood worktops, but almost equally priced to granite and some of the Quartz Worktops options.

Quartz Worktops over Granite Worktops: Is it the Right Choice?

There has been an on-going debate between homeowners about the right choice for their homes; quartz worktops or granite worktops. While granite worktops are popular, quartz holds a number of advantages over the latter.

What Quartz Worktops Offer

Value for Money: Home renovations are expensive affairs, and every average homeowner wants quality, but at the right price. They want a solution that does not burn a hole in their wallets. Quartz worktops hold an advantage over their granite counterparts in this regard. They make for pretty interiors, and they are reasonable too.

Greater Ease in Cleaning: Undoubtedly, Granite Worktops Manchester look and feel stunning. However, cleaning them is a hard task, as one has to use specialized soaps. But with quartz worktops, there are no such worries. Any regular soap is good enough to clean quartz worktops.

Get What You Pay for: The main reason why people go for quartz, granite or marble worktops is because of their stunning looks. However, dyes are often used to make Granite Worktops Manchester look more attractive than they actually are. Over time, the dyes may wear off, and the worktop would look nothing like what you initially purchased. However, quartz worktops don't feature any dye use, and even after several years, they tend to have the same sparkling look if kept clean.

Superb Standards of Hygiene: Most known producers of quartz worktops strictly adhere to standards of hygiene. An ideal worktop for your kitchen is one that keeps bacteria growth in check, and that's exactly what quartz worktops do. This ensures that you can keep on preparing your favourite food without any worries of contamination.

No Chances of Staining: While granite worktops are very popular, many users complain about stained worktops, especially after they spill something. This happens as granite is a porous stone, and spilled wine or other coloured fluids generally accumulate in the small gaps present in the stone. However, there are no such gaps present in quartz. So, whenever you drop or spill any fluid on a quartz worktop, you can safely clean it up and rest assured that no discolouration of the stone would occur.

Looks just like you want it to: You may have a certain idea regarding the granite worktop that you want to buy. You want it to appear a certain way, and you wait with bated breath for the finished product to reach your home. However, when it does, you see that it is slightly different from what you wanted and expected. This is due to the fact that granite worktop manufacturers don't have complete control over the appearance of the final product. On the other hand however, quartz manufacturers do, which is why you are guaranteed the worktops that you really want.

Reduced Maintenance Costs: While granite worktops require regular sealing and special bacteria soaps to clean them, quartz worktops don't. This saves quartz worktop owners a lot of money in the long run, which would be otherwise spent on routine maintenance.

Well known quartz worktops such as Corian kitchen worktops guarantee long-term satisfaction, and it's about time you got yourself a quality quartz worktop!

Selecting Corian Kitchen Worktops

Corian kitchen countertop is normally referred to as "solid-surface" countertop. These types of worktops are preferable because they are easy to clean and last longer just like the granite worktops. For this reason, they are very helpful in a busy kitchen. Corian kitchen worktops are also preferable because they resist stains, scratches and elemental damages. Another advantage is that they resist wear from excess sunlight.

Another issue to consider when purchasing Corian countertops is the range of colors you can choose from. The worktops, which are made of a nonporous acrylic polymer, are available in a range of color, from white to fire engine red and speckled cobalt blue. The color patterns on the Corian countertops are also consistent throughout the surface of the countertop. Therefore, as the countertop is exposed to wear and tear, the appearance (resulting from color) does not change. A Corian worktop is also smooth and comparable to a stone surface and hence great to work on when you need great smoothness. You can also repair it very easily by way of scrubbing or light sanding.
      
It is important to consider your applications, preferences and needs when buying kitchen countertops in order to get the best deal. Normally, you would want to if you need Granite Worktops Manchester, Corian or quartz worktops and compare among the option to see which one best meets your needs. Most people would hate a solution that develops irreparable scratches within a very short period. Compared to granite, quartz is not a stone: it is made by grinding and mixing with five percent polymer. However, it can be made to resemble natural stone. The surface is very durable and does not need any sealing. Like is the case with Corian worktops, quartz worktops are also available in many colors.
 
Many people also go for worktops that resist staining. Quartz worktops also resist absorbing germs and you can use soap and water to clean it very easily. Unlike granite countertops or worktop, quartz is man-made and in case a piece needs replacement, it can be made to match the rest of the counter. Some people hate the "clink" sound that is produced when a dish hits quartz countertops so you might not like quartz over Corian. But others would want the natural-stone luster that comes with granite or quartz worktops. Granite and quartz also perform better than Corian when it comes to germ resistance, scratch resistance and crack resistance. The two (granite and quartz) will also resist damage by a knife or hot pan placed over them. 
       
Price

The next issue after deciding to purchase a Corian countertop is probably its price. Coriancountertops can be more costly when compared to some other options, but you will save about $50 to $120 per square foot when you buy these types of countertops compared to granite. If you are asking whether to purchase Quartz Worktops or Corian, consider that quartz is as expensive as granite, so Corian may be the better option in terms of cost. Again, care and maintenance might help get the best out of Corian countertops. Many want worktops they can clean easily and quickly. Avoid chopping or cutting the Corian surface directly if you want a solution that is in good shape. Additionally, ensure you do not settle a hot pot or pan directly on the countertop as this may damage the countertop.