Granite in the kitchen: Pros and Cons

Granite In The Kitchen: Pros And Cons

Granite kitchen benchtops, splashbacks, wall cladding, floor tiles and sinks are getting more and more popular!

While this unique natural stone has been used in construction and interior design for many, many years, granite remains an increasingly common choice of material. But is it right for your kitchen

That depends on your needs and your personal preferences. To help you make the right decision, here is an introduction to using granite in your kitchen.

Using Granite in the Kitchen

Granite is a natural stone that is formed beneath the Earth’s surface. Its unique composition, primarily consisting of materials such as quartz, feldspar and mica, is formed by a slow crystallisation of magma. More specifically, high temperatures beneath the ground allow the magma to cool slowly over millions of years.

This process and its components is what gives it the iconic speckled and granular aesthetic. It also contributes to its durability and hardiness.

Granite is quarried in many regions around the world. The most well-known and popular quarries are in the U.S., Italy, Canada, China, India, Brazil, and parts of Africa.

This stone is a popular choice of material for use in the kitchen because of its high level of resistance to scratching, heat damage, and staining. However, there are both advantages and disadvantages to using granite – which we will break down below.

Options for Incorporating Granite in the Kitchen

Granite can be effectively used in various applications to enhance both the appearance and functionality of your kitchen. 

1. Benchtops

Granite kitchen benchtops are the most popular option. The unique aesthetic of granite and its functional durability make it a stunning and practical option.

2. Splashbacks

A granite kitchen sink splashback is a contained and therefore budget-friendly way of infusing this fantastic stone into your home. It can add a sophisticated and beautiful focal point while providing functional utility.

3. Wall Cladding

If you’re more interested in a grander granite kitchen makeover, consider wall cladding. This natural stone can create a striking visual effect and add both texture and depth to your kitchen.

4. Floors

Granite tiling is a durable and luxurious-looking option for flooring. Its hardiness makes it resistant to heavy foot traffic and activity, and easy to keep clean and maintain.

Pros and Cons of Using Granite in the Kitchen

Pros

1. Durability

As mentioned above, granite is an incredibly hard form of natural stone. This hardiness makes it ideally resistant to scratches and heat. For a room in the home like a kitchen, which is prone to high levels of activity, exposure to food and liquid, and likely to be subjected to items of varying temperatures, using a highly durable material like granite is key.

2. Aesthetic

Granite is a beautiful type of stone. Its iconic granular aesthetic makes it stand out even amongst other forms of natural stone. But, importantly, granite comes in a wide range of colours, patterns, and shades so if you love the thought of using it in your kitchen you can find the perfect slab to suit your chosen design style.

3. Maintenance

Granite needs to be professionally sealed to ensure its integrity and appearance. But once done, it is easy to clean, resistant to stains and simple to maintain. Always use approved cleaners that aren’t high in acidity. Avoid hard brushes. And wipe down regularly with warm water and a clean cloth and your granite will look spectacular for many years to come.

4. Uniqueness

Every slab of granite is unique. Because of the fact that the stone is quarried out of the ground and not produced en masse in a factory, every single stone is singular. When you opt for a granite kitchen benchtop or sink splashback, no other granite anywhere in the world will look precisely the same. 

5. Investment

Granite stone is a smart investment when it comes to your home. Not only does the luxurious appearance and popularity of granite enhance the overall value of your home today, but its longevity and durability means that your return on investment will stretch long into the future should you choose to sell your home down the track.

Cons

1. Price

Granite kitchen makeovers can be more expensive than using other materials. Both the cost of the stone itself and the installation cost needs to be considered if you intend on installing a granite benchtop, splashback, flooring or wall cladding.

2. Weight

Granite is also a heavy stone. This means that not all kitchens will be ready and suitable for a granite benchtop as is. Some cabinetry may require additional support to ensure it has the sturdiness and strength to bear the weight.

3. Porosity

Granite is highly durable but it is porous. This is why it is important to ensure your granite benchtop or flooring is properly sealed by a professional every few years. Over time, without the right care and maintenance, it can absorb liquids spilt on it and stain.

4. Cool Surface

This beautiful natural stone has a unique ability to remain cool to the touch. While this is most commonly an advantage in places with warm weather and in rooms of the home likely to see a hive of activity, such as a kitchen, it might not suit all preferences.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Granite Kitchens

Granite countertops are highly durable, aesthetically pleasing, scratch and heat resistant, and every slab is unique. This combination of advantages make it a great choice for use in the kitchen. 

To maintain granite, it is recommended that you clean them regularly using warm water and a non-abrasive cloth and detergent. Avoid using harsh chemicals and regularly reseal the granite every few years. 

Sealing frequency can vary based on a number of factors. Generally, every few years will suffice but the more regularly you seal the more it helps prevent staining.

Granite is heat-resistant, but it is always advisable to use trivets or heat pads under very hot pots and pans. Sudden temperature changes have been known to cause thermal shock, and potentially lead to cracks or damage.

Like with heat, granite is scratch-resistant. Nevertheless, we recommend using a cutting board to both protect your knives from dulling and keep your granite unexposed to any potential scratching.

Start Planning Your Granite Kitchen Makeovers with Euro Marble

At Euro Marble, we love all things granite and stone.

Whether you want to incorporate granite around your kitchen sink, are considering end-to-end wall cladding, or just want to arrange a time to come into our showroom and see our beautiful collection of granite slabs for yourself, make sure to contact our team today. 

Marble vs Wooden Dining Table Tops

Marble vs Wooden Dining Table Tops

Both marble stone and wood are popular choices of dining table top material. If you are looking to replace the surface top of your dining room table, or you are wondering what the difference between a wood and marble top for a dining table is, this guide is just for you.

Exploring Marble Table Tops

Marble stone is a popular choice of material for use in the home, including for everything from kitchen benchtops to table tops.

Being a natural stone, a marble slab used for your table is more than just a hardy choice – it brings with it an iconic and sophisticated aesthetic. Marble is formed in the ground from limestone which is exposed to high pressure and high temperature resulting in a dense and crystalline stone structure.

When the marble stone is quarried from the Earth, the single slab of stone is then crafted and refined into a seamless and elegant surface for use atop your table.

Exploring Wooden Table Tops

A dining table with a wooden top is also a popular option. There is a wide variety of commonly used wood for dining room tables including Tasmanian Oak, Jarrah, Blackwood, and Victorian Ash in Australia.

Each type of wood brings with it distinct characteristics in terms of its colour, shading, grain pattern, durability and overall impact. Plus, the versatility of wooden table tops means that you can achieve a range of aesthetic appearances and find or commission the perfect wooden slab to suit your preferences. 

Comparing Marble Vs Wooden Dining Table Tops

Should you choose marble for your dining table top? Or should you opt for a wooden table?

Let’s break down some key differences between the two. 

1. Price

When it comes to price, marble stone is generally more expensive due to the cost of quarrying, processing and transporting the slab. High quality marble might be worth the investment, but it can command a higher price tag initially. 

Wood on the other hand is often more affordable. Of course, the price will depend on the type of wood and craftsmanship requirements involved, but is more commonly preferred for the budget constrained.

2. Durability

Both marble and wood are durable materials which contribute to their respective popularity as dining table top materials. Marble, being a tough stone, is known for its durability but it is more porous than some other stone options, such as granite and quartzite, so without property maintenance and professional sealing it can stain or chip over time. 

Wood, while also durable, can be more susceptible to scratches and water damage in particular. On the other hand, with the right care, maintenance and protection it can also last for many, many years.

3. Maintenance

Both marble and wood table tops will need regular maintenance to keep them looking and functioning their best. The marble stone table top should be regularly sealed to prevent stain and damage to the stone itself. Cleaning should be done with non-acidic cleaning products and soft materials to ensure there is no scratching or straining.

Wood needs periodic polishing and, sometimes, refinishing to maintain its stellar appearance. To best take care of your wooden table top, always wipe up spills as quickly as possible as liquid exposure can cause warping.

4. Appearance

Both marble and wood are wondrous and stunning materials from an aesthetic point of view. Ultimately, it really comes down to your personal preference and interior design choice. 

Marble brings a sense of luxury and unique visual patterns across a range of colours to help achieve an elegant design aesthetic. Wood, by comparison, is great for providing a sense of warmth and a natural feel to your home.

5. Customisability

Both marble and wood table tops can be customised quite easily. From the shape to the size of your dining room table, marble and wood can be tailored to a wide range of aesthetics. 

6. Weight

If weight is a concern of yours it is important to note that marble is significantly heavier. On the one hand, this higher density makes moving a table with a dining table top more challenging. On the other hand it also adds to the durability and long-term value of the furniture. Wood, being generally lighter than stone, is easier to relocate if needed.

7. Complementarity

Your dining room’s table top should complement the rest of your chosen aesthetic and decor. Marble stone is best suited for formal dining options or minimalist aesthetics.

Wood, while suitable for formal settings, is often preferred for casual dining room aesthetics and especially interior design styles such as rustic.

8. Heat Resistance

Your dining room table top is likely going to be exposed to some hot dishes. Marble is naturally heat resistant and with the right sealing and protection can withstand direct contact with dishes of a higher temperature.

By comparison, wood is not very heat resistant and placing hot items directly on to it can cause burns, heat stains and warping. 

9. Environmental Impact

Marble stone does require some amount of energy during the extraction and transportation process. However, this hardy and natural material means that it can last for many years and offer a sustainable table top solution.

Wooden table tops vary in their environmental impact. Different sourcing practices will determine the level of eco-friendliness so it is important to consider how, where and from whom your wooden top is being sourced from.

The Perfect Marble Top for Your Dining Table is at Euro Marble

It is important to consider your personal preferences, budget, needs and home design when choosing between wood and marble dining table tops.

Ultimately, both materials bring unique benefits, aesthetics and value to your home and with high levels of customisability, you can find the perfect dining table to bring a smile to every meal! 

Ready to Choose Your Ideal Dining Table Top?

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Quartz Vs Quartzite

Quartz Vs Quartzite

Did you know that quartz and quartzite are not the same thing? While, when it comes to considering different stone materials, these two options are often compared to one another, they are distinct in many ways.

From origin and properties to aesthetic appeal and durability, there are many layers to the quartz vs quartzite analysis, and we are here to break it all down for you.

What is Quartzite vs Quartz?

Origin and Development

Quartzite is a naturally occurring metamorphic rock. It is formed from sandstone when it is subjected to high heat and intense pressure. These forces kick start a process that crystallises the quartz grains within the sandstone. The result is a dense and durable natural stone that offers both practical and aesthetic utility.

Quartz, on the other hand, is not a naturally occurring rock. It is a man-made material and is often referred to by the more descriptive name of engineered stone. In most cases, quartz is created by combining crushed quartz crystals with various resins, polymers and pigments. Normally about 90-95% of quartz is natural quartzite but this can vary. 

Use in Construction and Interior Design

Both quartzite and quartz are used widely in construction and interior design. Quartzite is widely used for countertops, wall cladding, and outdoor design thanks to its unique natural aesthetic patterns and colour, as well as its hardiness to scratches and heat resistance. 

Quartz or engineered stone is widely used in kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities and interior flooring. This non-porous material makes it easy to maintain and resistant to maintenance. Plus, being man-made it can be manufactured in a variety of standard colours and patterns.

Comparing Quartz vs Quartzite

1. Natural vs Artificial

The main difference between these two stone varieties is that quartzite is a natural stone and is quarried from the ground for use in construction and design. On the other hand, quartz is not a naturally occurring material and is made in a factory.

2. Practical Functionality

The truth is that both quartzite and quartz are hardy and durable materials – hence their popularity in construction and home design. However, there are some slight differences. Quartzite is a naturally occurring rock and therefore, thanks to the intensity of its formation process, is extremely durable. By comparison, quartz is highly durable but ever so slightly less so. 

When it comes to porosity, which can make a material more or less resistant to staining when exposed to liquid, quartzite is slightly more porous whereas engineered stone is non-porous. It is recommended that any natural stone surface is regularly resealed to best protect it from staining and other damage.

3. Heat Resistance

If you are considering quartzite vs quartz countertops or just about any kitchen-based application, heat resistance is an important consideration. For best practice, we always recommend using a trivet or mat and not placing hot dishes and pots directly onto any stone benchtop. Nevertheless, for the highest level of heat resistance, quartzite is the best option. While quartz is still moderately resistant to heat, it is less resistant when compared to its natural counterpart.

4. Customisation

Both quartz and quartzite can be highly customised. But in different ways. Quartz is produced in a factory so it can be customised to achieve just about any colour, pattern and style. But availability is subject to the production line and every slab or quartz in that run will be identical. Quartzite is a natural stone and is therefore limited to the natural variations of the rock in its respective quarry. What this does mean, though, is that every single slab is unique in its own right.

5. Price

Quartz is most commonly the cheaper option. This human-produced stone does not need to be quarried from the ground and transported around the world. So while quartz offers a more budget-friendly option for those constrained when it comes to price, quartzite is a premium choice that should be considered as more of a long-term investment that will last, in terms of aesthetic and functionality, long into the future. 

Understanding Engineered Stone Use in Australia

In Australia, both quartz and quartzite are quite popular options for use in construction and interior design. 

Quartz is favoured for its versatility, uniformity in production, lower price and ease of maintenance. In the past, this has made it a common choice for use in modern kitchens and bathrooms especially. Quartzite is appreciated for its natural beauty and strength. Being a premium natural stone material, it is often preferred in high-end designs.

However, recent regulatory developments in Australia have impacted the production, use and availability of engineered stone/quartz. 

As of 1 July 2024, the government has prohibited the ongoing use of engineered stone entirely. Why? When engineered stone is cut, it releases a fine silica dust that – when inhaled – can and has caused lung disease (or silicosis). Recent reports have indicated that workers have been developing diseases at an alarming rate and over time the calls of unions and health advocates has resulted in stricter regulations. Recently, an ultimate ban on the manufacture, supply, processing, and installation of engineered stone products was put in place.

Find the Perfect Stone at Euro Marble

Ultimately, while both quartz and quartzite serve valuable and unique roles in construction and interior design, their origins, properties, and implications for health differ significantly. 

Of course, the recent ban on engineered stone in Australia due to silicosis risks, makes natural stones like quartzite the more accessible, safer and better option for future projects.

Learn more about Quartz and Quartzite

Contact Euro Marble today to know how to best use the unique stone in your home.
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