Solid surface worktops vs quartz worktops – which is better?
As manufacturing develops it’s often the case that two products are available on the market which sound the same but in reality, differ in many ways. Solid surface worktops and quartz worktops are two such products.
Whilst both are engineered kitchen worktops, they are manufactured to perform differently. Let’s take a look at how solid surface worktops and quartz worktops compare so you can identify which is best for your kitchen.
Solid surface worktop vs quartz worktop – which is better?
What is a solid surface worktop?
A solid surface worktop is an engineered worktop made with around 66% powdered natural stone or other type of mineral. For most solid worktop brands, the largest mineral component is usually marble. The crushed minerals are mixed with resins to produce a hard surface that’s easy to colour with pigments.
Solid surface worktops were first produced in 1967 by Corian. They come in a wide range of colours and styles making them well-suited to the home. Solid surface worktops are easy to shape and used to make all sorts of different types of worktops and surfaces for use in the home, including: kitchen countertops, splashbacks and sinks.
Solid surface worktops vs quartz worktops
Material: Quartz is a more superior surface that performs better than a solid surface worktop. Quartz was developed more recently and is on a par with granite. A quartz worktop contains almost 30% more natural stone than a solid surface worktop.
Quartz countertops are manufactured from around 93% natural quartz stone. Quartz is a transparent, hard mineral found deep in the Earth’s crust. During manufacturing, crushed crystals are mixed with polymer resins to form an even more robust type of quartz. Each quartz countertop contains around 93% natural quartz stone.
Performance: The final quartz worktop is of an outstanding quality. Both quartz and solid surface worktops have hygienic, non-porous surfaces resistant to spills and bacteria. That means for both types of worktop, spilt liquids can be wiped away easily and won’t stain whilst micro-organisms are unable to grow.
When handling hot kitchen equipment, quartz countertops have a much higher resistance to heat than solid worktops. However, it is not recommended you put piping hot equipment straight from the oven onto either a quartz countertop or a solid surface kitchen worktop as either could sustain damage to the internal structure.
For cutting and scratches, quartz kitchen worktops also come out on top. Solid surface kitchen worktops have limited resistance to scratches whilst quartz countertops are prized for their high resistance to scratches and cutting.
Cleaning is easy with both types of worktop. Solid countertops and quartz kitchen worktops can be wiped clean with gentle washing up liquid and a soft cloth although harsh cleaning products and cloths should be avoided.
Colours & styles: One of the biggest considerations for your choice of kitchen worktop is whether it is available in the colour and thickness you require.
Both solid countertops and quartz countertops are produced in a huge array of colours, topping around 80 different shades so it’s easy to find the perfect match for your kitchen. However, there are some important differences in terms of style and finish.
We prize natural stone worktops above any other type so both solid surface and quartz can be purchased in natural stone finishes. If this is the finish you intend to choose, you’ll want to opt for quartz because solid worktops fashioned with a natural stone effect finish can easily be identified as a solid surface worktop.
On the other hand, one of the reasons quartz worktops are so adored is because it is virtually impossible to tell them apart from a natural stone worktop.
If you’re having a longer kitchen worktop installed, seams may be a bigger consideration. Quartz is favoured for its almost invisible seams whilst the seams in a solid surface countertop are virtually undetectable.
Neither worktop needs to be sealed and both are available in a range of thicknesses as well as edges. For versatility, solid worktops have an extra edge. Solid surface countertops come in the greatest variety of slimmer thicknesses and can also be teased into more shapes for things like sinks.
Worktop cost: There isn’t very much difference between the cost of a solid surface kitchen worktop and a quartz kitchen worktop. However, as one of the best types of kitchen worktops on the market, quartz worktops are highly prized by homeowners meaning they deliver a better return on investment in the long run.
Solid surface worktop vs quartz worktop – which is better?
Overall a quartz worktop is a better product, delivering a higher performance and a higher quality finish. With quartz worktops deemed one of the best types of worktop on the market, contemporary homeowners tend to choose quartz over a solid surface.
Browse our huge range of premium granite and quartz worktops at surprisingly affordable prices today. With our fast and efficient, tailored end to end service you can have your bespoke quartz or granite worktop installed within 5 days.
For the finest quality quartz and granite worktops at lower prices than national retailers, shop our enormous collection of worktops today or call 01924 903949.