Here are the most frequently asked questions about choosing, installing and looking after granite, quartz and Corian worktops, with straightforward answers for anyone.

 

1. What’s the difference between granite, quartz and Corian?

Granite is natural stone, hard and heat-resistant but porous.  • Quartz (engineered stone) is 90% crushed quartz bound with resin – very tough, non-porous and low-maintenance.  • Corian (solid surface) is acrylic resin plus minerals – seamless joins, repairable and non-porous.

 

2. Which worktop material is most durable?

Quartz and granite both score highly for hardness. Corian is softer but resists stains and can be repaired if scratched.

 

3. Which is easiest to maintain?

All are equal, Quartz and Corian are inherently non-porous so need no sealing. Granite is sealed at the factory so needs no further maintence.

 

4. Are these worktops heat-resistant?

Granite takes high heat well but always use a trivet for hot pans.  • Quartz tolerates normal kitchen heat but use a trivet for hot pans.  • Corian will scorch under very hot pans – always use a heat mat or trivet..

 

5. Can I place hot pans straight from the hob or oven?

Always use trivets or heat mats on quartz and Corian. Granite can handle more heat but a trivet is still good advised every time.

 

6. Do I need to seal granite worktops?

Modern granites in the uk are sealed at the factory and dont require re-sealing unless in a very high trafic area such as a commercial enviroment.

 

7. How do I clean my worktops daily?

Use warm soapy water (a mild washing-up liquid) and a soft cloth or sponge. Rinse with clean water and dry with a lint-free cloth.

 

8. Can I use bleach to clean them?

Granite: avoid bleach. Use pH-neutral cleaners.  • Quartz: avoid bleach and harsh acids. Use gentle soap.  • Corian: Use a gentle degreasing (washing-up liquid) soap.

 

9. How do I remove stubborn stains?

Granite: washing-up liquid and water, apply, cover for a few hours, then rinse.  • Quartz: use a non-abrasive cleaner and a soft cloth.  • Corian: washing-up liquid with soapy water will lift most marks.

 

10. Can I chop directly on my worktop?

No. Always use a chopping board to protect both your knives and the surface.

 

11. Are these surfaces hygienic?

Yes. Quartz and Corian are non-porous so they won’t harbour bacteria. Granite is safe once properly sealed, usually at the factory.

 

12. Will they scratch?

Granite is highly scratch-resistant but not scratch-proof.  • Quartz is very tough but can scratch if you drag sharp objects across it.  • Corian is softer and can scratch more easily, but light scratches can be buffed out.

 

13. How do I repair a scratch or chip?

Granite/quartz: small chips can be repaired with a specialist resin kit by a professional.  • Corian: light scratches and chips can often be very lightly sanded out and buffed by a professional fitter.

 

14. Will heavy items crack the worktop?

All three are very strong if supported correctly. Never stand or sit on the edge.

 

15. What thickness should I choose?

Standard kitchen thickness is 20–30 mm. Thicker worktops (30–40 mm) look grander but cost more.

 

16. What edge profiles are available?•

Square, bevelled, bullnose, waterfall etc. Your choice affects cost and style, talk to your supplier for more details.

 

17. How long does installation take?

Typically 1–2 days on site, depending on size and complexity.

 

18. Do I need a professional fitter?

Yes. Worktops are heavy, need precise cutting, support and waterproof joins.

 

19. Can I cut out a sink or hob myself?

No, leave all template and cutting work to a trained installer.

 

20. How do I keep the shine on granite/quartz?

Wipe spills promptly, use a pH-neutral cleaner. Re-seal granite annually. Quartz holds its gloss without sealing.

 

21. Can these worktops go in a bathroom?

Yes. All three are suitable for wet environments. Corian is popular for seamless basins.

 

22. Are there eco-friendly options?

Quartz: some brands use recycled glass or mirror. Corian offers some recycled content. Granite is natural stone.

 

23. Do they discolour over time?

Properly sealed granite will keep its colour. Quartz and Corian are UV-stable indoors and won’t yellow.

 

24. How do I remove watermarks and limescale?

Wipe regularly. Use a soft cloth and warm water. Rinse thoroughly. For tougher stain always talk to your supplier for brand recommendations.

 

25. What about mould or mildew?

Non-porous surfaces resist mould. Keep joints dry and ventilated. Clean any build-up with soapy water.

 

26. Can I use an abrasive cleaner?

Granite/quartz: avoid abrasives.  • Corian: soap and warm water are OK for tough marks, always talk to your brand supplier or brand website for further details.

 

27. Are there colour limits?

Granite: natural patterns and limited colour range.  • Quartz: wide colour palette, including bold and uniform tones.  • Corian: many solid and translucent shades.

 

28. How do they compare to laminate?

All three are harder wearing, more heat-resistant and longer-lasting than laminate, but the investment is usually more, always ask for a free quote as you may be supprised by a eqivelent price.

 

29. Is there a warranty?

Most suppliers offer warranties on quartz/granite and some with up to up to 10 years on solid surface with limited warranty, always check direct with your supplier or brand website..

 

30. Where can I buy and get them fitted?

Contact your local solid-surface specialist, here at Sheffield Solid Surfaces in Sheffield, South Yorkshire we offer great prices for granite, quartz, ceramics, Corian & solid surfaces.

 

Also contact us for expert advice, samples, templating and professional installation.

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