Quartz vs. Wood Worktops

Are solid wood worktops a good idea?

Solid wood worktops have always been a popular choice due to their classic, timeless appeal. They are often selected due to the warmth they bring to a kitchen, and their ability to create a welcoming, rustic feeling. However, wood surfaces may not be the best option for your kitchen if you are looking for something more durable and hard wearing.

Kitchen worktops will often see spillages and they are susceptible to scratches and scuffs. Heat might also be applied to them, so surfaces should be able to hold up to everyday use and withstand at least some of the damage that is caused from day to day wear and tear.

While wood countertops can look beautiful and do have some antibacterial properties, their porous nature means they are more susceptible to bacteria especially when spills can seep into the wood- particularly if they are not sealed regularly. They can also scorch and scratch relatively easily compared to other premium worktops.

With the current trend of the more open plan kitchen / diner, the kitchen is often the hub of the home where you gather with family and friends, so it makes sense to select a kitchen worktop that not only looks good but is also easy to maintain. Wood worktops will need to have dents filled, while scratches and scuffs will need to be polished or sanded out.

Water damage can cause swelling in the wood and even dark marks, especially if they are not cleaned up quickly. They will also need to be re-oiled regularly to keep them looking good.

For a kitchen worktop that is not only extremely low maintenance as well as being hard wearing and scratch/stain resistant, CRL Quartz provides an excellent alternative.

How do Quartz Worktops compare?

CRL quartz worktops come in a wide range of colours and are ideal for almost any style of kitchen. Quartz is often considered to be one of the best all-round worktop materials on the market today.

As quartz is a man-made material, the variety of colours available is never ending. The patterning of slabs is much more consistent than you would find with natural materials, removing the large variations in colour or texture that you might see in other materials. The manufacturing process quartz goes through also eliminates many of the common defects that you might see in natural materials such as wood.

To create that homely, rustic style kitchen, try combining the warm, earthy tones of Forest with wooden cabinets or flooring. Equally, the soft beige of Kalahari, with its subtle white veining is popular for those wanting to create a natural and inviting space in their home.

CRL Quartz is highly scratch resistant and resistant to wear and tear. Quartz is also easy to clean and care for. There are no special requirements for keeping a quartz worktop looking as good as new as they do not require sealing or oiling like other worktop materials. Quartz can be cleaned by simply using a damp cloth and a mild soap or non-acidic cleaner, making it a hassle free choice as well as meaning there are no ongoing maintenance costs to consider.

Its non porous surface prevents the build up of bacteria making it extremely hygienic so food can be placed directly onto it. This non porous nature also provides a quartz worktop with stain resistance which won’t absorb any liquids or spillages making it an ideal choice for a family home.

You can find out more about the advantages of Quartz here.