A Guide to Texture and Effects of Quartz and Granite Worktops

There is a reason that quartz worktops continue to gain popularity. They are resistant to stains, scratches, and heat, and they are non-porous, so they resist harbouring bacteria and viruses, making it easier to keep the kitchen sanitary and hygienic. In fact, research indicates that quartz surfaces are about 99.9 % bacteria free, so they are perfect for kitchens. What’s more, quartz worktops need very minimal maintenance. Simply clean them with soapy water and a cloth, and they will look good as new for a long time. Quartz worktops resist corrosion from liquids, cooking, oils, and household cleaning products without requiring the seasoning that natural stones need. In addition to being low-maintenance and durable, quartz is also versatile, coming in a seemingly endless array of colours and styles. But what may be most interesting about quartz worktops is the way they can be designed with different textures and effects that are not always possible with other materials. Some beautiful examples of this versatility are found in veined, glitter, and mirror quartz worktops.

A mirror quartz worktop adds drama and luxury to your kitchen, with tiny pieces of glittering mirrored glass within its stunning surface. By reflecting light, mirror quartz can create the illusion of a larger space, and because they are made of quartz, these countertops resist scratches, stains, and water damage. Mirror quartz comes in a variety of colours, patterns, and textures, like this White Mirror Quartz. This premium engineered stone will add dimension to your kitchen, showcasing a mirror-like finish that creates luminosity and depth, for a true focal point.

For sophistication and personality, you cannot go wrong with a veined quartz worktop. If you love the look of natural stone but prefer some drama in your kitchen, this Novo Noir Quartz is a beautiful, low maintenance option. A dark, smokey black worktop, it contains hints of luxurious amber and striking white veins. This worktop makes a truly bold statement, but because it is quartz, it is also a very practical option, durable and easy to maintain. If you want worktops that are also conversation pieces, choose the deep, velvety tones of this gorgeous, polished stone.

If you love sparkle, a glitter quartz worktop might be right for you. Also called sparkle quartz, this type of quartz has tiny reflective pieces throughout for added depth and movement, in addition to the already beautiful natural shine of quartz. These little sparkles add some glitz to your kitchen, elevating the space with an elegant, magical look. Statuario Ice Quartz is a beautiful example of this glitter quartz, with its delicate, grey veining and fine grain glitter. Carefully engineered to mimic the look of marble, each piece of this quartz is unique and stunning, adding sophistication and refinement to any space where you choose to use it.

Of course, it’s not just the surface that makes a quartz worktop stand out in a crowd. Your choice of edge matters too, for both practical and aesthetic reasons. If you have a small space, for instance, you will want to choose a subtle edge, so that it does not pull focus from your décor. In a larger space, however an elaborate or artistic edge may be exactly what you need to create a cohesive look. The edge profile also needs to complement the overall aesthetics of the kitchen, adding to its overall appeal. You do not want your worktop edges to compete with other design elements in the space. Think about practicality, as well. Simple edges are typically easier to clean and maintain, and rounded edges are safer, especially if you have small children. Rounded edge profiles are also the best option if you have furniture pieces that lean against the worktops, because they are less likely to scratch.

Straight edge countertops are the most basic edge profile and are exactly as they sound: straight and flat. Eased edges are similar to straight edge, but with a slight curvature at the top and bottom, while bullnose has a more pronounced curvature at top and bottom. Half bullnose is rounded on the top but not the bottom, which makes it easy to clean, but not as safe as bullnose for households with children. Beveled edges are popular right now, and they feature a 45 degree slant on the top surface, rather than a curve, for a more modern look than bullnose but one that is still easy to maintain. An Ogee edge and a Dupont edge are somewhat similar, but an Ogee edge is softer, with an S curve that goes in on the top and then creates a soft slope at the bottom. A Dupont edge is a bolder option, with a similarly rounded bottom but a 90 degree angle at the top.

There are also premium edge profiles available, often combining the look of two different types of edges. A New York edge has a somewhat architectural look, created by stacking a Dupont edge over Ogee. A Birds Beak edge stacks two double bevel edges, while a Belcast edge profile is gracious and curvy, curved at the top and flaring out at the bottom, much like a bell.

When looking for stylish edge profiles and speciality surfaces like mirror quartz, homeowners look to Prestige Granite and Marble. Using industry-leading techniques, the very latest technology, up to the minute design, and traditional materials, we craft every worktop to the most exacting standard for the most discerning of customers. Because we provide everything from natural stone to speciality products like glitter worktop, Liverpool customers trust us to help them find the perfect pieces for their kitchens. With a keen eye to detail and outstanding customer service, we produce the best granite and quartz worktops, with an unbeatable three day turnaround and a price match guarantee. All of our worktops are laser measured, which allows us to provide our customers with a precise and bespoke finish on each worktop. We have over 20 years of experience, and as one of the UK’s largest approved manufacturers of quartz and granite, we supply our customers with a diverse range of products and expert advice. Visit us at North West’s top quartz and granite factory showroom, with over 50,000 square feet of space and over 10,000 slabs of quartz and granite in stock, to see all we have to offer. Alternately, explore our virtual showroom, call us at 0151 909 8705 or contact us through our website today.