What Is the Difference Between Neolith and Quartz kitchen countertops?
While a plethora of worktop options are available in the market, it becomes difficult for homeowners to decide which worktop material is best for their home. Although quartz worktops are one of the most popular materials among homeowners across the globe, many people also admire Neolith worktops for their kitchen renovation projects.
Neolith is a reputed brand of sintered stone that’s known to offer unbeatable performance and has unrivalled resistance to impact, stains, scratches and other environmental factors. That’s why interior designers and fabricators, as well as architects, recommend this worktop material.
But when deciding between quartz and Neolith, homeowners can still be confused, as both the materials are highly durable, tough and appealing.
To resolve your confusion, we have compiled a list of differences between these two worktop materials. After knowing the differences between the two, you can figure out which worktop material is suitable for your kitchen.
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Manufacturing process
Quartz worktops consist of around 90% natural quartz and 10% polymers, resins and other recycled materials. The polymers and resins, along with coloured pigments, are needed to bind the materials and impart different colours to various worktop stones.
Neolith worktops, on the other hand, are made with sintered processing that involves the use of extreme heat and pressure for binding all the elements together. No polymers or resins are required for this manufacturing process.
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Porosity
Both quartz and neolith worktops have almost zero porosity, unlike marble worktops. It means they have a non-porous surface that doesn’t absorb any liquid to leave a stain on your countertop. Even the stain-causing foods and beverages like tomato, ketchup, wine, lemon, coffee, etc. will not be able to stain both quartz and neolith worktop surfaces.
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UV resistance
Neolith is a UV-resistant worktop material. It means that its colour won’t fade easily even when exposed to the sun. It is the best option for any outdoor application.
On the other hand, quartz worktops are UV unstable. So, they can fade when installed outdoors in a sunny area. That makes it a bad option for outdoor use.
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Durability
Just like granite worktops, both quartz and Neolith surfaces are tough and durable. However, Neolith is not resistant to extreme pressure as granite and quartz. But all these stones can withstand the impact of any object that accidentally falls on their surface.
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Marble and Granite Effect
Both quartz and Neolith worktops are available in gorgeous marble and granite effect surfaces. Neolith Calcatta and Silestone Calcatta Gold are quite popular choices among architects, designers and homeowners.
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Scratch-resistant
The high resistance to scratches of Neolith worktops depends on the finish of its surface. While a polished Neolith surface can show scratch marks if you cut anything directly on it, the satin and matte Neolith finish won’t show any scratch marks.
Quartz worktops are also highly resistant to scratches. Even if you cut any fruit or vegetable directly on its surface, it won’t get damaged easily.
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Maintenance
Both quartz and Neolith worktops have a non-porous surface that won’t absorb any moisture or liquid to stain the counter. It makes the maintenance and cleaning much more comfortable than natural stones like marble and white granite worktops. For cleaning quartz and neolith, you need a clean microfiber cloth and soapy water to wipe off the surface for restoring its aesthetic appeal.
Neolith worktop is highly resistant to heat and won’t get damaged even when you place a hot pot or pan directly on its surface.
Quartz, on the other hand, can resist heat in normal circumstances. But if it comes in contact with extremely hot utensils, it may get damaged due to the thermal shock. So, it would help if you put a trivet or pad before placing a hot utensil on this countertop.
Conclusion: Neolith or Quartz? Which One Is Better?
Both Neolith and quartz worktops have many similar characteristics. It makes both of them an excellent option for modern and traditional interior designs. However, we suggest you make your decision based on your budget and style preference. For more information, make sure to contact the best worktop supplier in the UK.
Published by Jesus Alberto Mouzo on November 23, 2020
