Quartz vs Granite Worktops: Which Is the Better Choice in 2025?
Stuck between quartz and granite for your kitchen worktops? You're not alone. This is one of the most common decisions our clients struggle with.
Both look fantastic and last for ages. But they have some key differences that might make one a clear winner for your kitchen. Let's sort it out.
The quick answer
If you're in a rush:
Quartz is brilliant for low maintenance and stain resistance. No sealing needed, ever. Costs about £280-£450/m².
Granite is completely natural with one-off patterns. Better with heat but needs yearly sealing. Ranges from £120-£500+/m².
What makes them different?
Granite is the real deal - 100% natural stone cut straight from the earth. What you see is what nature created.
Quartz is engineered - about 93% crushed quartz mixed with 7% resins. This gives manufacturers more control over how it looks.
This difference affects everything from how they look to how much faff they'll be in your kitchen.
Toughness: both will last for decades
Both materials will handle everything your family throws at them, but in different ways.
Quartz has a bit more flex thanks to those resins, so it's slightly better at resisting chips.
Granite is the heat champion. You can put scorching hot pans straight on it without damage. With quartz, you'll need heat pads or you'll damage those resins.
Day-to-day life: how much hassle are you willing to handle?
Here's where the differences really matter.
Quartz is a dream to maintain. It's non-porous, so coffee, red wine, and olive oil stay on the surface where you can just wipe them away. No sealing needed, ever. Just a quick clean with soap and water.
| Feature | Quartz | Granite |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | 93% quartz + 7% resins | 100% natural stone |
| Heat Resistance | Moderate (use trivets) | Excellent (withstands hot pans) |
| Stain Resistance | Excellent (no sealing needed) | Good (requires annual sealing) |
| Maintenance | Minimal; just clean regularly | Moderate; annual sealing required |
| Appearance | Consistent with wide colour range | Unique natural patterns |
| Price Range | £280-£450/m² | £120-£500+/m² |
| Outdoor Use | Limited; special products needed | Excellent; naturally UV-resistant |
Granite needs more attention. It has tiny pores that can soak up spills if not sealed properly. You'll need to seal it when installed and then once a year. Forget to do this, and that spilled curry might leave a permanent mark.
For busy households with kids, this maintenance difference alone might settle the debate.
Costs: what's your budget?
Both are investments, but there's more variation with granite:
Granite can start around £120/m² for basic varieties and jump to £500+/m² for the fancy stuff. The price mainly depends on how rare the pattern is.
Quartz typically sits between £280-£450/m², with pricing based more on brand and design than anything else.
For both, you'll need to add roughly £40-£100/m² for installation, plus extra for cutouts and fancy edges.
Looks: unique character or consistent beauty?
This is often the deciding factor for many of our clients.
Granite gives you completely unique patterns. Each slab has its own story - no two granite worktops are ever exactly the same.
Quartz offers more consistent colouring across your kitchen. This makes it easier to get a seamless look, especially in bigger spaces. Modern manufacturing can now create pretty convincing marble-like veining too.
A white Quartz Table Top in a modern Kitchen.
