Quartz vs Granite Worktops: Which Is the Better Choice in 2025?
Choosing between quartz and granite for your kitchen worktop is a significant decision that will impact both the functionality and aesthetics of your space for years to come. Both materials offer exceptional durability and visual appeal, but understanding their key differences will help you make the best choice for your specific needs and lifestyle.
Quartz worktops offer superior stain resistance without sealing, while granite provides better heat resistance but needs annual maintenance. Granite is 100% natural with unique patterns (£120-£500+/m²), while quartz delivers consistent appearance (£280-£450/m²). Choose granite for heat tolerance and uniqueness; choose quartz for easy maintenance and stain protection.
A white Quartz Table Top in a modern Kitchen.
What Is the Difference Between Quartz and Granite?
The main difference between Quartz worktops are engineered for stain resistance and low maintenance, while granite is a natural stone offering unique patterns and superior heat resistance. Quartz provides a consistent look and doesn't require sealing, making it ideal for busy kitchens. Granite, though more porous and in need of yearly sealing, is favoured for its natural beauty and durability under heat.
Quartz worktops, despite their name, are engineered stone products containing roughly 93% crushed natural quartz crystals combined with 7% polymer resins and pigments. This manufacturing process allows for greater consistency and a wider range of colour options than natural stone.
Which Material Is More Durable?
Both quartz and granite rank exceptionally high for durability, though with different strengths. Quartz offers slightly better chip resistance due to its resin content providing additional flexibility, while granite demonstrates superior heat resistance.
Granite can withstand direct contact with hot cookware exceeding 250°C without damage, making it ideal for passionate cooks. Quartz, however, may experience thermal shock at high temperatures due to its resin content, potentially leading to cracks or damage to the polymer bonds.
Are Quartz or Granite Worktops Easier to Maintain?
Maintenance requirements differ significantly between these materials. Quartz offers virtually maintenance-free ownership, requiring only regular cleaning with mild soap and water. Its non-porous engineered structure prevents liquids from penetrating, eliminating the need for sealing.
Granite, being a natural stone with microscopic pores, requires periodic sealing approximately once per year to maintain stain resistance. While not complex, this additional maintenance step represents an ongoing commitment that quartz doesn't require.
How Much Do Quartz and Granite Worktops Cost?
Pricing varies considerably for both materials. Granite offers the widest range, starting from approximately £120/m² for basic options and extending upward to £500+/m² for rare, exotic varieties. This broad spectrum reflects granite's natural variation and the relative scarcity of certain colour profiles.
Quartz typically ranges from £280-£450/m², with pricing primarily determined by brand and specific design choices rather than inherent rarity. For both materials, installation adds approximately £40-£100/m² depending on complexity, with additional charges for cutouts, edge profiling, and other customizations.
Which Material Looks Better?
Aesthetic preferences often become the deciding factor for many homeowners. Granite offers completely unique, naturally occurring patterns that cannot be replicated. Each slab tells its own geological story through distinctive mineral deposits and colour variations, ensuring your worktop will be truly one-of-a-kind.
Quartz provides more consistent patterning and colouration across slabs, making it easier to create seamless-looking installations in larger kitchens. Modern manufacturing techniques can now create convincing marble-like veining and natural-looking patterns, expanding the aesthetic possibilities dramatically beyond the uniform appearances of early quartz products.
Can Quartz and Granite Be Used Outdoors?
Outdoor applications present additional challenges for worktop materials. Granite demonstrates excellent UV resistance, maintaining its colour and structural integrity even with prolonged sun exposure, making it a superior choice for outdoor kitchens.
Standard quartz can fade or yellow when exposed to direct sunlight due to UV radiation affecting the resin components. However, manufacturers now offer specialized outdoor quartz collections featuring UV-resistant formulations, such as Caesarstone's Outdoor Collection, providing additional protection while maintaining quartz's other beneficial properties.
| 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 |
How to Choose Between Quartz and Granite
When making your final decision, consider your specific lifestyle needs. Choose granite if you frequently cook with high heat, prefer completely unique natural patterns, or plan to use the worktop outdoors. Opt for quartz if you value minimal maintenance, consistent appearance, or superior stain resistance.
Visit showrooms to see full slabs rather than small samples, which don't adequately represent overall appearance, particularly for granite. Request sample pieces to place in your kitchen for several days, observing how they look under different lighting conditions and with your cabinetry.
Both quartz and granite represent excellent investments that will enhance your kitchen's functionality and aesthetics for decades. By carefully evaluating your specific needs and preferences, you can confidently select the material that provides the optimal balance of beauty, performance, and value for your home.
Expert Worktop Guidance from Beams
Choosing between quartz and granite is just one of many decisions you'll make during your kitchen renovation journey. Beams provides expert guidance throughout the entire kitchen design and renovation process, helping you select the perfect worktop material that balances your aesthetic preferences, practical needs, and budget.
Our design team works closely with you to understand your unique requirements, offering personalised recommendations based on your cooking habits, maintenance preferences, and overall kitchen design vision. With access to a carefully curated selection of premium worktop materials, including both high-quality quartz and granite options, our designers can help you visualise how different choices will look in your completed kitchen.
From precision planning through to final installation, Beams ensures your chosen worktop is templated, fabricated, and fitted to the highest standards. Get in touch today to discover how we can help with your kitchen design and renovation process.
