Quartz vs Granite: An Honest Comparison for UK Kitchens

For most UK kitchens, quartz is the better choice. It demands less maintenance, resists staining without sealing, and offers a consistent appearance that granite cannot guarantee. Here is the honest breakdown.

Porosity: The Defining Difference

Quartz worktops have a water absorption rate of 0%. Granite sits at roughly 0.4%. That fraction matters. It means granite requires annual sealing to prevent bacteria harboring in micro-pores. Quartz needs nothing beyond a wipe.

Maintenance Over 10 Years

Granite owners spend approximately £150-200 on sealant products and time over a decade. Quartz owners spend £0 on specialist maintenance. Warm water and washing-up liquid handle everything.

Heat Resistance

Granite tolerates higher direct heat — it formed in volcanic conditions. Quartz withstands temperatures up to 150°C, which covers kettles and most pans. Always use a trivet for anything straight from the hob. This is sound practice regardless of material.

Cost Comparison

Quartz and granite occupy a similar price bracket in the UK market. Our Strata range starts from £1,920 fully fitted — that includes templating, fabrication, and installation. Granite quotes often exclude fitting, which adds £400-800.

Appearance

Granite offers unique natural variation. No two slabs match. Quartz provides engineered consistency — what you see in the sample is what arrives in your kitchen. For most homeowners, that predictability is an advantage.

Quartz Store supplies and fits quartz worktops across the UK with an all-inclusive price. See how it works or find your door style to start planning.