Quartz Worktop Cost Vs Granite
Quartz Worktop Cost Vs Granite
Upfront prices are almost identical. The real cost difference is in lifetime maintenance. Here are the full numbers.
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Quick Answer
Upfront costs are nearly identical. Both range from £300–£700/m² installed. For a 3.5m² kitchen: £1,200–£3,500 for either. Lifetime costs favour quartz because granite needs £150–£400 in sealant over 25 years while quartz needs £0 in maintenance. The upfront difference between a specific quartz colour and a specific granite colour is typically less than £500 for an entire kitchen. Choose based on performance preferences rather than price.
Upfront Cost Comparison
One of the most common misconceptions is that granite is significantly more expensive than quartz (or vice versa). In reality the price ranges overlap almost completely. Here are the current UK price ranges for material, fabrication and installation combined.
| Cost Component | Quartz | Granite |
|---|---|---|
| Material per m² | £200–£700 | £180–£700 |
| Templating | £100–£200 | £100–£200 |
| Fabrication per m² | £80–£150 | £80–£150 |
| Installation | £200–£400 | £200–£400 |
| 3.5m² Kitchen Total | £1,200–£3,500 | £1,100–£3,500 |
| 25-Year Maintenance | £0 | £150–£400 |
| 25-Year Total | £1,200–£3,500 | £1,250–£3,900 |
Cost by Quality Tier
Budget tier (£1,100–£1,500 installed). Budget granite from India or China can be slightly cheaper than budget quartz at this level. A plain black or grey granite slab costs less than a basic white quartz. The saving is typically £100–£300 for an entire kitchen. However budget granite has less consistent quality and colour variation between slabs.
Mid-range tier (£1,500–£2,500 installed). This is where prices align most closely. A mid-range marble-effect quartz and a mid-range granite like Kashmir White or Steel Grey cost virtually the same. The decision at this tier should be based on performance and appearance rather than price.
Premium tier (£2,500–£3,500+ installed). Premium quartz (Silestone, Caesarstone complex veined designs) and premium granite (Blue Pearl, Emerald Pearl, exotic Brazilians) are similarly priced. Both can exceed £3,500 for a large or complex kitchen. At this level you are paying for exceptional aesthetics in both materials.
Lifetime Cost Comparison
The upfront price difference between quartz and granite is negligible. The lifetime cost difference is small but consistently favours quartz because of zero maintenance requirements.
Granite needs resealing every 1–2 years. A quality impregnating sealant costs £15–£40 per application. Over 25 years that is 13–25 applications totalling £195–£1,000 (depending on the sealant brand and whether you apply it yourself or pay a professional). Quartz needs nothing. The £0 maintenance cost of quartz is guaranteed for life because the non-porous surface never degrades.
There is also a hidden cost risk with granite. If the sealant wears away and a stain penetrates the stone a professional stone restoration treatment may be needed (£150–£400). With quartz this risk does not exist because liquids cannot penetrate the surface.
What Drives the Price of Each Material
Understanding what makes specific colours expensive helps you navigate the market and find the best value at your budget level.
Quartz price drivers: Pattern complexity is the biggest factor. A plain solid white costs roughly half the price per square metre of a complex veined marble-effect. The brand also matters: premium brands like Silestone and Caesarstone command higher prices than budget alternatives. Thickness also affects cost: 30mm is 40–50% more than 20mm.
Granite price drivers: Rarity and origin are the main factors. Common granites from India and China (Star Galaxy, Absolute Black, Kashmir White) are the most affordable. Exotic granites from Brazil (Blue Bahia, Patagonia) or Scandinavia (Blue Pearl, Emerald Pearl) cost significantly more. Slab size also matters: larger slabs that allow fewer joins command premium prices.
Which Offers Better Value?
For pure financial value quartz has a slight edge due to zero maintenance costs. But the difference is modest (£150–£400 over 25 years) and should not be the deciding factor.
The real value proposition of each material lies in what you get for your money day to day. Quartz gives you a maintenance-free, stain-proof surface at the same price as granite. Granite gives you natural uniqueness and superior heat tolerance at the same price as quartz. Both add property value. Both last 25–30 years.
Our advice to Bedford homeowners: do not choose between quartz and granite based on price. The cost is so similar that it should not influence the decision. Choose based on which material's properties suit your cooking style, maintenance preferences and aesthetic vision. For a full comparison of all other differences see our quartz vs granite worktops guide.
Get Quotes for Both
At Precious Marble we quote for both quartz and granite on the same visit. This lets you compare exact prices for your specific kitchen layout and preferred colours. There is no obligation and no pressure. Call 01234 348590 to arrange a free consultation or visit our quartz worktops Bedford page to get started.
Get Your Free Quote for Both Materials
Compare exact prices for quartz and granite for your specific kitchen. No obligation.
Price should not be the deciding factor between quartz and granite because the cost is so similar. Visit our quartz worktops Bedford page to explore both options and request a free no-obligation quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is quartz worktop more expensive than granite?
They are very similar. Both range from £300–£700/m² installed. Budget granite can be slightly cheaper. The upfront difference for an average kitchen is typically less than £200–£500 either way.
Which has a lower total cost of ownership?
Quartz. While upfront prices are similar granite needs £150–£400 in sealant over 25 years. Quartz maintenance cost is £0.
How much does each cost for a typical UK kitchen?
For an average 3.5m² kitchen: £1,200–£3,500 for either material fully installed. Budget options start around £1,100–£1,200 for both. The overlap is almost complete.
What makes one colour more expensive than another?
For quartz: pattern complexity (solid colours cheapest, marble-effect most expensive). For granite: stone rarity and origin (common Indian granites cheapest, exotic Brazilian granites most expensive).
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This article is part of our growing Quartz FAQs hub where we answer the most common questions Bedford homeowners ask about quartz worktops. If you cannot find the answer you need feel free to call us on 01234 348590 or email info@preciousmarble.co.uk.
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