Quartz Vs Laminate Worktops
Quartz vs Laminate Worktops
Quartz and laminate sit at very different points on cost and quality. Here is an honest comparison to help you weigh up the two.
The short answer
Different leagues
Laminate is budget-friendly; quartz is an investment.
The gap is in durability, lifespan, feel and the finished look.
2
Very different surfaces
93%
Quartz is natural quartz
Quartz and laminate are very different worktop surfaces at very different price points. Laminate is an affordable, lightweight surface made of a printed layer over a board core; it is budget-friendly but less durable and has a shorter lifespan. Quartz is an engineered stone, far more durable, non-porous, heat and scratch resistant, and a genuine long-term investment. The honest summary: laminate wins on upfront cost, quartz wins on durability, feel and longevity. To weigh it up, read whether quartz worktops are expensive and whether quartz is worth the money.
At a glance
budgetfriendly
Laminate
Low upfront cost, lighter, shorter life.
longterm
Quartz
Durable, non-porous, a real investment.
honesttrade-off
The summary
Cost versus durability and longevity.
Quartz and laminate compared
What each material is
Laminate is made from a printed decorative layer bonded over a board core, which is why it is light and affordable. Quartz is an engineered stone, made from around 93% crushed natural quartz bound with resin into a dense slab. Our FAQ on what quartz is made of covers the quartz side.
Durability and lifespan
This is the biggest gap. Quartz is hard, non-porous, scratch resistant and built to last for decades. Laminate is less durable, can be more easily damaged, and has a shorter working life. Our FAQ on how long quartz worktops last covers quartz longevity.
Cost
Laminate is the more affordable surface upfront, and for a tight budget it has clear appeal. Quartz is a genuine investment. The fair way to look at it is cost over the lifespan of the worktop. Our FAQ on whether quartz worktops are expensive gives an honest view.
Look and feel
Quartz has the substance, depth and finish of stone, which laminate, being a printed surface, cannot fully match. For many homeowners the look and feel of quartz is a large part of its appeal. Our FAQ on the colours of quartz covers the range.
Choosing between them
If upfront budget is the priority, laminate has its place. If durability, feel and long-term value matter most, quartz is the stronger choice. Precious Marble specialises in quartz from its Bedford base. See the Quartz Worktops Bedford page to start.
Key points
Very different surfaces
Laminate is a printed board; quartz is engineered stone.
Durability gap
Quartz lasts decades; laminate has a shorter life.
Cost
Laminate wins upfront; quartz wins over the lifespan.
Look and feel
Quartz has the substance of stone.
To weigh it up, read whether quartz worktops are expensive, whether quartz is worth the money and how long quartz worktops last. The full Quartz FAQs has more.
A worktop that lasts the distance
Precious Marble specialises in durable, long-lasting quartz from its Bedford base. Tell us about your kitchen for a free quote. 0% interest-free finance is available.
More from the Quartz FAQs
Common questions
What is the difference between quartz and laminate worktops?
Is quartz better than laminate?
Why is quartz more expensive than laminate?
Does laminate last as long as quartz?
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