Quartz FAQs Quartz Vs Granite Worktops The UK's two most popular stone worktop materials compared in every way that matters. Here is the definitive guide. Get a Quote 01234 348590 Home » Quartz FAQs » Quartz Vs Granite Worktops PM Precious Marble Team Quartz worktop specialists in Bedford with over 15 years of fabrication and […]
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Quartz FAQs Pros And Cons Of Quartz Worktops Every advantage and every disadvantage in one honest guide. No material is perfect but quartz comes close for most kitchens. Get a Quote 01234 348590 Home » Quartz FAQs » Pros And Cons Of Quartz Worktops PM Precious Marble Team Quartz worktop specialists in Bedford with over […]
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Quartz FAQs Quartz Vs Granite Worktops The UK's two most popular stone worktop materials compared in every way that matters. Here is the definitive guide. Get a Quote 01234 348590 Home » Quartz FAQs » Quartz Vs Granite Worktops PM Precious Marble Team Quartz worktop specialists in Bedford with over 15 years of fabrication and […]
https://preciousmarble.co.uk/cb/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/precious-marble-logo-1-300x62.png00Evelyn Oralhttps://preciousmarble.co.uk/cb/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/precious-marble-logo-1-300x62.pngEvelyn Oral2026-04-13 11:15:422026-04-16 15:31:09Quartz Vs Dekton Worktops
Quartz FAQs Pros And Cons Of Quartz Worktops Every advantage and every disadvantage in one honest guide. No material is perfect but quartz comes close for most kitchens. Get a Quote 01234 348590 Home » Quartz FAQs » Pros And Cons Of Quartz Worktops PM Precious Marble Team Quartz worktop specialists in Bedford with over […]
https://preciousmarble.co.uk/cb/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/precious-marble-logo-1-300x62.png00Evelyn Oralhttps://preciousmarble.co.uk/cb/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/precious-marble-logo-1-300x62.pngEvelyn Oral2026-04-13 10:25:002026-04-16 15:32:09Pros And Cons Of Quartz Worktops
Both are excellent. Choose quartz if you want zero maintenance, the best stain resistance, consistent colours and the widest design range. Choose granite if you want superior heat tolerance, completely natural uniqueness, better impact resistance and outdoor suitability. Both last 25–30 years. Both cost £300–£700/m² installed. The deciding factor for most Bedford homeowners is maintenance vs heat tolerance.
Master Comparison Table
Property
Quartz
Granite
Winner
Composition
90–94% quartz + resin
100% natural stone
Preference
Sealing Required
Never
Every 1–2 years
Quartz
Stain Resistance
Excellent (non-porous)
Good (when sealed)
Quartz
Heat Resistance
~150°C (trivets essential)
300°C+ (hot pans OK)
Granite
Scratch Resistance
Mohs 7 (uniform)
Mohs 6–7 (variable)
Quartz (slightly)
Impact Resistance
Good
Very good
Granite (slightly)
Colour Consistency
High (controlled)
Variable (every slab unique)
Preference
Colour Range
Hundreds of options
Limited by nature
Quartz
Bleach Tolerance
Damages resin
Tolerates well
Granite
Outdoor Suitability
✘ No (UV damage)
✔ Yes
Granite
Lifespan
25–30+ years
25–30+ years
Draw
Price (installed /m²)
£300–£700
£280–£700
Draw
20-Year Maintenance Cost
£0
£150–£400
Quartz
Maintenance: The Biggest Difference
This is the factor that most frequently decides the quartz vs granite debate for Bedford homeowners. Quartz requires zero maintenance beyond daily cleaning. Granite needs resealing every 1–2 years to maintain its stain resistance.
Granite is porous (0.2–0.5% water absorption) which means liquids can slowly penetrate the surface. Sealing fills the pores with an impregnating chemical that blocks absorption. When the sealant wears away (after 1–2 years) the granite becomes vulnerable to staining until it is resealed. If you forget to reseal a wine spill that would wipe off sealed granite could leave a permanent mark on unsealed granite.
Quartz is non-porous (below 0.05% absorption) and never needs sealing. Wine, coffee and other coloured liquids sit on the surface indefinitely without penetrating. The stain resistance is built into the material permanently rather than depending on a sealant that degrades over time.
Heat Resistance: Granite's Advantage
Granite is a 100% natural stone with no polymer content. It formed at temperatures exceeding 700°C deep within the earth. Domestic cooking temperatures (up to 350°C from a hob) are well within its comfort zone. You can place a hot pan directly on granite without concern.
Quartz is limited to approximately 150°C by its resin binders. Hot pans must go on trivets. This is a genuine daily habit change that some homeowners embrace easily and others find frustrating.
If you are someone who routinely places hot pans directly on the worktop without thinking and you know you will not reliably change this habit granite removes the risk entirely. If you are happy adopting the trivet habit the heat limitation of quartz becomes a non-issue and you benefit from all of quartz's other advantages.
Appearance: Nature vs Engineering
Every granite slab is unique. No two slabs have the same pattern. This natural variation includes dramatic veining, crystalline deposits, colour shifts and mineral features that are genuinely one-of-a-kind. For homeowners who value natural character this uniqueness is irreplaceable.
Quartz offers hundreds of colours and patterns with consistent colour matching between slabs. Premium marble-effect quartz designs are remarkably realistic and satisfy most homeowners seeking a marble or stone look. However quartz patterns do repeat across production batches and lack the completely random character of natural stone.
The trade-off is consistency vs uniqueness. Most Bedford homeowners prefer the predictability of quartz (the installed worktop matches the sample they approved). Some prefer the surprise and character of granite (the installed slab has features not visible in the sample).
Price: Closer Than You Think
Many people assume granite is significantly more expensive than quartz. In reality the price ranges overlap almost completely. Both range from approximately £300–£700 per square metre installed. Some budget granite slabs are actually cheaper than budget quartz. At the premium end both materials reach similar price points.
The real cost difference emerges over time. Quartz has zero maintenance cost. Granite needs £150–£400 in sealant over 20 years. This makes quartz the lower total cost of ownership for the same upfront investment. For full pricing details see our quartz pricing guide.
The Decision Guide
Choose quartz if: You want zero maintenance. You value stain resistance above all else. You want a marble-effect look without marble's problems. Colour consistency matters. You are happy using trivets.
Choose granite if: You want to place hot pans directly without trivets. Natural stone uniqueness matters to you. You want an outdoor kitchen surface. You prefer the prestige of 100% natural stone. You are comfortable with annual sealing.
At Precious Marble we fabricate and install both materials and are genuinely impartial. We want you to be happy with your choice for 25+ years. Visit our Bedford showroom to see quartz and granite samples side by side or call 01234 348590 for a no-obligation discussion.
The Bedford Trend
Quartz has overtaken granite as the most popular stone worktop material in the UK. Approximately 60% of our Bedford stone worktop installations are now quartz compared to 40% granite. The maintenance-free appeal is the primary driver. However granite remains a strong choice and the split shows that both materials have loyal advocates with good reasons for their preference.
Compare Quartz and Granite in Person
See both materials side by side in our Bedford showroom. Free honest advice on which suits your kitchen best.
Whether you choose the engineered perfection of quartz or the natural character of granite our team delivers flawless fabrication and installation. Visit our quartz worktops Bedford page to explore both options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, quartz or granite worktops?
Neither is objectively better. Quartz wins on maintenance, stain resistance and design range. Granite wins on heat resistance, natural uniqueness and outdoor suitability. Both last 25–30 years at similar prices. Choose based on whether you prioritise convenience or natural character.
Is quartz cheaper than granite?
They are broadly similar. Both range from £300 to £700/m² installed. Budget granite can be slightly cheaper. Over 20 years quartz has lower total cost because it needs zero maintenance while granite needs £150–£400 in sealant.
Does quartz need less maintenance than granite?
Yes significantly. Quartz needs only soapy water daily and never needs sealing. Granite needs resealing every 1–2 years. Over 25 years this saves £150–£400 and several hours of time.
Can you put hot pans on granite but not quartz?
Granite tolerates hot pans far better (300°C+ vs quartz's 150°C limit). Most fabricators still recommend trivets for granite as best practice but the damage risk is much lower than with quartz.
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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Pros: Zero maintenance, non-porous, Mohs 7 scratch resistance, NSF-certified hygiene, 25–30 year lifespan, hundreds of colours, consistent colour, adds property value. Cons: Not heat proof (trivets needed), higher upfront cost, damaged by bleach, not for outdoors, heavier than laminate, not naturally unique. Verdict: For most kitchens the pros heavily outweigh the cons. The main con (heat) is solved by a £10 trivet set.
Pros and Cons at a Glance
✔ Pros
✘ Cons
Zero maintenance (no sealing ever)
Not heat proof (~150°C limit)
Non-porous (stain resistant)
Higher upfront cost than laminate
Mohs 7 scratch resistance
Damaged by bleach and strong chemicals
NSF-certified food hygiene
Not suitable for outdoor kitchens (UV)
25–30 year lifespan
Heavy (~50 kg/m² at 20mm)
Hundreds of colours and patterns
Lacks natural stone uniqueness
Consistent colour between slabs
Edges can chip under heavy impact
3–5% property value uplift
Not easily repairable like solid surface
No specialist cleaning products needed
Limited recyclability at end of life
The Pros Explained
1. Zero maintenance. This is the pro that matters most in daily life. Quartz never needs sealing, oiling, polishing or any professional treatment. The entire maintenance routine is warm soapy water and a cloth. Over a 25-year lifespan this saves hundreds of pounds in products and hours of time compared to granite or marble.
2. Non-porous stain resistance. With a water absorption rate below 0.05% quartz is effectively non-porous. Spills sit on the surface and wipe away. Coffee, wine, beetroot and turmeric do not penetrate the material. This gives you a generous window to clean up rather than rushing to prevent permanent damage.
3. Outstanding scratch resistance.Mohs 7 hardness means quartz is harder than kitchen knives, pots, pans and virtually every item in a normal kitchen. The surface stays smooth and unmarked through decades of use.
4. Food-safe hygiene. NSF/ANSI 51 certified for food contact. Bacteria cannot harbour within the non-porous surface. This is the same standard used in restaurants and hospitals.
5. 25–30 year lifespan. Quartz outlasts laminate by 2–3 times. It is a one-time investment that lasts the life of most kitchens eliminating the cost and disruption of mid-life replacement.
6. Huge design range. Hundreds of colours and patterns in polished, matte and leathered finishes. From marble-effects to concrete-effects to bold solid colours there is an option for every kitchen style.
7. Consistent colour. Unlike natural stone where every slab is different quartz colour is controlled during manufacturing. The slab you get closely matches the sample you chose.
8. Property value uplift. Estate agents report a 3–5% uplift in property value from quality kitchen worktops. On a £300,000 home that is £9,000–£15,000 of added value.
9. No specialist products. Standard washing-up liquid is the ideal daily cleaner. No expensive stone cleaners, sealants or maintenance kits to buy.
The Cons Explained
1. Not heat proof. The resin binders limit heat tolerance to approximately 150°C. Hot pans from the hob or oven must go on trivets. This is the most frequently cited con. Reality check: A £10 set of silicone trivets solves this permanently. Most customers tell us the trivet habit becomes automatic within a week.
2. Higher upfront cost. Quartz costs £1,200–£3,500 for a typical kitchen. That is 2–4 times the cost of laminate. Reality check: The cost per year over a 25-year lifespan is often similar to or lower than cheaper materials that need replacing sooner.
3. Bleach sensitivity. The resin is damaged by bleach and strong alkaline cleaners causing permanent discolouration. Reality check: Bleach is not a worktop cleaner. If your current routine uses bleach switching to pH-neutral products is easy and better for all surfaces.
4. Not for outdoors. UV light degrades the resin causing yellowing and fading. Quartz is not suitable for outdoor kitchens. Reality check: Very few Bedford homeowners need an outdoor kitchen surface. This con is irrelevant for 95%+ of buyers.
5. Heavy. At approximately 50 kg per square metre (20mm) quartz is heavier than laminate. Reality check: Any quality kitchen cabinet built in the last 20 years handles this weight without reinforcement. This is only a concern with very old or budget flat-pack units.
6. Not naturally unique. Unlike granite or marble every slab is not one-of-a-kind. Patterns repeat across production batches. Reality check: Premium brands achieve remarkable variation within their designs. Most homeowners prefer colour consistency over random natural variation.
7. Edges can chip. While quartz is very hard it can chip under sharp impact at exposed edges. Reality check: Chips are uncommon in normal use and repairable when they occur. A rounded edge profile reduces the risk further.
8. Not easily repairable. Unlike solid surface (Corian) which can be sanded and re-polished, quartz scratches and chips require filling or professional polishing. Reality check: Quartz rarely needs repair because it is so hard and durable in the first place.
9. Limited recyclability. The resin makes quartz difficult to recycle at end of life. Reality check: The 25–30 year lifespan means fewer replacements and less total waste than shorter-lived materials.
Pros and Cons vs Granite
Category
Quartz Advantage
Granite Advantage
Maintenance
No sealing ever
—
Heat Resistance
—
300°C+ (far better)
Stain Resistance
Non-porous, superior
—
Colour Consistency
Controlled, predictable
—
Natural Character
—
Every slab unique
Bleach Tolerance
—
Tolerates bleach well
Design Range
Hundreds of options
—
Impact Resistance
—
Slightly tougher
The Honest Verdict
The pros of quartz are daily, ongoing and significant. Zero maintenance, stain resistance, scratch resistance and hygiene affect how you use your kitchen every single day for 25–30 years. The cons are manageable, infrequent or situational. The heat limitation is solved with trivets. The cost is offset by longevity and property value. The bleach sensitivity only matters if you use bleach (which you should not use on any worktop). The outdoor limitation only matters if you have an outdoor kitchen.
For the vast majority of Bedford homeowners the pros decisively outweigh the cons. Quartz is not perfect but it is the closest thing to a perfect kitchen worktop material that currently exists. The only homeowners for whom we would suggest an alternative are those who absolutely refuse to use trivets (choose granite) or those who need an outdoor surface (choose granite or porcelain).
See for Yourself
The best way to decide is to see and feel quartz in person. Visit our Bedford showroom to compare quartz with granite, marble and other materials. Our team will give you honest advice based on your specific kitchen, lifestyle and budget. Call 01234 348590 to arrange a visit.
Ready to Experience the Pros for Yourself?
Explore our full range of quartz worktops with free templating and professional installation across Bedfordshire.
Nine pros and a trivet. That is the quartz story in a nutshell. Visit our quartz worktops Bedford page to explore the range and request a free no-obligation quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main pros of quartz worktops?
Zero maintenance, excellent stain resistance, Mohs 7 scratch resistance, NSF-certified hygiene, 25–30 year lifespan, hundreds of colours, consistent colour matching, 3–5% property value uplift and no specialist cleaning products needed.
What are the main cons of quartz worktops?
Not heat proof (trivets needed above 150°C), higher upfront cost than laminate, damaged by bleach, not for outdoor use, heavier than laminate, lacks natural stone uniqueness and edges can chip under heavy impact.
Do the pros of quartz outweigh the cons?
For most homeowners yes. The pros affect daily life for 25+ years. The main con (heat) is solved by a £10 trivet set. The higher cost pays for itself through longevity and property value. The only people for whom cons might outweigh pros are those who refuse to use trivets or need an outdoor surface.
How do the pros and cons of quartz compare to granite?
Quartz advantages: no sealing, better stain resistance, more consistent colours, wider design range. Granite advantages: better heat resistance, unique natural character, bleach-tolerant, slightly more chip-resistant. Both: similar price, 25–30 year lifespan, excellent scratch resistance.
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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