Quartz FAQs Matte Vs Polished Quartz Worktops Same material, different personality. Here is a complete comparison to help you choose the right finish for your kitchen. Get a Quote 01234 348590 Home » Quartz FAQs » Matte Vs Polished Quartz Worktops PM Precious Marble Team Quartz worktop specialists in Bedford with over 15 years of […]
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Quartz FAQs Is Quartz Worth The Money For most homeowners yes. Here is the honest maths behind cost per year, property value uplift and when cheaper alternatives make more sense. Get a Quote 01234 348590 Home » Quartz FAQs » Is Quartz Worth The Money PM Precious Marble Team Quartz worktop specialists in Bedford with […]
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Quartz FAQs Matte Vs Polished Quartz Worktops Same material, different personality. Here is a complete comparison to help you choose the right finish for your kitchen. Get a Quote 01234 348590 Home » Quartz FAQs » Matte Vs Polished Quartz Worktops PM Precious Marble Team Quartz worktop specialists in Bedford with over 15 years of […]
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Quartz FAQs Is Quartz Worth The Money For most homeowners yes. Here is the honest maths behind cost per year, property value uplift and when cheaper alternatives make more sense. Get a Quote 01234 348590 Home » Quartz FAQs » Is Quartz Worth The Money PM Precious Marble Team Quartz worktop specialists in Bedford with […]
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Polished gives a high-gloss reflective surface that makes colours vibrant and spaces feel brighter. Matte (honed) gives a smooth non-reflective surface with a softer, more natural look. Both have identical hardness, stain resistance and durability. Polished shows water spots and fingerprints more; matte shows oily marks more. Polished accounts for ~70% of UK sales. Matte is growing fast in contemporary kitchens. The choice is purely aesthetic.
The Three Quartz Finishes Explained
Quartz worktops are available in three surface finishes. Each is created during manufacturing by varying the final polishing stage. The underlying material is identical. Only the surface texture differs.
Polished (gloss). The slab is ground and polished through progressively finer diamond abrasives until the surface achieves a mirror-like reflective shine. This is the classic quartz finish that most people picture. It makes colours appear deeper and more saturated, reflects light beautifully and creates a clean, luxurious feel. Polished quartz is the most popular finish in the UK accounting for approximately 70% of kitchen installations.
Matte (honed). The polishing process is stopped at an earlier stage leaving the surface smooth to the touch but without the reflective gloss. The result is a soft, velvety appearance with a more natural stone-like character. Colours appear slightly lighter and more muted compared to the same colour in a polished finish. Matte quartz has grown significantly in popularity over the past five years driven by the trend toward understated, textured interiors.
Leathered (textured). A newer finish that adds a subtle dimpled or pebbled texture to the surface. It has the non-reflective character of matte with an added tactile quality. The texture can mimic the feel of natural stone. Leathered finishes are offered by a growing number of brands but remain a niche choice in the UK market. They can carry a 5–10% price premium on some brands.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
Feature
Polished
Matte (Honed)
Leathered
Appearance
High-gloss, mirror-like
Soft, velvety, natural
Textured, tactile
Light Reflection
High (brightens space)
Low (absorbs light)
Very low
Colour Depth
Rich, saturated, deep
Lighter, softer, muted
Lighter with texture variation
Fingerprints
Visible (especially dark colours)
Much less visible
Barely visible
Water Spots
Visible (especially dark colours)
Much less visible
Barely visible
Grease/Oil Marks
Less visible
More visible
Can settle in texture
Hardness
Mohs 7 (identical)
Mohs 7 (identical)
Mohs 7 (identical)
Stain Resistance
Excellent (identical)
Excellent (identical)
Excellent (identical)
Price
Standard
Same as polished
5–10% premium (some brands)
UK Popularity
~70% (most popular)
~25% (growing fast)
~5% (niche but growing)
Cleaning and Maintenance Differences
Both finishes clean the same way: warm soapy water and a soft microfibre cloth. Neither requires specialist products or sealing. The difference is in what each finish shows between cleans.
Polished quartz shows water spots and fingerprints readily, especially on dark colours like black, charcoal and deep grey. A quick dry with a clean cloth after wiping removes all marks. The drying step adds about 30 seconds to your cleaning routine but keeps the surface looking showroom-perfect. On lighter polished colours (white, cream) water spots are far less noticeable.
Matte quartz hides water spots and fingerprints much better than polished. However it shows oily and greasy marks more prominently. Cooking oil splatters, buttery fingerprints and greasy residue stand out on the non-reflective surface. A degreasing washing-up liquid cuts through these marks quickly. The trade-off is the opposite of polished: less visible water, more visible grease.
Leathered quartz hides both fingerprints and water spots well due to the textured surface. The texture can trap crumbs and residue in its slight dimples requiring a slightly firmer wipe. Overall it is the most forgiving finish for a busy kitchen. For more on cleaning each finish see our quartz cleaning guide.
Which Finish Suits Which Kitchen Style
Contemporary handleless kitchens: Both polished and matte work beautifully. Polished adds glamour and brightness. Matte creates a more understated, architectural feel. This is the kitchen style where the choice truly comes down to personal taste.
Scandinavian and minimalist: Matte is the natural choice. The soft, non-reflective surface complements the calm, muted palette of Nordic-inspired design. White or pale grey matte quartz with fine veining is the quintessential Scandi worktop.
Traditional and Shaker: Polished tends to suit better. The reflective surface echoes the formal, layered aesthetic of traditional kitchens and pairs well with panelled cabinet doors and decorative hardware.
Industrial and rustic: Leathered or matte finishes complement exposed brick, concrete and natural timber. The textured or muted surface avoids the formal feel that polished quartz can bring to otherwise relaxed designs.
Luxury and glam: Polished without question. The reflective surface catches light, adds depth to rich colours and creates the visual drama that luxury kitchens demand. A polished dark quartz island with waterfall edges is a statement piece.
How the Finish Affects Colour Appearance
The same quartz colour looks noticeably different in polished versus matte. This is important to understand before committing to a finish.
Dark colours (black, charcoal, dark grey) appear dramatically different. Polished dark quartz looks deep, rich and almost mirror-like. The same colour in matte appears several shades lighter and more concrete-like. If you want maximum drama go polished. If you want a softer, industrial-chic dark go matte.
Light colours (white, cream, pale grey) show less dramatic difference between finishes. Polished whites appear crisper and brighter. Matte whites appear warmer and softer. Both look excellent. The difference is subtle enough that other elements in the room (lighting, cabinet colour) have more visual impact.
Veined patterns (marble-effect) behave differently in each finish. Polished veining appears sharper and more defined with greater contrast between the veins and the background. Matte veining appears softer and more diffused which many people find more realistic and natural-looking. For a convincing marble imitation matte often gets closer to the real thing.
Always See Samples in Person
Photographs and screens do not accurately convey the difference between finishes. The reflective quality of polished and the soft texture of matte need to be seen and felt in person. Visit our Bedford showroom to compare finishes side by side. We always recommend requesting sample chips in both finishes to view under your own kitchen lighting before committing.
Making Your Choice
Choose polished if: You want maximum visual brightness and colour depth. You prefer a clean, luxurious feel. You do not mind drying the surface after cleaning dark colours. Your kitchen has limited natural light (polished reflects more light into the room).
Choose matte if: You prefer a more natural, understated look. You want to minimise visible fingerprints and water spots. You are going for a Scandinavian, minimalist or industrial kitchen style. You want a marble-effect quartz that looks as realistic as possible.
Choose leathered if: You want maximum tactile interest. You love natural stone character. You want a surface that hides everyday marks best. You are designing a rustic, farmhouse or industrial kitchen.
At Precious Marble we carry samples of all three finishes across dozens of colours. Visit our quartz worktops Bedford showroom or call 01234 348590 to arrange a viewing.
Compare Finishes in Our Bedford Showroom
See polished, matte and leathered quartz side by side. Free expert advice on the best finish for your kitchen.
The right finish transforms the entire character of your kitchen. Visit our quartz worktops Bedford page to explore all three finishes and request a free quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between matte and polished quartz?
Polished has a high-gloss reflective surface with deeper colours. Matte has a smooth non-reflective surface with a softer look. Both use the same material and have identical hardness, stain resistance and durability.
Is matte quartz harder to clean than polished?
Matte shows oily marks more readily than polished. However the cleaning method is identical: warm soapy water and a soft cloth. A degreasing washing-up liquid works slightly better on matte. Neither requires special products.
Which quartz finish is more popular in the UK?
Polished accounts for approximately 70% of UK sales. Matte has grown significantly in the past 5 years, particularly in contemporary kitchens. Leathered finishes are a small but growing niche.
Does the finish affect the price of quartz worktops?
Generally no. Polished and matte are priced identically for the same colour. Not every colour is available in every finish. Leathered finishes can carry a 5 to 10% premium on some brands.
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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For most homeowners yes, quartz is worth the money. A mid-range quartz worktop at £2,000 lasting 25 years costs just £80 per year with zero maintenance. A £500 laminate needing replacement after 12 years costs £83 per year for the first set alone. When you add the 3–5% property value uplift (£9,000–£15,000 on a £300,000 home), the disruption-free longevity and the daily pleasure of using a premium surface the return on investment is strongly positive.
The Cost-Per-Year Calculation
The most useful way to evaluate whether quartz is worth the money is to calculate the cost per year of use rather than comparing upfront prices. A material that costs four times more but lasts three times longer is actually better value per year.
Budget quartz (£1,200 installed, 25-year lifespan): £48 per year. Zero maintenance cost. Total 25-year cost: £1,200.
Mid-range quartz (£2,000 installed, 25-year lifespan): £80 per year. Zero maintenance cost. Total 25-year cost: £2,000.
Laminate (£500 installed, 12-year lifespan): £42 per year for the first set. But you need a second set at £500 plus £200–£400 installation labour. Total 25-year cost: £1,200–£1,400 plus the disruption of a mid-life replacement.
The numbers tell a clear story. Budget quartz and double-replaced laminate end up costing roughly the same over 25 years. But quartz gives you 25 years of premium performance, zero maintenance and property value uplift. Laminate gives you 25 years of a surface that shows wear, needs replacing mid-life and adds no property value.
Lifetime Cost Comparison Table
Material
Upfront Cost
Maintenance /yr
Replacements in 25 yrs
25-Year Total
Cost /Year
Laminate
£400–£700
£0
1–2
£1,000–£1,800
£40–£72
Solid Wood
£500–£1,200
£30–£60
0–1
£1,250–£2,700
£50–£108
Quartz (Budget)
£1,200
£0
0
£1,200
£48
Quartz (Mid-Range)
£2,000
£0
0
£2,000
£80
Granite
£1,100–£3,500
£15–£40
0
£1,475–£4,500
£59–£180
Marble
£1,500–£5,000
£50–£100
0
£2,750–£7,500
£110–£300
Based on an average 3.5m² kitchen. Laminate replacement costs include £200–£400 installation labour per replacement. Maintenance costs include sealing products and oiling supplies. All prices include VAT.
The Property Value Argument
The property value uplift from quartz worktops is the financial argument that tips the scale most decisively. Estate agents consistently report that a well-presented kitchen with quality worktops contributes a 3–5% uplift in property value.
On a Bedford property worth £300,000 that is £9,000–£15,000 of added value from a £2,000 worktop investment. Even at the conservative end the return is 4.5 times the cost. No other single kitchen upgrade delivers this ratio. By contrast laminate worktops add negligible property value because buyers see them as basic and expect to replace them.
This makes quartz not just worth the money but one of the smartest home improvement investments available. You enjoy the surface daily for decades and then recoup more than the cost when you sell.
Hidden Savings You Do Not See Coming
No sealant costs. Granite needs £15–£40 of sealant every 1–2 years. Over 25 years that is £190–£500 in products alone plus the time spent applying them.
No specialist cleaners. Some materials need specific cleaning products. Quartz works perfectly with standard washing-up liquid that you already buy for your dishes.
No replacement disruption. Replacing a worktop means clearing the kitchen, disconnecting plumbing, removing and refitting the sink and hob, living without a functional kitchen for several days and the stress that accompanies it. Quartz avoids this entirely with its 25+ year lifespan.
No stain replacement. A badly stained laminate worktop can look tired within 5–7 years prompting an earlier-than-expected replacement. Quartz resists stains indefinitely.
No time cost. The hours spent oiling wood, sealing granite, deep-cleaning laminate or worrying about stains add up over decades. Quartz gives you that time back. At even a modest valuation of your time the convenience saving is significant.
When Quartz Is Not Worth It
Being honest about when quartz is not the right investment is important. We would rather point you to the right solution than sell you something that does not suit your situation.
Short-term rental properties. If you are fitting out a buy-to-let that will house tenants who are unlikely to appreciate or care for a premium surface a quality laminate delivers adequate performance at a fraction of the cost.
Cabinets that need replacing. If your kitchen cabinets are old, damaged or likely to need replacing within 5 years investing in a premium worktop that will be removed during the cabinet replacement does not make sense. Replace the cabinets first then invest in quartz.
Very tight total budget. If your entire kitchen renovation budget is under £3,000 spending £2,000 on worktops leaves too little for cabinets, appliances and installation. A £500 laminate worktop with £2,500 for everything else produces a better overall kitchen than a £2,000 quartz worktop with only £1,000 for the rest.
Selling within 12 months. While quartz adds property value it still represents an outlay. If you are selling very soon the maths may not work in your favour depending on the local market. In this case a thorough clean and presentable existing worktop may be sufficient.
How to Make Quartz More Affordable
If quartz is slightly above your budget there are several legitimate ways to bring the cost down without compromising on quality. For a full breakdown see our cheapest quartz worktops UK guide.
Choose a plain colour. Solid or speckled quartz costs £500–£1,000 less than marble-effect veined designs on a typical kitchen.
Go with 20mm thickness. Performs identically to 30mm at 40–50% less cost.
Ask about remnants. Offcuts from larger jobs can save 30–50% on material costs if your kitchen is small enough to use them.
Choose a supply-and-fit package. Bundled deals from a single fabricator like Precious Marble are almost always cheaper than sourcing materials and labour separately.
Get three quotes. Prices vary 20–30% between fabricators. Make sure each quote includes the same scope. For detailed pricing see our quartz worktop pricing guide.
The Bottom Line
Quartz is not the cheapest worktop you can buy. But it is one of the best value investments you can make in your kitchen. The combination of a 25+ year lifespan, zero maintenance cost, daily functional superiority and measurable property value uplift makes the higher upfront cost pay for itself many times over. Call Precious Marble on 01234 348590 for a free quote tailored to your Bedford kitchen and budget.
Invest in a Worktop That Pays for Itself
Fully inclusive pricing with no hidden extras. Free templating and professional installation across Bedfordshire.
The best investments are the ones you enjoy every day. Visit our quartz worktops Bedford page to explore the range and request a free no-obligation quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is quartz worktop worth the extra cost over laminate?
For most homeowners yes. A mid-range quartz at £2,000 lasting 25 years costs £80 per year with zero maintenance. Laminate at £500 lasting 12 years costs £42 per year but needs replacing. Over 25 years the total costs converge while quartz also adds 3–5% property value.
Does a quartz worktop add value to a house?
Yes. Estate agents report a 3 to 5% property value uplift from quality kitchen worktops. On a £300,000 home that is £9,000 to £15,000. The net return on a £2,000 worktop investment is strongly positive.
What is the cost per year of a quartz worktop?
Budget quartz (£1,200, 25 years) is £48 per year. Mid-range (£2,000, 25 years) is £80 per year. Premium (£3,500, 30 years) is £117 per year. All figures include zero maintenance costs.
When is quartz not worth the money?
When renovating for short-term rental, when cabinets need replacing within 5 years, when the total kitchen budget is under £3,000 or when selling the property within 12 months. In these situations laminate or a targeted cosmetic refresh may be more appropriate.
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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