Quartz FAQs Do Quartz Worktops Need Expansion Gaps Yes. Small expansion gaps are essential for a long-lasting quartz installation. Here is why they matter and what your installer should be doing. Get a Quote 01234 348590 Home » Quartz FAQs » Do Quartz Worktops Need Expansion Gaps PM Precious Marble Team Quartz worktop specialists in […]
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Quartz FAQs Do Quartz Worktops Add Value To A Home Yes. A quality quartz kitchen can boost your property value and help it sell faster. Here is exactly how much impact you can expect. Get a Quote 01234 348590 Home » Quartz FAQs » Do Quartz Worktops Add Value To A Home PM Precious Marble […]
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Quartz FAQs Do Quartz Worktops Need Expansion Gaps Yes. Small expansion gaps are essential for a long-lasting quartz installation. Here is why they matter and what your installer should be doing. Get a Quote 01234 348590 Home » Quartz FAQs » Do Quartz Worktops Need Expansion Gaps PM Precious Marble Team Quartz worktop specialists in […]
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Quartz FAQs Do Quartz Worktops Add Value To A Home Yes. A quality quartz kitchen can boost your property value and help it sell faster. Here is exactly how much impact you can expect. Get a Quote 01234 348590 Home » Quartz FAQs » Do Quartz Worktops Add Value To A Home PM Precious Marble […]
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Yes. Quartz worktops need small expansion gaps of 2–3mm where they meet walls, upstands and other fixed surfaces. Quartz expands and contracts slightly with temperature changes. Without these gaps the material can bow, crack or push against cabinets. The gaps are hidden behind upstands or splashbacks and sealed with flexible silicone so they are invisible in the finished kitchen.
Why Expansion Gaps Matter
Every solid material in your kitchen expands when it gets warmer and contracts when it cools down. This is a fundamental law of physics and quartz worktops are no exception. The engineered quartz used in kitchen worktops is made from approximately 90–94% ground quartz crystals bound with polymer resins. Both the mineral and the resin components respond to temperature changes.
In a kitchen the temperature can fluctuate significantly. Cooking generates heat. Ovens radiate warmth when running. Central heating raises the ambient temperature in winter. Direct sunlight through windows can warm the worktop surface in summer. Each of these events causes the quartz to expand fractionally. When the heat source is removed the material contracts back.
If the worktop is fitted tightly against walls and other fixed structures with no room for this movement the expanding material has nowhere to go. The result is stress that builds up within the slab. This stress can cause cracking, bowing or damage to the cabinets beneath. Expansion gaps prevent this by giving the material just enough room to move naturally.
How Much Does Quartz Actually Move?
The amount of thermal expansion depends on the material's coefficient of linear thermal expansion (CLTE) and the temperature change it experiences. Engineered quartz has a CLTE of approximately 11–14 x 10ₖ⁶ per °C. In plain English this means that for every 1 metre of worktop length a 10°C temperature rise causes roughly 0.11–0.14mm of expansion.
That may sound tiny but consider a 3-metre long kitchen run. A 20°C temperature swing (entirely normal between an unheated winter morning and a kitchen full of cooking activity) could produce roughly 0.7–0.8mm of movement across the full length. Over a 4-metre run that becomes more than 1mm. If the worktop is constrained at both ends by walls that 1mm has to go somewhere.
This is why longer worktop runs need slightly larger gaps. Our installation team at Precious Marble calculates the correct gap for every project based on the actual dimensions and the specific quartz product being used.
Thermal Expansion Comparison Table
Material
CLTE (x10ₖ⁶/°C)
Movement per 3m at 20°C rise
Expansion Gap Needed?
Engineered Quartz
11–14
~0.7–0.8mm
✔ Yes (2–3mm)
Granite
7–9
~0.4–0.5mm
✔ Yes (2mm)
Marble
7–10
~0.4–0.6mm
✔ Yes (2mm)
Solid Surface (Corian)
30–40
~1.8–2.4mm
✔ Yes (3–5mm)
Laminate
20–30
~1.2–1.8mm
✔ Yes (2–3mm)
Stainless Steel
16–18
~1.0–1.1mm
✔ Yes (2–3mm)
CLTE values are approximate and vary by product. The key point is that every worktop material moves with temperature and every worktop type benefits from expansion gaps at the perimeter.
Recommended Gap Sizes
Most quartz manufacturers recommend a perimeter expansion gap of 2–3mm. This applies wherever the worktop meets a wall, a tall unit, a window reveal or any other fixed surface. The exact size depends on the length of the run and the specific product.
Runs up to 2 metres: 2mm gap at each end is typically sufficient.
Runs 2–4 metres: 3mm gap at each end is recommended.
Runs over 4 metres: Some manufacturers specify up to 5mm. Very long runs may also require an intermediate expansion joint.
Around heat sources: Worktop areas adjacent to ovens, range cookers or Agas may need slightly larger gaps (3–5mm) because these appliances generate sustained radiant heat that causes more expansion in the adjacent stone.
Why You Never See the Gap
Expansion gaps are always concealed in a professional installation. The gap behind the worktop is hidden by the upstand or splashback. The gap is sealed with colour-matched flexible silicone which allows movement while keeping the joint watertight. You will not see the gap in your finished kitchen.
What Happens Without Expansion Gaps
When expansion gaps are omitted the problems may not appear immediately. In some cases it takes weeks or months of seasonal temperature cycling before the stress builds up enough to cause visible damage. Here are the most common issues our team at Precious Marble has seen when called in to inspect poorly installed worktops.
Bowing or lifting. When the worktop cannot expand outward at the ends it pushes upward in the centre. This creates a subtle but noticeable bow that you can see when looking along the surface at eye level. In severe cases the worktop can lift away from the cabinet tops.
Cracking at stress points. The most vulnerable areas are internal corners (such as the corner of an L-shaped kitchen) and areas around cutouts (sink and hob). These are points where the material is already under some fabrication stress. Added thermal stress can cause cracks to form and propagate from these weak points.
Joint failure. If two sections of quartz are joined with epoxy resin (as they should be) but the assembly is constrained at both ends the thermal stress can cause the joint to crack or separate. This is especially common in long L-shaped runs where one leg pushes against the other.
Cabinet damage. In extreme cases the expanding worktop can push end panels or wall fixings out of alignment. We have seen kitchen cabinets pushed apart and wall tiles cracked by worktops that were installed without any expansion allowance.
Warning
Damage caused by incorrect installation (including failure to leave expansion gaps) is typically not covered by manufacturer warranties. If your worktop cracks because it was fitted too tightly the manufacturer will attribute the failure to installation error rather than a product defect. Always use a qualified installer who understands the expansion requirements.
Joints, Sealants and the Right Adhesives
There is an important distinction between the joints where quartz sections meet each other and the joints where quartz meets fixed structures like walls.
Section-to-section joints (where two pieces of quartz meet) should be bonded with colour-matched epoxy resin adhesive. This creates a rigid bond that makes the join as strong as possible and virtually invisible. The two pieces then move together as a single unit.
Perimeter joints (where quartz meets walls, upstands or other fixed elements) should always use flexible silicone sealant. Silicone remains permanently flexible and allows the worktop to expand and contract without cracking the joint or transferring stress to the wall.
Worktop-to-cabinet fixings should also allow for movement. The worktop should sit on the cabinets without being glued down rigidly. Most professional installers use small dabs of silicone at intervals to hold the worktop in place while allowing lateral movement.
What to Ask Your Installer
If you are getting quartz worktops installed here are the key questions to ask your fabricator to make sure expansion is being handled correctly.
What expansion gap are you allowing at the walls? The answer should be 2–3mm minimum. If the installer says they fit tight to the wall that is a red flag.
What sealant are you using at the perimeter? The answer should be flexible silicone. If they plan to use rigid grout or adhesive at the wall junction ask them to reconsider.
How will you fix the worktop to the cabinets? The answer should involve silicone dabs or brackets that allow lateral movement. The worktop should not be rigidly glued to the cabinet tops.
At Precious Marble in Bedford we follow manufacturer installation guidelines to the letter on every project. Expansion gaps are calculated at the templating stage and built into our fabrication drawings. This attention to detail is what separates a professional installation from one that causes problems down the line.
Want a Flawless Quartz Installation?
Our Bedford team handles every detail including expansion gaps, templating and precision fabrication.
The difference between a quartz worktop that lasts trouble-free for 25 years and one that cracks within months often comes down to installation quality. Visit our quartz worktops Bedford page to learn more about our professional supply-and-fit service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do quartz worktops expand and contract with temperature?
Yes. All solid materials expand when heated and contract when cooled. Quartz has a low coefficient of thermal expansion meaning it moves very little compared to materials like wood or metal. However in long runs or where worktops are fitted tightly against walls the cumulative movement can be enough to cause problems if no allowance is made.
How big should the expansion gap be for quartz worktops?
Most manufacturers recommend leaving a gap of 2 to 3 millimetres between the quartz worktop and any fixed surface such as a wall or upstand. This gap is typically hidden by the upstand or splashback and is sealed with a flexible silicone sealant rather than rigid adhesive. Your installer should account for this during templating.
What happens if quartz worktops are fitted without expansion gaps?
If quartz worktops are fitted too tightly against walls or other fixed surfaces the material has nowhere to move when it expands. This can cause the worktop to bow upward, crack at stress points or push against cabinets. The joints between sections can also open or buckle. These problems are entirely avoidable with correct installation.
Should quartz worktop joints be rigid or flexible?
Joints between quartz sections should use a colour-matched epoxy resin that bonds the pieces together rigidly. However the perimeter joints where the worktop meets walls, upstands or other fixed structures should always use flexible silicone sealant. This allows for natural thermal movement without creating stress on the stone.
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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Yes. Quartz worktops can add meaningful value to your home. UK estate agents consistently report that a well-presented kitchen can add 3–5% to a property's value. For a £300,000 Bedford home that is £9,000–£15,000 in potential added value. Quartz worktops also help properties sell faster because buyers recognise them as a premium, low-maintenance material.
The Kitchen and Property Value
The kitchen is widely regarded as the most important room when it comes to property value. Multiple UK surveys of estate agents and buyers confirm that the kitchen has a greater influence on purchase decisions than any other room in the house. A report by Nationwide Building Society found that a modern fitted kitchen can add up to 5% to a property's value. Separate research from Rightmove indicates that the kitchen is the first room 54% of buyers look at during viewings.
Within the kitchen the worktop is one of the largest visible surfaces. It immediately communicates the quality and standard of the fit-out. A dated laminate worktop signals that the kitchen may need updating. A well-maintained quartz worktop tells buyers the kitchen has been finished to a high standard and will not need replacing for decades.
It is important to note that worktops alone do not generate a fixed return. Their value contribution works as part of the overall kitchen presentation. A beautiful quartz worktop in an otherwise outdated kitchen will have less impact than quartz in a well-maintained modern kitchen.
How Much Value Can Quartz Add?
While it is impossible to isolate the exact pound value that worktops alone add (because they work in combination with the rest of the kitchen) we can look at the overall economics. A typical quartz worktop installation in a Bedford kitchen costs £1,500–£3,500 depending on size and specification. If the kitchen as a whole adds 3–5% to the property value the return on a worktop upgrade can be substantial.
Consider a £300,000 Bedford property where the kitchen is in good condition but has tired laminate worktops. Replacing the worktops with quartz at a cost of £2,000 contributes to an overall kitchen improvement that could add £9,000–£15,000 to the asking price. Even if we conservatively attribute just a third of that uplift to the worktops that is £3,000–£5,000 of added value from a £2,000 investment.
ROI Comparison Table
Property Value
Kitchen Uplift (3–5%)
Typical Quartz Cost
Net Gain Potential
£200,000
£6,000–£10,000
£1,500–£2,500
£3,500–£7,500
£300,000
£9,000–£15,000
£2,000–£3,000
£6,000–£12,000
£450,000
£13,500–£22,500
£2,500–£3,500
£10,000–£19,000
Net gain assumes the worktop upgrade is part of a well-maintained kitchen. Figures represent the kitchen uplift minus the worktop installation cost. Actual results depend on property condition, location and market conditions.
Why Buyers Prefer Quartz
Quartz has become the worktop material of choice for UK homebuyers for several practical reasons that go beyond aesthetics.
Zero maintenance. Buyers increasingly research worktop materials before purchasing a property. The fact that quartz never needs sealing (unlike granite or marble) is a major selling point for time-poor families.
Longevity. Quartz worktops can last 25 years or more with basic care. This means the buyer knows they will not face a worktop replacement bill for decades. That peace of mind has a tangible value.
Hygiene. The non-porous surface means quartz does not harbour bacteria. For families with young children this is a genuinely important consideration that can influence buying decisions.
Consistent appearance. Unlike natural stone quartz maintains its colour and pattern uniformly over time. Buyers viewing a 10-year-old quartz kitchen often cannot tell it apart from one installed last month.
Design versatility. With hundreds of colours and patterns available quartz suits every kitchen style from traditional Shaker to ultra-modern handleless. This broad appeal means it works for the widest possible range of buyers.
Quartz and the Bedford Property Market
Bedford's property market has seen steady growth in recent years with the average house price now around £300,000–£350,000. The town's proximity to London (the Thameslink service reaches St Pancras in under an hour) has attracted a growing number of professional buyers who expect modern finishes in their homes.
Local estate agents report that properties with updated kitchens featuring quality worktops generate more viewings and sell faster than comparable homes with dated kitchens. In a competitive market where multiple similar properties may be listed at the same time the kitchen can be the deciding factor for buyers choosing between two otherwise identical homes.
At Precious Marble we have worked with many Bedford homeowners who upgraded their worktops specifically ahead of putting their property on the market. The feedback is consistently positive. Several customers have told us their estate agent specifically mentioned the quartz worktops as a feature during viewings. If you are considering a pre-sale upgrade browse our quartz worktops Bedford page for a quick overview of what is available.
Should You Upgrade Before Selling?
Whether upgrading to quartz worktops before a sale makes financial sense depends on your specific situation. Here are the key scenarios to consider.
Good condition kitchen with tired worktops. This is the ideal upgrade scenario. Replacing worn laminate with quartz can transform the look of the entire kitchen for £1,500–£3,000 which is far cheaper than a full kitchen refit. The visual impact is dramatic and the return on investment is typically very favourable.
Full kitchen renovation needed. If the entire kitchen needs replacing then include quartz worktops in the renovation budget. The marginal cost of choosing quartz over laminate adds £1,000–£2,000 to a full kitchen renovation but the perceived quality jump is significant.
Already a modern kitchen. If your kitchen already looks contemporary and presentable upgrading the worktops alone may offer diminishing returns. Focus your pre-sale budget on other improvements that buyers will notice such as bathrooms or exterior paintwork.
Estate Agent Tip
Ask your estate agent for their honest assessment before investing in a worktop upgrade. A good agent will tell you whether the spend is likely to be recouped in the sale price. In most cases the answer is yes especially if the current worktops are visibly worn or dated.
Whether you are upgrading for your own enjoyment or preparing your home for sale quartz worktops are one of the smartest investments you can make in your kitchen. Visit our quartz worktops Bedford page to explore the range and request a free no-obligation quote from our team.
Invest in Your Home with Quartz
Explore our full range of quartz worktops with free templating and professional installation across Bedfordshire.
Hundreds of Bedford families have already chosen Precious Marble for their quartz worktop installations. See the full collection on our quartz worktops Bedford page and take the first step toward adding real value to your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much value do quartz worktops add to a house?
While there is no fixed figure estate agents consistently report that a well-fitted kitchen with quality worktops can add 3 to 5% to a property's value. For a £300,000 Bedford home that could mean £9,000 to £15,000 in added value. The worktops alone do not generate this figure but they are a key element that buyers notice.
Do buyers prefer quartz over granite worktops?
In recent years quartz has overtaken granite as the most popular worktop material among UK homebuyers. Buyers are attracted to the low maintenance, consistent appearance and wide range of colours and patterns. The fact that quartz never needs sealing is a significant selling point for busy families.
Is it worth upgrading to quartz worktops before selling my house?
It depends on the current state of your kitchen. If the rest of the kitchen is in good condition and only the worktops let it down then upgrading to quartz can be a cost-effective way to improve buyer appeal. If the entire kitchen needs replacing it may be better to factor quartz worktops into a full renovation. Estate agents recommend focusing on the kitchen as it is the room that most influences buyer decisions.
Do quartz worktops make a home easier to sell?
Yes. Properties with modern, well-presented kitchens tend to sell faster. Quartz worktops signal to buyers that the kitchen has been finished to a high standard. They also reassure buyers that the worktops will not need replacing for decades which removes a potential future cost from the buyer's mind.
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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