Quartz FAQs Cheapest Quartz Worktops UK Quartz worktops do not have to break the bank. Here is a complete UK price breakdown and how to get the best value without compromising on quality. Get a Quote 01234 348590 Home » Quartz FAQs » Cheapest Quartz Worktops UK PM Precious Marble Team Quartz worktop specialists in […]
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Quartz FAQs Can You Put Hot Pans On Quartz No. Hot pans straight from the hob or oven should not go directly on quartz. Here is exactly why and what to use instead. Get a Quote 01234 348590 Home » Quartz FAQs » Can You Put Hot Pans On Quartz PM Precious Marble Team Quartz […]
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Quartz FAQs Cheapest Quartz Worktops UK Quartz worktops do not have to break the bank. Here is a complete UK price breakdown and how to get the best value without compromising on quality. Get a Quote 01234 348590 Home » Quartz FAQs » Cheapest Quartz Worktops UK PM Precious Marble Team Quartz worktop specialists in […]
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Quartz FAQs Can You Put Hot Pans On Quartz No. Hot pans straight from the hob or oven should not go directly on quartz. Here is exactly why and what to use instead. Get a Quote 01234 348590 Home » Quartz FAQs » Can You Put Hot Pans On Quartz PM Precious Marble Team Quartz […]
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The cheapest quartz worktops in the UK start from around £150–£200 per square metre for material only. Fully installed (including templating, fabrication and fitting) budget quartz typically costs £300–£500 per square metre. For an average UK kitchen with 3–4 square metres of worktop space expect to pay £1,200–£2,000 fully installed at the budget end.
UK Quartz Worktop Price Breakdown
Quartz worktop prices in the UK vary significantly depending on the brand, colour, thickness and complexity of your kitchen layout. The total cost is made up of several components that are important to understand when comparing quotes.
Material cost is the price of the quartz slab itself. This ranges from £150 per square metre for basic entry-level ranges up to £600+ per square metre for premium brands like Silestone and Caesarstone in complex veined designs.
Templating is the precise measurement of your kitchen. A specialist visits your home and creates an exact template using laser or physical measurement tools. This typically costs £100–£200 or is included free by many fabricators as part of the supply-and-fit package.
Fabrication covers the cutting, polishing and edge profiling of your worktop pieces. This is done in a specialist workshop using CNC machinery and diamond-tipped tools. Fabrication costs typically add £80–£150 per square metre.
Installation is the fitting of the finished worktop in your kitchen. This includes any on-site adjustments, sink cutouts, hob cutouts and sealing of joints. Installation typically adds £50–£100 per square metre.
Price Comparison Table by Tier
Tier
Material /m²
Installed /m²
Avg Kitchen (3.5m²)
Typical Brands
Budget
£150–£250
£300–£500
£1,050–£1,750
Technistone Basic, unbranded imports
Mid-Range
£250–£400
£500–£700
£1,750–£2,450
Silestone entry, CRL Quartz, Compac
Premium
£400–£600+
£700–£1,000+
£2,450–£3,500+
Caesarstone, Silestone premium, Dekton
Prices are approximate UK averages as of 2026 and include VAT. Actual costs vary by region and kitchen complexity. Contact Precious Marble for an accurate Bedford-area quote.
What Affects the Price of Quartz
Several factors determine where your quartz worktop falls on the pricing spectrum. Understanding these helps you make smart savings without sacrificing the things that matter most.
Colour and pattern complexity. Plain solid colours and simple speckled designs are the cheapest to produce. Complex veined patterns that mimic Calacatta or Statuario marble require more sophisticated manufacturing techniques and premium pigments which increases the cost significantly.
Brand name. Established brands like Caesarstone and Silestone command higher prices partly because of their marketing spend and partly because of their extensive warranties (typically 15–25 years). Lesser-known brands can offer comparable material quality at a lower price point.
Slab thickness. Standard 20mm slabs are cheaper than 30mm slabs. The thicker option uses more raw material and is heavier to transport and install. However 20mm quartz is perfectly adequate for most kitchen applications and many modern designs actually prefer the slimmer profile.
Edge profile. A simple flat or pencil round edge is included in most standard quotes. More decorative edges like ogee or bullnose require additional machining time and add £20–£40 per linear metre to the fabrication cost.
Kitchen layout complexity. L-shaped and U-shaped kitchens require more joins, more cutouts and more material than a simple straight run. Each additional cutout (sink, hob, socket) adds to the fabrication time and cost.
Budget-Friendly Quartz Brands in the UK
You do not need to buy a premium brand to get a good quality quartz worktop. Several manufacturers offer excellent products at lower price points. Our team at Precious Marble works with a range of suppliers to give Bedford customers genuine choice at every budget level.
Technistone is a Czech manufacturer that offers a wide colour range at competitive prices. Their Noble and Starlight collections are popular budget choices in the UK market.
CRL Quartz (formerly known as CRL Stone) offers a solid mid-range product that punches above its price point. Their quartz ranges include some convincing marble-effect designs at well below Caesarstone or Silestone prices.
Compac is a Spanish manufacturer with a growing UK presence. Their prices sit between budget and premium and their quality control is excellent for the price.
Precious Marble Price Promise
We stock slabs from multiple brands at our Bedford workshop so we can offer genuine choice at every price point. Every slab we supply meets the same quality standards regardless of brand. Call 01234 348590 to discuss your budget and we will find the best option for your kitchen.
Cheap vs Quality: What You Actually Lose
When it comes to quartz worktops “cheap” and “bad” are not the same thing. The core performance characteristics (scratch resistance, stain resistance, hygiene and durability) are broadly similar across all reputable quartz products because they all use the same fundamental manufacturing process. Here is what genuinely changes as you move up the price scale.
Pattern realism. Premium brands invest heavily in pattern technology. A £500/m² Calacatta quartz will have more realistic and varied veining than a £200/m² version. If you want a convincing marble look the premium product delivers a noticeably better result.
Colour consistency. Higher-end manufacturers run tighter quality control which means less variation between slabs. This matters most with complex patterns where slab-to-slab matching at joins is critical.
Warranty length. Premium brands typically offer 15–25 year warranties. Budget brands may offer 5–10 years or none at all. However most quartz issues show up within the first year so a shorter warranty is not necessarily a deal-breaker.
What does NOT change: hardness, scratch resistance, stain resistance, hygiene and heat tolerance are all fundamentally the same across the price range because the base material (quartz crystals and resin) is the same.
7 Ways to Reduce Your Quartz Worktop Cost
1. Choose a plain colour. Solid whites, blacks and simple speckled designs cost significantly less than veined marble-effect patterns. A plain white quartz can save you £100–£200 per square metre compared to a Calacatta look-alike.
2. Opt for 20mm thickness. Unless you specifically want the chunkier look of 30mm a standard 20mm slab performs identically and costs less for both material and installation.
3. Keep the edge simple. A flat polished edge or pencil round is usually included in the standard price. Decorative edges add cost without affecting performance.
4. Ask about remnants and offcuts. Fabricators often have leftover pieces from larger jobs. If your kitchen is small (or you only need a short run of worktop) a remnant slab can save 30–50% on material costs. Ask our team at Precious Marble what is currently available.
5. Minimise cutouts. Every cutout (undermount sink, hob, pop-up sockets) adds to fabrication time and cost. Plan your layout to reduce the number of complex cuts required.
6. Choose a supply-and-fit package. Buying a slab separately and hiring a fabricator independently often costs more than a bundled supply-and-fit deal from a single company. You also avoid the risk of damage during handover between suppliers.
7. Get multiple quotes. Prices can vary by 20–30% between fabricators for the same slab. Get at least three quotes and make sure each includes the same scope (templating, fabrication, installation and waste removal).
Hidden Costs to Watch For
When comparing quotes from different suppliers make sure you are comparing like for like. Some common additional charges that catch homeowners by surprise include the following.
Templating fee. Some quotes show a low per-metre rate but add £150–£200 for templating as an extra. Others include it in the price.
Cutout charges. Sink and hob cutouts may be charged at £50–£100 each on top of the quoted square metre rate.
Waste removal. Removing your old worktops can add £50–£150 to the total if it is not included in the quote.
Plumbing reconnection. Some installers will disconnect your sink but not reconnect the plumbing. Check whether plumbing is included or whether you need a separate plumber visit (typically £80–£150).
At Precious Marble in Bedford our quotes are fully inclusive with no hidden extras. We include templating, fabrication, installation and waste removal as standard so the price you see is the price you pay.
Get an Honest Quote for Quartz in Bedford
No hidden fees. Free templating. Supply and fit packages at every budget level.
Whether you are working with a tight budget or looking to invest in a premium finish we can help you find the right quartz for your kitchen. Visit our quartz worktops Bedford page to explore the full range and request a free no-obligation quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest quartz worktop you can buy in the UK?
The cheapest quartz worktops in the UK start from around £150 to £200 per square metre for material only. Budget-friendly options include some imported ranges and entry-level lines from established brands. However the total installed cost including templating, fabrication and fitting typically starts from £300 to £400 per square metre.
Is cheap quartz worktop lower quality than expensive quartz?
Not necessarily. The quartz mineral content (90–94%) is broadly similar across price ranges. Price differences mainly reflect the brand name, colour complexity, pattern detail and country of manufacture. A plain white budget quartz can be just as durable and hygienic as an expensive marble-effect premium slab.
How can I reduce the cost of quartz worktops?
Choose a simple plain or lightly speckled colour rather than a complex veined pattern. Keep the layout simple with fewer cutouts and joins. Opt for a standard 20mm thickness instead of 30mm. Choose a polished finish over textured finishes which cost more to fabricate. Ask your fabricator about offcuts or remnant slabs from previous jobs.
Should I buy quartz worktops online to save money?
Buying quartz slabs online can appear cheaper upfront but carries significant risks. You cannot inspect the actual slab for colour accuracy or defects. Delivery of heavy stone slabs is expensive and damage in transit is common. You will still need a local fabricator to template, cut and install the worktop. Most reputable fabricators offer competitive supply-and-fit packages that work out better value overall.
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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No. You should never place a hot pan directly on a quartz worktop. Quartz is heat-resistant up to around 150°C but a pan from a hob or oven can reach 200°C to 350°C. This sudden temperature change (thermal shock) can discolour or crack the resin binders in the surface. Always use a trivet or heat mat. They cost a few pounds and completely eliminate the risk.
Why Heat Damages Quartz
Quartz worktops are engineered from approximately 90–94% ground natural quartz crystals bound together with 6–10% polymer resins and pigments. The quartz crystals themselves are extremely heat-tolerant. Natural quartz has a melting point above 1,700°C so the mineral component is not the weak link.
The vulnerability lies in the polymer resin. These resins begin to soften and degrade at temperatures above 150°C. When a scorching pan is placed on the surface the concentrated heat causes the resin in that specific area to expand rapidly. The surrounding cooler material does not expand at the same rate. This mismatch is called thermal shock and it can cause visible discolouration or in severe cases hairline cracks.
It is worth noting that this is not a flaw unique to quartz. Any composite material that uses resin binders (including solid surface materials like Corian) shares this sensitivity. The trade-off is that the resin is what makes quartz non-porous and stain-resistant. It is also what allows manufacturers to create the beautiful patterns and colours that make quartz so popular with Bedford homeowners.
Temperature Limits Explained
Understanding the temperatures involved helps explain why trivets are so important. Here is what happens at different heat levels on a quartz worktop.
Up to 80°C (boiling water temperature). Completely safe. You can pour boiling water over quartz without any concern. This is why quartz works perfectly around sinks and near kettles.
80°C to 150°C. Generally safe for brief contact. A warm dish from a low oven or a mug of tea will not cause damage. However prolonged contact at the upper end of this range (such as a slow cooker left running for hours) should still be avoided.
150°C to 200°C. The danger zone. Damage is possible especially with sustained contact. A baking tray from a moderate oven falls into this range.
Above 200°C. Damage is likely. A frying pan from a gas hob can reach 250°C to 350°C. A cast iron pan from a hot oven can exceed 300°C. These temperatures will cause visible marks on most quartz surfaces within seconds of contact.
Important Warning
Heat damage to quartz is often not covered by manufacturer warranties. Brands including Silestone and Caesarstone specify that trivets must be used with hot cookware. Placing a hot pan directly on the surface is considered misuse and any resulting damage may not qualify for a warranty claim.
Heat Resistance: Quartz vs Other Worktops
Worktop Material
Max Safe Temp
Hot Pan Direct?
Damage Type
Quartz (Engineered)
~150°C
✘ No
Discolouration, cracking
Granite (Natural)
~300°C+
Usually safe
Rare thermal cracking
Marble (Natural)
~200°C+
Use caution
Yellowing, thermal crack
Laminate
~130°C
✘ No
Burn marks, blistering
Solid Surface (Corian)
~100°C
✘ No
Scorching, warping
Stainless Steel
~500°C+
✔ Yes
None (conducts heat)
What Heat Damage Looks Like
Heat damage on quartz typically takes one of three forms depending on the severity of the exposure.
White or cloudy marks. The most common type. The resin in the affected area turns a milky white colour. On darker quartz this is very noticeable. On lighter surfaces it can appear as a dull patch where the polish has been lost. These marks are sometimes mistaken for water stains but they will not respond to normal cleaning.
Yellowing or browning. Prolonged heat exposure can cause the resin to change colour permanently. This is more common with lighter quartz surfaces where the discolouration shows as a yellow or amber tint.
Cracking. In extreme cases the rapid temperature change causes the material to crack. These are typically hairline fractures that radiate outward from the centre of the hot spot. This is rare with brief contact but more likely with very hot cast iron cookware or repeated heat exposure to the same area.
Best Ways to Protect Quartz from Heat
Protecting your quartz worktop from heat is simple and inexpensive. Our team at Precious Marble recommends keeping at least two or three trivets within easy reach near your hob and oven at all times. When reaching for a pan it should become second nature to grab a trivet at the same time.
Silicone trivets are the best all-round option. They insulate brilliantly and grip both the pan and the worktop preventing sliding. They are dishwasher-safe and virtually indestructible. A set of three costs around £8 to £15.
Cork mats are a natural alternative that provides excellent insulation. They are lightweight and absorb heat well. However they can stain if liquids are spilled on them and they wear out faster than silicone.
Wooden boards (thick hardwood chopping boards work well) provide good insulation and double as a serving surface. Just make sure the board is thick enough (at least 15mm) to block heat transfer effectively.
Metal trivets with rubber feet look stylish but are the least effective option. Metal conducts heat which means the feet bear a concentrated heat load. They work for warm dishes but are not ideal for very hot pans straight from the hob.
Trivet and Heat Mat Comparison
Type
Heat Protection
Grip
Price (Set of 3)
Verdict
Silicone Trivet
✔ Excellent
✔ Excellent
£8–£15
Best choice
Cork Mat
✔ Very Good
✔ Good
£5–£12
Great budget option
Thick Wooden Board
✔ Good
Moderate
£10–£25
Dual-purpose option
Metal Trivet
Limited
Variable
£10–£30
Warm dishes only
Can You Repair Heat Damage?
The possibility of repair depends entirely on the severity of the damage.
Minor white marks. Try applying a non-abrasive cream cleaner (such as Cif Original) to a soft damp cloth. Buff the area gently in circular motions. Some light thermal marks can be improved with this approach though complete removal is not always possible.
Moderate discolouration. A professional stone restoration specialist may be able to polish out some heat marks using fine abrasive compounds. Results vary depending on the depth of the damage. Expect to pay £100 to £250 for a professional visit in the Bedford area.
Cracking or severe scorching. This level of damage is permanent and cannot be polished out. The affected section of worktop would need to be cut out and replaced by a fabricator. Depending on the size and location this can cost £300 to £800 or more. This is precisely why a £10 set of trivets is the smartest investment you can make for your kitchen.
Despite the heat sensitivity quartz remains one of the best all-round worktop materials available. Its scratch resistance, stain resistance and zero-maintenance non-porous surface far outweigh the simple habit of using a trivet. Browse the full range on our quartz worktops Bedford page.
Pro Tip from Our Bedford Workshop
Keep a silicone trivet permanently on the worktop next to your hob. When it is always visible and within arm's reach you will never forget to use it. Many of our Bedford customers tell us this simple habit gives them complete peace of mind.
Looking for Quartz Worktops in Bedford?
Explore our full range of quartz worktops with free templating and professional installation across Bedfordshire.
Heat sensitivity is a small trade-off for a worktop that never needs sealing and resists scratches and stains with ease. Visit our main quartz worktops Bedford page to see colours and styles and request a free no-obligation quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature can quartz worktops withstand?
Quartz worktops can generally tolerate temperatures up to around 150°C (300°F) without damage. Above this threshold the polymer resins that bind the quartz crystals can discolour or crack. A pan straight from a hot hob or oven typically reaches 200°C to 350°C which exceeds the safe range.
Will one hot pan ruin my quartz worktop?
A single brief contact with a hot pan is unlikely to cause catastrophic damage. However it can leave a dull white mark or slight discolouration on the resin surface. Repeated heat exposure in the same area significantly increases the risk of permanent visible damage.
What is the best way to protect quartz worktops from heat?
Always use a trivet, heat mat or wooden board between a hot pan and your quartz worktop. Silicone trivets are particularly effective because they grip the pan and insulate the surface. Cork mats and thick wooden boards also work well. These cost just a few pounds and eliminate any risk of heat damage.
Can you repair heat damage on quartz worktops?
Minor heat marks can sometimes be improved using a non-abrasive cream cleaner and gentle buffing. Severe thermal shock damage such as cracking or deep discolouration is usually permanent and may require a section of the worktop to be replaced by a specialist. Prevention with trivets is far more cost-effective than repair.
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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