Quartz FAQs Quartz Worktop Cost Vs Marble Marble costs more upfront and far more over its lifetime. Here are the full numbers so you can make an informed decision. Get a Quote 01234 348590 Home » Quartz FAQs » Quartz Worktop Cost Vs Marble PM Precious Marble Team Quartz worktop specialists in Bedford with over […]
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Quartz FAQs Quartz Worktop Cost Vs Granite Upfront prices are almost identical. The real cost difference is in lifetime maintenance. Here are the full numbers. Get a Quote 01234 348590 Home » Quartz FAQs » Quartz Worktop Cost Vs Granite PM Precious Marble Team Quartz worktop specialists in Bedford with over 15 years of fabrication […]
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Quartz FAQs Quartz Worktop Cost Vs Marble Marble costs more upfront and far more over its lifetime. Here are the full numbers so you can make an informed decision. Get a Quote 01234 348590 Home » Quartz FAQs » Quartz Worktop Cost Vs Marble 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 11:54:332026-04-16 15:27:06Quartz Worktop Cost Vs Marble
Quartz FAQs Quartz Worktop Cost Vs Granite Upfront prices are almost identical. The real cost difference is in lifetime maintenance. Here are the full numbers. Get a Quote 01234 348590 Home » Quartz FAQs » Quartz Worktop Cost Vs Granite PM Precious Marble Team Quartz worktop specialists in Bedford with over 15 years of fabrication […]
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Marble costs more than quartz at every level. Upfront: £1,500–£5,000+ vs £1,200–£3,500 for a typical kitchen. Maintenance: £600–£2,000+ over 20 years vs £0 for quartz. Total 20-year cost: marble is 50–100% more expensive. A premium marble-effect quartz delivers 95% of the marble look at roughly half the total lifetime cost.
Upfront Cost Comparison
Cost Component
Quartz
Marble
Material per m²
£200–£700
£300–£1,500+
Templating + Fabrication
£180–£350/m²
£200–£400/m²
Installation
£200–£400
£200–£400
3.5m² Kitchen Total
£1,200–£3,500
£1,500–£5,000+
Unlike the quartz vs granite cost comparison where prices overlap almost completely marble is consistently more expensive than quartz at every quality tier. The gap widens at the premium end where Calacatta marble can cost 2–3 times more per square metre than even premium quartz.
Marble Cost by Type
Marble Type
Material /m²
3.5m² Installed
Quartz Equivalent
Carrara (Italian)
£300–£500
£1,500–£2,500
£1,200–£2,000
Statuario (Italian)
£500–£800
£2,500–£3,500
£1,800–£2,500
Calacatta (Italian)
£800–£1,500+
£3,500–£6,000+
£2,000–£3,000
Nero Marquina (Spanish)
£400–£600
£2,000–£3,000
£1,500–£2,500
The Hidden Costs of Marble
Sealing (£30–£60/year). Marble needs resealing every 6–12 months. Over 20 years: £600–£1,200. Quartz: £0 (never needs sealing).
Professional re-polishing (£200–£500 every 3–5 years). As marble etches from kitchen acids it loses its polish. Over 20 years (4–6 sessions): £800–£3,000. Quartz: £0.
Specialist cleaning products (£30–£50/year). Marble requires pH-neutral stone-specific cleaners. Over 20 years: £600–£1,000. Quartz: £0 (washing-up liquid is ideal).
Stain treatments (£100–£300 per incident). If sealant wears away and a stain penetrates the marble professional treatment may be needed. Quartz homeowners never face this because quartz does not stain.
20-Year Lifetime Cost Table
Cost Category
Quartz (Mid-Range)
Marble (Carrara)
Marble (Calacatta)
Upfront (installed)
£2,000
£2,000
£4,500
Sealing (20 yrs)
£0
£600
£600
Re-polishing (20 yrs)
£0
£1,000
£1,200
Cleaning products (20 yrs)
£0
£700
£700
20-Year Total
£2,000
£4,300
£7,000
Cost per Year
£100
£215
£350
Marble-Effect Quartz: The Smart Alternative
Premium marble-effect quartz from brands like Silestone and Caesarstone delivers a remarkably realistic marble look. A Calacatta-effect quartz for a 3.5m² kitchen costs approximately £2,500–£3,000 installed with £0 maintenance. Real Calacatta marble for the same kitchen costs £3,500–£6,000 installed plus £2,500+ in maintenance. Lifetime saving: £3,000–£5,500.
A matte finish on marble-effect quartz looks particularly convincing because real marble in working kitchens develops a naturally honed surface from etching. The matte quartz mimics this character from day one without any of the damage that caused it.
The Bottom Line
Marble is a luxury material with luxury costs. If you can comfortably afford the premium it delivers an experience no engineered material fully replicates. But if you prefer to invest in a worry-free surface marble-effect quartz delivers 95% of the visual impact at roughly half the lifetime cost. Call 01234 348590 to discuss both options.
Get the Marble Look at the Quartz Price
Stunning marble-effect quartz from £1,200 installed. Free templating across Bedfordshire.
Save thousands without compromising on beauty. Visit our quartz worktops Bedford page to explore marble-effect designs and request a free quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is marble more expensive than quartz?
Yes. Marble costs £1,500–£5,000+ installed vs £1,200–£3,500 for quartz. Add £600–£2,000+ in marble maintenance over 20 years vs £0 for quartz. Total cost of ownership is 50–100% higher for marble.
How much does a marble worktop cost in the UK?
Carrara: £300–£500/m². Calacatta: £800–£1,500+/m². For a 3.5m² kitchen fully installed: £1,500–£5,000+.
What are the hidden costs of marble worktops?
Sealing every 6–12 months, re-polishing every 3–5 years, specialist cleaning products and potential stain removal. Over 20 years: £600–£2,000+. Quartz: £0.
Can marble-effect quartz save money vs real marble?
Yes. Lifetime saving of marble-effect quartz over real Calacatta marble: typically £3,000–£5,500 combining lower upfront cost and zero maintenance.
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.
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 11:54:332026-04-16 15:27:06Quartz Worktop Cost Vs Marble
Upfront costs are nearly identical. Both range from £300–£700/m² installed. For a 3.5m² kitchen: £1,200–£3,500 for either. Lifetime costs favour quartz because granite needs £150–£400 in sealant over 25 years while quartz needs £0 in maintenance. The upfront difference between a specific quartz colour and a specific granite colour is typically less than £500 for an entire kitchen. Choose based on performance preferences rather than price.
Upfront Cost Comparison
One of the most common misconceptions is that granite is significantly more expensive than quartz (or vice versa). In reality the price ranges overlap almost completely. Here are the current UK price ranges for material, fabrication and installation combined.
Cost Component
Quartz
Granite
Material per m²
£200–£700
£180–£700
Templating
£100–£200
£100–£200
Fabrication per m²
£80–£150
£80–£150
Installation
£200–£400
£200–£400
3.5m² Kitchen Total
£1,200–£3,500
£1,100–£3,500
25-Year Maintenance
£0
£150–£400
25-Year Total
£1,200–£3,500
£1,250–£3,900
Cost by Quality Tier
Budget tier (£1,100–£1,500 installed). Budget granite from India or China can be slightly cheaper than budget quartz at this level. A plain black or grey granite slab costs less than a basic white quartz. The saving is typically £100–£300 for an entire kitchen. However budget granite has less consistent quality and colour variation between slabs.
Mid-range tier (£1,500–£2,500 installed). This is where prices align most closely. A mid-range marble-effect quartz and a mid-range granite like Kashmir White or Steel Grey cost virtually the same. The decision at this tier should be based on performance and appearance rather than price.
Premium tier (£2,500–£3,500+ installed). Premium quartz (Silestone, Caesarstone complex veined designs) and premium granite (Blue Pearl, Emerald Pearl, exotic Brazilians) are similarly priced. Both can exceed £3,500 for a large or complex kitchen. At this level you are paying for exceptional aesthetics in both materials.
Lifetime Cost Comparison
The upfront price difference between quartz and granite is negligible. The lifetime cost difference is small but consistently favours quartz because of zero maintenance requirements.
Granite needs resealing every 1–2 years. A quality impregnating sealant costs £15–£40 per application. Over 25 years that is 13–25 applications totalling £195–£1,000 (depending on the sealant brand and whether you apply it yourself or pay a professional). Quartz needs nothing. The £0 maintenance cost of quartz is guaranteed for life because the non-porous surface never degrades.
There is also a hidden cost risk with granite. If the sealant wears away and a stain penetrates the stone a professional stone restoration treatment may be needed (£150–£400). With quartz this risk does not exist because liquids cannot penetrate the surface.
What Drives the Price of Each Material
Understanding what makes specific colours expensive helps you navigate the market and find the best value at your budget level.
Quartz price drivers: Pattern complexity is the biggest factor. A plain solid white costs roughly half the price per square metre of a complex veined marble-effect. The brand also matters: premium brands like Silestone and Caesarstone command higher prices than budget alternatives. Thickness also affects cost: 30mm is 40–50% more than 20mm.
Granite price drivers: Rarity and origin are the main factors. Common granites from India and China (Star Galaxy, Absolute Black, Kashmir White) are the most affordable. Exotic granites from Brazil (Blue Bahia, Patagonia) or Scandinavia (Blue Pearl, Emerald Pearl) cost significantly more. Slab size also matters: larger slabs that allow fewer joins command premium prices.
Which Offers Better Value?
For pure financial value quartz has a slight edge due to zero maintenance costs. But the difference is modest (£150–£400 over 25 years) and should not be the deciding factor.
The real value proposition of each material lies in what you get for your money day to day. Quartz gives you a maintenance-free, stain-proof surface at the same price as granite. Granite gives you natural uniqueness and superior heat tolerance at the same price as quartz. Both add property value. Both last 25–30 years.
Our advice to Bedford homeowners: do not choose between quartz and granite based on price. The cost is so similar that it should not influence the decision. Choose based on which material's properties suit your cooking style, maintenance preferences and aesthetic vision. For a full comparison of all other differences see our quartz vs granite worktops guide.
Get Quotes for Both
At Precious Marble we quote for both quartz and granite on the same visit. This lets you compare exact prices for your specific kitchen layout and preferred colours. There is no obligation and no pressure. Call 01234 348590 to arrange a free consultation or visit our quartz worktops Bedford page to get started.
Get Your Free Quote for Both Materials
Compare exact prices for quartz and granite for your specific kitchen. No obligation.
Price should not be the deciding factor between quartz and granite because the cost is so similar. Visit our quartz worktops Bedford page to explore both options and request a free no-obligation quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is quartz worktop more expensive than granite?
They are very similar. Both range from £300–£700/m² installed. Budget granite can be slightly cheaper. The upfront difference for an average kitchen is typically less than £200–£500 either way.
Which has a lower total cost of ownership?
Quartz. While upfront prices are similar granite needs £150–£400 in sealant over 25 years. Quartz maintenance cost is £0.
How much does each cost for a typical UK kitchen?
For an average 3.5m² kitchen: £1,200–£3,500 for either material fully installed. Budget options start around £1,100–£1,200 for both. The overlap is almost complete.
What makes one colour more expensive than another?
For quartz: pattern complexity (solid colours cheapest, marble-effect most expensive). For granite: stone rarity and origin (common Indian granites cheapest, exotic Brazilian granites most expensive).
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.
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 11:34:492026-04-16 15:28:22Quartz Worktop Cost Vs Granite
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