Quartz FAQs Quartz Vs Porcelain Worktops Two modern engineered surfaces with different strengths. Here is the complete comparison to help you choose. Get a Quote 01234 348590 Home » Quartz FAQs » Quartz Vs Porcelain Worktops PM Precious Marble Team Quartz worktop specialists in Bedford with over 15 years of fabrication and installation experience across […]
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 11:34:162026-04-16 15:28:59Quartz Vs Marble Worktops
Quartz FAQs Quartz Vs Marble Worktops The marble look without the marble maintenance. Here is the full comparison between quartz and real marble for kitchens. Get a Quote 01234 348590 Home » Quartz FAQs » Quartz Vs Marble 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 11:34:052026-04-16 15:29:22Quartz Vs Porcelain Worktops
Quartz FAQs Quartz Vs Porcelain Worktops Two modern engineered surfaces with different strengths. Here is the complete comparison to help you choose. Get a Quote 01234 348590 Home » Quartz FAQs » Quartz Vs Porcelain Worktops PM Precious Marble Team Quartz worktop specialists in Bedford with over 15 years of fabrication and installation experience across […]
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 11:34:162026-04-16 15:28:59Quartz Vs Marble Worktops
Quartz FAQs Quartz Vs Marble Worktops The marble look without the marble maintenance. Here is the full comparison between quartz and real marble for kitchens. Get a Quote 01234 348590 Home » Quartz FAQs » Quartz Vs Marble 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 11:34:052026-04-16 15:29:22Quartz Vs Porcelain Worktops
Porcelain wins on: heat resistance (hot pans directly), UV stability (outdoor kitchens), chemical resistance (tolerates bleach) and ultra-thin profiles (12mm). Quartz wins on: colour depth and richness, edge profile options, impact resistance (thicker at 20–30mm), repairability and the warm stone feel. Both are non-porous, stain-resistant and low maintenance. For most indoor kitchens quartz offers a more premium look and feel. For outdoor kitchens or heat-focused cooks porcelain is the better choice.
What Is a Porcelain Worktop?
Porcelain worktops are large-format ceramic slabs made from natural clay, feldspar, silica and mineral pigments fired at extremely high temperatures (typically 1,200–1,400°C). The firing process vitrifies the material creating a surface with near-zero porosity and excellent resistance to heat, UV light and chemicals.
Major porcelain worktop brands available in the UK include Neolith, Lapitec and SapienStone. Like Dekton (which is a sintered surface with a similar manufacturing approach) porcelain contains no polymer resin. This resin-free composition gives porcelain its superior heat and UV performance compared to quartz.
Porcelain worktops are typically manufactured at 12mm thickness (though 6mm and 20mm options exist). The thinner profile creates a distinctly modern, slim-edged aesthetic that differs from the chunkier look of 20–30mm quartz. It also means porcelain is lighter per square metre making it suitable for wall cladding and large-format applications.
Head-to-Head Comparison Table
Property
Quartz
Porcelain
Winner
Heat Resistance
~150°C (trivets needed)
300°C+ (hot pans safe)
Porcelain
Scratch Resistance
Mohs 7 (excellent)
Mohs 7–8 (excellent)
Draw (both excellent)
Impact Resistance
Good (20–30mm thick)
Lower (12mm typical)
Quartz
Colour Depth
Rich, warm, luminous
Flatter, more ceramic
Quartz
Edge Profiles
Many options (bullnose, bevelled, mitre)
Limited (flat, mitre only)
Quartz
UV Resistance
Poor (indoor only)
Excellent (outdoor safe)
Porcelain
Bleach Tolerance
Damages resin
Tolerates well
Porcelain
Standard Thickness
20mm, 30mm
12mm (6mm, 20mm available)
Different strengths
Weight
~50 kg/m² (20mm)
~30 kg/m² (12mm)
Porcelain (lighter)
Repairability
Chips repairable with epoxy
Chips very difficult to repair
Quartz
Price (installed /m²)
£300–£700
£350–£750
Similar
Stone Feel
Genuine stone weight and coolness
More ceramic, less stone-like
Quartz
The Key Differences Explained
Thickness and presence. This is the most immediately noticeable difference. Quartz at 20–30mm has a substantial chunky profile that communicates solidity and quality. Porcelain at 12mm appears sleek and slim which suits ultra-modern designs but can look thin from certain angles. A mitred edge on porcelain can create the illusion of greater thickness but adds fabrication cost.
Colour and visual character. The resin in quartz allows light to penetrate the surface slightly creating depth, warmth and luminosity. Polished quartz has a richness that catches the eye. Porcelain uses a digital printing and glazing process to create its patterns. The results are impressive and improving rapidly but tend to appear flatter and more ceramic-like compared to the dimensional depth of quartz.
Heat and outdoor use. Like Dekton porcelain is fired at temperatures exceeding 1,200°C and contains no resin. This makes it far more heat resistant than quartz and suitable for outdoor kitchens. If no-trivet cooking or an outdoor kitchen is a priority porcelain and Dekton are the two materials to consider.
Durability during installation. Porcelain's thinner profile makes it more vulnerable during transport, handling and fabrication. Chips at edges and around cutouts are a known risk. Once installed and properly supported this vulnerability largely disappears but the installation requires extra care. Quartz at 20mm is more forgiving during the fabrication and fitting process.
The Emerging Trend
Porcelain worktops are the fastest-growing segment of the UK worktop market. They have moved from a niche product to a genuine mainstream contender over the past five years. However quartz remains significantly more popular accounting for roughly 3–4 times more installations. The porcelain market is growing from a smaller base while quartz continues to grow from an established position.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose quartz if: You want a substantial chunky profile (20–30mm). Rich colour depth and warmth matter. You want the widest range of edge profiles. The stone feel and weight of a real stone worktop is important. You are happy using trivets. Budget is a factor (quartz is slightly cheaper overall).
Choose porcelain if: You want to place hot pans directly without trivets. You need an outdoor kitchen surface. You want a slim 12mm edge profile for an ultra-modern look. You use bleach-based cleaners. You want full-height matching wall cladding at a lighter weight. You prefer a ceramic aesthetic.
At Precious Marble we can advise on both materials. Visit our Bedford showroom to compare quartz and porcelain samples side by side or call 01234 348590.
Compare Materials in Our Bedford Showroom
Quartz, porcelain, granite and more. Free expert advice on the best material for your kitchen.
Both quartz and porcelain deliver exceptional kitchen performance. Visit our quartz worktops Bedford page to explore both and request a free quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between quartz and porcelain worktops?
Quartz uses resin binders; porcelain is fired at 1,200°C+ with no resin. Porcelain is thinner (12mm), more heat/UV resistant. Quartz is thicker (20–30mm), has richer colour depth and more edge options. Both are non-porous and low maintenance.
Is porcelain cheaper than quartz for worktops?
Material costs are similar (£300–£750/m²). Porcelain fabrication can be slightly more expensive due to the thinner, more brittle material. Total installed costs are broadly comparable.
Can you put hot pans on porcelain worktops?
Yes. Porcelain is fired at over 1,200°C and handles hot pans directly without damage. This is a significant advantage over quartz which requires trivets above 150°C.
Is porcelain more fragile than quartz?
At 12mm porcelain is more vulnerable to impact than 20mm quartz. Chips at edges and cutouts are a known risk. Once installed and properly supported porcelain is very durable. The fragility is mainly a concern during transport and installation.
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 11:34:162026-04-16 15:28:59Quartz Vs Marble Worktops
For practical kitchen use quartz is the far superior choice. Marble etches from contact with any acid (lemon, vinegar, tomato sauce), scratches easily (Mohs 3–4), stains without regular sealing and costs more to buy and maintain. Quartz resists all of these issues while offering convincing marble-effect designs. Real marble's only advantage is its unmatched natural beauty. If you love the marble look but want a kitchen you can actually cook in without anxiety marble-effect quartz is the answer.
Head-to-Head Comparison Table
Property
Quartz
Marble
Winner
Acid Resistance
Excellent (no etching)
Very poor (etches instantly)
Quartz (dramatically)
Scratch Resistance
Mohs 7 (excellent)
Mohs 3–4 (scratches easily)
Quartz (dramatically)
Stain Resistance
Non-porous (<0.05%)
Highly porous (0.2–1.0%)
Quartz (dramatically)
Sealing Required
Never
Every 6–12 months
Quartz
Heat Resistance
~150°C
~200°C
Marble (slightly)
Natural Beauty
Convincing imitation
Unmatched (unique veining)
Marble
Upfront Cost (3.5m²)
£1,200–£3,500
£1,500–£5,000+
Quartz
20-Year Maintenance
£0
£600–£2,000+
Quartz (far cheaper)
Prestige
Premium engineered
Highest (natural luxury)
Marble
Lifespan
25–30+ years
20–25+ years*
Quartz (slightly)
*Marble can last longer than 25 years but typically requires professional re-polishing every 3–5 years to address etching and wear which adds to lifetime cost.
The Etching Problem
Etching is the single biggest issue with marble in kitchens and the primary reason most fabricators (ourselves included) recommend quartz for kitchen worktops over marble. Etching is a chemical reaction between acids and the calcium carbonate that marble is made from. The acid dissolves the polished surface leaving a dull, rough mark.
Kitchens are full of acids: lemon juice, vinegar, tomato sauce, wine, orange juice, yoghurt, ketchup, salad dressings and many cleaning products. Every time one of these touches marble the surface etches. The etch happens within seconds and cannot be prevented by sealing (sealant blocks stains but not chemical etching). Over months of cooking marble develops a network of dull etch marks that gradually erode the original polish.
Quartz is composed of silicon dioxide which does not react with acids. You can squeeze a lemon directly onto quartz, leave it for an hour and wipe it away with no trace. This chemical resistance is one of the most compelling reasons to choose quartz over marble for a working kitchen.
The Maintenance Gap
The maintenance difference between quartz and marble is the widest of any common worktop comparison. Quartz needs zero maintenance: warm soapy water and a cloth. Marble needs sealing every 6–12 months, professional re-polishing every 3–5 years, immediate cleanup of any acidic food, pH-neutral cleaners only and constant vigilance against etching and staining.
Over 20 years the maintenance cost for marble totals approximately £600–£2,000+ (sealant, professional polishing, specialist cleaners). Quartz maintenance cost over the same period is £0. For busy Bedford families who want a beautiful kitchen without the anxiety of protecting a delicate surface this difference is decisive.
The Cost Comparison
Marble is generally more expensive than quartz both upfront and over its lifetime. A typical 3.5m² kitchen costs £1,500–£5,000+ for marble installed compared to £1,200–£3,500 for quartz. Premium Calacatta marble can cost £800–£1,500+ per square metre, far exceeding even the most expensive quartz.
When you add the £600–£2,000 in lifetime maintenance the total cost of marble ownership is 50–100% higher than quartz. You pay more upfront, more in maintenance and get a surface that requires constant care. Unless the prestige and natural beauty of marble is essential to your vision quartz delivers far better financial value.
Can Marble-Effect Quartz Replace Real Marble?
For the vast majority of homeowners yes. Premium marble-effect quartz from brands like Silestone and Caesarstone features realistic veining, subtle depth variation and convincing translucency. From a normal viewing distance (standing at the worktop, walking through the kitchen) most people cannot distinguish high-end marble-effect quartz from real marble.
Where real marble distinguishes itself is under close inspection. Natural marble has a depth and randomness that comes from millions of years of geological formation. The veining runs through the full thickness of the slab. Light penetrates slightly differently. Fossils and crystalline deposits create features no factory can replicate. For interior designers and stone purists these details matter. For the vast majority of Bedford homeowners who want a beautiful kitchen they can cook in without worry marble-effect quartz delivers 95% of the look at a fraction of the stress.
A matte (honed) finish on marble-effect quartz looks even more realistic than polished because real marble in kitchens develops a naturally honed appearance over time from etching. A matte quartz mimics this aged look from day one.
When Real Marble Is the Right Choice
You accept the patina. Some homeowners embrace marble's evolving character. They see etching and wear as a beautiful patina that tells the story of the kitchen's life. If you find beauty in imperfection marble rewards this philosophy.
It is a display kitchen. In a kitchen primarily used for entertaining rather than heavy cooking marble's vulnerabilities matter less. If cooking happens elsewhere and the marble kitchen is for show marble's beauty shines without the daily acid exposure.
Budget is not a concern. If you can comfortably afford the higher upfront cost, the ongoing maintenance and the occasional professional re-polishing without hesitation marble delivers a luxury experience that no engineered material can match.
Natural authenticity is essential. For some people only the real thing will do. If you know that a marble-effect quartz would feel like a compromise that would bother you every time you looked at it real marble is the honest choice.
Our Honest Recommendation
Despite our name (Precious Marble) we recommend quartz over marble for the vast majority of kitchen installations. The performance gap is simply too large for a surface that encounters food acids daily. We love marble and install it when customers specifically request it with full knowledge of the maintenance commitment. But for a kitchen that is used for actual cooking quartz is the pragmatic choice. Visit our Bedford showroom to see both materials side by side.
Get the Marble Look Without the Marble Maintenance
Explore our stunning marble-effect quartz range. Free templating and professional installation.
All the beauty, none of the anxiety. Visit our quartz worktops Bedford page to see marble-effect designs and request a free no-obligation quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is quartz better than marble for kitchen worktops?
For most kitchens yes. Quartz is non-porous, Mohs 7 hard, acid-proof and maintenance-free. Marble is porous, Mohs 3–4, etches from acids and needs sealing every 6–12 months. Marble's advantage is unmatched natural beauty.
Does marble-effect quartz look as good as real marble?
Premium marble-effect quartz is remarkably realistic. From normal distance most people cannot tell the difference. Under close inspection natural marble has depth and randomness that quartz cannot fully replicate. For everyday use the visual difference is minimal.
Why does marble etch and quartz does not?
Marble is calcium carbonate which reacts with acids. Even lemon juice causes the surface to dissolve leaving dull etch marks. Quartz is silicon dioxide bound with resin. Neither reacts with mild acids making quartz effectively acid-proof for kitchens.
Is marble more expensive than quartz?
Yes. Marble costs £1,500–£5,000+ installed vs £1,200–£3,500 for quartz. Marble also has £600–£2,000+ in maintenance over 20 years. The total cost of ownership is 50–100% higher for marble.
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 11:34:052026-04-16 15:29:22Quartz Vs Porcelain Worktops
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.AcceptRead More
Cookies Policy
Privacy Overview
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
