Quartz vs Granite Worktops: Real Prices, Care Tips & What to Choose in 2026
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Quartz and granite remain the most popular worktop choices heading into 2026 — but they offer different benefits, price points and maintenance needs. Whether you're renovating your entire kitchen or upgrading just the surfaces, understanding the differences will help you choose confidently.
This guide breaks down real UK pricing, durability, cleaning considerations and which worktop suits different types of homes.
Quartz Worktops: Consistent, Durable & Low-Maintenance
Quartz is an engineered stone made from natural quartz crystals bonded with resins and pigments. It has become one of the most reliable and family-friendly options available.
Key advantages:
- Extremely durable and scratch-resistant
- Non-porous — resists stains without sealing
- Available in hundreds of colours and patterns
- Ideal for busy families and keen cooks
See our detailed comparison article for families here: Family-Friendly Worktops Guide.
Typical UK price (2026): £250–£450 per m² installed
Quartz works especially well with shaker and in-frame kitchens, as its consistency complements the soft lines and hand-painted finishes you’ll find in our Shaker Style Kitchens.
Granite Worktops: Natural Beauty & Heat Resistance
Granite is a natural stone, cut directly from the earth and polished to a high sheen. Each slab is completely unique, which appeals to homeowners wanting a one-of-a-kind surface.
Key advantages:
- Exceptional heat resistance — good for heavy cooking
- Unique natural patterns and veining
- Long-lasting and very hard-wearing
Typical UK price (2026): £220–£400 per m² installed
Granite needs periodic sealing to prevent staining, which is worth keeping in mind if ease of cleaning is a priority. For a deeper dive, read: Quartz vs Granite Worktops: UK Prices, Care & What’s Best for Busy Families.
Which Is More Durable?
Quartz is tougher against stains and scratches, while granite excels with heat. In most family homes, quartz has become the practical favourite because it requires almost no maintenance.
If you prefer the look of natural stone but want more predictable colouring, consider browsing examples in our kitchen galleries:
Which Worktop Works Best With Your Cabinet Colour?
Quartz: great for modern neutrals, deep greens, black islands and warm off-whites.
Granite: suits classic shaker kitchens, heritage colour palettes and homes seeking a more traditional look.
For cabinet finishes that complement both materials, explore our Painting Your Kitchen page.
Installation Considerations for 2026
Regardless of your chosen material, remember:
- Worktops require accurate templating — plan ahead in your project timeline.
- Large islands may require multiple slabs or a bookmatched joint.
- Edge profiles can affect cost — simpler finishes are more budget-friendly.
If you’re planning a full redesign, our Kitchen Design & Planning service can help you match worktops to layout and cabinetry.
FAQs
Which is better for a busy family kitchen?
Quartz is normally the better choice — it resists stains and scratches without maintenance.
Does granite need sealing?
Yes. Granite is porous and should be sealed once or twice a year depending on usage.
Is quartz heatproof?
Quartz is heat-resistant but not fully heatproof — always use trivets for pans.
Which is more expensive?
Quartz and granite overlap in price, but quartz can be slightly more costly depending on style and brand.
Which looks more natural?
Granite is a natural stone and has unique patterns in every piece. Quartz offers consistency if you prefer a uniform finish.