Granite vs Quartz Worktops: A Practical Comparison for Real Kitchens

Quartz vs Granite Worktops: What’s the difference?

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Granite vs Quartz: How They're Made (and Why It Matters)

Granite

Granite is quarried directly from the earth. It's cut, shaped, and polished into slabs. Each one is unique, no repeats.

Quartz

Quartz is made by blending crushed quartz with resins and pigments. The result is a solid, consistent material that can be produced in a wide range of colours and patterns.

This difference affects everything from appearance to upkeep.

Granite vs Quartz: How They're Made (and Why It Matters)

Looks and Layouts

Granite: If you want something natural and full of character, granite delivers. You’ll get movement in the pattern, specks, swirls, maybe even tiny pits. If your kitchen layout needs multiple slabs, the joins will show, and the patterns won’t match up exactly. That’s not a flaw — it’s just how natural stone behaves.

Quartz: With quartz, what you see in the sample is what you’ll get across the whole surface. It’s a good choice when you want a clean, uniform look, especially in large open-plan kitchens or wraparound designs where consistency matters.

How They Handle Daily Life

Granite: Very durable, but it has its quirks. You can put down hot pans without worrying, and it's tough against scratches. That said, sharp knocks, especially on edges, can cause chips if you’re not careful. And while the stone itself can take the heat, the protective sealant can occasionally mark under extreme temperatures.

Quartz: Equally hard-wearing, but with a bit more give. It’s less likely to chip during installation or general knocks. Heat, however, is something to watch. The resin used in quartz can react badly to very hot pans straight from the hob or oven. The safest move? Stick to a trivet or heat mat, just to be sure.

Cleaning, Stains, and Hygiene

Quartz: Because it’s non-porous, nothing soaks in. Wipe it with a damp cloth and you're done. No sealing, no extra products. That makes it a favourite for families and anyone who doesn’t want to think about maintenance.

Granite: Needs sealing to protect against stains, as it’s naturally porous. We seal every granite top we install, but over time, especially in busy kitchens, it will need resealing. It’s not hard to do, but it’s something to be aware of.

Ongoing Maintenance

Quartz: Wipe with warm water and mild soap. That’s it.

Granite: Use non-abrasive cleaners, and reseal when water stops beading on the surface. It’s still a low-maintenance option, just not quite as hands-off as quartz.

Pricing

The cost really depends on the specific colour or style you choose:

Some entry-level granites are more affordable than brand-name quartz.
Quartz tends to be priced more consistently in the mid-range.
Unusual or high-end granite can be more expensive than anything else.

Best advice: pick the material you like, then compare samples within your budget.

Using These Surfaces Outdoors

Granite: is better suited to outdoor use — it handles sun, rain, and temperature changes well.

Quartz: isn’t made for outside unless it’s specifically rated for UV exposure. Otherwise, it can fade or discolour.

Final Thoughts

Choose granite if:

You want a natural look with movement and texture
You like the idea of something completely unique
You don’t mind resealing it now and again

Choose quartz if:

You want a consistent colour or marble-style pattern
You want something easy to clean and maintain
You prefer knowing exactly how it will look when installed

Talk to Someone Who Works With This Every Day

We fit granite and quartz worktops all week, and we’re always happy to walk through the pros and cons with you. If you’re not sure what will work best for your kitchen layout or budget, we can help.

Visit our showroom or give us a ring - you’ll be able to see samples, ask questions, and get a quote based on your actual space.