Quartz Vs Granite Worktops: Which Is Better For Your Kitchen?

Quartz and granite are two of the most popular premium worktop materials in UK kitchens. Both are durable, both look far more substantial than laminate, and both add appeal to a kitchen renovation. They are, however, very different materials, and the right choice depends on how you use your kitchen, the look you want and how much maintenance you are happy to take on. This quartz vs granite worktops guide compares the two side by side.

What Is The Difference Between Quartz And Granite?

Granite is a natural igneous rock quarried in large blocks and cut into slabs. Every slab is unique, with patterns and colours formed over millions of years.

Quartz worktops are engineered surfaces. They are manufactured from natural minerals bound with resin and pigments, which allows the colour, pattern and performance to be controlled. You may also see quartz described as engineered stone, which we explain in more detail in our guide to engineered stone worktops.

Quartz Vs Granite Worktops: Side By Side

	Quartz	Granite
Material	Engineered surface	Natural stone
Sealing	Not required	Usually recommended periodically
Water absorption	Very low (max 0.1% for AKG Surfaces)	Varies by stone
Pattern consistency	Consistent and predictable	Every slab is unique
Design range	Plain, concrete and marble looks	Natural speckles and movement
Daily care	Mild detergent and water	Stone safe cleaners

Maintenance

This is where quartz has the clearest advantage. Granite is a natural stone and its porosity varies from slab to slab, so many suppliers recommend sealing it periodically to help resist staining. Quartz does not need sealing. The AKG Surfaces specifications list water absorption at a maximum of 0.1%, and daily cleaning simply involves a damp cloth, a mild liquid detergent and a rinse with water. Our guide on how to clean quartz worktops explains the full routine.

Appearance

Granite appeals to people who want a completely natural material with one of a kind character. The trade off is less predictability: the slab you see in a small sample may look quite different across a full kitchen.

Quartz offers a much wider choice of styles, from clean plain whites to realistic marble and concrete effects. Because the pattern is controlled, what you choose from a sample is a reliable guide to the finished worktop. This makes it far easier to achieve looks such as a bright white Calacatta, which would require genuine marble in natural stone.

Durability

Both materials are hard wearing and suited to busy family kitchens. Quartz is a very hard material that resists everyday scratches well. As with any surface, a chopping board is still recommended for food preparation.

When it comes to heat, the sensible approach is the same for both: use trivets or heat pads for hot pans and appliances. The AKG Surfaces care guidance notes that all surfacing materials, including stone, can be damaged by extreme or sudden temperature changes.

Cost

Both quartz and granite sit in the premium bracket, and prices overlap considerably. The final figure depends more on the specific colour, slab thickness, edge profile, number of cut outs and installation than on the material type alone. Our quartz worktop prices guide breaks down what affects a typical quote.

Quartz Vs Granite Worktops: Which Should You Choose?

Choose quartz if you want:

• A low maintenance worktop with no sealing
• A consistent pattern that matches your sample
• Marble or concrete looks with everyday practicality
• A 25 year warranty, as offered on all AKG Surfaces slabs

Choose granite if you want:

• A completely natural material
• A unique slab with no repeating pattern
• Traditional speckled stone character

Frequently Asked Questions

Is quartz easier to keep clean than granite?

Quartz has very low water absorption and does not need sealing, so liquids and residues stay on the surface where they can be wiped away.

Which is easier to keep looking new?

For most households quartz is easier, as it only needs a mild detergent and water with no periodic sealing.

Can quartz look like natural stone?

Yes. Many quartz designs are inspired by natural marble and stone, including the Calacatta and Carrara styles in the AKG Surfaces range.

Is quartz or granite better for a kitchen island?

Both work well. Jumbo quartz slabs, such as the 3200 x 1600 mm slabs available from AKG Surfaces, help reduce joins on larger islands and keep the pattern consistent.

See The Difference For Yourself

When weighing up quartz vs granite worktops, the best way to decide is to compare samples in your own kitchen. Request a free AKG Surfaces sample and explore the full quartz collection.