Quartz vs Granite: A Complete Buyer’s Comparison

If you’ve ever stood in a kitchen showroom with a coffee in hand, staring at endless slabs of stone, you’ll know exactly how overwhelming the choice can feel. On one side, you’ve got the sleek, modern shine of quartz worktops. On the other, the natural charm of granite worktops.

Both are beautiful. Both are tough. Both promise to transform your kitchen into something you’ll want to show off. But which one actually fits your home, your habits, and your budget?

Let’s break it down—without the jargon.

A Tale of Two Stones

Granite is the old soul here. It’s been around for millions of years, bubbling under the earth as molten rock before cooling into those swirling patterns you see in polished slabs. Every piece is unique—like nature’s fingerprint. That’s part of the appeal: if you go with granite, no one else in the world has the exact same worktop as you.

Quartz, by contrast, is the modern innovator. It’s not pulled out of the ground as one big block. Instead, crushed quartz crystals are combined with resins and pigments, then pressed into slabs. That might sound less romantic than granite’s volcanic history, but it gives quartz an edge: more colours, more control over patterns, and fewer imperfections. If you’ve ever wanted a surface that looks like marble effect worktops but doesn’t stain the moment you spill coffee, quartz is your answer.

Everyday Life Test: Stains, Heat, and Scratches

Here’s where the decision gets real. Imagine it’s Christmas Eve, you’re rushing around, and someone tips a glass of red wine across your counter.

• On granite: if you’ve kept up with sealing (done every year or so), you’ll be fine. Skip it, and you could be left with a reminder of that spill forever.

• On quartz: non-porous by design. Wipe it away, no drama.

Now think about heat. You’ve got a pan fresh off the hob.

• Granite shrugs at heat—it was born in fire, after all. You can place hot pans directly on it (though a trivet is still smart).

• Quartz, with its resin binders, is tougher against stains but softer against extreme heat. Rest a pan straight out of the oven on quartz and you risk damage.

Scratches? Both materials are resilient. Quartz is slightly more forgiving thanks to its flex, while granite hides marks well because its natural patterns run deep.

Maintenance: Are You a Sealer or a Wiper?

Be honest: are you the kind of person who doesn’t mind a bit of upkeep, or do you want to fit your worktop and forget about it?

Granite needs sealing. It’s not a huge job—once a year, quick wipe-on product, done—but it’s something to add to your calendar.
Quartz doesn’t. Soap, water, soft cloth, and that’s your maintenance sorted.

Style Matters Too

Quartz is the chameleon. Fancy white worktops for a minimal look? Quartz has dozens. Want something glitzy, like sparkle worktops that catch the light during dinner parties? Sorted. Or maybe you want quartz that pretends to be granite or marble—you’ll find it.

Granite, however, has its own allure. You don’t choose its pattern; you discover it. Each slab feels like a slice of the earth’s story. If you want a worktop that feels natural, timeless, and impossible to replicate, granite delivers.

Cost: Which One Will Stretch Your Budget?

Here’s the honest truth: neither is cheap, and both are an investment. Quartz usually starts a little lower in price, while granite can climb if you fall in love with a rare colour.

But here’s a way to think about it:

• Quartz saves you money on upkeep (no sealing, fewer worries about stains).

• Granite can last for generations if treated right—and for some buyers, that natural authenticity justifies the higher ticket.

Resale Value: What Buyers See

If you ever sell your home, both quartz and granite give you bragging rights in the listing. They’re seen as premium upgrades. Younger buyers often lean towards quartz—sleek, low-maintenance, modern. Traditionalists or those with a love of natural materials might value granite more. Either way, you’re adding appeal.

Quartz vs Granite vs Marble (Because Someone Will Ask)

A quick detour: what about marble? It’s the diva of worktops. Gorgeous, yes. But softer, pricier, and more high-maintenance. If you want that look without the stress, engineered marble effect worktops in quartz give you the best of both worlds.

So, Which One Wins?

There isn’t a neat answer, because it depends on you.

• Love the idea of nature carved into your kitchen, and don’t mind resealing? Granite.

• Want colour choice, easy cleaning, and no upkeep jobs? Quartz.

• Value heat resistance above all else? Granite edges it.

• Can’t stand the thought of wine stains? Quartz every time.

Either way, you’re choosing a worktop that will transform your space—not just for a year or two, but for decades.

How Mo’s StoneX Can Help

At Mo’s StoneX, we don’t just sell slabs—we help people design kitchens they fall in love with. Whether it’s sleek quartz worktops, bold and earthy granite worktops, or even something ultra-modern like Dekton worktops, we’ll walk you through the options, show you samples, and handle the entire installation.

👉 Order a Free Sample to see how it looks in your own light.
👉 Get a Free Quote if you’re ready to get started.

Final Thought

A worktop isn’t just a slab of stone—it’s the place where you’ll chop veg on a Tuesday night, roll pastry on a Sunday, or lean on while catching up with friends. Whether you choose quartz or granite, you’re choosing a surface that will share your life for years. Make sure it’s one you’ll enjoy living with every single day.