Whether you’re renovating your entire kitchen or just updating your worktop, choosing the right material is a big decision. You’ll need to think about the functionality of your kitchen worktop, but also how it looks and if it will fit with the rest of your home’s design. 

High-quality kitchen worktops can last for ten years or more, so it’s essential that you make an informed choice and don’t rush your decision-making. If you’re wondering which worktop is best for your kitchen, this guide is for you!

The kitchen worktop experts at Mo’s StoneX have put together this ultimate guide on the most popular worktop materials to help you make the right decision.  We’ll include the price and the pros and cons of each worktop material to give you all the information you need to decide which kitchen worktop is best for your home. 

 

Quartz worktops

Quartz worktops are often called ‘engineered stone’ because they’re made up of 90-99% natural quartz fragments combined with resin and pigments. This sets them apart from natural stone countertops, like marble or granite.

How much do quartz worktops cost?

Quartz worktops are often considered a high-end worktop material, and the price reflects that. However, quartz is one of the most durable and versatile worktop materials available, so if it’s within your budget, it’s definitely something you should consider. Quartz is also cheaper than many natural stone worktops, such as marble. 

Pros of quartz worktops 

  • They are available in various colours and patterns, including sparkly options and marble-inspired styles with realistic veining. 
  • Quartz is strong, durable and scratch-resistant, perfect for busy family homes. 
  • It’s water-resistant, making it stain-resistant, easy to clean and incredibly hygienic. 
  • It does not require regular sealing, unlike natural stone worktops. 
  • It’s a long-lasting investment that will look beautiful in your home for years to come. 

Cons of quartz worktops 

  • Compared to cheaper and less durable materials, like laminate, quartz worktops can be expensive.
  • Although quartz is fairly heat resistant, it’s still susceptible to heat damage, and hot pans should not be placed on the material. 

 

Granite worktops

A granite countertop is a luxurious, elegant and classic kitchen worktop material. Made from natural stone, each granite worktop is unique, with stunning swirls, veining and patterns that create a timeless look. 

How much do granite worktops cost?

The price of your granite worktop will depend on the colour you choose and its availability. However, granite work surfaces are typically a more expensive alternative to quartz but cheaper than marble. 

The pros of granite worktops

  • A durable and hard-wearing material that won’t scratch under everyday use. 
  • Granite is highly heat resistant, so you don’t need to worry about blistering or melting if you place hot pans on your kitchen work surface (but we still recommend using a trivet to protect it).
  • Provided they’re sealed regularly, granite worktops are hygienic and antibacterial, making them safe for use in food preparation areas. 
  • They’re easy to clean and resistant to the majority of stains, making them ideal for kitchens that are used regularly. 
  • A high-quality granite worktop is a long-lasting and worthwhile investment that can add value to your home. 

The cons of granite worktops

  • Granite can be an expensive choice compared to cheaper materials, so it’s worth considering if this stunning natural stone is within your budget. 
  • They require regular sealing to keep them non-porous and protect the natural material. 

 

Marble worktops

If you want to create a luxury and high-end look in your home, marble might be the perfect choice. Like granite, every slab is unique with its own natural markings and veining. However, many quartz styles are designed to mimic marble, so this is something to be aware of if you like the look of marble but need a more cost-effective or low-maintenance material. 

How much do marble worktops cost?

Marble worktops are one of the most expensive options. The exact price will depend on the type of marble you choose and the thickness of the slab. 

Pros of marble worktops

  • Marble is often associated with luxury and high-end homes, so it’s a popular choice for kitchen upgrades. 
  • Adding a marble worktop can increase the value of your home if you sell it in the future. 
  • It has a unique and timeless appearance because it’s made from natural stone, much like granite. 
  • Marble countertops stay cool, making it perfect for avid cooks or bakers. 

Cons of marble worktops

  • Like other natural stone worktops, marble will require regular sealing to protect it from damage, stains and scratches. 
  • Marble is prone to scratches and staining, particularly from acidic foods and drinks, so you must be careful about what you place on your worktop. 
  • Marble is one of the most high-end worktop materials and one of the most expensive options. 

 

Ceramic worktops

If you’re looking for an alternative to marble, either quartz or ceramic worktops offer a similar high-end finish. Like quartz, ceramic worktops are ‘engineered stone’ surfaces made from ground raw materials and natural minerals that have been heated to a high temperature and pressed together to form a slab.

How much do ceramic worktops cost?

Ceramic countertops can be expensive, but the exact price will depend on the type or brand of ceramic worktop you choose. Typically, they’re more expensive than quartz worktops. 

Pros of ceramic worktops

  • Ceramic work surfaces have a glossy or matte finish, so you can choose the look that matches your kitchen’s style. 
  • Much like quartz, you can choose a marble-inspired pattern if you want the look of marble without the maintenance of natural stone. 
  • They are available in very thin slabs that can create a stunning and modern effect. 
  • Ceramic is incredibly tough and durable, so you don’t need to worry about everyday wear and tear. 
  • Unlike natural stone, ceramic worktops don’t require sealing, making them easy to maintain and look after. 

Cons of ceramic worktops

  • They can be prone to scratches and can crack if something heavy is dropped on them.
  • Ceramic worktops are only available in thin slabs, which might not be the right fit for all kitchens, and they have a limited edge profile. 
  • They’re a more expensive option than other materials so they won’t suit every homeowner’s budget. 

 

Dekton worktops

Dekton is a man-made, ultra-compact surface manufactured exclusively by the Spanish company Cosentino. Although it’s only been around since 2013, Dekton has rapidly increased in popularity due to its durability and toughness, making it a perfect choice for kitchen worktops in busy homes. 

How much do Dekton worktops cost?

Unfortunately, the high performance of Dekton comes at a higher price than other worktop materials. A slab of Dekton is typically more expensive than quartz or granite. 

Pros of Dekton worktops

  • This worktop material is incredibly tough, durable and resistant to most forms of damage, making it a great choice in busy kitchens. 
  • It’s also resistant to high temperatures, so you place hot pots and pans directly on your work surface (but we still recommend using a trivet, just in case). 
  • Dekton is entirely non-porous and waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about accidental spillages ruining your new work surface. 
  • Unlike granite and marble, dekton doesn’t require sealing, making it incredibly easy to maintain. 
  • If it’s installed by professional worktop installers (like the team at Mo’s StoneX), you’ll get a 25-year warranty from Cosentino, giving you peace of mind about your investment. 
  • Unlike most other worktop materials, Dekton is UV resistant, so it can be used both indoors and outdoors without worrying about fading. 

Cons of Dekton worktops

  • Despite its durability, Dekton is not completely impact-resistant and can chip or crack if very heavy items are dropped on the surface. 
  • It must be installed professionally if you want to benefit from the manufacturer’s warranty.
  • Compared to many other materials, Dekton is one of the most expensive options, but the amazing durability and performance justify the high price.

 

Solid wood worktops

Solid wood countertops come in many varieties, making it easy to find the perfect fit for your kitchen. They work beautifully in traditional, farmhouse-style kitchens and some modern kitchen designs. 

How much do solid wood worktops cost?

The price of a wooden worktop will depend on the type and variety of wood you choose, with options like oak being more affordable than walnut. Generally, wood worktops are cheaper than stone countertops but require much more care and maintenance. 

Pros of solid wood worktops

  • There’s a wide range of styles, colours and wood types to choose from, but there is less choice compared to stone worktops, like quartz. 
  • If appropriately maintained, wood worktops can be hygienic, offering antibacterial properties. 
  • Like natural stone, wood worktops are made from natural materials, so each one will be unique to your home. 
  • They are very durable, and any scratches can easily be sanded out, unlike other worktop materials. 

Cons of solid wood worktops

  • Solid wood worktops require regular oiling to protect the natural wood from stains, so they’re not the most low-maintenance option.
  • Spillages can damage your wooden countertops, especially if they’re not sealed properly. 
  • This worktop material is prone to scorch marks, and you must be careful about placing hot pots and pans on your new wooden work surface.
  • Similarly, wood is not the hardest material, so it can be scratched or dented through regular use. 

 

Laminate worktops 

Laminate kitchen works are made from multiple layers of materials fused together. This man-made material can mimic pretty much any other worktop material, including quartz, marble, granite and wood.

How much do laminate worktops cost?

If you’re wondering what’s the best kitchen worktop for someone on a tight budget, laminate is probably the answer. Laminate worktops are one of the most affordable options available, but this comes at a price – they are less durable than other materials and won’t last as long.

Pros of laminate worktops

  • Laminate countertops are incredibly versatile because they come in many different styles, which means they pair well with almost any kitchen design. 
  • They are easy to maintain and clean because they are water and moisture-resistant. 
  • This worktop material doesn’t harbour germs, so it’s a hygienic choice for kitchens and food preparation areas. 

Cons of laminate worktops

  • Laminate work surfaces are less durable than more expensive options and are vulnerable to scratches and heat damage. 
  • Unlike stone worktops, laminate surfaces have very little resale value.
  • Scratches and chips in laminate worktops are very tricky to repair and will most likely mean the entire surface needs to be replaced.
  • They won’t last as long as other materials, so you must consider their much shorter lifespan when making your final decision. 

 

Premium granite, quartz and Dekton worktops by Mo’s StoneX 

If you’ve decided on a granite, quartz or Dekton countertop for your kitchen, Mo’s StoneX can help!

We have over a decade of experience supplying and installing beautiful, high-quality worktops in areas across the UK. Our professional team of worktop technicians will handle the entire process. From providing you with a free initial quote to the final installation, you can rely on our team for your worktop needs. 

If you’re still unsure what type of worktop is the right fit for your kitchen, our friendly team will be happy to help. We stock a wide range of colours and styles, and all our countertops can be customised with your choice of finishes and edging. Whatever your kitchen colour scheme or interior design style, you can find the perfect work surface on our site!

Fill out our online enquiry form for a free quote if you know what worktop you’d like, or contact our team to learn more about our range or get some impartial advice on choosing a kitchen worktop for your home.