Quartz vs Granite Worktop Prices

Quartz vs Granite Worktop Prices

August 24, 2022

You have probably landed on this page because you have great taste and want a luxury kitchen worktop.

Both quartz and granite are premium kitchen countertop materials that help to complete a kitchen design with an elegant appeal and a timeless look.

However, you might also be wondering about the cost.

In this blog, we’ll have a look at quartz worktop vs granite worktops and explores the differences between the two premium products to make your decision easier.

How much will I pay for quartz or granite worktops?

Let’s get straight to the answer and give you a guide to the prices of granite and quartz countertops.

When a fabricator buys granite or quartz, it comes in huge slabs. You cannot buy half a slab. When calculating the cost of supplying a worktop for your kitchen, you will pay for each complete slab required.

When you are quoted a price, it will depend on the number of slabs you need.

  • In a small kitchen, you may only need one slab, which will cost from £1350 for both granite and quartz.
  • The average-sized kitchen needs two slabs, which will cost from £1750 for both materials.
  • A large luxury kitchen will require three slabs, and the cost will start at £2150 for either quartz or granite.

We know you will have noticed we have used the word “from”. It may seem frustrating not to give a definitive quote, but there is a good reason for that.

There is, in fact, a great deal of difference between the different quality and thicknesses of the slabs. There are also many kinds of stone.

Wholesale prices per metre range from £100 per square metre for granite and £160 per square metre for quartz and go up to £1000 per square metre.

That is an enormous difference!

It is also worth remembering when considering your budget that because you are buying slabs, there is a certain amount of waste when your worktop is cut out. You will pay for that as it cannot be reused.

There are a number of factors that can affect the cost of your quartz and granite worktops.

Granite vs Quartz: What can affect the price? 

Cost of Installation

Installing both quartz and granite worktops is a job for professionals. If you are going to the expense of buying a luxury product, the last thing you want is to damage it during the fitting process.

Besides, you can’t cut quartz and granite like you can cut a laminate worktop.

The fitting process starts with templating once your kitchen units have been installed. The slabs are then cut according to the template in the workshop.

It won’t surprise you to learn that cutting materials as strong as quartz and granite require specialised machinery.

One of the advantages of both products is that you can request special finishes such as bevelled edges, curves and grooves that will lend your kitchen an air of splendour.

When it comes to installing your worktops, you will need a team of two to carry the heavy slabs and place them perfectly in position. They will then create a seamless look by expertly sealing the joins.

With such a bespoke service, you can see that the overall price offers excellent value. For a further explanation about installing a granite or quartz worktop, look at this Houzz article.

Size 

Another factor that can have an impact on the cost of your granite or quartz worktops is the size you’re looking for. The larger the worktop you order, the more expensive it’s likely to be. You can order smaller parts to cover all of your kitchen but you will have seams that will be visible at the joins of the worktop.

In addition, cutting quartz and granite from the same board provides greater uniformity in the pattern and colour of your worktop. This is especially true with granite worktops because it’s a natural product so the colour and detailing will differ.

Colour and rarity 

This is more of a factor to consider when you’re buying a granite countertop but the rarity of some granite colours can make them more expensive. Granite is a natural stone which means the veining and colouring can vary from slab to slab but this also means you’ll never find two slabs that look the same.

Similarly, there are a number of colours and designs to choose from when installing a quartz worktop but quartz is an engineered stone so there is more chance for uniformity in the way your worktops look. Depending on the colour or finish you want, the costs can vary.

How to Choose Between Quartz vs Granite

Price is only one factor to be considered when choosing between quartz and granite kitchen countertops.

You have a wide choice of stones and manufacturers available, and each will offer something unique. Home Builder UK examined the qualities of quartz and granite in detail.

Let’s look at some key differences between the two stones.

Appearance

  • Granite provides a distinctively unique appearance, while quartz has a more subtle appeal.
  • Granite has a natural appearance in a choice of earthy colours with a classic appeal. Each slab will be unique. Quartz is available in more designs and colours because of the way it is manufactured.

Durability

  • Granite is a porous stone because it is entirely natural, so it will need sealing to protect it from staining. Quartz is a composite material that combines a high percentage of natural quartz with some resin that creates a water-resistant surface.
  • Quartz is stronger than granite.
  • Granite has excellent resistance to both heat and cold. While quartz is also heat resistant, it can suffer from thermal shock.

If you’d like to know more about the differences between quartz and granite, take a look at our blog: Quartz vs Granite worktops: everything you need to know

Why choose a quartz worktop?

Quartz is an excellent choice for anyone who wants an extensive choice of colours and designs. You can create dramatic or subtle classic looks or follow the latest trends.

Thanks to the different styles available, quartz works well in traditional and contemporary decors. You can even get quartz manufactured with flecks of sparkle to add a modern touch.

Although quartz worktops are manufactured, they contain over 90% natural quartz, one of Earth’s hardest minerals.

As a non-porous material, quartz worktops are great for hygiene as bacteria cannot penetrate the surface and are resistant to stains, so they are easy to clean.

Cleaning is easy; you just need to use a microfibre cloth and water to wipe away spills. Simply dry with a soft cloth to keep the shine intact.

Want to know more about quartz worktops? Read our blog: A guide to choosing the perfect quartz worktop for your kitchen

Why choose a granite worktop?

Many people choose granite for the natural individuality of each slab, so they can create something unique in their home.

It looks incredible in country style, classic kitchens where the stone will complement the traditional style. However, the glossy surface of a dark granite slab also makes an excellent choice for sleek contemporary homes.

Although granite is naturally porous, it usually arrives pre-sealed to enable easy cleaning and protect the stone from spills. You can maintain the seal with easy-to-use products applied every six months.

Granite is an igneous rock formed at extreme temperatures and is renowned for its heat-resistant properties.

Like quartz, a sealed granite worktop is easy to clean using water, soap and a soft cloth.

Learn more about granite worktops in our blog: Pros and cons of granite worktops: how to decide if granite is right for you.

So there you have it. The cost difference between quartz and granite will depend on your choice of product and the individual quality. Of course, your overall cost will also be influenced by the size and design of your kitchen.

If you want to take a closer look at our fantastic products, get in touch with us at Mo’s StoneX for more information.