When planning a new kitchen or a renovation, one of your biggest decisions is picking the right work surface. The question of ‘how much does quartz worktops cost’ often bothers the homeowners, because quartz is still associated with luxury.
And while it’s true that quartz kitchen worktops tend to cost more upfront compared to laminate or wood worktops, the important bit to consider is this: the initial price doesn’t tell the whole story.
Is Choosing Quartz Worktops Worth the Higher Price?
Let’s break down why investing in quartz work tops makes sense despite the higher upfront cost.
Comparing the Cost: Quartz vs. Laminate and Wood
Let’s start by looking at average prices. Generally speaking:
Laminate worktops: £30-£100 per metre
Wood worktops: £100-£250 per metre
Quartz worktops prices per metre: £250-£500 per metre
Although please bear in mind that the price will always differ based on the supplier, colour, your location, demands and other factors.
So yes, when you see the initial numbers, quartz worktops uk prices are clearly higher. However, this is where many homeowners make a common mistake – they overlook long-term savings.
Why Quartz Is a Better Investment
Durability and Strength: Quartz doesn’t chip or crack easily. Laminate is prone to burns, scratches, and peeling, and wood can warp or stain. This means frequent repairs or replacements.
Longevity: Quartz often lasts decades with minimal upkeep, significantly reducing long-term costs compared to laminate and wood. Quartz countertops don’t even require sealing, as is the case with other stones!
Maintenance: Unlike wood, kitchen quartz worktops are easy to clean. The sleek texture and non-stick composition means that even tough stains wipe off straight away leaving no residue, stains or marks. Now, imagine leaving your curry stain on a wooden countertop over night!
While the upfront cost of quartz worktops might feel steep, it’s truly a buy-once, enjoy-for-life investment.
Testimonials from Long-term Quartz Worktop Owners
To get genuine feedback, I analysed how much quartz worktops cost and then took a glance at Polish Granite’s Google Reviews. They’re a reliable, family-run granite and quartz supplier based in Manchester, UK. I chose them for a simple reason: they’ve been around for almost 20 years, so if they had fitted a faulty quartz, or their customers had frequent issues with the material, we’d long hear of it. Plus, they’re small enough to have developed a genuine customer base, without being bombarded with fake reviews, as is often the case for bigger corporations.
Overall, many customers who chose UK quartz worktops shared positive experiences:
Sarah from Manchester said, “My kitchen quartz worktop was installed 12 years ago and it looks exactly as it did on day one. Absolutely no regrets!”
James, another homeowner, shared: “Initially, the quartz worktop price per meter put me off, but looking back after 15 years of heavy use, I’m thrilled I made the choice. It’s saved me money in repairs.”
Polish Granite confirmed they’ve clients with quartz installations from nearly 20 years ago still happily using the same kitchen work surfaces without any visible wear.
Now, I’m not sure about you – but if I kept my laminate worktops on my units for even 10 years, they would be wrecked, warped and scratched to bits. Not a good look.
So in a sense, despite quartz costing more, you’re paying now to pay less in the future. Repeated repairs or purchases add up, and often end up costing a lot more that singular purchases. The phrase ‘you get what you pay for it’ has never been more fitting.
What Makes Quartz Worktops So Durable?
Quartz worktops aren’t purely natural stone like granite – they’re engineered. Here’s the secret behind their durability:
Composition: Quartz surfaces usually consist of 90-95% quartz minerals and around 5-10% resin and pigments. This engineered structure gives quartz its strength and resistance.
Fabrication Process: The quartz mixture is compressed under high pressure and heat. The result? A tough, non-porous slab that resists staining and bacterial growth better than wood or laminate.
In comparison, granite worktops, though highly durable, require regular sealing, which can be a pain. Quartz never does, making it even easier to care for and maintain.
How Much Are Quartz Worktops Exactly?
You might still be thinking, “Exactly how much does a quartz worktop cost?” Let’s look closer:
Basic quartz options: Expect prices from around £200 per metre.
Premium quartz designs (e.g. marble-effect): Typically range from £250 to £500 per metre. Although that is expensive.
Factors affecting price: Edges, thickness, cut-outs for sinks or hobs, and custom details.
For example, a standard kitchen project (about 4-5 metres) might have a total cost between £2,000 to £2,700. Premium projects can easily rise to £3,000 or more.
Detailed Pricing Breakdown: Quartz Worktops UK Price Insights
If you’re specifically considering quartz kitchen worktops UK, here’s a detailed breakdown to help clarify the costs:
Quartz worktop price per square metre: Usually between £250 and £500, depending on brand and style.
Quartz worktops cost per metre: Around £300-£450 on average for most mid-range products.
Quartz worktop cost UK: Custom projects or premium quartz types might push costs higher, especially in larger kitchen layouts.
Comparing these to Marble prices UK, quartz offers excellent value. Marble is generally pricier and more prone to staining, scratching, and damage, leading to higher long-term expenses. Marble is also rarely used for kitchen countertops – primarily because it’s a soft stone. But bathroom worktops or wall cladding? Why not.
Quartz vs Granite: A Quick Cost Comparison
When comparing UK granite and quartz, quartz often provides better overall value due to its low maintenance and resilience. Granite requires periodic sealing and can have higher upkeep costs. Quartz, with its non-porous, stain-resistant properties, usually proves more cost-effective long term.
Why Pay the Extra Cost for Quartz? Key Takeaways:
Lifetime value: The initial price of quartz worktops is higher but saves you money long-term.
Minimal maintenance: Unlike wood or laminate worktops, a kitchen quartz worktop is virtually maintenance-free.
Long-lasting beauty: Kitchen quartz surfaces retain their look for decades without fading, staining, or damage.
Your Thoughts on Quartz Costs?
Choosing your kitchen surfaces is a big decision. Are quartz worktops worth the higher price to you? Have you had experiences with cheaper options? I’d love to hear your thoughts or experiences in the comments.
Ultimately, investing in quartz might seem expensive initially, but when you weigh the longevity, strength, and hassle-free upkeep, quartz proves itself a smart, cost-effective solution.
