Quartz Worktops
Quartz worktops are engineered stone products — typically 93% natural quartz bound with resin and pigments. They are manufactured to precise specifications, giving consistent colour and pattern across the whole slab.
Characteristics
- Hardness: Very hard and scratch-resistant in everyday use
- Stain resistance: Non-porous — does not require sealing; resistant to most common kitchen stains
- Heat resistance: The resin binder can be damaged by direct contact with very hot pans — always use a trivet
- Consistency: Uniform appearance — no unexpected variation between slabs
- Colour range: Enormous range including white, grey, black, and marble-effect patterns
Advantages
- Easy to maintain — wipe clean, no sealing needed
- Consistent appearance across large runs
- Available in white and very light tones without the staining risk of real marble
- Good value for consistent high-quality appearance
Disadvantages
- Cannot take hot pans directly
- Less "natural" character than granite or real marble
- Can look flat compared to real stone
Cost
£300–£700 per linear metre (supply only, fitted); premium brands (Silestone, Caesarstone) £500–£900+/lm
Granite Worktops
Granite is a natural igneous rock, cut and polished into slabs. Each slab is unique.
Characteristics
- Hardness: Extremely hard — one of the hardest natural materials used for worktops
- Heat resistance: Better than quartz — can take a hot pan without damage
- Stain resistance: Slightly porous — requires sealing on installation and annually thereafter
- Appearance: Natural variation — unique veining, crystalline structure, no two slabs identical
Advantages
- Can take heat better than quartz
- Natural, unique character
- Very durable in the long term
- Range of dramatic colours (black, green, blue, gold)
Disadvantages
- Requires periodic sealing
- Can stain if not sealed and a spill is not cleaned promptly
- Less available in very pale tones (lighter granites are more porous)
- Heavier than quartz — requires adequate cabinet support
Cost
£250–£600 per linear metre (supply only, fitted); premium and exotic granites can exceed £1,000/lm
Timber Worktops
Solid timber worktops — typically oak, walnut, ash, or maple — have a warmth and character that stone cannot match. They are also the material most easily damaged and requiring the most maintenance.
Characteristics
- Hardness: Softer than stone — will receive knocks, cuts, and marks over time
- Heat resistance: Poor — should never be used near a hob as a resting surface without protection
- Stain resistance: Requires regular oiling to maintain water resistance; wet conditions near a sink will cause swelling and damage without adequate maintenance
- Repairability: Can be sanded and re-oiled to restore appearance — a practical advantage over stone
Advantages
- Warm, natural appearance — particularly suited to shaker-style or country kitchens
- Can be repaired by sanding
- Easier on dropped crockery than stone
- Good value for large areas
Disadvantages
- Requires regular maintenance (oiling 2–4 times per year initially)
- Not suitable for areas of constant water exposure without careful design (sink cut-outs require particular care)
- Will develop marks, cuts, and patina over time (some clients consider this character; others consider it deterioration)
Cost
£150–£350 per linear metre (supply only, fitted)
Summary Comparison
| Factor | Quartz | Granite | Timber |
|---|---|---|---|
| Durability | Very high | Very high | Moderate |
| Heat resistance | Poor (resin) | Good | Poor |
| Stain resistance | Excellent | Good (sealed) | Moderate (oiled) |
| Maintenance | Very low | Low | High |
| Character | Consistent/designed | Natural/unique | Warm/natural |
| Best for | Contemporary/minimal | Bold/traditional | Country/shaker |
| Cost (mid-range) | £500–£700/lm | £400–£600/lm | £200–£300/lm |
RCB Design & Build
RCB's design team assists clients in choosing worktop materials that suit the kitchen design, usage patterns, and budget. Anca, our interior design lead, advises on material combinations, finishes, and supplier selection for all kitchen projects.