The Amaris Journal/Material Guide
Quartz Worktops Pros and Cons:
What to Know Before You Buy
A plain-English guide from our Bridgend workshop.
Quartz worktops are durable, non-porous and never need sealing, which makes them easy to live with in a busy kitchen. The main downsides are that very high heat can scorch the surface, some cleaning products can damage it, and its consistent pattern doesn't have the one-off character of natural stone.
What is a quartz worktop?
Quartz is an engineered stone made from about 90% natural stone and 10% resin. Because it is engineered, the colour and pattern stay consistent, so every worktop in your kitchen matches.
The pros of quartz worktops
It never needs sealing. The surface is non-porous, so it resists stains, bacteria and liquids without any annual treatment.
It's easy to clean. Day to day, a soft cloth and warm water is enough, and a quartz-safe cleaner will deal with stubborn spills.
It stands up to everyday use. Quartz is a hard surface that resists scratches and stains in a working kitchen.
There's plenty of choice. You can choose from more than ten colours, and you can see sixteen quartz and porcelain collections in full at our Bridgend workshop.
The cons of quartz worktops
Very high heat can damage it. Quartz can scorch or discolour at very high temperatures, usually above about 150°C, so always put hot pans straight from the hob or oven on a trivet.
Some cleaning products should be avoided. Acidic cleaners and bleach can harm the surface, so stick to warm water or a quartz-safe cleaner.
It doesn't have the one-off character of natural stone. If you want a worktop with a pattern nobody else has, granite or marble may suit you better.
It isn't the cheapest worktop. Typical UK prices for fitted quartz run from about £200 to £550 per square metre, which is usually less than granite or marble.
Quartz or granite?
Granite is a natural stone with its own individual pattern, and it needs sealing regularly. Quartz has a consistent look and needs no sealing, so it takes less looking after. If you'd like to compare the two in more detail, read our guide to choosing between granite and quartz.
What to expect if you choose quartz
Every quartz worktop is cut on our CNC machinery at our Bridgend workshop, with your chosen edge profile and the cutouts for your sink and hob. Fitting usually takes two to three days, and most projects take three to four weeks from consultation to a fitted kitchen. Your worktop comes with a 10-year material warranty and a 2-year workmanship guarantee.
Ready to discuss your worktops?
Come and see the quartz collections at our Bridgend showroom, or book a free consultation for a quote.