Choosing the Right Quartz Worktop

Quartz worktops are engineered from around 90-93% natural quartz crystal bound with polymer resins and pigments, making them exceptionally hard, non-porous and low-maintenance. Choosing the right one means weighing colour and pattern, durability, cost and installation together, so the worktop suits both your kitchen's design and your day-to-day use.

Quartz is available in an extensive range of solid colours and patterns, including designs that mimic granite, marble or limestone, plus speckled or flecked finishes with glass or metallic inclusions. Lighter colours can make a small kitchen feel more spacious, while darker or bolder colours suit larger kitchens or a strong focal point. A polished finish gives a glossy, modern look; honed or brushed finishes suit more traditional or rustic styles.

Quartz is highly resistant to scratches and, being non-porous, resists staining from everyday substances like wine, coffee and oil without needing sealing. Routine cleaning only requires a soft cloth, warm water and mild detergent -- avoid bleach and abrasive cleaners, which can dull the surface over time, and use a trivet under hot pans as a precaution.

UK prices typically range from around £250 to £900 per square metre. Entry-level quartz sits at the lower end, mid-range options with wider colour and pattern choice run £400-£600, and premium or designer quartz can exceed £650 per square metre. Installation and any additional features -- decorative edges, cutouts for sinks and hobs -- add to the total, so it's worth getting a detailed quote for your specific kitchen.

Quartz installation requires precise levelling, cutting and handling -- the condition of your existing cabinets, the complexity of the design, and the thickness and pattern of the slab all affect the outcome. Professional installation brings the expertise and equipment to get this right first time, along with a workmanship warranty that DIY installation can't offer.