Quartz vs. Granite: The Ultimate 2025 Guide for Herefordshire Kitchens

By Tudor Granite, Worktop Specialist | Updated: October 2025

Choosing between quartz and granite is the biggest decision for your new kitchen. In short, quartz offers more consistent designs and zero maintenance, while granite provides a unique, natural beauty and superior heat resistance. This guide will break down the pros, cons, and costs of each to help you decide which is right for your Hereford home.

At Tudor Granite, we've installed hundreds of both granite worktops and quartz worktops across Herefordshire, giving us firsthand experience of what works best for local homes.

What is Quartz? (The Modern Choice)

Quartz worktops are engineered stone, typically made from around 90-95% ground natural quartz and polymer resins. This process allows for an immense range of consistent colours and patterns, from pure white to surfaces that perfectly mimic marble or concrete. This makes it incredibly durable. But durability isn't just about scratches. (To see how it stacks up against heat, read our full guide: The Durability Test: Granite vs. Quartz.)

• Pro: Non-porous, so it never needs sealing and is highly stain-resistant.
• Pro: Huge variety of consistent colours and patterns. See the design options here.
• Con: Less resistant to extreme heat compared to granite.

What is Granite? (The Natural Classic)

Granite is a 100% natural igneous rock, quarried directly from the earth. This means every single slab has a unique pattern, with natural variations, veins, and flecks of colour that cannot be replicated. Its organic beauty is its biggest selling point.

• Pro: Every slab is 100% unique.
• Pro: Excellent heat resistance, you can place hot pans directly on it (though we still recommend trivets!).
• Con: It's porous and must be sealed periodically to prevent staining. The main 'con' for granite is sealing. We cover this in detail in our post: Do You Need to Seal Granite Worktops?

An Expert's Opinion: What We Install Most in Hereford

"As local fitters in Herefordshire, we've seen a clear trend. 10 years ago, most of our installations were polished granite. Today, over 70% of our clients choose a marble-effect quartz. The reliability and style consistency are the biggest deciding factors for busy families."

Your Questions Answered: Granite vs. Quartz FAQ

Which is more expensive, granite or quartz?

It depends. While high-end, rare granite can be very expensive, entry-level granite is often cheaper than entry-level quartz. We cover this fully in our Cost Comparison Guide.

What is the most heat-resistant worktop?

Granite is the most heat-resistant. As a natural rock formed by heat and pressure, it can handle hot pans directly from the hob. Quartz is heat-resistant, but the resins can be damaged by extreme, sudden temperature changes.

Which one stains more easily?

Unsealed or poorly sealed granite can stain. Because quartz is non-porous, it is highly resistant to staining from things like coffee, wine, and oil.

The Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?

• Choose Granite if: You want a 100% unique, natural stone with mesmerising patterns and you value superior heat resistance.
• Choose Quartz if: You want a specific colour (like pure white), a consistent marble-effect design, and the convenience of a zero-maintenance surface.