At a glance
| Material | Heat | Scratches | Acids and stains | Sealing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quartz | Use a trivet | Good | Very good | Never |
| Granite | Very good | Very good | Good once sealed | Often |
| Porcelain | Excellent | Very good | Excellent | Never |
| Marble | Good | Fair | Etches easily | Yes |
| Quartzite | Very good | Excellent | Good once sealed | Usually |
These are general patterns. Designs differ, so read the care guide for the specific product.
If you cook a lot
Granite, quartzite and porcelain handle hot pans and heavy use best. Quartz is fine for busy cooks who will always reach for a trivet. Marble rewards cooks who bake and don't mind a few marks.
If you want white with grey veins
You have three routes. Real marble is the most authentic and the most delicate. Quartzite gives a natural veined look with much more hardness. Quartz and porcelain marble-effect designs give the cleanest, most even look with the least care.
For bright rooms and outdoors
Porcelain is the safe choice for sunny extensions, orangeries and outdoor kitchens, because sunlight does not discolour it. Many quartz designs are made for indoor use away from strong sun; check the manufacturer's guidance before choosing quartz for a very bright room.
In period houses
Cambridge has eighteen conservation areas and thousands of older homes. Natural stone often suits them best: honed granite, quartzite or marble look at home against old brick and timber. That said, a modern kitchen in an old house can carry any material. Replacing worktops in an unlisted home seldom needs permission; for a listed building, talk to the council before altering the interior.
Silica
If you would like to choose a lower-silica surface, marble and porcelain are often low, and lower-silica engineered quartz is now made in many popular looks. Our low-silica guide has the detail.
Questions we are asked
Which material is the most hard-wearing?
Quartzite and porcelain are the hardest in daily use, with granite close behind. All three need chopping boards to protect your knives more than the stone.
Which needs the least maintenance?
Quartz and porcelain: no sealing and simple cleaning. Quartz just needs heat kept off it.
Can I mix materials?
Yes. A common pairing is a hard-wearing stone around the sink and hob with a statement material on the island.
Sources
- Greater Cambridge Planning: conservation area appraisals (opens in a new tab)
We are not connected with the organisations linked here; they are listed for reference.