Is Quartz Better Than Laminate Worktops?

When you start planning a kitchen revamp, one of the first big choices is always the worktops. They aren't just surfaces for chopping or sticking the toaster on — they pretty much set the whole look of the kitchen. Two of the most common choices people end up comparing are laminate and quartz. Both have their good points, but everyone still asks: is quartz better than laminate worktops?

Let's go bit by bit: style, strength, cost, care, and long-term use.

What makes quartz kitchen worktops stand out?

Quartz kitchen worktops are made by mixing crushed quartz with resin and pigments. Sounds fancy, but basically it makes them tough, smooth, and they come in a huge range of shades. Laminate is… well, it's a sheet of printed stuff glued to a core board. Doesn't quite have the same feel.

When you touch a quartz worktop, you can tell straight away. Solid, heavy, and not plasticky like laminate sometimes feels. The shine looks deeper too, more like real stone. Loads of people like quartz because you can get that marble or granite vibe without the same constant polishing or sealing.

How durable are quartz worktops compared to laminate?

This is usually the deal breaker. Laminate is ok for light use, but it chips, scratches and sometimes peels — especially near the edges. If you use sharp knives or leave water sitting, you'll notice damage sooner or later.

Quartz kitchen worktops are a different story. Quartz is one of the hardest natural minerals, so these tops can take knocks and scrapes better. They don't stain easily either, because the surface doesn't absorb spills. Red wine, oil, coffee — wipe it, and it's gone.

That said, nothing is bulletproof. Drop a cast-iron pan on the edge and even quartz may chip. But compared side by side, quartz lasts years longer than laminate in decent condition.

Is the price difference between laminate and quartz worth it?

Here's where the arguments usually start. Laminate is much cheaper upfront. If you're doing a budget kitchen or a rental, it makes perfect sense. It looks good enough for a while and doesn't break the bank.

Quartz though — yeah, it costs more. But a quartz worktop can last decades. Laminate? Maybe 7–10 years before it starts to look tired. By the time you've replaced laminate once or twice, you could've just fitted quartz from the start and saved the hassle.

So the real question isn't just “what's the price today?” but “what's the value 15 years from now?”

How easy are quartz and laminate worktops to maintain?

Both are easy-ish, but laminate has weak spots. It cleans fine with soap and water, but once moisture sneaks under the joins, the board inside swells. At that point, it's game over.

Kitchen quartz worktops are much simpler. They don't need sealing, polishing or special sprays. A damp cloth does the trick most days. That's why busy families often lean towards quartz — fewer headaches.

The only catch is heat. Quartz isn't heat-proof (neither is laminate actually). A hot pot straight from the hob can leave a mark, so use trivets. Between the two though, quartz still wins in everyday cleaning.

Which option gives more style and design choices?

Laminate has a lot of patterns — wood look, stone look, marble look — but because it's printed, it doesn't always convince up close.

Kitchen worktops quartz feel much more premium. You can pick from clean whites, classic greys, deep blacks, or even bold colours. Veined marble-style quartz is especially popular because it looks elegant but doesn't stain like the real thing.

Another plus — a quartz worktop is consistent across the slab, so if you need big sections, they match nicely. Laminate sheets can vary in print, which makes the joins show more.

Do quartz worktops add value to your home?

Something a lot of people don't think about — resale value. Laminate is functional, sure, but buyers rarely see it as a wow factor.

Quartz is different. A kitchen with quartz worktops feels more expensive, more modern. It's the sort of feature that estate agents highlight. Even if you don't get back every penny, it makes your home more attractive and easier to sell.

Are there downsides to quartz compared to laminate?

Let's be fair — quartz isn't perfect. It's heavy, so you can't really DIY it. You'll need professional fitting, which adds cost. Laminate is lighter and can be fitted quicker, sometimes by yourself.

Heat is also a weak spot for both. Laminate burns, quartz discolours if it's too hot for too long. Neither likes direct pans.

Still, most people find the upsides of quartz kitchen worktops far outweigh these downsides.

So, is quartz better than laminate worktops?

It really depends on what you need. If your budget is tight, or it's a short-term kitchen, laminate will do. But if you want something stylish, strong, and built to last, quartz worktops are clearly the better option.

For a long-term “forever kitchen,” kitchen quartz worktops are worth the investment. They'll keep their look, stay durable, and add real value.

Final thoughts

At the end of the day, the choice comes down to time and money. Laminate is fine in the short run, but it doesn't really age well. Quartz costs more upfront, but it lasts years longer and looks better while doing it.

So, if you're asking, “is quartz better than laminate worktops?” — the honest answer is, for most households, yes. And if you're curious about design choices, companies like Stone Sense offer a wide variety of kitchen worktops quartz that combine both style and strength.

Read This: Is Granite Good for Kitchen Worktops?