Ceramic worktops vs Quartz Worktops – Which is Better? A Q&A Guide for Modern Home Buyers

Due to popular demand on this blog, we’ve been asked to tackle the topic of ‘Ceramic vs Quartz’. There are many hot questions regarding the topic: which is better? Which is more resistant? Which is cheaper. In this Q&A format blog, we will try to answer all your queries!

Ceramic vs Quartz Worktops – Choosing the right material

Being a new homeowner means having to navigate through a maze of decisions – from choosing the perfect colour palette to deciding on the right kitchen worktop. Along this exciting journey, two options often stand out: ceramic worktops and quartz worktops.

Both boast impressive features that cater to your modern lifestyle. But how do they compare? Which one should you go for? Are both of them really better than laminate kitchen worktops?

We’ll ensure that by the end of the read, you will have a solid idea of what to choose. Buckle up as we delve into the pros, cons, and all the nitty-gritty details concerning ceramic worktops and quarzt worktops in our Q&A style guide.

Q: Are Ceramic Worktops Any Good?

A: Ceramic worktops, often overshadowed by their more popular quartz counterparts, offer a plethora of advantages that you should consider. These man-made products tick off multiple boxes that align with the needs of the contemporary homeowner. Many of these great qualities overlap with advantages of quartz – but are there any differences?

1. High resistance to Damage: Ceramic worktops equate to Superman in DC Universe. They’re capable of withstanding the challenges thrown their way, on a daily basis. They’re scratch resistant, making them an excellent choice for busy kitchens where cutting, chopping, and accidental spills are constantly part of our daily routine.
2. Unmatched resistance to Heat: Ceramic countertops can handle hot pots and pans without sustaining any damage. They’re the ideal tools for your culinary experiments. Thus, they will be a great addition to a professional restaurant and individual home kitchens alike.
3. Ultra-Light Qualities: The high durability shouldn’t fool you – ceramic worktops are surprisingly lightweight. This is one of the prime reasons why people incorrectly assume them to be wrought from traditional ceramic or porcelain material. This is inaccurate – sintered-stone is only labelled ‘ceramic’ because of the rough texture that’s often associated with the product. The reduced weight of ceramics makes the installation process a breeze and offers you far more flexibility in design and customisation. You can choose from various edge profiles, creating a stone worktop that seamlessly fits your kitchen’s style; you may also mount these solid surfaces on your bathroom wall tiles, use them as floor tiles, or even clad your furniture or kitchen cabinets. The freedom is in your hands.
4. Range of Thickness: Ceramic kitchen worktops come in a range of thickness options, allowing you to choose the one that complements your design vision. Whether you prefer a slim, modern aesthetic or a more substantial, traditional feel, ceramic worktops can fulfil your dreams. The presently available choices are: 3mm, 6mm, 8mm, 12mm, 20mm. Beware of the tiny disclaimer: each ceramic slab supplier will provide varied thicknesses. So, please consult your kitchen worktop provider prior to selecting a colour.
5. Easy Maintenance: Busy lives call for low-maintenance solutions. When it comes to a ceramic countertop, a damp cloth and mild detergent (low in Ph) like Fairy liquid, are usually all you need to keep ceramic work surfaces looking pristine. Say goodbye to hours of tedious scrubbing and toiling over dried curry stains – these stone worktops are here to simplify your life. If you wish to find out more about ceramic worktops maintenance, visit this blog post. This ceramic worktop article discusses cleaning methods of these kitchen worktops.

Q: Pros and Cons – Ceramic or Quartz Worktops?

A: Now that we’ve shed some light on ceramic worktops, let’s dive into a direct comparison with their fierce, more established contender on the UK market: quartz worktops.

Ceramic Worktops:
Pros:

• Incredible resistance to scratches and heat. They’re also stain proof and UV resistant, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications – protection against UV light means that your stone kitchen worktops do not discolour or fade.
• Non porosity and resistance against all types of liquids: from oils to acids, means that your kitchen ceramic worktops will last you a lifetime.
• Their texture variety is enormous. You can opt for riverwashed, XGloss, honed or light-matter surface finish.
• Ultra light and available in at least 5 different thickness options.

Cons:

• Ceramic worktop costs can be slightly higher, but remember – you’re investing in exquisite durability, which in the end pays off. You have a kitchen worktop that can last for a generation, compared to a laminate or wood solid surface that will require replacement within 5-8 years.
• While the range of thicknesses is certainly a plus, many ceramic kitchen worktop suppliers like Dekton Cosentino, Neolith, Techlam or Marazzi only supply max 20mm thickness slabs. So, if you’re a fan of those bulky, traditional kitchen countertops, then quartz might be your answer.

Quartz Worktops:
Pros:

• A wide variety of colours. Quartz worktops boast around 400+ different colours from about 20 stone suppliers, providing endless design inspiration. While ceramic worktop colours are on the rise, their range doesn’t extend beyond 150.
• Quartz worktops are just as resistant to scratching, impacts as ceramic is. They’re incredibly durable and can handle daily wear and tear. Quartz kitchen worktops have that impenetrable aura. They’re non porous – their resin component makes them essentially waterproof.

Cons:

• While quartz worktops have a ton of advantages, they are sensitive to heat, so using trivets for hot plates, plans and oven-trays is a must.
• A quartz worktop will have limited textures and thicknesses. Usually, you can only count on 20mm and 30mm thickness and matte/polished texture.

Q: What of the Ceramic Worktops Prices? Are quartz worktops cheaper than ceramic worktops?

A: The age-old question that probably every new homeowner is wondering – how much will this luxurious kitchen surface set me back?

Trust us when we say this, ceramic worktops, while a touch more expensive than laminate worktop counterparts, provide the kind of resilience that makes them worth every penny. A small kitchen made up of ceramic surfaces can set you back around £2.5k – £2.8k – but this will depend entirely on the worktop manufacturer, your location, the details of your project, the brand and colour of your kitchen worktop etc.

Quartz worktops prices also range from low to high. Once again, a quartz worktop cost will be determined by the elected brands, style, and thickness you opt for, however, they are certainly cheaper than ceramic worktops. On average, for a complete, small kitchen worktop project should set you back between £2.2k – 2.5k.

While this difference, in merely few hundred pounds may not be significant, for a lot of people, especially those on a budget, it’s an unfortunate dealbreaker. Ceramic worktops cost is worth it to us, the so-called specialists, but not everyone will have the same idea: especially new home buyers or landlords.

Q: What looks better quartz or ceramic?

A: It’s a difficult question, because it’s entirely an individual, subjective opinion. While both ceramic and quartz worktops are aesthetically pleasing, they also excel in functionality, and we personally think that this should be the predominant influence on choice.

Ceramic worktops are all about durability and resilience, perfect for active households, reception desks, offices, restaurant kitchens – busy environments where the risk of wear and tear is the highest. Quartz, on the other hand, opens up a world of design possibilities with its extensive colour palette, superior durability and a more traditional appearance.

What is certain is that the varied textures offered by ceramic worktop suppliers are very valued, as they can impact the appearance immensely. One example is Iron Corten worktop by Neolith or Beton by Dekton – but colours, thanks to that matte finish, offer a 3D, realistic mimic of things like metal or concrete. Therefore, while sintered stone products are limited in colours compared to quartz, they make up for it with the textures, that immensely expand the freedom, choices and possibilities.

Q: Are Ceramic and Quartz Better Than Laminate or Wood?

A: Absolutely! When compared to laminate or wood worktops, both ceramic and quartz come out on top. In almost every way . . . . perhaps excluding the price aspect.

Laminate worktops and wood tops are susceptible to scratches, stains, and heat damage. In contrast, ceramic and quartz provide superior durability, making them ideal for a bustling interior – but not only. You would never imagine using cheap worktop offcuts from laminate for your kitchen flooring. Ceramic and quartz certainly offer that possibility.

All in all, ceramic worktops aren’t just stunning, modern creations, but also hard wearing materials that withstand the chaos of your culinary adventures. These stylish surfaces step into the spotlight with a range of benefits that facilitate your daily, modern lifestyle.

Q: Ceramic vs granite worktops – Which to Choose?

A: Granite worktops have very similar properties to quartz worktops and ceramic worktops. They’re just as sturdy, heat proof or resistant against scratches etc.

We would say the only difference between the two is that granite and marble are very limited in colours: max 60 varieties. Granite is also a natural stone, ceramic is a synthetic product. The difference in price is also visible: granite worktop prices will range between £2.1 – £2.5k for a small kitchen. As we showed above, ceramic worktops are a tad more expensive.

All in all, it will probably come down to personal preference. Do you prefer natural stone, full of unpredictability, minerals or pigments or synthetic colours that align completely with your dream kitchen? This is a question you must ask yourself, or your partner . . .

Q: The Grand Finale – Is ceramic worktop better than quartz worktop?

A: Ultimately, the ‘winner’ will depend entirely on your personal preferences or budget – because we need to agree that ceramic worktops and quartz have very similar properties.

If you’re a culinary enthusiast who loves experimenting in the kitchen, ceramic worktops’ heat-proof and scratch resistant features might be your best bet. On the other hand, if you’re all about crafting a stylish and vibrant space, then quartz’s range of unique hues will certainly captivate your imagination.

Whichever option you choose, rest assured that both ceramic and quartz worktops stand miles ahead of laminate and wood alternatives. They might be slightly more expensive, but it’s a price you won’t regret spending. Ceramic promises to transform your kitchen into a space that’s not only beautiful but also incredibly functional.

It’s an investment into a proven, daily tool that’ll stand the test of time. Whether you are team ceramic or team quartz, your choice will shape a kitchen that reflects your style, resilience, and flair.

What do you think? Will you be opting for quartz or ceramic stone? Do you lean more towards the mass of quartz colours or ceramic textures?

And above all, where do you plan to get a new work surface?

Share your thoughts in the comments below!