When it comes to giving your home a fresh new look, the kitchen is the first place most people start. It’s the heart of the home, a space where style meets practicality, and the kitchen worktop often sets the tone for the entire design. But what materials are UK homeowners choosing today, and how often do we actually replace our kitchens? Let’s dive into choosing the right kitchen worktop for your home.
If you’re currently:
…then this guide is for you.
Worktops aren’t just practical surfaces. They’re the showpiece of your kitchen — covering large areas, tying your design together, and taking the brunt of everyday use.
And here’s a stat that might surprise you: estate agents estimate that a modern kitchen can add 5–10% to your property’s value, and premium worktops like Quartz can tip buyers in your favour. In fact, according to Houzz research, 65% of homeowners upgrading to Quartz said it was the single biggest “wow factor” in their kitchen remodel.
So yes — the worktop decision matters. A lot.
According to the latest Houzz UK Kitchen Trends Study (2025), kitchen worktops are a key feature in almost every renovation — with 92% of projects including brand-new worktops. And when it comes to material choice, one option stands clearly ahead: quartz.
The numbers tell a clear story. Quartz has become the UK’s favourite worktop material, combining durability with a premium look. It resists staining, scratching, and requires far less maintenance than natural stone, making it ideal for busy kitchens.
Many UK households now hold on to their kitchen worktops for a surprisingly long time. With typically on average nearly half of all households have their worktops for 8+ years. In most cases, homeowners don’t replace a worktop in isolation. Instead, it happens as part of a full kitchen renovation cycle, which in the UK typically comes around every 10–15 years.
Kitchens remain the most renovated room in the home, and demand for fresh, functional spaces is on the rise. Research from Häfele (2024) shows that around 1 in 4 UK homeowners are planning a new kitchen within the next 2–3 years.
This means that the kitchen market is not only healthy but evolving. With open-plan living, islands, and multi-functional designs becoming more popular, worktops are more important than ever — not just as a surface, but as a focal point of modern homes.
East of England leads the way, with 30% planning a refit with South West, London, Wales and Yorkshire also show strong activity (22–26%).
The stats highlight a few key takeaways:
Here’s a quick comparison of the main worktop materials and options:
| Material | Pros | Cons | Value Impact |
| Laminate | Affordable, easy to install, stain-resistant, no sealing needed | Can chip/peel over time, visible joins, doesn’t add long-term value | Low |
| Solid Wood | Warm and natural look, affordable, repairable (sand & refinish) | High maintenance, scratches/stains, water damage risk | Medium |
| Solid Surface (Corian/Hi-Macs) | Seamless look, wide design choice, repairable, hygienic | Not very heat-resistant, scratches visible, can chip | Medium–High |
| Granite | 100% natural stone, durable, heat-resistant, unique veining | Needs sealing, heavy, costly to repair, porous | High |
| Quartz | Luxurious look, scratch, heat & stain resistant, low maintenance, adds value | Heavy, needs pro install, higher upfront cost | High |
| Marble | Timeless, high-end luxury, unique veining | Porous, stains/scratches easily, expensive, high maintenance | Very High |
While there are many contenders, Quartz has risen as the standout choice for most of my clients. Here’s why:
Adds Property Value – Kitchens fitted with Quartz or Granite worktops are perceived as premium. Estate agents frequently highlight them in listings, and research suggests they can increase resale value by up to 6% compared with laminate or wood.
Durability – Quartz is engineered to be stain-resistant, scratch-resistant, and chip-resistant, making it a “lifetime” surface.
Design Versatility – With everything from crisp Carrara marble looks to bold contemporary patterns, Quartz adapts to every kitchen style.
Low Maintenance – Unlike natural stone, Quartz doesn’t need regular sealing. Just wipe and go.
Safety Note - Cutting Quartz must always be done in a water-suppressed environment to prevent dangerous silica dust exposure. Reputable suppliers use digital templating and precision fabrication, ensuring your fit is 100% bespoke and safe.
While these each have their merits, Quartz consistently balances luxury, longevity, and return on investment better than most. If you’re planning a renovation: Ask your supplier about their templating method (digital is best), confirm their installation warranties, and always check whether they work in a water-suppressed environment when fabricating Quartz. It’s about style and safety
We are UK-based and trusted. We offer a 25-year product warranty and a 5-year installation warranty, giving you peace of mind that your investment is protected for decades.
Interested in a quartz worktop for your kitchen? Get in touch for a free, no obligation quote today.
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