Granite Worktops UK: Are They Worth It?

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Let’s be honest, we Brits are obsessed with our homes. And the heart of the home? It’s the kitchen. It’s where we brew our morning cuppa, tackle the Sunday roast, and catch up on the day’s gossip. At the centre of all this action is the humble worktop. It has to put up with a lot: hot pans, spilled wine, sticky fingers, and the occasional science experiment from the kids.

For decades, if you wanted a “proper” kitchen: one that felt solid, looked fantastic, and would last a lifetime—the answer was simple: granite. It was the undisputed king of worktops, a symbol of quality and a smart investment.

But times have changed. Now, we’re spoiled for choice. There’s sleek quartz, classic wood, chic marble, and budget-friendly laminate all vying for our attention. So, it begs the question: are granite worktops still worth the money? Are they a timeless classic that adds real value to your home, or are they an expensive, high-maintenance choice that’s been overtaken by modern rivals?

This guide will cut through the sales talk and the confusing jargon. We’ll look at the good, the bad, and the downright expensive to give you a clear, honest answer. By the end, you’ll know for sure if granite is the right choice for your great British kitchen.

What on Earth is Granite, Anyway?

Before we decide if it’s worth buying, it helps to know what granite actually is. Don’t worry, we’ll skip the boring geology lesson you snoozed through in secondary school.

A Quick Geology Lesson (Without the Boring Bits)

Imagine nature has a giant underground oven. Over millions of years, it melts down rock into a fiery liquid called magma. As this magma cools down very, very slowly, different crystals start to form within it.

Think of it like a giant, super-hard fruitcake made deep inside the Earth. The main ingredients are two minerals you’ve probably heard of: quartz (which gives it hardness) and feldspar (which gives it its base colour, from pearly whites to deep blacks). Dotted throughout are other minerals, like mica, which add the little flecks and sparkles you see.

Because it cools so slowly, these crystals grow large and lock together, creating an incredibly dense and strong stone. And because the mix of minerals is different every time, no two pieces of granite on the entire planet are exactly the same. The slab in your kitchen is completely, utterly unique.

From Scottish Quarries to Your Kitchen

Granite has been a part of Britain’s story for centuries. Just look at Aberdeen, nicknamed “The Granite City.” Many of its grandest buildings, and even its paving stones, were built from granite hewn from local quarries. It’s a stone that’s proven it can stand up to the miserable British weather and still look magnificent.

These days, while some granite still comes from the UK (like the beautiful stones from Cornwall), most of the granite you’ll see in showrooms is imported from all over the world—Brazil, India, Italy, and China are all big players. This is great news for us because it means there’s a massive variety of colours and patterns to choose from, from striking black with gold flecks to swirling blues and gentle creams.

The Big Reasons People Say ‘Yes’ to Granite

For years, granite has been the top choice for a reason. Homeowners love it for a few very simple, very compelling reasons.

It’s Tough as Old Boots: Durability and Longevity

This is granite’s main selling point. On the Mohs scale, which measures the hardness of minerals from 1 (talc) to 10 (diamond), granite scores around a 6 or 7. That means it’s seriously tough.

In a real-world kitchen, this translates to a worktop that can handle the chaos of everyday life.

Scratches: It’s very difficult to scratch. You can chop vegetables directly on it, though we don’t recommend it as it will blunt your expensive kitchen knives in a flash!
Wear and Tear: It won’t easily wear down in busy areas, like around the sink or hob.
Family-Proof: It can stand up to dropped toys, clattering plates, and general mayhem. A well-cared-for granite worktop won’t just last for years; it will likely outlast the kitchen itself.

Every Slab is One-of-a-Kind

In a world of mass-produced everything, granite offers something truly special: natural, unique beauty. The swirls, veins, and speckled patterns were created by geological forces millions of years ago. Your worktop isn’t just a surface; it’s a piece of the planet’s history.

This is a huge contrast to engineered stones like quartz, where the pattern is designed by a person and repeated. With granite, you get a piece of art shaped by nature. It gives a kitchen a character and depth that manufactured materials often struggle to match.

A Timeless Look That Adds Value

Kitchen trends come and go (avocado-coloured appliances, anyone?), but granite has a timeless appeal. Its natural elegance works just as well in a modern, minimalist flat as it does in a traditional country cottage.

Because of this, estate agents and property experts agree that granite worktops add real value to a home. They are seen as a premium feature that signals a high-quality, well-maintained kitchen. If you’re planning to sell your home in the future, a granite worktop can be a major selling point that helps your property stand out and could even help you achieve a higher asking price. It’s not just a purchase; for many, it’s an investment.

Heat? No Sweat

If you’re a keen cook or baker, you’ll love this. Granite is formed under immense heat and pressure, so it’s naturally brilliant at handling high temperatures. You can take a hot pan straight off the hob or a tray out of the oven and place it directly on the granite surface without worrying about scorching or melting it. While it’s always good practice to use a trivet, granite offers peace of mind that other worktops, especially laminate and some solid surfaces, simply can’t provide.

But Hold On… The Reasons People Hesitate

It’s not all sunshine and roses. There are some significant drawbacks to granite that make people think twice before splashing the cash.

The Elephant in the Room: The Cost

Let’s get straight to it: granite is expensive. While prices have come down over the years due to better technology and global supply, it’s still a major kitchen expense.

You can expect to pay anywhere from £250 to over £600 per square metre, including professional templating (measuring) and installation. For a typical British kitchen, the final bill will almost certainly run into the thousands.

Several factors affect this price:

Rarity: Blue, green, or red granites are rarer than common greys or blacks, and their price reflects this.
Slab Thickness: The standard is 30mm, but thicker slabs cost more.
Finishes and Edges: A simple polished finish and straight edge are cheapest. More complex finishes (like ‘honed’ or ‘leathered’) or fancy edge profiles (like ‘ogee’ or ‘bullnose’) all add to the cost.
Labour: The number of cut-outs you need for sinks, hobs, and taps will also impact the final price.

The “S” Word: Sealing and Staining

This is probably the most misunderstood part of owning granite. Because it’s a natural stone, granite is slightly porous. Think of it like a very, very dense sponge. If you leave a spill on it for too long, the liquid can soak into the tiny pores and leave a stain.

To prevent this, granite worktops are treated with a sealant. This sealant acts like a waterproof raincoat, blocking the pores so spills sit on the surface, ready to be wiped away. However, this sealant wears off over time. This means you will need to reseal your granite worktop periodically.

How often? It depends on the type of granite (darker ones are generally denser and less porous) and how much use it gets. Some suppliers say every year, others say every 3-5 years. The good news is that it’s an easy DIY job that takes less than an hour. But it is a maintenance task you can’t ignore, especially if you want to avoid permanent stains from things like red wine, curry sauce, or olive oil.

It Can Chip and Crack (Though It’s Not Easy)

While granite is incredibly hard, it’s not indestructible. A sharp, heavy impact—like dropping a cast-iron skillet on an edge or corner—can cause it to chip. These chips are usually small, but they can be noticeable.

Cracks are much rarer and usually only happen due to a fault in the slab or improper installation.

The problem is that repairs can be tricky. A specialist can often fill a chip with a colour-matched epoxy resin, but it might still be visible up close. It’s certainly not as easy to fix as sanding out a scratch on a wooden worktop.

The Environmental Question

In an age where we’re all trying to be a bit greener, the environmental impact of granite is worth considering. It’s a natural material, which is good. However, it has to be quarried out of the ground, which is an energy-intensive process.

Furthermore, as most granite is shipped thousands of miles to get to the UK, it has a significant carbon footprint. If the eco-credentials of your kitchen are a top priority, a locally sourced material like British wood or a recycled composite might be a better fit.

Granite vs. The Contenders: The Ultimate Kitchen Showdown

So, how does granite stack up against the competition? Let’s put it head-to-head with the other popular choices in the UK.

Granite vs. Quartz: The Natural Wonder vs. The Engineered Powerhouse

This is the biggest rivalry in the modern kitchen world. Quartz worktops are actually about 90% crushed natural quartz mixed with resin and pigments. This makes them non-porous, so they never need sealing and are highly stain-resistant.

Feature	Granite	Quartz
Price	£250 – £600 / m²	£300 – £700 / m²
Maintenance	Needs regular sealing.	Virtually none. Just clean it.
Durability	Very hard but can chip.	Extremely hard, very chip-resistant.
Appearance	Unique, natural patterns.	Consistent, uniform patterns.
Heat Resistance	Excellent.	Good, but can be damaged by sudden high heat.
Verdict:	Choose granite if you love unique, natural beauty and don’t mind a little maintenance.	Choose quartz for a sleek, modern look and zero-hassle upkeep.

Granite vs. Marble: The Practical Choice vs. The Posh One

Marble is the definition of luxury, famous for its soft, cloudy veins. However, it’s much softer and more porous than granite, making it a risky choice for a busy kitchen.

Feature	Granite	Marble
Price	£250 – £600 / m²	£400 – £800+ / m²
Maintenance	Needs sealing.	Needs very careful sealing and cleaning.
Durability	Very scratch-resistant.	Scratches and etches easily (from acid like lemon juice).
Appearance	Bold, speckled, and veined.	Soft, subtle, and elegant.
Verdict:	Granite is the far more practical and durable choice for a working kitchen.	Marble is beautiful but high-maintenance; better for keen (and careful!) bakers or low-traffic areas.

Granite vs. Laminate: The Investment vs. The Budget-Friendly Fix

Laminate is the go-to for anyone on a tight budget. Modern versions look much better than the laminates of old, with some realistic stone and wood effects.

Feature	Granite	Laminate
Price	£250 – £600 / m²	£30 – £90 / m²
Durability	Lasts a lifetime.	Scratches and chips easily. Water can cause it to swell.
Heat Resistance	Excellent.	Poor. Hot pans will melt or scorch it instantly.
Appearance	Genuinely premium and natural.	Can look good from a distance, but feels artificial.
Verdict:	Granite is a long-term investment in quality and home value.	Laminate is a fantastic short-term, low-cost solution.

Granite vs. Wood: The Stone Heart vs. The Warm Soul

Wooden worktops bring a wonderful warmth and character to a kitchen. They are forgiving under glassware and can be sanded down to remove stains and scratches.

Feature	Granite	Wood (Oak)
Price	£250 – £600 / m²	£100 – £250 / m²
Maintenance	Needs sealing every few years.	Needs regular oiling (2-4 times a year).
Durability	Very hard.	Softer, will dent and scratch. Can be damaged by water around sinks.
Hygiene	Very hygienic when sealed.	Needs proper care to prevent bacteria build-up.
Verdict:	Granite is sleek, cool, and low-maintenance in comparison.	Wood is warm and characterful but demands consistent care.

A UK Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose and Install Granite Without Getting Ripped Off

Buying a granite worktop isn’t like picking up a toaster from Argos. It’s a bespoke process, and choosing the right company is crucial.

Step 1: Finding a Reputable Supplier

Don’t just go with the company your kitchen fitter recommends. Do your own research. Look for local stonemasons or fabricators—the people who actually cut and polish the stone. They often offer better value and expertise than big-box DIY stores.

Check Reviews: Look at Google and local forums.
Ask to See Their Work: A good company will be proud to show you photos of recent installations.
Get Multiple Quotes: Get at least three detailed quotes to compare prices fairly.

Step 2: Choosing Your Slab

This is the fun part! But it’s vital that you see the actual slab of stone that will be used for your worktop. A tiny sample in a showroom can’t show you the full pattern, with all its unique swirls and imperfections. Go to the stone yard and look at the full-size slabs. You might even be able to pick the exact one you want.

Also, think about the finish.

Polished: The classic, shiny finish. It’s highly reflective, makes colours look richer, and is the most stain-resistant because the polishing process closes the stone’s pores.
Honed: A matte, non-reflective finish. It looks softer and more contemporary but can be more prone to showing fingerprints and needs more diligent sealing to prevent stains.
Leathered: A newer option with a soft sheen and a slightly textured feel. It’s great at hiding smudges and fingerprints.

Step 3: Templating and Fitting

This is where the professionals take over. A technician will visit your home once your base cabinets are installed to create an exact template of your worktop, including all the cut-outs. A week or two later, they will return with the finished, perfectly cut stone and install it. A good installation is key—poorly levelled joints or messy silicone can ruin the look of an expensive worktop.

So, What’s the Real Cost? A Price Breakdown

To give you a clearer idea, let’s imagine three different kitchen renovation projects in the UK. (Prices are estimates and include templating, installation, and VAT).

Case Study 1: The Small City Flat (Manchester)

Kitchen Size: A compact galley kitchen with about 3 square metres of worktop.
Granite Choice: A popular, entry-level black or grey granite.
Estimated Cost: £900 – £1,500

Case Study 2: The Family Semi-Detached (Birmingham)

Kitchen Size: A standard L-shaped kitchen with about 5 square metres of worktop, plus upstands.
Granite Choice: A mid-range granite with more colour and pattern.
Estimated Cost: £1,800 – £2,800

Case Study 3: The Large Country Kitchen (The Cotswolds)

Kitchen Size: A large kitchen with 8 square metres of worktop, a full-height splashback behind the hob, and a central island.
Granite Choice: A more exclusive or rare granite slab.
Estimated Cost: £4,500 – £7,000+

Living with Granite: A No-Nonsense Care Guide

Don’t believe the horror stories about granite being a diva to look after. It’s actually very straightforward.

Daily Cleaning: What to Use (and What to Avoid)

The best way to clean granite is the simplest. Just use a soft cloth (a microfibre one is ideal) with warm water and a tiny drop of pH-neutral soap, like your regular washing-up liquid. Then rinse with plain water and dry with a clean cloth to prevent water spots and keep it shiny.

Crucially, avoid harsh, acidic, or abrasive cleaners. This means no vinegar, no lemon juice, no bleach, and no scouring pads. These can strip the sealant and even etch the surface of the stone itself over time.

The Red Wine Test: How to Deal with Spills

Because your worktop is sealed, most spills won’t be a problem. The key is to blot them up quickly with a paper towel. Don’t wipe, as that can spread the spill. For dried-on food, use a plastic scraper to gently lift it off.

To Reseal or Not to Reseal?

How do you know if your sealant is wearing off? There’s a simple test. Sprinkle a few drops of water onto the surface in a high-use area. Wait for 10-15 minutes.

If the water is still beaded up on the surface, your sealant is fine.
If the water has soaked in and darkened the granite, it’s time to reseal.

The Final Verdict: Is Granite Worth Your Hard-Earned Cash?

After weighing up all the pros and cons, we can finally answer the big question. Yes, for many people, granite worktops are still absolutely worth the money. But it’s not a one-size-fits-all answer.

Granite is worth it if:

You are in your “forever home” and want a durable, beautiful surface that will last for decades.
You value natural, unique materials and want your kitchen to have a one-of-a-kind centrepiece.
You see your kitchen as a long-term investment and want to add tangible value to your property.
You are a keen cook who needs a heat-resistant and hard-wearing surface.

Granite might not be worth it if:

You are on a tight budget. The money could be better spent elsewhere in the kitchen.
You want a completely zero-maintenance worktop. Modern quartz offers a ‘fit and forget’ experience that granite can’t quite match.
You plan to move home in the next couple of years and won’t see the benefit of your investment.
You prefer a very uniform, consistent look in your kitchen design.

Ultimately, granite remains a fantastic choice. It blends the raw, untamed beauty of nature with the strength and practicality needed in the heart of a busy home. It costs more than other options, and it asks for a tiny bit of care in return, but what it gives back is a sense of permanence, quality, and timeless style that is very hard to beat. It may no longer be the only king in the castle, but for those who choose it, granite still rules.