“What’s the Real Best Worktop? Quartz vs Natural Stone vs Porcelain — The Truth Homeowners Don’t Hear

When people start planning a new kitchen, one question always pops up:

“What’s the best worktop to choose?” or "what's the real best worktop?"

Type that into Google and you’ll see hundreds of mixed answers. Some say quartz is the king. Others say granite is unbeatable. Then porcelain starts creeping in with bold claims. It’s no wonder people end up confused.

So here’s the straight-up truth — the kind customers ask us for every day here in the North East.

Quartz: Great… but not perfect

Quartz has been the go-to option for years. It’s strong, clean looking, and works great in most kitchens.

Pros:

• Loads of colours and patterns

• Non-porous and easy to clean

• Great for busy homes

Things no one tells you:

• Quartz can’t handle high heat

• Direct sun exposure can fade colours

• Not ideal for outdoor kitchens or rooms with big south-facing windows

Quartz is still a solid choice, but it’s no longer the only “safe” option.

unique quartzite worktop by r.o surfaces

Natural Stone: The one-of-a-kind choice

If you want a kitchen that doesn’t look like anyone else’s, natural stone is the one.

We work with materials like Quartzite, Granite, Marble, Dolomite — each slab is its own artwork. No two pieces ever match.

Pros:

• Heat resistant

• Strong and long-lasting

• Unique patterns you won’t see in your neighbour’s kitchen

• Ideal for high-end designs

Things to know:

• Marble needs a little care (but far less than people expect)

• Availability depends on the quarry — when it’s gone, it’s gone

For clients in the North East looking for luxury worktops, natural stone is becoming the top pick again.

Porcelain: The modern all-rounder

Porcelain worktops have exploded in the last few years — and for good reason.

Pros:

• Heat proof

• UV proof (great for outdoor kitchens)

• Stain and scratch resistant

• Can mimic stone, concrete, metal, you name it

Perfect for:

• Modern, minimal kitchens

• Sleek slab islands

• Anyone wanting ultra-low maintenance

• Outdoor kitchens

At R.O Surfaces, we’re installing more porcelain than ever, especially on contemporary builds and extensions around Newcastle, North Tyneside, Gateshead, and Sunderland.

So… which is “best”?

Here’s the honest answer:

It depends on your lifestyle, your kitchen layout, and the look you want.

• Want luxury and individuality? → Natural stone

• Want low maintenance and design flexibility? → Porcelain

• Want something safe, simple, and familiar? → Quartz

Every home in the North East is different — and that’s why we make customers pick their stone early in the project. You get better choice, better slab matching, and a finish that actually suits the space.

Thinking about new worktops? Come and see us.

Whether you’re choosing quartz, natural stone, or porcelain, our yard Little Italy and

showroom has one of the North East’s widest selections — all measured, templated, and fitted by people who actually care about the finish.

📍 R.O Surfaces — North East Worktop Specialists

📞 0191 447 7456

🌐 rosurfaces.co.uk