Quartz worktops

Top things off with this elegant, practical and long-lasting choice of work surface

■ Quartz tops are made from a blend of groundup quartz, polymer resin and pigments. Often seen as an alternative to natural granite, they fall into a similar price bracket, costing from around £300 per square metre.

■ High-quality, branded products have consistent colour and thickness and often come with a guarantee. Bear in mind unbranded tops with no warranty may be inferior.

■ As quartz is man made, there’s an extensive range of colours and finishes. Edges can be square or chamfered, and surface finishes can be varied.

■ It’s strong and durable, so should last the lifetime of your kitchen. Being non-porous, it won’t stain and makes a hygienic food prep surface. However, it isn’t quite as heatproof as granite, so it’s always advisable to place a trivet under very hot cookware.