A 2026 comparison of four worktop materials on price, durability and care.
The worktop is one of the most used and most expensive surfaces in a kitchen. The right choice depends on your habits, budget and visual expectations. We compared four common options at 2026 Istanbul prices.
Quartz (engineered stone)
Roughly 93% natural quartz bound with resin. It is non-porous, resists stains and is easy to maintain. Placing hot pans directly on it can damage the surface. Price: ₺12,000–20,000 per linear metre (60 cm depth, installed).
Granite
A natural stone; every slab is unique. Very resistant to scratches and heat but needs sealing once a year. Price: ₺9,000–16,000 per linear metre.
Sintered stone
Made by sintering quartz, feldspar and mineral oxides under high heat and pressure. Resistant to heat, scratches, stains and UV; available in thin (12 mm) and thick slabs. Price: ₺18,000–30,000 per linear metre. Installation needs a specialist crew.
Laminate (HPL) and compact boards
Budget-friendly with a huge range of finishes. The most sensitive to heat and water, with a risk of edge swelling. Price: ₺3,500–7,000 per linear metre.
Which to choose?
- Heavy cooking and low maintenance: quartz or sintered stone
- Natural look and heat resistance first: granite
- Rental or short-term home: laminate
Details
Stone edges around the sink should be sealed with epoxy, and a 3 mm expansion gap left around the hob. Using the same material for the splashback reduces the number of joints.
In our showroom you can view samples of all four materials side by side.
Care tips
For quartz and sintered stone a neutral soap and soft cloth are enough for daily cleaning; avoid abrasive sponges and bleach. Seal granite once a year. On laminate use trivets for hot pans and a board for cutting.
Price example
For a 3.6-metre L-shaped kitchen, budget about ₺55,000–75,000 for quartz with splashback, ₺85,000–110,000 for sintered stone and ₺15,000–25,000 for laminate. The worktop typically accounts for 15–25% of the total kitchen budget.
Thickness and edge profile
Standard worktops are 2–3 cm thick; for a slim look the edge can be mitred up to 4–6 cm or 12 mm sintered stone can be used. A square cut suits contemporary kitchens while a bevelled edge suits classic ones. Edge work can add ₺1,200–2,500 per linear metre.