The short answer: granite is our lowest price, quartz is the low-maintenance choice for indoors, and porcelain is the toughest for outdoor areas. At Meraki Granite, granite kitchen tops start from R2,400 per m², quartz from R3,280 per m² and porcelain from R5,460 per m², all including VAT and installation, and the same at every one of our branches.
This guide compares the three side by side: price, thickness, heat, sealing, outdoor use and how each is made and installed, so you can choose the right one for your kitchen.
Granite, quartz and porcelain at a glance
| Granite | Quartz | Porcelain | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price per m² (incl. VAT and installation) | From R2,400 | From R3,280 | From R5,460 |
| 4 m² kitchen | From R9,600 | From R13,120 | From R21,840 |
| Thickness | Generally 30mm (20mm also available) | 20mm | 12mm |
| Heat | Heat resistant | Handles everyday warmth; can be damaged by direct high heat | Heat, UV and scratch resistant |
| Sealing | Reseal every 1 to 2 years | Never needs sealing | Does not need sealing |
| Outdoor use | Suitable for outdoor kitchens and braai areas | Best suited to indoors | One of the best choices for outdoors |
The 4 m² figures are illustrations at the starting price of each material. Your quote works out the real price for your colour and kitchen.
Which costs least: granite, quartz or porcelain?
Granite is our lowest price per m². Rustenburg Black is R2,400/m², Crema Grigio is R2,900/m², Zimbabwe Black is R4,350/m², and African Ivory Coast and African Tapestry are R4,500/m², including VAT and installation. Quartz starts from R3,280/m² and porcelain from R5,460/m². For a 4 m² kitchen at the starting prices, that is R9,600 for granite, from R13,120 for quartz and from R21,840 for porcelain.
See the full price guides: granite countertop prices, quartz countertop prices and porcelain countertop prices.
Granite vs quartz
- Granite is natural, so every slab is unique. It is heat resistant and suits outdoor kitchens and braai areas. It should be resealed every 1 to 2 years, and we suggest a pot stand or trivet under extremely hot cookware. It is generally 30mm thick, with 20mm also available.
- Quartz is engineered, with an even colour. It is non-porous and never needs sealing. It handles everyday warmth well, but unlike granite it can be damaged by direct high heat, so always use a pot stand or trivet under hot pots and pans. Our quartz is 20mm thick.
If you want the lowest price or a kitchen top for outside, choose granite. If you want an even colour and no sealing indoors, choose quartz.
Porcelain vs granite
- Porcelain is 12mm thick and resistant to heat, UV and scratches. It does not need sealing, and it is one of the best choices for outdoor kitchens, patios and pool surrounds.
- Granite is thicker (generally 30mm), costs less per m² and has the natural variation of each slab.
If your kitchen top is outdoors and you want something that needs no sealing, porcelain is a strong choice. For most indoor kitchens, granite gives the most for the price.
Quartz vs porcelain
Quartz is 20mm and is best suited to indoor applications, because prolonged direct sunlight can affect its colour over time. Porcelain is 12mm and handles UV, so it suits outdoor spaces as well as indoor kitchens. Quartz starts from R3,280 per m² and porcelain from R5,460 per m².
Which one for an outdoor braai area?
For outdoor spaces, granite or porcelain is the better choice, and quartz is best kept indoors. Your sink and hob cut-outs, if you have them, are cut and polished on site in the same way for all three materials.
How we make and install all three
The process is the same for granite, quartz and porcelain:
- Day 1: we measure your kitchen and receive payment.
- Day 2: your tops are cut and polished to size in our Nkowankowa factory.
- Day 3: our team cuts and polishes the sink and hob cut-outs on site, outside in your garden or yard, then installs and cleans up your kitchen tops.
That is about 3 days for standard installations. Because the cut-outs are cut and polished on site, we need some outdoor space on installation day. Your cupboards must already be installed before we measure, and your stove or hob and your sink must be on site on installation day.
How to get your quote: three easy ways
You don’t need to work out square metres yourself. Send us a simple drawing or your measurements and we’ll work out your quote. Prefer us to measure? Ask and we’ll come to you. For a drawing, just:
- Do a simple drawing of your kitchen tops, including any island.
- Write the sizes on the drawing.
- Mark where the splashbacks go.
- Mark where the stove or hob and the sink go.
- Mark which edges must be polished.
- Send it to us with the colour you like and your location.
We then work out the square metres, the splashbacks, the cut-outs, the travel and the total price for you. Quotes come back within a few hours once the sizes are in and are valid for 6 months. Travel is charged in rings around your nearest branch: from R900 for up to 50km, R1,800 up to 100km and R2,700 up to 150km. Beyond 150km, travel is confirmed on your quote. Planning around the festive season? Book before 15 December.
See all three before you buy
All our branches have sample stands with all the different colours, so you can compare granite, quartz and porcelain side by side. To see full slabs, visit our Head Office and Factory at 177 Leda, Industrial Area 2, Nkowankowa. Our branches are at Nkowankowa (Head Office and Factory), Acornhoek, Phalaborwa (Namakgale), Metz (Shop 27A, Mahlakung Mall), Polokwane and Tzaneen (Stasie Road, near Lapeng). See all our branches and contact details.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between granite, quartz and porcelain kitchen tops?
Granite is natural, with a unique pattern in every slab. Quartz is engineered, with an even colour. Porcelain is the thinnest at 12mm and is resistant to heat, UV and scratches. At Meraki Granite they start from R2,400, R3,280 and R5,460 per m² respectively, including VAT and installation.
Does granite cost less than quartz?
Yes. Granite starts from R2,400 per m² and quartz from R3,280 per m², both including VAT and installation. On 4 m² that is from R9,600 for granite and from R13,120 for quartz.
Is porcelain more expensive than granite and quartz?
Yes. Porcelain starts from R5,460 per m², including VAT and installation. On 4 m² that is from R21,840.
How thick are granite, quartz and porcelain kitchen tops?
Granite is generally 30mm, with 20mm also available. Quartz is 20mm. Porcelain is 12mm. 20mm and 30mm granite are usually the same price, confirmed on your quote.
Which is better for outdoor braai areas?
Granite or porcelain. Granite suits outdoor kitchens and braai areas, and porcelain is resistant to heat, UV and scratches. Quartz is best suited to indoors, because prolonged direct sunlight can affect its colour over time.
Which needs sealing?
Granite should be resealed every 1 to 2 years. Quartz and porcelain do not need sealing.
Can I put hot pots on granite, quartz or porcelain?
Granite and porcelain are heat resistant, although we suggest a pot stand or trivet under extremely hot cookware. Quartz handles everyday warmth, but direct high heat can damage it, so always use a pot stand or trivet.
How do I get a quote?
Send us a simple drawing or your measurements and we’ll work out your quote. Prefer us to measure? Ask and we’ll come to you. With a drawing, include the sizes, splashbacks, the stove or hob and sink positions, which edges must be polished, your colour and your location. We work out the m², splashbacks, cut-outs, travel and total. Quotes come back within a few hours once the sizes are in and are valid for 6 months.
How long does installation take?
About 3 days for standard installations. Day 1 is measuring and payment, day 2 is cutting and polishing your tops to size in our Nkowankowa factory, and on day 3 our team cuts and polishes the sink and hob cut-outs on site, outside in your garden or yard, then installs and cleans up. We need some outdoor space for the cut-outs.
Is there a travel charge?
Travel is charged in rings around your nearest branch: from R900 for up to 50km, R1,800 up to 100km and R2,700 up to 150km. Beyond 150km, travel is confirmed on your quote.
Where can I see granite, quartz and porcelain before I buy?
Our branches have sample stands with all the different colours. Full slabs are on view at our Head Office and Factory, 177 Leda, Industrial Area 2, Nkowankowa.
Get your quote
Send us a simple drawing or your measurements and we’ll work out your quote. Prefer us to measure? Ask and we’ll come to you. With a drawing, include the sizes, the splashbacks, where your stove or hob and sink go, and which edges must be polished, plus the colour you like and your location. Quotes come back within a few hours once the sizes are in and are valid for 6 months. WhatsApp 060 692 8392 or call Kobus Smith on 060 860 7751. Browse our granite kitchen tops, quartz kitchen tops and porcelain kitchen tops.