BQS®: Marble-Look Quartz Worktops by Brachot

BQS® quartz worktops handle brief contact with warm objects without issue, thanks to the dense quartz composite structure. However, extreme heat is the main limitation of quartz composite compared with natural stone or porcelain. The polyester resin that binds the quartz can discolour or soften when exposed to temperatures above 150–180°C. A warm cup of coffee or a teapot is absolutely fine, but never place a hot pan straight from the hob directly on the surface. Use a trivet or heat pad instead.

No. BQS® quartz worktops do not require sealing, ever. Unlike natural stone such as marble or granite, which is porous and needs regular sealing to prevent staining, quartz composite has a non-porous surface that resists liquids by default. Daily maintenance is limited to wiping down with a soft cloth and a mild, pH-neutral cleaner. This makes BQS® a low-maintenance choice for busy kitchens and high-traffic interiors. For detailed care guidance, see our quartz worktop maintenance guide.

BQS® quartz slabs are available in standard thicknesses of 20 mm and 30 mm, depending on the variety. 20 mm is the most common choice for kitchen worktops, offering a refined silhouette and easier handling during fabrication. 30 mm delivers a more substantial visual presence and is often selected for kitchen islands, statement worktops, and high-end architectural applications. Both thicknesses can be combined with mitred edges to create the appearance of an even thicker slab where desired. Slab dimensions and exact thickness availability vary per variety. View individual BQS® materials for full specifications.

Each material has its strengths. Marble offers unmatched natural character and a unique veining pattern in every slab, but it is porous, prone to etching from acidic foods, and requires regular sealing.

Porcelain (such as our Uniceramica® range) excels in heat and UV resistance, making it ideal for outdoor and high-temperature applications. Pots and pans can be placed directly on the worktop without risk of damage. One point to note is that small surface impacts can be visually more noticeable, as the high-quality print layer on top may be locally interrupted. With BQS® quartz, the pattern runs through the entire material, so small impacts are barely visible.

BQS® also offers significantly better scratch, stain, and acid resistance than natural marble, and is easier to fabricate. For most indoor kitchen and bathroom worktops, BQS® offers the best balance of beauty, durability, and practicality.

You can view BQS® quartz worktops in person at our Stone Galleries and warehouses across Europe. In the UK, full-size slabs are on display at our Halesowen warehouse and showroom (West Midlands), the central hub for BQS® supply to UK kitchen specialists, fabricators, and architects. In Belgium, our Deinze Stone Gallery offers the complete BQS® collection alongside the full Brachot range of natural stone and engineered surfaces. Additional showrooms are available in Verona (Italy), Czaple (Poland), and across our European network. Book a showroom visit to see the slabs, finishes, and veining variations up close.