Price Groups Explained: Why is a Calacatta Gold Quartz More Expensive?

By Tudor Granite, Worktop Specialist | Updated: October 2025 | Reading time: 4 minutes

"Why does this white worktop cost more than that white worktop?" It's a question we hear all the time. The answer lies in "price groups." This guide, a detailed follow-up to our main quartz price guide, demystifies why the look you choose is the biggest factor in the final cost.

Crucially, price groups are not about quality. A Group 1 quartz from a reputable brand is just as durable, scratch-resistant, and non-porous as their top-tier Group 5 product. You are paying for artistry and technology, not performance.

What Are Price Groups?

Manufacturers categorise their quartz products into groups, usually from 1 (most affordable) to 5 or more (most premium). This system is based entirely on the complexity and cost of manufacturing the slab's appearance.

• Group 1-2 (Entry-Level): These are the simplest designs. They are typically solid, plain colours (like pure white or grey) or have very fine, uniform specks. They require the least complex manufacturing process.
• Group 3-4 (Mid-Range): Here you'll find more variation. This includes slabs with small-to-medium coloured particles, more complex base colours, or simple, subtle veining.
• Group 5+ (Premium/Designer): This is where the artistry happens. These slabs feature bold, dramatic, and multi-layered veining designed to perfectly replicate the world's most sought-after natural marbles, like Calacatta, Statuario, or Emperador marble.

So, Why Is Calacatta Gold More Expensive?

A style like "Calacatta Gold" from a brand like Silestone or Caesarstone sits in a high price group for a few key reasons:

1. Advanced Technology: Creating realistic, through-body veining that flows with natural-looking depth and randomness requires the most advanced manufacturing technology and multiple layers of colour and pattern.
2. Premium Raw Materials: To achieve a pristine, bright white background, manufacturers must use the highest purity natural quartz. The pigments used for rich, golden veins are also more costly than standard pigments.
3. Research & Development: Brands invest millions in R&D to lead the market with these highly desirable, trend-setting designs. This cost is reflected in the price of their flagship products.

Expert Opinion: Is it Worth Paying More?

"Absolutely, if the design is the centerpiece of your kitchen. The visual difference between a plain Group 1 quartz and a premium Group 5 marble-effect is night and day. The latter transforms the worktop from a functional surface into a work of art. For many of our clients in Hereford, creating that 'wow' factor is worth the extra investment." — The Tudor Granite Design Team

Conclusion: Paying for Artistry

When you choose a higher price group quartz, you are not buying a "better" or "stronger" worktop. You are paying for a more complex and beautiful design. The choice comes down to your budget and the aesthetic you want for your kitchen. A simple Group 1 can look stunning in a minimalist design, while a Group 5 Calacatta is designed to be the star of the show.