FAQs

The best worktop for your kitchen will depend on your lifestyle, budget, and taste. Each material has some advantages and disadvantages. Marble is known for its beauty but can stain very easily. Granite is hard, heat-resistant, but can be porous. Quartz is ‘man-made’, so it’s strong and resistant to stains with a huge choice of colors and patterns. Sintered stone is the newest material on the block, touting exceptional strength and stain resistance with a modern look and feel. The best way to decide is to explore your options and consider your specific needs.

Quartz and sintered stone are beyond a doubt the trendiest worktops nowadays. Each of these stones bears an ultra-modern look that people adore so much, along with their excellent durability and huge colour and design range. Meanwhile, classic materials like granite and marble will always be wanted by those who remain true to their traditional style. visit our Instagram page for more inspirations.

Yes, you can get new kitchen worktops installed without replacing your kitchen. It is undoubtedly a very common kind of home improvement. This makes the kitchen appear fresh and new without the hassle and cost that comes with a complete refit. If you are looking for a step-by-step guide to do it yourself, checkout this video.

This need not necessarily be so with various methods of keeping down the cost. Try using a less expensive material such as laminate or engineered stone. You can also save money by doing some of the work yourself, like removing the old worktops. However, bear in mind that cheap worktops will not be as durable and long-lasting as those made from better materials. If you are looking for a step-by-step guide to do it yourself, checkout this video.

All things being equal, quartz will be somewhat more expensive than granite. That said, a specific variety of either quartz or granite, combined with the thickness and size of a worktop, can greatly fluctuate its cost. It is good to check several suppliers’ prices to get a better feel for the difference in cost.

Generally speaking, the toughest material used in kitchen worktops would have to be sintered stone. It’s very hard-wearing and scratch-resistant, high in temperature resistance, and stain-resistant. That said, other materials like granite and quartz are very hard-wearing too and suitable for everyday use in any kitchen.

Quartz and sintered stone work best to avoid stains. Since they are non-porous, quartz and sintered stone will not allow any kind of liquid to pass through to their surface. Marble and granite are porous stones; hence, they are easily stained than other stones.

The best worktop colour just depends on your personal preference and often the style of your kitchen. Light colours would make a kitchen appear larger and reflect more light, while the dark colours would bring drama and sophistication. Neutral colours, such as grey or white, are so versatile and would be in keeping with most styles. Choose the colour you love, which is going to enhance the overall design of your kitchen.

The kitchen trend in 2024 will move to be all about sustainability, natural materials, and fusions between modern and traditional. Think earthy tones, recycled materials, and sleek minimalism. Marble and quartz stay at the top of people’s lists as worktop choices, though interest in sintered stone is on the rise due to its hardiness and eco-credentials. Open shelving and smart storage solutions prove increasingly popular.

A general estimate in the UK would be that a joiner can fit kitchen worktops within a range of £150 to £300, but it obviously depends on the intricacy of the job and the type of worktop material being fitted. Prices may vary depending on location, worktop size, and other additional tasks such as cutting and joining. Always get a detailed quote before proceeding with the work.

Quartz worktops are obviously the easiest to maintain since it has a non-porous surface that neither stains nor scratches to provide room for bacterial growth. Quartz doesn’t require sealing, unlike other types of natural stones; hence, it’s virtually maintenance-free. What this type of countertop requires is just a simple wipe with a wet cloth and mild detergent to keep it in very good condition, hence ideal for a busy household.

Yes, kitchen fitters can cut worktops to size. They have all the necessary tools and expertise in worktop cutting to size for sinks, hobs, and corners. The key to this is making sure you take proper measurements and discuss any specific needs with your fitter in advance of any installation issues.

Because they are durable and versatile in design, quartz worktops are the most cost-effective. Though a little pricey than other worktop materials, the toughness of quartz worktops and being easy to clean pays for themselves in due time. For those who have a meager budget, the cost-effective substitute would be laminate worktops.

Sintered stone is one of the latest kinds of countertops on the market. This is made through the process that just replicates the organic formation of stones. Sintered stone is extremely durable, resistant to heat, and low maintenance. It offers fabulous natural stone looks with improved performance qualities, which makes it very popular in modern kitchens for those who need style and functionality.

Quartz worktops are still the most popular in kitchens today due to their resilience, aesthetic versatility, and very low maintenance. quartz is available in a plethora of colors and patterns, including some very realistic imitations of natural stone such as marble and granite. It suits any type of design and, being nonporous, it is hygienic and resistant to stains and scratches.

It’s not recommended to place hot pans directly on quartz worktops, as they can suffer thermal shock and potentially crack or discolour. Although quartz is heat-resistant, it’s safer to use trivets or heat pads to protect the surface from extreme temperatures. This precaution will help maintain the worktop’s appearance and prolong its lifespan.

Coffee can stain quartz if spills are not cleaned promptly, especially on lighter-coloured surfaces. While quartz is non-porous, prolonged exposure to acidic substances like coffee can lead to discolouration. To prevent staining, wipe up spills immediately with a damp cloth and avoid using abrasive cleaners, which can damage the surface and make it more susceptible to stains.