Worktop Guide: What to consider when choosing a stone worktop for the first time.

Before choosing a worktop, you definitely need to think about how you use your kitchen day to day. Do you want a bright, light-reflecting polished finish or something more subtle and textured? How will vein direction look in your layout? Who will you be using the kitchen and how much maintenance are you comfortable with? Considering these details along with our expert guidance helps ensure your worktop is not only beautiful, but practical for years to come. 

There are various attributes for the different types of worktops available and hopefully the guide below will help you choose the right stone for you…

Quartz

Benefits;

• Superior durability – making it resistant to stains and scratches.
• Food safe – hygienic and stain resistant due to its non-porous surface.
• Low-maintenance – quartz worktops require no sealing, so are also low maintenance and easy to clean.
• Full bodied – meaning that the beautiful colours and patterns run through the thickness of the material giving it the appearance of natural stone.
• Extensive Colour Choice – available in a wide range of designs and colours – much more choice in bright and light colours than in natural stone.
• Consistency – as quartz surfaces are man-made, all slabs of a specific colour can show a similar pattern. This provides you with consistency throughout your work surface that is not always possible with a natural stone.
• Slab strength – due to the structural strength in quartz slabs, it is possible to supply longer lengths in one piece than in some more delicate natural stones.
• Affordability – without the need to compromise on durability and quality, homeowners can also find quartz options that offer affordability.

Considerations;

• Lower Heat Resistance – heat resistant of up to approximately 150 degrees celsius so additional protection like trivets or chopping boards are recommended for putting hot items onto.  
• Dark Colours – very dark or black quartz can be harder to maintain than lighter colours.
• Suitable for indoor use only – as not highly UV resistant.

Granite

Benefits;

• Exceptionally hard – prized for its resistance to wear, scratches and staining when properly sealed (although some types/colours can be a little susceptible to staining.
• High temperature resistance – although granite isn’t completely heat proof, it is still highly heat resistant.
• Natural Beauty - taking millions of years to form, each slab of granite is unique. Available in many colours and patterns with some truly astonishing variations, granite will certainly add a luxurious and natural touch to any kitchen.
• Best choice for a polished black worktop – polished black granites are a particularly good choice if you want a dark worktop as it is easy to care for and keep their deep rich tones.
• Suitable for indoor and outdoor us – granite is UV stable making it ideal for most environments.
• Naturally cold surface – makes it ideal for working with pastry.
• Not ideal in a smooth honed finish – granite in a smooth honed finish can be difficult to maintain.

Considerations;

• Slab strength – some more patterned and veined colours can be delicate, so worktop runs may need to be shorter to avoid breakages during fabrication and transport. 
• Fine detail – every slab of natural stone is unique and, although this is a wonderful quality, we do recommend visiting our supplier to choose your slabs so that you can see all of it pattern and colour in detail to make sure it is the perfect piece for you. 

Sintered Stone/Porcelain

Benefits;

• Heat Resistant – the most heat resistant engineered surface available.
• Exceptionally hard – its ultra-dense surface easily withstands daily wear, from acidic foods and stubborn spills. Although the polished finish is not recommended if choosing this material for its hard wearing properties.
• Easy Maintenance – porcelain is easy to care for and highly resistant to stains and chemicals though solid white and black finishes may require a bit more attention.
• Food Safe – non-porous and hygienic, ideal for safe and clean food preparation.

• Beautiful and Versitile – vast array of colours, patterns and finishes, from classic whites and creams to veined dark marbles, as well as designs that evoke the appearance of granites or concrete.
• Available in a thinner profile – As well as many being available in 20mm, porcelain worktops come in 12mm which is perfect for modern sleek kitchen designs.
• Available in a book-match option – Some colours are available in a book match or vein match option which does allow for flexibility in design, and accuracy when vein/ pattern matching is important.

Considerations;

• Printed designs – porcelains predominantly have a printed top surface with a solid colour through the body. In order to give the illusion of natural stone, the material will require a mitred built up edge which can be costly. However, some full bodied designs are now coming into production. 
• Repairing – harder to repair chips than for granite or quartz. 

Solid Surface Worktop Templating & Installation Process

1. Initial Site Check

Once cabinetry is fully installed and secured, a site visit is arranged to confirm measurements, access, and any technical requirements. Sinks, hobs, and appliances should be on site at this stage.

2. Digital Templating

Precise digital templates are created using specialist equipment to capture exact dimensions, angles, cut-outs, and joint positions. This ensures a perfect fit, even in rooms with uneven walls.

3. Design & Fabrication

Templates are used to manufacture your worktops in the workshop. Cut-outs for sinks, taps, and appliances are prepared, and edges, joints, and details are finished. Solid surface joints are seamlessly bonded for a smooth, continuous appearance.

4. Pre-Installation Checks

Worktops are checked for quality, accuracy, and finish before delivery. Installation dates are confirmed, and access requirements are reviewed.

5. Installation

Worktops are carefully delivered and fitted by experienced installers. Sections are bonded together on site, creating seamless joins. Cut-outs and final adjustments are completed, and surfaces are levelled and secured.

6. Finishing & Aftercare

Joints are polished flush, edges refined, and the worktop cleaned. Care and maintenance advice is provided to ensure long-lasting performance.

Granite Kitchen Services

With many years experience working at the highest possible level, Granite Kitchen Services are the natural and man-made stone experts. They combine traditional skills with the very latest in industry leading technology in order to push the boundaries of what is possible, delivering a range of interior and exterior design solutions limited only by your imagination.

Established in 2004, GKS has became the South’s premier supplier of luxury work surfaces and stone products. With a team of 24 dedicated staff members in Botley, Hampshire, and a passion for stone, they’re ready to create that something special for you.

Granite Kitchen Services

Ready To Get Started?

Take the first step by contacting your local Elliotts Living Spaces team today and getting expert advice on your upcoming project. Simply click here for all our contact details.