A quick guide to Granite & Stone Worktops
For many Granite worktops are the epitome of style and elegance. They are certainly eternally popular and help create a timeless, elegant appearance for any kitchen. Granite can be shaped, curved and polished with under-mounted sinks, drainage grooves and areas or honed for a more matt appearance.
As long as granite worktops are treated reguarly with a protective treatment such as counter top magic they will not stain and are very durable. Granite worktops can be maintained and cleaned easily with warm water and a gentle detergent.
Granite worktops should be templated and fitted by professionals, sinks, drainage grooves are usually cut and machined in the factory for a perfect finish. Where possible you should try and see the entire slab so you can see the pattern and finish of this natural material.
There are a wide range of stone work-surfaces as an alternative to Granite. From man-made Quartz (natural stone bonded with resin for a consistent tough worksurface) through to softer Marble, or Limestone. For a more unusual finish you could consider stunning Slate or beautiful Polished Concrete worksurfaces.
These surfaces are far more specialist and you should discuss how you intend to use your kitchen with your supplier to ensure you choose the best worktop for your lifestyle.
Agree completely with Gareth’s summary. Granite is a significant investment, so it makes sense to have a close look at the supplier as well as the granite.
There are lots of deals available on the web, but you shoudl remember that anything that looks too good to be true…. is probably too good to be true.
Granite is heavy and can be difficult to quarry and transport. Add factory machining, and you can see that a cheap granite worktop deal is likely to use either poor quality granite or shoddy installation.
Go for quality and you will be happy with the results for many years.