Q&A
General Faq's
Simple. The one you like the best!. But remember, all natural stone worktops require a level of additional care and maintenance when compared with synthetic engineered stone such as quartz or porcelain. So whatever you choose you will need to be prepared for this.
However, granite remains the most popular choice of natural stone for worktops. Its range of colours and finishes as well as its strong heat resistance and good durability have made granite a popular choice for decades
Quartzite is the hardest and most durable natural stone available for kitchen worktops. It should not be confused with quartz. Here is a general guide to popular natural stone hardnesses using the Mohs scale.
Marble – 3-5
Granite – 6-8
Quartzite – 7-8
What is the lowest maintenance natural stone suitable for worktops?
Every type of natural stone is porous so requires regular cleaning and periodic sealing to prevent stains and surface scratches. However, quartzite and granite are the hardest stones and will better resist damage.
Yes, stone worktops are naturally porous and can absorb water, oil, and stains. A sealant creates a solid barrier on the stone that allows moisture to bead and puddle instead of seeping into the surface. Usually a sealant should be applied twice a year.
Engineered stone is made by combining stone dust and aggregate with resins. It is then formed into slabs in factories. It usually mimics the look of natural stone, and multiple slabs will have an almost identical appearance. The main benefits are that they are typically more durable and are non-porous, so do not need sealing.
Natural stone is formed deep within the earth over thousands or even millions of years. The stone is cut from quarries and sliced into slabs for use. Every slab of natural stone will be unique.
Marble Worktops Faq's
You should clean marble at least once a week with a soft cloth and mild soap solution. Once cleaned, you should always dry it. It should also be sealed periodically to protect the surface.
Yes, marble’s porous structure means that it can stain. To avoid this, marble needs to be sealed at least once a year for maximum protection.
Yes, we can remove deep-set stains by professionally re-grinding and polishing the surface.
No, being a natural stone means that no two pieces pieces will ever be the same. Colour variations and shades will differ. That’s what makes marble completely unique.
Yes, with technology advances our specialists can repair minor marks and damage almost to the original appearance. However, if the damage it serious, the only solution is to replace the marble.
Yes, when properly cared for, marble can last a lifetime – making it a much more sustainable option than synthetic products.
Yes, marble is renowned for its non-porous characteristics that prevent water, air and bacteria from penetrating the surface.
Granite Worktops Faq's
You can treat stains such as wine, coffee, nicotine, fruit juices and so on, by using a water-based stain remover. To remove dirt or grease we recommend using an alkaline degreaser.
Granite is the least porous and most durable of stone materials used for worktops, so it is very unlikely that granite will stain. However, we recommend that any spills be wiped up as soon as they occur.
We don’t recommend using bleach on granite as this can harm the stone. For cleaning, a gentle detergent and water is a much better way to keep your granite looking its best.
Ultraviolet rays can change the appearance of your granite over time. Modern window glass can filter much of the UV light, so fading is less likely.
Like any solid surface, it is possible to damage a granite worktop with high impact blows. However, in normal use it should not chip or crack.
Even though granite is highly resistant to scratches we don’t recommend cutting directly on the surface. You may not actually damage the surface, but you may scratch it and you will certainly blunt your knife. It’s best to use a cutting board.
Yes, you can place a hot pan on a granite worktop. However, it’s always a good practice to use trivets or heat-resistant mats as a precautionary measure. These help to minimise direct contact between the hot pan and the granite surface, reducing the potential risk of heat marks or thermal shock.
Quartz Worktops Faq's
Quartz is a man-made engineered synthetic product made using a combination of natural quartzite and synthetic materials.
Quarts comprises about 93% quartzite – one of the hardest minerals on earth. So quartz is one of the most durable materials available for worktops. Quartz worktops are scratch-resistant and heat-resistant, making them ideal for busy kitchens and well worth the investment.
Quartz is a non-porous material that never needs to be sealed to keep it looking as good as new.
Quartz surfaces are virtually maintenance free and can be cleaned with extreme ease. For routine cleaning and to wipe off spillages, use a damp cloth or paper towel with a small amount of mild soap or non-acidic cleaner. Once clean, rinse and dry the surface thoroughly.
Quartz surfaces should last a lifetime if they are taken care of properly.
Although quartz is non-porous and highly resistant to stains, do not allow dirt and residue such as stubborn food to harden and remain on quartz surfaces for an extended period of time. If this should happen, gently scrape away before cleaning the surface with warm water and soap. For stubborn spillages, use a non abrasive cleaning pad combined with a small amount of mild soap or specialised stone cleaner.
Depending on the extent of the damage, quartz can be repaired by our specialist team.
Need Help Choosing?
Our team of experts and designers are available to help you choose the right product for your space.