Kitchen worktops, or countertops, are in almost every household, although not everyone has a stone worktop. Some people opt for other stone effect worktops which use materials like MDF and laminates which have applications to make them look like stone. In this article, we will look at natural stone worktops, marble, quartz, quartzite and granite worktops and discuss their advantages. We will also look at what worktop offcuts are and how you can use them to compliment your stone worktop.
What is a natural stone worktop?
Natural stone worktops are stone kitchen worktops made using natural stones. Natural stone surfaces don’t include any resins, volatile organic compounds, or other potentially dangerous elements. Natural stone kitchen worktops are very easy to maintain and protect; this makes natural stones safe for your family and your house while also giving them a distinctive look.
What is quartz?
Quartz is an engineered (or man-made) stone material used in various applications (commonly used in kitchen worktop manufacturing). Ground quartz, resin, and pigments are used in the manufacturing process to create engineered quartz; a stunning and incredibly resilient premium hard surface alternative that comes in a variety of design styles, such as contemporary concrete hues and natural stone-like appearances. Because engineered quartz is easy to maintain and resistant to heat, scratches, and stains, it is used in both residential and commercial applications.
What is quartzite?
Quartzite is a naturally occurring metamorphic rock that is created from sandstone. Natural quartz grain turns into quartzite when sandstone and magma that is buried far beneath the earth’s surface come into contact with each other. Quartzite is extremely hard and dense. Because quartzite has a considerably stronger resistance to common chemicals than marble, but has a veining and colour palette similar to marble, it is much sought after for use as kitchen countertops. Quartzite can be used in practically every application due to its abrasion resistance and weathering resilience, even though not all quartzites are completely non-porous.
What are composite stone worktops?
Different kinds of minerals, polymer resin, bonding agents, and colour pigments are combined to make composite kitchen worktops, which are extremely durable, heat-resistant, and 100% hygienic. Quartz and ceramic composite worktops are the two most common forms.
What to do with stone worktop offcuts
– Make the most of your stone worktop
Kitchen stone worktops Worktop offcuts are the small pieces of worktops left as waste if specific measurements are needed for some worktops. You can use worktop offcuts for a variety of different things:
Granite worktop offcuts
Granite offcuts from recently placed kitchen worktops are occasionally used as coasters, or placemats to create a unified look. Because of the extreme adaptability of granite worktop offcuts, these natural stones can be used outside as well.
Quartz worktop offcuts
When it comes to stone, the options are virtually limitless. Some clients decide to connect quartz offcuts together to create a personalised backsplash or fireplace hearth. Quartz offcuts can also be used to make consoles or coffee tables with unusual shapes that will make a statement in your house. Worktop offcuts can also be used for things like chopping boards; since the worktop offcuts are made from the exact same material as the worktop itself, the chopping board will match the style and look of your worktop.
Need more ideas?
If you are looking for inspiration for what to do with your offcuts, there are many websites to look at that give fantastic ideas. Don’t let your offcuts go to waste.
What different types of stone worktops are available?
Granite worktops
Granite resists heat well, making it an ideal material for a kitchen countertop. You can rest easy knowing you will have a gorgeous worktop for many years to come because it is stain and chip-resistant as well as pressure-resistant.
Quartz worktops
Quartz has a 25-year assured lifespan, making it more durable than granite. Since the polymers employed are non-porous, no additional cleaning agents are required because the buildup of bacteria and mould is prevented. It’s also among the cleanest surfaces for kitchens that can be found.
Marble kitchen worktop
Since marble is a natural stone, it resists stains, cracks, and breaks better than a lot of other countertop materials. Marble is softer than granite despite being more durable, thus, during the creation process, it is feasible to include aesthetically pleasing design details like decorative edges.
Choose your own kitchen stone worktop style and colour
Quartz worktop colours
Chiltern Marble has 160 different styles and colours of quartz worktops available.
Granite stone kitchen worktop
Nero Granite is a beautiful black granite option that will look timeless in any kitchen.
Composite stone kitchen worktops
Check out the design gallery in the products section of the website for full details. Styles are subject to availability.
Natural stone patterns
Natural solid stone is made by extracting large chunks of rock from quarries, these large chunks of rock are then cut into slabs. Every slab has unique qualities. Natural stone naturally has veining, crystallisation, uneven patterns, and shade; these features all contribute to its beauty.
Is granite cheaper than quartz?
– Price comparison
Since kitchen remodelling is an expensive home project, you probably want to know how much your ideal worktop will cost. Two of the most popular materials for kitchen worktops are quartz and granite, which can give any kitchen design an excellent finish. Quartz often costs a little less per square metre than granite when comparing the two materials’ costs. Nevertheless, a lot of skilled granite worktop installers and suppliers may adjust the cutting to make granite a more affordable choice. This is because slab sizes for granite are bigger than those for quartz. Instead of using two quartz slabs, it is therefore possible to obtain all the necessary components from a single, larger slab of granite.
What is the best stone for kitchen worktops?
– Style and purpose
The best stone to use for stone worktops mostly depends on the style and practical use of the kitchen worktop. Granite is regarded as the best stone slab for kitchen countertops when selecting a natural stone alternative. It is known for being a high-end stone material that will improve the appearance of your kitchen. The beauty of granite countertops is among their most alluring qualities.
What are the cheapest stone countertops?
– Different prices for different stones
You can get cheap stone worktops, or cost-effective stone worktops, without compromising quality when you choose natural marble or granite. While imported quartzites and some porcelain brands are more expensive, natural marble and quartz are typically less expensive. Prices are influenced by the location of origin, method of travel, limited supply, and accessibility. The cost of porcelain varies according to its hue and imitations of natural materials, which may indicate defects and longer production times.