Help & Advice
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about choosing, buying, and caring for stone worktops. Can't find your answer? Our team is on hand to help.
General
What types of stone worktops do you supply?
We supply quartz, granite, marble, and quartzite worktops. Our catalogue contains over 150 surfaces across all four materials, ranging from classic neutrals to dramatic statement stones. All are available with a choice of edge profiles and finish options.
Do you supply and install, or supply only?
We offer both options. Most customers choose our full supply-and-install service, which includes templating, fabrication, delivery, and professional fitting. If you have your own fitter, we are happy to supply fabricated worktops only — please specify when requesting a quote.
Can I order samples before committing?
Yes. We offer free material samples for any surface in our range. Samples are approximately 100 mm × 100 mm and ship within 3 working days. We recommend viewing samples in your actual kitchen under both daylight and artificial lighting before making a decision.
Where are your worktops manufactured?
All fabrication takes place at our UK workshop. Slabs are sourced directly from quarries and manufacturer partners in Italy, Spain, Brazil, and Turkey, and then cut, edged, and finished to your exact specification at our facility.
Materials
What is the difference between quartz and quartzite?
Quartz worktops are engineered: approximately 93% ground natural quartz crystals bound with polymer resin. Quartzite is a naturally occurring metamorphic rock formed from sandstone. Quartzite has the look of marble with far greater hardness, while quartz offers greater consistency in colour and pattern across the slab.
Is marble practical for a kitchen worktop?
Marble is softer and more porous than granite or quartz, which means it can etch (lose surface polish) if exposed to acids such as lemon juice or vinegar. Many customers consider this natural ageing part of marble's character. For a heavily used family kitchen, we often recommend a honed finish, which is more forgiving of everyday marks.
Do granite worktops need to be sealed?
Most granites benefit from an annual application of a quality stone sealant to resist staining. We apply an initial seal as part of our installation. Thereafter, we recommend resealing once per year, which is a simple 20-minute task. Some denser granites — particularly absolute black — do not require sealing at all.
Are quartz worktops heat-proof?
Quartz is heat-resistant but not heat-proof. Placing a very hot pan directly on the surface can cause thermal shock, potentially cracking or discolouring the resin binder. We always recommend using a trivet or heat pad. Granite and quartzite are more naturally heat-tolerant, though we still advise using trivets as a precaution.
Pricing
How much does a stone worktop cost?
Prices vary widely depending on material, surface, edge profile, size, and the complexity of your kitchen layout. As a general guide, installed quartz worktops start from around £1,500 for a small kitchen, while premium natural stones can exceed £10,000 for larger, complex projects. We always provide a fully itemised quote before you commit.
Is VAT included in your quotes?
All prices in our quotes are stated exclusive of VAT, with VAT shown as a separate line item. The quote total will clearly display the VAT-inclusive figure so there are no surprises.
Are there any hidden costs I should know about?
Our quotes cover material, fabrication, edge profiling, standard cut-outs, templating, delivery, and installation. Additional charges may apply for complex cut-outs (e.g., unusual sink shapes), non-standard edges, long-distance travel supplements, and optional upstand or splashback panels. These are all listed clearly in your quote before you pay a deposit.
Installation
How long does installation take from placing an order?
The typical lead time from accepting a quote and paying a deposit to installation day is 2–3 weeks. This includes a template visit (usually within 5 working days), fabrication (7–10 working days), and scheduling your fitting appointment.
Do I need to remove my old worktops before your team arrives?
No. Our installation team will carefully remove and dispose of your existing worktops as part of the service. Please let us know at the quoting stage if your old worktops contain any hazardous materials or if access is restricted.
What happens on the day of installation?
Our fitters will arrive at the agreed time, remove your old worktops, carry in the new stone panels (which are fabricated off-site to your exact measurements), bed them into position, seal all joints, make good around sinks and hobs, and apply a final sealant to natural stone surfaces. Most kitchen installations are complete within a single working day.
Do you cover the whole of the UK?
Yes. Our templating and installation teams operate nationwide. We cover all regions including Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Channel Islands. Lead times and any applicable travel supplements are confirmed at the quoting stage.
Care & Maintenance
How should I clean my stone worktop day to day?
For daily cleaning, a soft cloth or microfibre pad with warm water and a pH-neutral washing-up liquid is all you need. Avoid abrasive scouring pads, bleach, ammonia-based cleaners, and anything strongly acidic. Wipe spills promptly, particularly red wine, coffee, and citrus juice on natural stone surfaces.
Can I repair a chip or crack myself?
Minor chips on stone worktops can sometimes be filled with a colour-matched resin repair kit, available from stone care suppliers. For anything more significant — a crack, a deep gouge, or a chip near a cut-out — we recommend contacting our aftercare team. Attempting a DIY repair on a visible area can sometimes make the result worse.
How often should I seal my natural stone worktop?
We seal all natural stone surfaces during installation. Thereafter, granite and quartzite typically require resealing once every 12 months. Marble may benefit from sealing every 6 months if used intensively. A simple water-bead test tells you when it is time: if water no longer beads on the surface and instead soaks in, it is time to reseal.
Still Have Questions?
We are happy to help
Our stone specialists are available Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 5:30 pm. Reach us by phone, email, or by submitting a quote request and we will get back to you within one working day.