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Stone Worktops: Your Questions Answered

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At Marble & Granite we get many enquiries about which are the best types of stone worktops that we can provide. This is something of a difficult question to answer because there are several different types of stone available for worktops and they each have their own pros and cons, as you might imagine.

Just to begin with, there are natural stones which have been hewn out of rock which has formed over millions of years, So, for instance, you could choose from granite, marble, sandstone, limestone, or quartzite. One thing that is for sure is that every slab of any of these stones will be unique because they are not all composed of the same minerals.

So even if you select, say, limestone, the various slabs will vary according to the exact conditions under which it was formed and the other minerals that were present and thus incorporated into it at the time. This is why every piece is unique and will have its own variations of patterns and colours. That is one of the pleasures of natural stone, in that you can be sure that nobody else will have a worktop that is the same as yours.

Some Stones Are Harder Than Others

Then again, when you are considering stone worktops in London, some of the stones will be harder than others. Marble, for example, is a relatively soft stone and can be subject to staining from several different kitchen products such as vinegar, oil, lemon juice, coffee, wine, and more, because it is a porous stone. Even then, some slabs of marble are less porous than others, again depending on the original formation. When that is said and done, marble, and other porous stones, can be protected from staining by using an appropriate sealant.

Most types of stone worktops can be subject to chips or cracks if not treated properly. Again, this will depend upon the type of stone. For instance, there are man-made stones such as quartz which is created using about 93% of actual quartz but incorporates resins and pigments for colouring. This produces a very hard stone, and it does not need sealing. However, you have to be careful not to put hot pans on it as this can affect the resins in it. It’s not difficult: you simply use a trivet.

Another recent product is sintered stone which is made of 100% natural minerals and oxides and results in a virtually non-porous product.

We have all of these various stones available that you can use for your kitchen worktops – and some of them outside as well because sintered stone, for example, is not affected by UV light.

For more information and answers to all your questions, come to our premises at Hatfield and see what we have available for your new kitchen.

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New Year – New Kitchen!

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Most of us will have made New Year’s resolutions of many different sorts. Some people want to lose weight, some join a gym (quite a large number in fact), some may have decided to change their job, and so on.

Other people may have decided to change things around in the home. What with the cost of buying a new home today, and the interest rates on mortgages, it is a far better bet for many people to stay put and redecorate their present property.

One of the most popular choices is to do up the kitchen. Over the years, kitchen cabinets and cupboards age, and so do fridges, freezers, cookers, and all of the other items in the kitchen. We also spend a lot more time there than we used to. Back in the day, the kitchen was the room for doing the cooking and the washing, while meals were eaten in the dining room. However, today many families not only cook in the kitchen but eat meals there, watch TV, and invite family and friends over for dinner as well. So, upgrading the kitchen and making it more “21st century” makes perfect sense.

A Huge Difference

As we have often said at Marble & Granite, and many people agree with us, if you only upgrade the worktops and nothing else, it can make a huge difference to the appearance and also the feeling of your kitchen. If you can afford to rip out all the old appliances and buy new, and maybe even extend the kitchen into the garden, then by all means do it. But if not, just changing those worktops will make your kitchen like new.

When it comes to the material for your new worktops, there are many different choices, but today, more and more homeowners are opting for stone – either natural stone or man-made. At Marble and Granite, we offer you many different alternatives, and we have recently been finding that a lot of our customers are going for quartz worktops in Watford today.

Quartz is a man-made stone comprised of approximately 93% quartz aggregates which are mixed with pigments and polymer resins. This produces a stone which is extremely durable and, unlike natural stones such as marble, limestone, granite, and so on, does not need sealing, as it is stain resistant.

There are many different patterns and colours available from which you can choose, so there is bound to be the perfect quartz worktop for your kitchen.

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Transform Your Kitchen With Stunning Granite Worktops In Kingston

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This is the time of year when most of us have made our New Year’s resolutions with the intention of sticking to them. It is not yet the middle of February, by which time many people have forgotten them!

So, if your resolution was to re-do your kitchen, now is the time to do it – before you succumb to all of the holiday ads and say to yourselves “Oooh yes! Let’s go to Bali for a fortnight” – and the kitchen remake gets postponed for another year. Let’s face it: a holiday is two weeks. Your re-vamped kitchen will last for years.

One of the most important factors when considering kitchen improvements is the worktops. They can make a huge difference to your kitchen, even if that is the only thing you change. When it comes to worktops you have almost endless choices, but when you narrow things down many people realise all of the benefits of natural stone.

These are the types of worktops that we provide at Marble & Granite (you might have guessed!), and one of our most popular is granite worktops in Kingston.

Every Slab Is Different

Granite has many benefits when use in the kitchen, not the least of which is that being a natural stone, every slab is different. That means that your worktops will be unique. It is because it is made up of feldspar, mica, and quartz, and the amazing patterns, colours, and streaking vary according to what percentage of each the stone contains. There may also be traces of other minerals as well.

But it is not just the amazing look of granite that is so important. Granite is an igneous rock, which means that it was formed under extreme heat and pressure. As such, it is probably the only stone worktop upon which you can place hot pans without any worries whatsoever. This can be important in a kitchen.

Being so tough, it is also very resistant to scratches. In fact, you probably wouldn’t do it any damage if you chopped and cut foods directly on it. However, we do recommend using a chopping board because, apart from anything else, you would very probably damage your knives!

Granite worktops in Kingston also work very well with undermounted sinks because you can wipe off spills and liquids straight into them without them being caught by the lip. We are always in favour of anything that makes life easier in the kitchen!

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Discover Quartz Worktops in Watford For Contemporary Kitchen Excellence

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Choosing new worktops for your kitchen in Watford, or for that matter for use in your bathroom around basins and baths and so on, can be a difficult task. Unless you have seen something at a friend’s home or elsewhere and have already decided, the possibilities are almost endless.

You can have wood, laminates, luxury vinyl, stones of various sorts, and more. Many people do opt for stone, but even then, there are different options – marble, granite, limestone, sandstone, quartz, quartzite, etc., so settling on the final choice can be tricky as there are so many things to take into account.

One of the major considerations for use in the kitchen is how tough the stone is, and also the porosity. If you have a stone which is porous, it can be subject to staining, and also possibly chipping or cracking if you drop a heavy pan on it, such as cast iron. These are some of the reasons why a lot of people decide upon quartz worktops in Watford.

Man-Made Stone

Quartz is actually a man-made stone, although quartz itself is naturally formed. However, quartz worktops are made up of about 93% quartz which has been ground to a powder and is then mixed with pigments and resins which make up the other 7%. This produces a stone that is extremely hard, and also non-porous: you can spill things on it with gay abandon and it won’t have any effect in the way of staining whatsoever. As such, it also never needs a sealant.

Furthermore, because it is non-porous, that also means that it is totally resistant to bacteria, germs, mildew, and so on, because they cannot get into the stone. That’s an additional benefit when you are working with food.

However, one thing that you do need to be aware of is that it is not heat-resistant (there had to be a catch, didn’t there?!). This is because of the resins it contains. However, it is not really a big deal because you simply use a trivet, as you should on almost any kitchen work surface.

When it comes to the appearance of quartz worktops in Watford, the choices that we can offer you at Marble & Granite are almost endless. There are several different manufacturers such as Caesarstone, Silestone, Cambria, Next Stone, Quarela, Nile, and more, giving you very many different options. Click on the Quartz Stone link at the top of the page and then you can scroll through all of the different choices.

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Marble Worktops In London For A Luxurious Kitchen Upgrade

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It’s the New Year, and for many people who have been living in their home for a number of years it is time to upgrade their kitchens.

One of the most important considerations is the worktops, because they are probably the stand-out feature in most kitchens. They catch the eye, especially if they are beautiful. Sure, you can get plain old single-coloured laminates if you want something cheap and cheerful, but who wants “cheap and cheerful” when for a little more you can have something which dazzles? After all, whatever you choose is going to be with you for years.

At Marble & Granite, one of the types of natural stone that we get asked for very often is marble worktops in London because they have an amazing sheen that you just can’t seem to get with other stones. But it has other benefits too, not the least of which is that pastry chefs absolutely love it. This is because it is porous and is therefore a poor conductor of heat, which is perfect for mixing dough on.

It Needs A Sealant

However, there is one downside, and that is that because it is porous it is subject to staining. You can overcome that by using a sealant. But here is something that many people don’t know: some marbles are less porous than others! That means that they have different absorption rates, and in turn some marbles actually have lower absorption rates than certain granites, so it is worth checking on these.

With that said, if you do spill things such as vinegar, lemon juice, red wine, coffee, and so on, you should wipe them off as soon as you spot them. You also need to use a chopping board rather than chop foods directly on them, but that applies to most other worktop types too.

We can provide you with honed marble worktops in London, but most customers prefer polished marble which, apart from that amazing shine, is less porous than honed. Either way, both will require regular sealing, but it is not such a big issue. Sealant can last for up to 5 years, and a simple way to check if your marble needs re-sealing is to place a glass of iced water on it and leave it for a bit. Pick up the glass, and if water beads up on the surface from condensation, then it’s fine. It is still sealed.

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Elevate Your Space: Stone Worktops In London For Timeless Elegance

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The kitchen in many homes today has become far more than a room where you do the cooking and washing up. You also do the laundry and the ironing, but a lot of people eat in the kitchen as well: the dining room has become almost obsolete. Indeed, some people have knocked down the wall between the dining room and kitchen, in order to create a much larger kitchen area, where they also entertain guests for a meal.

This is one of the reasons why the décor of the kitchen has become so much more important today, and one of the major factors is the worktops because they are a main feature. Of course, there are lots and lots of options for kitchen worktops, but more and more people today are going for stone worktops in London. We should know, at Marble & Granite, because our business is (we are happy to say) booming.

But even when you have narrowed your choices down to stone worktops in London, there are still a great number of options. For instance, there are natural stones – limestone, sandstone, marble, granite, quartzite, and so on – and then there are also man-made stones such as quartz or sintered stone.

Every Slab Is Different

Natural stones are a popular choice because every slab is different, depending upon the other minerals that were present in the earth’s surface when the stone was first formed. So, when you choose natural stone, your worktops will be unique. You can come to our premises in Hatfield and browse through all the natural stone slabs we have (which is a lot) and choose the ones which appeal to you.

Then there are all the manufacturers of man-made stone, all of whom have their own designs, patterns, and colours, giving you many, many more choices. We offer quartz and sintered stone from all of the major manufacturers and there are many different options as you can see if you look through the list of them under the Quartz Stone and Sintered Stone links above. There is quite literally something for everyone.

What you end up choosing is up to you, of course. You might like marble, especially if you are a pastry cook, because of the fact that it remains “stone” cold (!) which is perfect for mixing pastry. You might prefer quartz because it is virtually unbreakable and non-porous. Call us on 01992 535 038 or email info@marbleandgranite.co.uk to book an appointment to view samples and get expert advice from our friendly team.

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Looking For Granite Worktops In Rickmansworth? We’ve Got You Covered

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If you are looking for granite worktops in Rickmansworth, you are by no means alone. At Marble & Granite, we should know, because they are one of the most popular stones for worktops chosen by our customers. Based, as we are, in Hatfield, we are your local experts when it comes to all things concerning natural stones.

One of the reasons that granite is so popular is that, not only is it a completely natural stone, but it is extremely hard. It is mined in Italy, Norway, Chile, Brazil, and India, and also in the US at Barre, Vermont. Granite is also 100% recyclable when it finally gets to the end of its’ day as a worktop.

However, that day is a long way off. Granite is not only very hard, coming in at 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness which runs from 1 – 10, but is also heat resistant. This is because it was formed originally under extreme heat and pressure. From the kitchen point of view, it means that even if you put a hot pan down on it straight off the hob (which you shouldn’t really do) it is not likely to cause any issues.

To Some Extent Porous

However, if there is a downside (there had to be one, didn’t there?) it is that it is porous to some extent. What that means is that it will need sealing once installed. If it is not sealed, then spills of things such as coffee, red wine, vinegar, etc., may cause staining. However, with the modern-day sealants that are available now, they can last as long as ten years, so it is not a major issue. Many other stone worktops need sealing as well as granite.

Granite worktops are very easy to clean. Once sealed, they only really need a wipe over with a damp cloth.

Fair enough, granite worktops are not cheap, but then neither are a lot of others.  But they are well worth it. Granite comes in a wide range of colours including black, grey, white, green, blue, red, beige, and brown. Not only that but depending upon the other minor minerals that were present when the granite was formed, it comes in an endless array of different patterns, stripes, swirls, and so on. Of one thing you can be certain, and that is that, as it is a natural stone, every single slab is unique.

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Opting For Quartz Worktops In Harrow? Come To Marble & Granite!

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More and more people today are choosing stone worktops when refurbishing their kitchens, and with good reason. They look fabulous, are pretty easy to clean, and can be pretty tough too. But what sort of stone worktops are the best for you?

We can help you at Marble & Granite. Based in Hatfield, we are your local supplier of all things stone, and not just marble and granite.

Many of our customers today are going for quartz worktops in Harrow for a number of reasons. Oddly enough, it is not actually a natural stone: it is man-made. It consists of about 93% natural quartz, but this is mixed with resins and pigments which make up the other 7% or so.

All of the basic stone material comes from the Breton company in Italy which has a patent on the design process. The good news is that the actual manufacturing process produces low carbon emissions, so it is eco-friendly.

Completely Non-Porous

A big benefit of quartz for use as worktops is that it is totally non-porous. Other stones can be porous to different degrees, but nearly all of them will require a sealant, whereas quartz never needs sealing. So, it is resistant to staining, and also bacteria and moulds cannot grow in it, which is perfect for a surface on which you prepare foods.

However, you have to be careful not to put hot pans from the hob or oven directly on the surface. This is because of the resins contained in the stone. You always need to use a trivet. With that said, the same applies to many other stone surfaces as well.

Since quartz is so hard, it also means that you are very unlikely to scratch it, but again you should use a chopping board, as indeed, you should with almost any other worktop material.

Quartz worktops are available in a variety of different finishes, so they can be polished, honed, leathered, and so on, as you wish. You can also have your own choice of edges on a quartz worktop as well.

As for colours and patterns, the world is your oyster, as the old saying goes. Quartz can be provided in a huge choice of colours and patterns and can even be made to imitate other natural stones such as granite, marble, limestone, and so on.

So, if you wish to consider quartz for your kitchen or bathroom, make an appointment to come and talk to us in Hatfield and see all your options.

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Marble & Granite: Your Supplier For Granite Worktops In Wood Green

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At Marble & Granite in Hatfield, we are major suppliers of natural and man-made stones for all sorts of purposes in and around the home. Stone worktops are becoming more popular by the week, because natural stones are unique in their appearance. However, they can also be used for patios, bathroom surrounds, fireplaces, steps in the garden, and many more ideas. We stock a wide range of different slabs, and we can cut them to whatever shape and size you desire.

Many people choose granite worktops in Wood Green, partly for their durability, but also because, as a natural stone, every slab is different. Granite is also available in a wide choice of colours and patterns so there is something to match the design of every kitchen or bathroom, or wherever else you choose to use it.

Another very big advantage when you use granite for your worktops is that it is extremely hard. That means that it won’t scratch. That doesn’t mean that you should not use a chopping board when cutting foods. Indeed, you should, because if you don’t you are very likely to damage the blade of your knife.

Heat-Resistant

Granite is also heat-resistant. So, if you should by chance put a hot pan down on it, you will not damage the stone. However, even though it is so hard, granite is actually porous. That means that it needs a sealant in order to prevent staining if you spill things such as red wine, lemon juice, vinegar, and so on. Sealing also prevents bacteria or things such as mould growing on it. Putting a hot pan down on it may damage the sealant, which is not a good idea, so you should always use a trivet to place hot pans and dishes on.

We can also finish your granite worktops as you wish. The standard finish is highly polished, which to our minds looks fantastic, but you can also have them honed or leathered. The latter will provide a finish which has a textured surface which a lot of people like. None of the finishes will affect the performance of the stone.

We can also produce your granite worktops in a range of different edges which can add to the distinct design of your unique slabs. The choice is entirely yours.

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For Stone Worktops in Stevenage, Look No Further. Marble & Granite Is Here

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Are you considering refurbishing your kitchen in Stevenage? Or perhaps even extending it into the garden as so many people are doing today?

It’s true that over the last few years the kitchen has become more than the room where you do the cooking and washing up. Many families also eat their meals in the kitchen and entertain guests. It has a TV on the wall too, so you won’t miss Corrie or Eastenders.

It follows that many people are redesigning / extending their kitchens, and one of the major considerations is the worktops. There are many different materials that you can use for worktops, some of which are cheap and cheerful, while others are more expensive. However, it you want your kitchen to look the “bee’s knees” as the saying goes, then ‘cheap and cheerful’ won’t cut it.

In fact, many people are looking for stone worktops in Stevenage, which is a great choice, but then there is another problem because there are different types of stone available, and they have different features. Many are natural stones such as granite, marble, limestone, sandstone, and so on, but then there is also quartz which, when referring to slabs for worktops, is actually man-made.

Some stones are porous, and this can be to varying degrees. Some stones are relatively soft (marble) while others are hard like granite. Some stones are available in a wide range of different colours, while others not so much.

Every Slab Different

One of the beauties of natural stones is that every slab is different. This is because they are composed of different minerals depending upon what was present when they were formed all those years ago. So, for example, granite is mainly composed of quartz and feldspar, but the colours and patterns are determined by other minor minerals present in the earth in that location at the time they were formed.

Some stones are also extremely hard, like granite, and it is almost impossible to scratch them. Others, such as marble, are softer and can be scratched, so you need to take care. Some stones need a sealant, if they are porous, while others don’t.

Isn’t it complicated?

But don’t let this put you off. Stone worktops look absolutely incredible and will last for ages. Make an appointment to come and visit us at Marble & Granite in Hatfield where you can browse all sorts of different stones, patterns, designs, and so on, and where our friendly team will answer all your questions, so that you can make your own decision and have a fabulous new kitchen.

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