Quartz is one of the most commonly used materials for kitchen countertops, but is this a true reflection on whether it is any good? Should Quartz be used within the kitchen for your countertop or should you pass it by completely?

We will cover a few pros and cons to Quartz when being used for kitchen countertops to help you during your decision process. Here are 12 of our top pros and cons to look out for when purchasing.

#1 Low Maintenance

The great thing about Quartz is that it is incredibly low maintenance, especially when it comes to cleaning it every day. All you will need is a mild soap, cloth and some warm water. There is no need to have any special cleaning products to keep your Quartz kitchen countertop looking fresh.

#2 No Sealing

There will be no long term costs during the lifetime of your Quartz kitchen countertop because it simply does not need it. Being a man made stone, it is made with you in mind to be as easy to keep as possible.

#3 Non-Porous

The main reason why Quartz does not need to be sealed at all is because it has been engineered to be a non-porous stone. This means that absolutely no bacteria will harbour beneath the surface and if you accidentally spill something then there is no mad rush to clean it up.

#4 Scratch Resistant

Quartz is second to diamond for its strength and therefore is scratch resistant, in fact it will take a diamond or another Quartz product to scratch your new kitchen countertop.

#5 Not Invincible

However, you have to consider and keep in mind that Quartz is certainly not invincible, and it can be damaged. If you hit it hard enough, it will crack or chip, especially around the edges.

#6 Heat Resistant

Another one of the best things about Quartz being placed in your kitchen for a countertop is that it is heat resistant. If you ever accidentally place down any hot pots and pans onto the surface, then there is no huge panic. Simply just remove the hot item and there should be no mark etched onto the surface.

#7 Budget Friendly

Quartz is one of the most affordable stones you can purchase for your kitchen countertop, so if you have a tight budget then this is definitely one of the best contenders on the market.

#8 Durable

Quartz is perfect for a busy family home because it is so durable. Quartz is able to withstand the high volumes of traffic within the kitchen area.

#9 Range of Colours

Quartz is readily available with many suppliers and it comes with one of the biggest ranges of colours and patterns available. Regardless of your design and style, you should be able to find the most perfect countertop slab for you.

#10 It Is Not Natural

Let’s face it, while it is 94% natural Quartz, Quartz does not replace the elegant beauty of natural stones such as Marble. Depending on your taste and overall style, Quartz may or may not be the best option for you.

#11 Modern

Quartz is a fairly modern stone and therefore some homeowners may not prefer it over Marble or Granite. As it has been entirely man made, often the seams down the middle of your countertops can be made quite visible as well which may ruin the look for you.

#12 Stain Resistant

Lastly, Quartz is known for being very stain resistant and this is because it is a non-porous stone. As no spillages can soak into the surface, it is very difficult to stain with any liquid including red wine and coffee, making it perfect for the kitchen.

Natural stone countertops offer timeless natural beauty that is extremely difficult to match when compared to the man made products available. When it comes to the natural stones, each and every stone is completely different. If you are looking for something with a bit more character, then natural stones are the best option for you to consider.

Each natural stone will have different levels of maintenance and come in different range of colours and styles. Remember, just because a stone can be made into a countertop it does not mean that it should be or that is where it will be best used.

Before you go ahead and purchase a natural stone countertop for your home, you need to decide whether you would like a high or low maintenance stone, how it will be used and what is likely to be placed on it. Some stones will damage if it comes into contact with acid, for example. You will also need to have a look at what look you are after as different natural stones offer completely different styles.

Hopefully this guide will help you decide whether a natural stone countertop is for you.

Granite – Pros & Cons

Granite is one of the most commonly used stones for countertops and it is because it has become much more affordable in recent years. Years ago, Granite used to only be found in high end kitchens but as the processing technology has improved, the price has come down.

Granite is available in a huge range of colours but some of them are rare, which means it can be expensive depending on what you are looking for.

Granite is such a hard stone that it will not scratch unless it is scratched with something harder than a diamond, however it will chip or crack if it has been hit hard enough; so, do not think it will never break.

As Granite is porous, it means that it requires to be sealed regularly to prevent staining and this comes with a long term commitment with costing that you need to consider before purchasing.

Some dark Granites will likely to show fingerprints and watermarks but it is great for maintenance and durability.

Marble – Pros & Cons

Marble is one of the most stunning natural stones out there and it comes with veining that cannot be found in any other stone, regardless of how similar they look. However, it comes at a cost. Marble can be very expensive so it certainly is not budget friendly!

Marble is very easily damaged from acids such as vinegar, citric and certain household cleaners. This happens when there is a reaction between the acid and the calcite in the Marble.

Marble is such a soft stone that it will scratch easier when compare to Granite and some other natural stones.

Limestone – Pros & Cons

Limestone is one of the lesser known natural stones, but it is still widely used and growing in popularity. Limestone is available in a huge range of colours and the lighter colours offer a unique look when compared to other natural stones.

However, Limestone is easily damaged when it comes into contact with acids and this is not preventable by sealing. Because of this, it may not be a great choice to place it within the kitchen and it may be better off within the bathroom instead.

Limestone will also scratch easier than Granite and is not readily available, so you may struggle to get a hold of it from suppliers.

When it comes to redecorating and home renovations, one colour that is very common is white. However, many people are often scared to go as bright and light as white, so they steer away from it. But is there any need to be scared of having a white coloured countertop? This article will show you some of the best things about having not only a white countertop but also a Quartz one too.

#1 Fresh Looking

White has a wonderful ability of always looking fresh and clean, which is most probably why a lot of people choose to go for it. As long as you maintain the upkeep required, your beautiful white kitchen countertop will always look stunning.

#2 Non-Porous

As Quartz has been man made entirely, it is a non-porous stone, so you will reap in the benefits of having this as your kitchen countertop. With it being non-porous, it will never need to be maintained regularly with any kind of treatment or re-sealing.

#3 Hygienic Looking

As we mentioned above, white has the power of looking fresh and clean but it also looks very hygienic too. With every daily clean, your white Quartz countertop will look practically brand new.

#4 Stain Resistant

As Quartz is completely non-porous, it is also highly stain resistant with spillages, which is perfect when you go for white or a light coloured countertop. If you accidentally spill things such as red wine or coffee, it will not be a huge deal at all. All you need to do is simply clean it away as soon as you realise, and it should come up as new again.

#5 Engineered Stone

As we mentioned above, Quartz has been entirely man made. Quartz has therefore been made to have 94% Natural Quartz which means it is almost a natural stone but with all the benefits of being man made, as it has been created with you in mind.

#6 Budget Friendly

Quartz is one of the most affordable stones out there at the moment and you will struggle to find a stone that will be much cheaper. So not only will you be getting so many benefits from it being non-porous and man made, but you will also save a lot too.

#7 Small Kitchen? No Problem

If you have a smaller kitchen then white is your best friend as it creates the illusion of the kitchen area being much larger than it actually is, opening up your space. This works by white being reflective and bouncing the light around the room.

#8 Heat Resistant

One of the great things about having Quartz placed in your kitchen is that it is incredibly heat resistant. If you accidentally place hot pots and pans directly onto the surface then there is no need to worry, simply remove it and there should be no mark left behind.

#9 Hygienic

We have mentioned above that white is hygienic in appearance but paired with Quartz you will also be getting an incredibly hygienic stone too. Quartz is entirely non-porous which means that no bacteria will harbour beneath the surface, leaving you a beautifully clean kitchen countertop.

#10 Bespoke

As Quartz has been engineered by a team of people, it can be easily made to measure just for you. All you have to do is decide on what you want and need and your team and go ahead and cut it to the size and shape that you require.

#11 Timeless

While white may be a modern colour to use, it will never go out of style which makes it timeless. With white Quartz you will be getting a timeless stunning piece that you can live with for many years to come.

#12 Neutral

Lastly, as white is a neutral colour it will go with absolutely any colour theme that you choose. So if you are the kind of person who likes to switch up the colour themes often, then this will never be a problem. When you redecorate in the future you will never find it difficult to match a new colour theme to it.

When it comes to your home renovation projects, Granite is one of the most used stones for kitchen countertops. Granite offers a unique look when compared to a lot of other stones and that is because regardless of how many pieces you buy, they will all be completely individual which creates wonderful character in any kitchen.

Granite is also a great non-porous material and we produce only the best top quality bespoke Granite countertops for your kitchen.

To help you during your kitchen design, here are 10 of our favourite Granite colours for kitchen countertops.

Absolute Black

To start is our solid black countertop colour which is simply beautiful. It offers a timeless modern countertop that will go wonderfully in absolutely any kitchen area.

Colonial Cream

Colonial Cream is one of our golden and cream colours which has golden speckles that create its pattern. If you are looking for a lighter colour but are not wanting to go as bright as white, then cream is certainly one of your greater options.

Black Galaxy

Black Galaxy is another one of our stunning black countertop colours. The main colour is black with white and silver pieces of glass that give the appearance of glittery stars in the black sky. Perfect for a homeowner who is looking for something less busy but not plain.

Shivakashi Brown

This is yet another one of our great neutral colours. With a golden and cream base colour, it’s pattern comes from big chunks of brown and darker gold colours. As the only theme here is gold and cream, this colour would look wonderful in either a cream or neutral setting, or even paired with brighter colours.

Red Multi Colour

This Granite colour is a light red colour on the base mixed with a black pattern to create the appearance of almost sand. This colour is perfect for those who are looking for a bit of colour but in a subtle and modern way.

Indian Mahogany

Indian Mahogany has a base of multi colours that have dark grey mixed with red and whites. These colours create a mixture of speckles that produce the great pattern all over the surface.

Imperial White

Imperial White is one of our brighter white colours. The base colour is white with grey speckles and spots to create a dotty appearance all over the surface. This colour is great for anyone who is looking for a white countertop but not wanting to go plain.

Golden Juprana

As in the name, Golden Juprana has the base colour of gold which has been mixed with browns and grey swirls which create the appearance of lines drawn in the sand.

Mokalser Green

Mokalser Green has the base colour of green which has black speckles and marks throughout. This colour is stunning and perfect for any homeowner who is looking for something with darker colours, but not wanting to go as dark as black. This is the perfect middle option.

Maple Red

Lastly, this Maple Red colour has been given a base colour of dark red and a black pattern over the top and mixed in. The red and black work wonderfully together and almost give the appearance of flowers on the surface.

When you try to choose which is the best worktop for your kitchen or bathroom, there is a huge range of materials to chose from which can be extremely difficult. When you start comparing the properties such as waterproofing, stain resistance and much more, it can either become clear or difficult depending on what you are looking for.

To help with your decision making, here are 10 of our pros and cons.

#1 Large or Small Kitchen

Whether you have a large or small sized kitchen, Silestone is perfect for all sizes. Absolutely any space that is available there is something you can use Silestone with to create your dream room.

#2 Modern

Depending on your taste this is either a good or bad thing. Silestone is only really modern in style and this is the best use of Silestone, which is not great if you are not into the contemporary style at all.

#3 Easy to Clean

Silestone is incredibly easy to clean and maintain, day-to-day. All you need to keep your Silestone worktop clean is a non-abrasive cleaning product, soft cloth and some water. This will be enough to keep your worktop gleaming.

#4 Blotches

Due to some chemical changes in Quartz, some people say that they notice cloudy blotches over their worktops after some time. This chemical change is often caused by heat or an abrasive cleaning product that has accidentally been used. If your worktop is exposed to high levels of acid, then it has been reported to damage the worktop surface, so you need to remember to clean your Silestone worktop straightaway.

#5 Variety of Colours

One thing you will notice quickly about Silestone is that it is available in a huge variety of colours. Whether you are looking for white, grey, pastels or even dark colours then you are sure to find something available to suit your taste and style.

#6 No Heat Resistance

Unfortunately, when it comes to choosing a kitchen worktop is it being heat resistant as you would be dealing with a lot of food prep and hot items. However, Silestone is not heat resistant at all so you cannot place any hot items onto the surface. If you do, then it may cause a ring to form around the pot and permanently change the colour.

#7 Tough

Silestone is perfect for coping with high impacts, you are able to handle any heavy objects within the kitchen without the fear of dropping it and damaging the surface. With peace at mind, you will not need to panic over dropping many items.

#8 High Cost

When you compare Silestone to other high end stone worktops the cost of Silestone is quite high, so you need to be prepared to pay perhaps more than you considered.

#9 Not Easy to Repair

If you are unlucky enough to find yourself with a damaged Silestone worktop then it is not easily repaired. In order to repair your worktop you will need to replace the entire slab rather than repair that one particular area.

#10 Non-Porous

As Silestone is a non-porous material, you will reap the benefits from having a worktop that will never harbour any bacteria, being waterproof and stain resistant. You will never have to worry about spillages from red wine and coffee because as long as you clean it away quickly, it will not leave a mark behind.

When it comes to choosing a colour for your kitchen island countertop, it can be a long process. You need to consider your personal style, the colour theme of your kitchen and what kind of look you are going for.

You will only tend to replace and get a new kitchen once in your lifetime, so you need to take your time to make this decision.

To help you with your choice, here are 10 Quartz colours for kitchen island countertops.

Serengeti is one of our light navy blue colours with a darker blue veining on the top. Both of the navy’s work together at giving the appearance of almost Marble.

Sepia has the base colour of ivory with golden and grey speckles throughout which give the appearance of stones.

Santa Brown is one of our gorgeous brown colours. The main base colour is dark brown with black markings which work together to create a beautiful dark surface which is an alternative to greys and black.

Santorini has a grey base colour with white markings throughout which give the appearance of it being almost Marble like.

Platino Gris Noir is another one of our black colours with black being the base colour. There is are a mixture of white, grey and black chunks which give the appearance of glitter throughout the slab.

Honey Onyx is one of our most luxurious colours. The golden base colour has darker gold markings over the top which is perfect for anyone looking for a light neutral colour as an alternative to white.

Platino Branco has a light grey colour as its base with black, grey and white stones throughout the slab surface.

Brillo Gris has darker grey with black and dark greys throughout the surface of the slab. These colours work together to give the appearance of stones, offering some contrast to the colours.

Brillo Rouge has a red base colour which is a brilliantly modern colour to choose. On top of the red it has darker red speckles with the occasional white thrown in.

Empire is another one of our darker colours. The base colour is black but has golden markings which make it a unique countertop. The markings are in a circular shape which give almost a bubble like appearance.

Quartz is one of the most popular stones out there for homeowners and it comes in a range of sub-category stones to choose from. Quartz is a man made stone and therefore one of the best money can buy as it has been designed with you in mind. But is it all what it’s cracked up to be? This overview will highlight our top 10 pros and cons that you need to know before purchasing.

#1 Waterproof

Quartz is incredibly waterproof which means that if anything gets spilt, then it will simply wipe away. As this will be a daily occurrence, whether the work surface is within the kitchen or bathroom, it is vital for your daily use. As Quartz has been man made, it has been made to be a non-porous stone to ensure that any spillages are left on top of the surface until it has been cleaned away. However, we do still advise that you should clean all spillages away as soon as you find them.

#2 Heat Resistant

As Quartz is known for its strength, one of the qualities of this strength is that it is heat resistant. If you are installing the work surfaces into the kitchen, then it would be perfect for placing hot items such as pots and pans. Similarly, if Quartz is installed in the bathroom then it is also great for placing down hair straighteners. However, we recommend that you continue using heat pads where necessary to minimise the potential risk.

#3 Mimic Natural Stone

Quartz is very consistent in appearance which is a huge plus for anyone looking for that type of style. However, it can be a problem if you are looking for stones with character. While Quartz is able to mimic the appearance of natural stones, this can only be achieved to a certain level.

#4 Strength

As we have mentioned before, Quartz is known for being second to diamond for its strength which is what gives it all of its brilliant features such as heat and scratch resistance.

#5 Consistent

As we mentioned above, Quartz is very consistent in appearance and is a huge bonus for a lot of homeowners as it means that all the samples you view will be accurate to the finished product. If you need multiple pieces, then it will also mean that you will not have to worry about the pieces not matching.

#6 Sensitive to Chemicals

While Quartz is very easy to keep clean and maintain, it is non-porous, so it can be very sensitive to chemicals. Because of this, you will have to be careful about which products you use.

#7 Hard to Damage

As your home will be filled with small heavy objects as well as sharp objects too, depending on the room you place the Quartz in, it is so beneficial that Quartz is hard to chip and crack.

#8 Hygienic

Hygiene around your home is vital and very important to all homeowners, so you are going to want a stone that is easy to keep clean. Not only is Quartz easy to keep clean but as it is non-porous, no bacteria will ever harbour beneath the surface.

#9 Budget Friendly

If you are on a budget and need a stone that is affordable, then Quartz is one of your best options. Not only is Quartz one of the cheapest for the initial purchase and installation but it will also save you money long term, as there are no long term costs involved in regards to sealant.

#10 Scratch Resistant

Lastly, as Quartz is known for being strong, it is also scratch resistant. With it being completely scratch resistant, if you accidentally slip any sharp object along the surface or drop a heavy object, it is unlikely to leave a mark behind.

When you decide to renovate your home, it can be so stressful trying to choose which material, colour, pattern, finish and where you would like the cut-outs amongst so many other decisions that come along with it. Everything that you have to tick off your list is just as difficult as the one before, which can make the entire process long-winded.

Hopefully this overview will help you with some tips for creating the perfect kitchen worktop for your home.

#1 Your Style

When you are selecting your worktop, you need to stay true to your own individual style and taste, especially when it comes to the colour. Try not to let current trends influence your decision as eventually you may not like it and want a change. We want to help you choose the right kitchen worktop that will last you for a lifetime.

Always stick to your own personality and you should be in love with your kitchen worktop for many years.

#2 Kitchen Size

You should always take into consideration the size of your kitchen, regardless of whether it is large or small. When you get to the stage of selecting the colour of your worktop, this can be used to create the illusion of a bigger space or smaller if this is what you are looking for.

For example, white and lighter colours are perfect for bringing in the light to the kitchen to open it up, creating the illusion of a much bigger room.

#3 Practical

Deciding on which material you want can be difficult for many reasons, including your budget and style. However, the main ones that you need to be thinking of is what kind of home you have. Are you always home? Or do you work? Is it a family home or is it likely to turn that way soon? Your worktop needs to be practical as well as stylish, so consider how you will be using your worktop.

If you have a lot of traffic in the kitchen, then you will need something much more hard wearing and durable, to last you a lifetime. However, if you live alone and are working a lot, then it will possibly not matter which material you choose.

#4 Hygiene

Absolutely everyone is looking for their kitchen to be as clean and hygienic as possible, so when the material can assist in that, it is a huge bonus. Some materials out there are much easier to keep clean than others, so this needs to be considered. A non-porous material, which has been man made, is often the best decision.

#5 Your Budget

One of the biggest deciding factors in choosing your new worktop material is your budget, because after all if you cannot afford it then there is very little anyone can do. However, there is no reason why you should have to settle for a worktop you are not happy with as there are many out there which are budget friendly and offer a huge range of colours.

#6 Long Term Costs

Similar to your budget, you need to think about whether you can afford to spend out for regular payments for treating our worktop every year. Natural stone will require this in order to keep your worktop in great condition, but it can be very expensive. This will need to be taken into account so ensure you either cross it off your list or look into it straight away.

#7 Request Samples

Before you make any purchase at all, you should always be asking to see some samples and not just go off what you can see on a computer screen, as it will always be different in real life. Depending on the material you choose, you will need to see samples as many materials are not uniform in appearance.

#8 Try Different Styles

It is also good to try out a range of styles. You may be sure of what you looking for but by seeing more styles in the flesh, it can give you the chance to either completely rule them out or you may be surprised and like them.

After all, every worktop out there will look different once you have it in front of you.

#9 Patterns

You may not know about it but there are so many patterns out there to choose from. You do not just have plain or solid colour, you can choose from a huge range from spots, speckles, glitter and veins… the list goes on! So even if you are dead set on a specific colour, you can benefit from looking at all types of patterns.

#10 Matching Your Design

If you will be keeping your existing design and accessories but simply changing your worktop, then there are many colours out there which will match perfectly. If you are someone who likes to switch up your accessories quite often, then going for a neutral colour is your best bet.

Choosing which material you want for your kitchen worktop can be very difficult, as there is so much to choose from that it can be confusing knowing which to go for. You will need to look into different materials and what they have to offer you and your home, to be sure you get the best for you and your budget. If you do not do your research well, it can be a costly mistake if you are not happy with it after it has been installed.

Here are some advantages to why Silestone Quartz makes a great kitchen worktop.

#1 Durable

Silestone has been made out of 93% natural stone and just 7% resin, which creates an excellent worktop for being hard wearing. Not only that, but the resins offer you plenty of choice for colour and pattern as well.

#2 High Quality

Silestone do not use just any Quartz they can find, they will only use materials that are the best quality possible. This means that your kitchen worktop is going to be the best quality possible that money can buy. Quartz may be brilliant quality, but Silestone cannot be beaten.

#3 Range of Colours

When it comes to choosing Silestone for your kitchen worktop, then you will have a huge range of colours and patterns available. So you will never be disappointed with what will be available to choose from, regardless of which colour you are going for.

#4 Excellent Warranties

When you purchase your Silestone kitchen worktop, the warranty overall that you get with it can be a very long and high quality package which is brilliant for the money you pay. But this will depend on which worktop you go for and, of course, your supplier.

#5 Stain, Heat and Scratch Resistant

As Silestone has been completely man made, it has been designed with you in mind. Therefore, Silestone is completely resistant to any stains, scratches and heat. As it is a non-porous material, it will never harbour any bacteria or hold onto spillages.

When it comes to splashbacks, they are very important pieces to install within your home. After all, the splashbacks are there to protect your walls from any staining or damage caused. Whether they are glass or stone splashbacks, they will always do the job, but which is better for you and your home?

This overview will cover the pros and cons of having glass and stone splashbacks, which hopefully will aid in your decision making.

Glass Splashbacks

Glass splashbacks come with a huge list of advantages and plenty of reasons why you should be purchasing it for your home.

Glass has a light reflection feature which can bring a lot of light into the house. This light reflecting feature is able to make your kitchen feel so much larger than what it actually is, which would be perfect if you do not have any windows or much light coming into the room.

Glass splashbacks also have a brilliant choice of colours and patterns available, and it cannot be beaten. Whether you are looking to have the splashback plain, solid colour, personalised or a photo effect which gives you plenty of choice. You are able to either choose one to blend in to your existing design or be a focal point of the room to stand out.

When it comes to cleaning away food splatters or any spillages that occur, glass splashbacks are also so easy. All you need to keep the glass splashback clean is warm water, clean cloth and a mild soap.

However, despite glass splashbacks having a huge list of benefits, they are not without their downfalls either. Glass splashbacks can be so expensive to install and purchase initially, let alone being difficult to fit. When it comes to installing the splashback, your fitter will need to make several trips to your home to make sure that they have scoped and measured everything correctly.

Lastly, glass splashbacks are also very easy to scratch which is not at all ideal.

Stone Splashbacks

Stone splashbacks may offer a long list of benefits, much like glass, but they are completely different to each other.

If you already have a stone worktop, then a stone splashback will be a perfect match to complement it. You will also be able to order the exact same material, colour and pattern perfectly as well.

If you are looking for a splashback that is known for its strength, then stone is your best option. It is incredibly hard wearing that will last for many years without requiring a replacement.

When it comes to colours and patterns, you will have a lot of choices, so you can select the colour and pattern to go with your existing design.

Stone splashbacks are also very easy to keep clean with just a mild soap and warm water, but you need to ensure that you do not use anything that is abrasive.

With stone, if you decide to go for a Quartz or Granite material, then you will be getting a splashback with heat, stain and scratch resistance which is a huge bonus compared with glass splashbacks.

However, as always, stone splashbacks are not without its downfalls. Stone splashbacks are expensive, and it needs to be a long term commitment as it requires to be resealed every year to maintain its excellent features. Stone splashbacks are also not able to be installed by yourself unless you know exactly what you are doing.

Lastly, the cost of the purchase, installation and long term cost all total up so you need to be sure that it is affordable.

When it comes to home renovation projects, sometimes it can be more cost effective to do it yourself, however some jobs are best left to the professionals. However, if you think they are small enough or that you have the knowledge to do it yourself, then it could work out much better for you.

Before you decide or attempt to install your Granite worktops, here are some thing that you need to know beforehand.

Alternatively, if you are seeking advice for getting Granite worktops installed by a professional, some of these tips are also beneficial to you.

Seek Professional Advice

If you want to install your Granite worktops yourself, then you need to firstly seek some professional advice from someone who knows what they are doing. Even better if they can be there at the time of installation to oversee it to ensure that it goes smoothly.

Don’t Be Tempted by Low Prices

When you are purchasing absolutely anything, then it is always great to hear that it is going to be cheap; especially when it is an expensive project like home renovations. Anyone or anything that is able to save you a lot of money is going to be valuable, but you need to think twice before purchasing anything that appears to be lower than it necessarily should be.

If a company is able to sell you a Granite worktop to you below the price of other companies, then you need to be questioning why they are that cheap to begin with. For example, they may not have the correct insurance or be able to provide you with cut-outs which you will need.

Carefully Choose Your Supplier

When you look at a list of the best suppliers around your area, a good thing to look out for is a company who does not hire out to any subcontractors for any part of the job. This is a huge bonus for all homeowners as the company are then able to oversee the entire project and ensure that everything is how you would like it to be.

Having no subcontractors also can help to speed up the process overall too, to make sure that you get your new Granite worktop quickly and efficiently.

View More Than a Sample

When you are purchasing Granite for a worktop, you need to sometimes see more than just a sample. Granite is a natural stone which varies in colour, pattern and markings throughout which means that the sample you see will be very different to the bigger slab that you are going to be purchasing. It will offer an idea as to what it will look like but not the whole picture.

Small Worktop? Ask for Cut Offs

If you are looking to purchase a small Granite worktop, then you should ask around some local companies to see if they have any leftover Granite remnant from other projects they have worked on. This will then save you lots of money as well as helping them by taking it off of their hands.

Sealant

If you choose that you would prefer a company to install your Granite worktop for you, then you should consider whether you want them to do the sealing at the time of installation or not. Whichever you choose, you need to account this into the overall costs.

Consider Getting a Professional!

Of course, when installing anything yourself you need to know what you are doing or know someone who does. But whichever you decide, you cannot do this job by yourself and regardless you will need at least one other person by your side to assist.

If you do not have another person to help you, you will risk damaging the worktop itself as well as surrounding objects or furniture. Certain precautions need to be taken, therefore you need to ensure these are carried out.

For the kitchen area a splashback is a very important piece to install, after all your splashback whether glass or stone will protect your walls when you are cooking meals. But which do you go for, glass or stone?

Here is a brief overview of the pros and cons of having glass and stone splashbacks, to help you with your decision.

Glass Splashbacks

Glass splashbacks have a long list of benefits and are a very popular choice for those reasons. Glass has a brilliant light reflecting feature that can help make your kitchen feel much larger than what it is. Glass would be the perfect choice if you don’t have any windows in your kitchen or have very few. Having your kitchen being light will help to make it feel much more welcoming.

When it comes to having a good choice of colours and patterns, glass splashbacks simply cannot be beaten. You will have a huge range of options including plain, personalised, solid colour or photo effect and you can choose which one you would like to blend in with your overall kitchen design or either act as a focal point of the room so that it stands out.

Glass splashbacks are also the easiest when it comes to cleaning away food splatters and grease which is inevitable every day. All you will need to clean your glass splashback is a clean cloth, warm water and some mild soap such as washing up liquid.

However, glass splashbacks are not without their cons either. They can be very expensive to purchase and install as well as being a long process to fit. When it comes to fitting the splashback, your supplier and fitter will usually need several trips to ensure that they have scoped and measured your kitchen correctly before coming back to fit.

Additionally, glass splashbacks can scratch easily which is not ideal, but it may not be a problem for you, depending on how you will use it.

Stone Splashbacks

While stone splashbacks offer some similar benefits to glass, ultimately, they are very different and come with their own set of pros and cons.

If you decide to have a stone splashback it would be a perfect match if you already have a stone kitchen worktop as you will be able to match it perfectly by ordering the same material and pattern/colour to complement each other.

Stone splashbacks are also well known for being incredibly strong and hard wearing which means that your splashback will likely last for many years to come and without needing to be replaced.

Stone splashbacks come in a big range of colours and patterns, so you should be able to select the colour and pattern that goes perfectly with your kitchen design.

Much like glass, stone splashbacks are very easy to keep clean with just a mild soap, cloth and warm water but you need to make sure that you do not use anything abrasive.

If you decide to go for Quartz or Granite then you will get a splashback that has ultra heat, scratch and stain resistance which is great to have in food preparation areas. This isn’t something you get with glass splashbacks.

However, as always stone splashbacks are not without their cons. Stone splashbacks can be expensive, but this extends to a long-term commitment as you will need to have it sealed every year, unless you choose Quartz. It is also not possible to fit it yourself unless you are a professional because if it is not sealed or installed correctly then your stone splashback will not last very long at all.

This cost of the initial purchase, installation and long term maintenance will need to be accounted for when you make your decision.

Lastly, stone splashbacks only tend to be used within traditional homes so if you have a very modern kitchen then this may not be for you.

When a homeowner has decided to renovate their kitchen, it can be a difficult choice to make when it comes down to deciding which colour you would like for the kitchen worktop. Ultimately, the decision comes down to more than just a simple style choice as you will be living with it for many years and the colour of the kitchen worktop can also affect practicality, as you will read below.

This overview will give you some of the best tips on how you can choose the right colour for your kitchen worktops. Hopefully this guide will make the decision process a lot easier for you too.

Choosing a Colour

Firstly, you should be thinking of whether you are wanting to go for a whole change, including colour theme throughout the kitchen which includes accessories, or whether the worktop colour is getting chosen first and then the rest.

It is much harder to find a kitchen worktop colour to match existing accessories than it is to choose your worktop colour first, as that will be the focal point of your kitchen. You will want the kitchen worktop colour to match your accessories, so you need to think about your overall colour theme first which will make the whole process much easier.

Of course, when it comes down to choosing the colour and pattern for the worktop you need to find one that matches your own style and personality. Do not ever pick a colour based on someone else’s opinion or based on what is trending at the time, as you want to be happy about it for years to come.

Something else to consider is the size of your kitchen. If you have a small kitchen then by choosing a colour wisely you can give the illusion that your kitchen is much bigger than it is. By choosing a light colour such as white it will bounce light around the room creating this illusion for you, however if you have a much bigger kitchen then this can still occur and result in your room appearing far too big.

Cleanliness is a main factor when redecorating any part of your home, especially the kitchen as it is a high traffic area where food is prepared. While a non-porous material will help keep it clean, choosing a colour wisely will help keep it looking clean. If you do not want your kitchen worktop to show up every single crumb in existence, then you should steer away from the really light and dark colours. Instead, go for a medium tone colour such as cream, gold, brown and greys.

Lastly, you should be considering different types of stones. Quart is well-known for having the best selection of colours and patterns because it is man made, however that does not mean that the colour for you is not to be found elsewhere. Other stones that you may prefer could still have your perfect colour.

Granite and Quartz stone are both very popular stones for home renovations, whether its for residential or commercial properties. They both have their own list of pros and cons which are very similar, but ultimately do differ slightly which makes it even harder.

This overview will talk through the advantages and downfalls for both of the stones do help you decide whether Granite is better than Quartz stone, or whether it is the other way around.

Granite Stone for Kitchen Worktops

Granite is one of the most popular stones out there at the moment and for very good reason, however is it really better than Quartz?

Granite is very strong which makes it a good contender against many other stones out there. Granite has such a great strength that it is scratch resistant, so you will never be worrying about damaging your kitchen worktop if you accidentally scratch against it with sharp objects such as knives. However, you should not stop using the usual precautions of chopping boards as we want you to enjoy your spotless Granite kitchen worktop for many years to come.

As budgeting is the ultimate deciding factor during the process, because Granite is such an affordable stone it makes it very appealing to a lot of homeowners. There are also no long-term costs for re-sealing like other natural stones such as Marble. If you are wanting a beautiful natural stone, then Granite is the one for you.

Lastly, Granite is perfect for family homes because it is an incredibly hygienic material as it is non-porous, which means that it is easier to clean as any spillages will remain on top of the surface ready to be wiped away. You never have to worry about bacteria harbouring beneath the surface.

However, Granite is not without its pitfalls either! Granite may be strong but it is incredibly heavy which means that the installation process can be difficult if you are doing it yourself. You will need at least another person helping but ideally a team of professionals to ensure that the kitchen worktop does not get damaged.

Quartz Stone for Kitchen Worktops

Quartz is still a contender if your budget is quite restricted, as it is one of the most affordable stones on the market. Quartz is also well known for being low maintenance which is a huge plus for a lot of homeowners.

Unlike natural stones, Quartz is not going to cost you long-term for any sealant treatments, so the initial cost is all that you are paying for!

When it comes to cleaning up spillages or mess on your Quartz kitchen worktop, then you do not need to use any special detergents. As it is non-porous, no bacteria will soak into the surface so all you need is a damp cloth and some mild soap to keep it clean.

Because Quartz is a man made stone, Quartz comes in a variety of colours and patterns, which is something Granite does not offer. Not only can you choose from different colours but each colour that you can pick from will have lots of different styles and patterns. Whether you like glitter, spots, speckles or plain, Quartz will have the perfect look for you.

However, Quartz is also not without its cons. Quartz may have a massive list of benefits, but it is very sensitive to chemicals, which will make it harder to keep track of what can and cannot make contact.

Quartz floor tiles come with a huge list of benefits for being used around the house during home renovations. However, Quartz floor tiles mainly get used within the bathroom and kitchen areas for various different things. But how do you know whether Quartz floor tiles are for you and your home? This overview will cover some of the things that you need to know before you purchase Quartz floor tiles.

#1 Waterproof

One of the biggest benefits of Quartz tiles being used as flooring is that it is completely waterproof, meaning it would go perfect in absolutely any room; especially the bathroom. Being waterproof simply means that it will not soak up any liquid that has been split and it will make it a lot easier for you to keep clean. Spillages can tend to happy daily, especially if you have a family home, so you need a flooring that will be waterproof.

#2 Budget-Friendly

If you have had a look at a range of Quartz floor tiles, then you may already know that Quartz is such an affordable stone and therefore it is one of the most affordable stones out there on the market for home renovations. So, regardless of your budget, Quartz floor tiles can be on your shortlist without any worry.

#3 Durable

Quartz is incredibly durable and is only second to diamond for its strength, which means that it is hard to crack or break, which is perfect as flooring can usually take a battering with heavy objects being dropped and lifted as well as young children throwing around toys and so on. Regardless of the room you have placed your Quartz floor tiles, it should be suitable.

#4 Heat Resistant

Because Quartz is so strong this is also what gives it its heat resistant properties as well. If you ever find yourself accidentally leaving hot items on the flooring, then you do not need to immediately panic – unless of course it has been left for a considerable amount of time. As we want you to enjoy your Quartz floor tiles for a lifetime, we still advise you to take the normal precautions as necessary.

#5 Sensitive

However, despite Quartz having a lot of advantages and reasons why you should definitely consider purchasing it for your floor tiles, it does not come without its pitfalls. One of the things you should definitely know before purchasing Quartz floor tiles is that it is sensitive to chemicals and therefore you need to be careful about which products you use when you are cleaning your flooring.

Final Thoughts

Hopefully now that you have read this overview of 5 things you should know about Quartz floor tiles, you are ready and prepared for choosing the material for your floor tiles. While it is not without its cons, you can see that Quartz is such a great stone of choice for your flooring and can be placed within any room. What’s more, Quartz tiles can be used for almost anything from walls to bathroom countertops, so you can always complement your flooring by using it elsewhere to!