10 Pros & Cons for Granite Freestanding Kitchen Islands
Granite is one of the most popular materials for kitchen countertops for many years now. Whether you decide to go with granite for the kitchen island, or as the only material for your countertops, the facts remain the same and that is that granite is so popular with good reasons. Some of those reasons are durability, moderate maintenance, very high resistance to heat…As with every material, there are cons as well, and it is best for you to vague the pros and cons according to your manner of use.
1. Durability
Granite is one of the toughest materials found in nature; it can handle weight easily without any break or crack.
2. Very resistant to high temperature
Putting away a still hot pan on your granite kitchen island is possible without any worries of damaging it.
3. Easy to maintain
Cleaning of granite is very easy; you should just use water and soap. However, you should seal it every 6-12 months, depending on the colour. Avoid cleaners that contain bleach or ammonia, as they will wear off the sealant.
4. Beauty
Granite is 100% natural material, which is exploited from the earth. It preserves the characteristics that are unique for every rock, which is reflected in the granulation that is typical for granite.
5. Very hard
Granite won’t chip or crack easily. You can cut directly on your countertop, but beware that that might cause the dulling of your knives. It is highly scratch resistant.
6. Each slab is unique
No two slabs are ever the same; you will always have one of a kind product, even if you have the same style as your neighbour.
7. Can be recycled
Because granite is very long-lasting and its beauty won’t fade over time, it has value even after 10 years of use. If you decide to remove your countertops, you can resell or recycle them.
Cons
1. Some liquids can leave a stain
Granite is not completely non-porous material, which means that some liquids, like coffee or wine, can leave a stain. Therefore, be sure to wipe out the spillages as soon as you can.
2. Limited colour palette
Because granite is 100% natural material, it means that the colours are limited to the ones found in nature. You shouldn’t expect to find unusual and bold colours in granite’s range. However, granite still has a wide variety of colours, from classic whites to forest greens and blues.
3. Very heavy
Because it is so dense, it is heavy. Some cabinets may require additional structural support before the installation.
With the whole service provided by us, from the template to installation, you are just a week away from getting your new granite countertops for the kitchen island.
Contact us today to schedule your visit, and we will give our best to help you find the right granite colour for your kitchen island!
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- Published in Granite
Granite Worktops In West Drayton – Price & Installation
Granite is an everlasting, timeless option for your kitchen or bathroom. It is one of the most popular materials for home design and one of the best, for sure. Its benefits have proven to be of great value in both residential and commercial objects.
At marble granites worktop, we template, supply and fit granite worktops in West Drayton and surrounding areas.
Benefits of granite:
-Resistant to heat: granite can handle very high temperature without cracking or melting. You can put away a hot pot directly on granite worktops and it will absorb the temperature quickly. This is of value in kitchen and bathrooms, where you will need to put away a hot hair dryer.
-Resistant to scratches: granite is very tough and dense material; it will not scratch or crack easily.
-Resistant to stains: this especially applies to darkly toned granite slabs. Usually, darker granites are denser and therefore less porous. This results in it being resistant to stains.
-Ease of maintenance: for daily cleaning, use soap, warm water and a soft cloth. Light-toned granite should be sealed every once in a while. The seal will make it impermeable to water and stains.
-A long-term investment: investing in granite means you will not need to replace your worktops for 10 years at least, if not longer.
Price and Installation
Granite is 100% natural stone, which makes it a bit more expensive than other countertop materials, but it is worthy of investment because it lasts longer.
There are a few factors that dictate the price of granite slabs. First is the colour, which, if it is rare, it will be more expensive. The brand you choose can make an impact, but also the size that you need. Finally, special shapes and treatments of edges also add to the price.
The prices for granite worktops are starting from over £300 per square meter.
We can provide services of the fitting kitchen and bathroom countertops, wall and floor tiles, vanity tops in West Drayton and surrounding area. We will handle the whole process, from template to installation, where turnaround times are held more efficient. We aim to get your countertops installed and ready for use in just 7 days from the moment you call us.
You can give us your quote and we will lower it by 10%. We have a wide range of materials and colour available to meet every buyer’s need. We will be happy to give you a free expert advice about the maintenance of granite or help you choose the right colour for your kitchen. In other words, we will be completely devoted to meet the highest standards and quality from the moment you call us until we compleat the installation.
Contact us today and get your bespoke granite worktops in just 7 days!
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- Published in Granite, Kitchen Worktops
5 Advantages of White Granite Kitchen Countertops
So, you are considering installing a white Granite kitchen countertop within your home? To help you on your way to making a decision, we will highlight some of the benefits to having white Granite installed within your kitchen area and what it can exactly offer your home.
#1 Light Reflecting
One of the biggest benefits to having a white countertop installed is that it bounces light around the room fabulously. As the light bounces and reflects, it creates the illusion that your kitchen is much larger than what it really is, which is great for smaller kitchens in particular. If you are wanting to create the look of a larger space, then this is a very cost effective way of doing that without changing much about the layout.
Not only that, but white will also attract the light in terms of creating a much lighter space for you and your family to enjoy cooking and dining in.
#2 Flexible
Granite is one of the best stones on the market when it comes to being versatile. There is no reason why you cannot use Granite throughout your entire home for many different applications, so if consistency is what you are looking to achieve here then Granite is perfect for that.
#3 Affordable
Granite is also a very affordable stone, which means that most homeowners are able to purchase it without much worry at all. Granite is unlikely to break your bank and will offer you many benefits similar to more expensive stones out there.
#4 Strength
In terms of strength, Granite is known for being one of the strongest materials you can purchase. Granite is one of the hardest stones on Earth which is what gives it its scratch resistance.
#5 Hygienic
Lastly, Granite is one of the most hygienic materials out there on the market which is paramount for when its being used within the kitchen. It is a non-porous stone which means that no bacteria will ever harbour beneath the surface.
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- Published in Granite, Kitchen Worktops
Natural Stone Countertops – Pros & Cons
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.
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10 Affordable Granite Colours for Kitchen Countertops
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.
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- Published in Granite, Kitchen Worktops
Granite Worktops Installation – Best Tips & Tricks
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.
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- Published in Granite, Kitchen Worktops, Uncategorized
Is Granite Better Than Quartz Stone for Kitchen Worktops?
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.
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- Published in Granite, Kitchen Worktops, Quartz
Granite Kitchen Worktops in West London – Supply & Installation
Granite is not only a beautiful stone but it is also one of the most popular stones to use within home renovations and this includes kitchen worktops. If you choose us to supply and fit your kitchen worktop in West London, then you can be sure that you will be receiving the best service possible in the area.
Our experienced engineers will take care of your Granite kitchen worktops from the very beginning (template) through to the installation stage. Regardless of whether it will be a commercial or residential property, your needs will be taken care of at the same level of standard.
As standard, we always aim to fit our customers worktops within one week from ordering. We are able to achieve this exceptional fast rate of completion as everything we create is completed in-house by our own staff.
Why Granite?
As we mentioned previously, Granite is one of the most popular stones and simply this is because of its number of advantages. You are able to place hot items such as pots and pans directly onto the worktop surface without worrying about damaging the worktop. However, we do still recommend that you use precautions to ensure that the risk is kept at a minimum, as we want our customers to enjoy their worktops for a lifetime.
Once Granite has been completely sealed, it becomes stain resistant as it will then be a non-porous material. This means that it will never hold onto any spillages, instead liquids will be on top of the surface ready to be easily wiped away, which creates a highly sanitary worktop for your food preparation.
Granite is also a very unique stone as every slab will be different from the next. Granite consists of various minerals which all create a different and unique character in every piece. Additionally, the colour of your Granite worktop will never fade and it will also only add value to your home.
Why Choose Us?
When you come to us to supply and fit your Granite worktops in West London, you will receive:
- FREE Samples
- Huge range of colours
- Low deposit to pay
Our team of expert engineers will also provide you the best service possible in your area and will oversee the entire production from template to installation. We will take care of your kitchen worktop to create exactly what you have in mind to give you the kitchen of your dreams. All of our worktops are created in-house, which allows us to be far more efficient and achieve a great turnaround. As we said before, we aim to finish all of our customers worktops within one week.
Installation
Your personal team of engineers will be highly experienced and capable to providing you with the best product and service. We will meet your high standards and make sure this is done throughout the entire process.
Your installation process may include:
- Demo by project manager
- Trial fitting
- Assembly without gluing
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- Published in Granite, Kitchen Worktops
Granite Worktops Supply and Fit in Croydon
Granite has been one of the most popular stones for kitchen worktops for many years and it shows no sign of slowing down any time soon, and for very good reason. Granite has so many benefits on offer and therefore is in demand on a large scale. When you order a Granite worktop you are purchasing something that will absolutely transform your kitchen space. The kitchen is usually the heart of the home and therefore should be treated as such as given the kitchen worktop both you and it deserves. With a Granite worktop, it will soon be the talking point of your home.
Why Choose Granite?
When you order a Granite kitchen worktop you are giving your home a very unique look. Every single piece of Granite that you will be getting has a very different look, creating a very characteristic appearance for your kitchen space. Your Granite kitchen worktop will never begin to fade as long as you have it, while you are continuing to take good care of it.
What else makes it such a perfect stone for kitchens is that it will almost never scratch at all, in fact it is most likely going to blunt your knives and sharp objects way before they even mark the surface. Granite is also practically stain proof so you never have to be concerned when spillages occur, as the stone will never soak up or harbour any liquids. Thanks to the non-porous properties, it will also never harbour any bacteria or encourage their growth making it a superbly hygienic material for your kitchen.
Although, it must be noted that your Granite kitchen worktop will need regular maintenance by being resealed once every two years to ensure that it remains being stain proof. By not sealing your worktop as you should, you would be putting it at great risk of getting damaged.
Kitchens across the world have been getting remodels with Granite because it is such a brilliant stone for areas where there will be food preparation. You will never have to worry about damaging your surfaces by placing hot pots and pans directly onto the worktop surface, because Granite can withstand up to high temperatures. You will never have to worry about any burning or damage occurring, however it is still advised from us that you continue using our precautions as usual to help prevent any potential risk of damage to make sure that your worktop continues going strong for many years to come.
Why Choose Y & S Marble?
Here at Y & S Marble, we are able to supply fit your Granite kitchen worktops in Croydon and you can be sure that you are getting the best price within your area as we offer all of our customers the same brilliant price match. We promise to beat absolutely any quote that you can bring to us by 10%! We also give all of our customers a lifetime warranty with their kitchen worktops as standard.
FREE quotes
BEAT any written quote!
FAST installation
25,000 colours to choose from
We are able to make sure that we only deliver the best service from our team of experienced engineers, who have been supplying and fitting the best quality worktops for both residential and commercial properties for many years. We also have an exceptionally fast delivery time and will aim to install it within 1 week from the date you placed the order with us.
We will never subcontract our any of our work by choice so that we remain in total control of the entire process from the very beginning (template) through to the end when your worktop is being installed. This means that we can ensure that our high standards are met throughout the entire process and that our customers get the best service and quality. Our customers will receive a fully personalised experience when they come to us as the same team who template, cut and polish the worktop will be the same who eventually come and fit it.
Our Huge Range of Colours
You will also have the biggest range of colours, shades and styles than any other supplier out there. You will have a whopping 25,000 colours to choose from so you can be sure to find the perfect fit for your kitchen space.
Get a FREE Quote Today!
If you are interested in getting a FREE quote from us, then simply give us a call to speak directly with us or go online to get a quote. Our friendly team of advisors will be happy to assist you with any questions or to talk through your ideas, offering you some options based on your needs.
- Published in Granite
Cream Granite Kitchen Worktops – Pros & Cons
When considering what colour you should have for your Granite kitchen worktop, you may be tempted to go for a bright and lighter colour however you may not be sure whether you ‘should’. White is one of the most popular colours out there however a lot of people prefer to keep away from it and go for cream instead, unlike white cream is not as light and therefore will not show off quite as many marks and therefore it is much more practical for more people and families.
But there are also a few downfalls to choosing a cream Granite worktop. Read on to find out whether a cream Granite kitchen worktop is for you.
Pros of Cream Granite
If you are looking for a stylish and timeless piece then cream Granite is exactly what you are looking for. When you add Granite to your kitchen you are already giving it some character and it will never go out of style, but when you purchase it in cream it just adds to that timeless elegance that you will enjoy for many years to come. You will never have to choose another colour or stone at any time soon, unless you personally want to.
Cream is also great when it comes to finding a colour or shade to match up with it. Almost any colour and shade whether it is light or dark will match perfectly against cream, giving you flexibility in choosing your colour theme, purchasing accessories or even keeping everything the same. If you are the type of person who like to switch up their colour theme and accessories every few years, then a cream Granite worktop is perfect for you and your kitchen.
Cream is also perfect if your house has a smaller kitchen, as cream is able to reflect light and give it the appearance of being a much bigger room than it really is. However, while it does not work as brilliant as white for this it does the job. Cream will make your kitchen space look bigger in a much more affordable way.
Cream also has a beautiful and clean look about it that automatically will make your kitchen appear to be fresh, far more than it usually does. Lighter colours always have the power to transform any space and turn it into a fresh, clean looking space that is breathtakingly beautiful.
Cons of Cream Granite
As kitchens are usually the heart of the home, they have to put up with a large amount of traffic every day. As we mentioned before, some people consider cream as a difficult colour to keep clean than other shades and colours out there. While it is darker than white, it still remains to be a somewhat difficult colour to keep clean, especially with those sticky little fingers about!
Above, we mentioned that cream is able to transform your kitchen space and make it appear to be much bigger than it actually this. While this is a great thing for some people it definitely will not be if you already have a large kitchen and do not want it to look any bigger. You may want to break up the cream colour with a few other textures or darker colours and shades to make sure that your kitchen has not been made to look far too big.
- Published in Granite
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