Time and time again, granite appears to be the superior material for those looking for stone worktops. So we’ve delved deeper into the pros and cons of this popular stone. 

Properties of granite

• Granite is a tough, igneous rock and is probably the most recognisable of all the countertop materials. 
• It’s used for a wide variety of products including worktops, floor tiles, paving stones and monuments. 
• Granite has been used in interior and exterior constructions for thousands of years. It is considered a prestigious material, admired for its elegance, durability and strength. 

What makes it better than other materials?

• Granite has the longest life expectancy, so if you’re looking for worktops that will stand the test of time, it’s longevity is unrivalled.
• Granite is also very low maintenance. Other than needing a wipe down after use, a good sealant will stop it from absorbing liquids or developing stains as easily as marble.
• It is also impervious to heat, so you can rest assured that hot pans and plates will not melt or crack the surface. This sets granite apart from other worktop materials, as marble, quartz and laminate are all susceptible to heat damage. 

• It’s also available in a wide range of colours. Many granite owners suggest picking lighter colours if you’re concerned about the stone retaining that ‘just installed’ look. 
• In more recent years, granite has been favoured for its environmentally friendly sourcing and hazardous-chemical-free maintenance. 
• Granite is the toughest natural stone and therefore lends itself well to use in the kitchen or bathroom. 

Unlike softer materials such as marble, you don’t need to worry as much over handling it with care. It can take some rough and tumble, and may even dull your knives should you choose to cut directly on its surface (we suggest you use a cutting block instead).

Even if the worktop does sustain damage, chips in granite can be repaired by a professional relatively easily.

What are the limitations of granite?

• If you want your granite worktops to stay resistant to wear and tear, it’s worth sealing it. This may be a con, as forgetting to top up sealants could lead to damage, however, at Marble Supreme we’ll advise you on the right sealant and treatments for your worktops. 

If you stay on top of sealing (which will ultimately only need to be done once or twice a year), your worktops shouldn’t cause you any serious issues.

• Granite is incredibly heavy, so it’s vital to pick a frame that can take the weight of the worktops. 
• Granite can be on the more expensive side, but when factoring in just how long it will last you as well as the added property value of having a good kitchen, it’s worth the investment. 

So, is granite the best choice for you? 

It’s easy to see why granite is such a popular material. But the most important question is, is it right for you? 

All kitchen worktops materials have different limitations, so it’s important to pick the material that suits your needs best. You can find direct comparisons in our stone ‘VS’ series. 

We stock plenty of different styles and colours of granite, why not visit our Bristol showroom (currently subject to our social distancing promise) to see your options in person? 

If you’d like to explore more options, find out if quartz or marble is better suited to your needs by reading our full guide to kitchen worktops materials.  

For expert advice, complete an online contact form or call us on 0117 956 3030 today. 

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The Myths: 

• “Granite contains radon gas” 

This is a myth that seems to crop up every few years. There have been plenty of studies into how accurate this is, and the general results all say the same thing: some Granite may contain traces of radon gas, but it’s such a small trace that there is more radon gas in the air outside your house than there ever would be in the stone itself. 

• “Granite is expensive” 

Granite is a heavy stone, so it’s easy to see why people assume it will be the most expensive option. However, that is not necessarily true. All stone works on a price scale, there will always be options on the lower end if you’re on a limited budget. If you’re worried about budget, the best approach is to research well and ask your supplier for recommendations that work with your budget.

• “Stains on marble are permanent” 

Marble is often seen as a high-maintenance stone. And, sure, it can be if you’re set on keeping it as pristine as the day it was installed. But there’s no need to fear everyday rough and tumble. The occasional spill is very unlikely to cause permanent damage to your worktop. Simply wipe (or blot) the spills away with a cloth, rather than leaving them to dry, and you shouldn’t have any staining. If the stain is already present, you can find advice on our cleaning marble blog or take a look at our general worktop cleaning recommendations. 

• “Quartz is completely synthetic” 

Quartz is not completely synthetic. It is a man-made material, but it can contain up to 93% of natural stone. The nature of it allows for a variety of colours and patterns, simply adjusted with customised resins. This mix keeps the beauty of natural stone with all the benefits of extra strength and durability. 

• “Granite is unhygienic” 

This is a popular myth that seems to put off many people from granite. Many people believe that the porosity of granite means its a breeding ground for bacteria. The truth is bacteria can be harboured in nooks and crannies, but the same can be said for any other natural stone worktop. If you’re still on the fence, this study confirms that granite is just as hygienic as any other stone.  

• “All brands are the same” 

This is definitely not true. There is a difference between brands, some of them very slight and others more significant. There is also a huge difference between genuine products and knock-offs or imitations. Some brands are known for the place they source their stones from, and other companies can take advantage of this and sell non-genuine versions sourced differently for cheaper prices. These knock-offs are not the same and can often lead to disappointment. Which is exactly why it’s important to research your worktop supplier and ensure that you’re receiving a quality product that has been responsibly sourced. Like any industry, there are brands at the top level and brands that are of much lower-than-average quality.

You can read our blog about 10 top quartz brands for examples of what makes brands so different. 

• “Dark granite is better than light granite” 

This is a pretty strange myth, and no one really knows how it started. Dark granite is denser, and while this may make it slightly harder, it doesn’t necessarily make it better. Figuring out which style will work best for you will be a personal decision between their different qualities. Just don’t expect there to be many notable differences between them, (there aren’t). 

The Common Questions: 

• Which material ages best? 

The biggest factor in how well your worktop ages is how well you look after it. All stone worktops should last you an exceptionally long time in comparison to materials such as laminate and wood. There are a few things that can cause damage with prolonged exposure like sunlight, rough/high usage and heat. However, in general, it’s all relative to how well you care for it. 

• How many times will I need to seal my worktop?

Sealing times tend to vary stone to stone, and can also depend on how much you use your worktop. The best approach is to ask your supplier what they would recommend. We’ll also provide you with our leading stone care treatment.

• Do I have to be home for the fitting? 

We do ask that you are present for templating and fitting for your own peace of mind as well as ensuring the installation goes as smoothly as possible. You can download our Free Buyer’s Guide for a more detailed look at our process. 

• What happens if my worktops chip or crack?

If a worktop is submitted to extreme pressure or weight, it is possible that they will chip or crack. If it’s superficial damage it is possible that the flaw can be buffed out or fixed for a modest cost, but in the unlikely circumstance that the damage is irreparable you may be recommended to replace the worktop.

• How do I clean my worktop? 

Cleaning your worktops is surprisingly simple and often only requires a hot cloth and soapy water. Quartz and marble worktops do require a little extra care in terms of avoiding certain products. For further details, you can check out our blogs on how to clean worktops. 

If you have any thoughts or questions that weren’t answered in this blog, please reach out to us so we can help. 

The post Stone: Debunking Myths & Answering Common Questions appeared first on Marble Supreme.

At Marble Supreme, we stock four popular quartz brands, in particular, Compaq, Caesarstone, Silestone and Unistone. We stock these brands because they each offer something different. But choosing a brand isn’t always easy. With so many different brands available, each offering different colours and patterns, we understand that it can get confusing. So, in no particular order, we’ve broken down the top nine brands!

1. Caesarstone – Known as the “original” quartz company, Caesarstone was founded in 1987. Since then it’s grown to provide its stunning quartz stone to over 50 countries across the world. The stone is both practical and attractive. It’s used domestically for worktops and floors as well as commercially in museums and offices. View the Caesarstone we offer here. 
2. Compaq – Compaq stone has an exceptional aesthetic appeal, as well as being particularly resistant to wear. It’s ideal for areas with high-traffic because of how hard it is. In fact, Compaq is manufactured to be tougher than natural quartz, so it’s performance is much greater. It’s available in a wide range of thicknesses and finishes. View the Compaq stone we offer here. 
3. Unistone – Unistone is one of the newest brands in the stone world. It’s engineered using the well-known Breton-technology. As a quartz compound, it’s extremely hard-wearing and is available in a wide combination of colours. View the Unistone we offer here. 
4. Silestone – Silestone provides virtually unlimited possibilities in terms of applications. It’s perfect for kitchen worktops, bathroom vanity tops, tabletops, floors and even shelving. View the Silestone we offer here. 
5. Cambria – Cambria is a high-end brand, usually only available from specialists. As a luxury engineered-stone brand, it’s coveted for its beauty and dedication to environmental sustainability.
6. Technistone – Technistone is a premium product that’s wonderful for commercial, industrial and private residences. Consisting of 93% natural quartz and granite minerals it can be easily blended with a variety of coloured pigments and resin. 
7. Okite – Okite is composed of a mix of natural quartz particles and a polymer resin, that’s becoming an increasingly popular choice for modern kitchen worktops. Claimed to be five times stronger than granite, it’s a tough stone with a luxury feel. 
8. Corian Quartz – Formerly know as Zodiaq, Corian Quartz comes is available in a range of 50+ colours and patterns. It’s a popular choice for those looking for a solid-surface. It’s a popular choice among architects and interior designers. 
9. Santa Margarita Quartz – With a colour range inspired by the brand’s roots in Italy, the Santa Margarita Quartz line is a more high-end brand. The brand offers both standard and jumbo sizes of their slabs.

The ten brands above offer countless stunning colour and pattern options for your worktops. Each brand has its own style and price-point. If you’re interested in finding out more about the brands we stock, take a look at our quartz page, dedicated to the brands we offer. Or have a read of our other blogs! 

If you’re considering updating your kitchen, get in touch with our team!

Follow us on Facebook to see our latest work. 

The post What Are The Top 9 Worktop Material Brands? appeared first on Marble Supreme.

You need to choose a colour that not only works now but will continue to look great into the future.

The good news is that here at Marble Supreme, we offer a huge variety of colours (not to mention materials) — so you know you’ll be able to pick the colour that suits you.

The question is, how do you pick that colour? Well, that’s what this blog is all about. So let’s get going with some advice.

1: The rest of the room is important, but it can (and will change).

The first thing to remember is that it’s likely your kitchen paint job and appliances will change over time. This means that it’s worth considering a more neutral colour that pairs nicely with a variety of other colours, rather than matching directly to your current colour scheme. That’s not to say you can’t choose your favourite colour. Remember, you can always choose a worktop that has splashes or veins of the colour you love.

2: Think about your undertones.

Undertones are an important part of the colour scheme of your kitchen. Make sure that you take note of the undertones you have in your paint and cabinets and use that knowledge to inform which countertop colour you choose. Keep in mind that the colour of your worktops can change how an undertone looks, giving an overall cooler or warmer feel.

3: Use kitchen worktop samples.

Samples of potential worktop material are a great way to check if your kitchen colour scheme makes sense. We offer samples of many of our worktops, so you can choose a few, then go home and make sure it works before fully investing in one choice. Or have a look at our previous work for inspiration! 

4: Plain or complex?

Another thing to consider is how you combine patterns in your kitchen with patterns in your worktop. A worktop that has a lot going on, combined with wallpaper that also has a lot going on could look a little messy. So make sure that you think carefully about striking the right balance unless intentional pattern clashes are your style. Don’t forget that there are plenty of different finishes available too! 

5: Don’t forget about your flooring.

It’s easy to focus on whether your worktops will match your walls or cabinets and lose sight of your kitchen as a whole. But it’s important to consider the colour of your flooring. Ideally, the finish of your flooring (matte or glossy), should match your worktops to ensure that your kitchen looks cohesive. Not everything has to match though, and the contrast of light worktops look beautiful against dark flooring and vice versa.

What next?

It’s a lot to think about, but it’s worth taking your time. It can also help to see the colours of countertops to spark your imagination and get you thinking about possible colour combos.

To do this, just pop into our Bristol showroom, where we have a huge variety of kitchen worktops on show. Or take a look at our Facebook, where we’re always posting photos of our latest work!

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