Affordable granite worktops from Slabs and Stones Ltd - www.slabsandstonesltd.co.uk Call us for a free no obligation quote: 07707 732079 or email us at: info@slabsandstonesltd.co.uk
10 Woodfield Rd, Welwyn Garden City, Herts AL7 1JQ
A tutorial on how to buy granite worktops affordably?
Buying granite worktops is on most people's wish list when they are remodeling a kitchen or bathroom the only problem is the cost of granite worktop can be prohibitive. The main reason why granite worktops are so desirable is because it is often viewed as a luxury high end product. But is it beyond everyone's reach financially? The best way to buy granite worktops is not through the kitchen or bathroom supplier but to go direct to a specialist worktop supplier. This is not only better as you will normally have more choice of colours and materials but you will probably pay less as well as there is no middle man making a profit from your purchase.
Buying direct also gives you a chance to find out the pros and cons with the various types of stone worktops available and also how to look after them.
So what the types of stones?
The 3 most common types of stones used today is granite, quartz and marble. Although they may look similar they all have distinct differences and could be costly if used in the wrong setting.
What is granite?
Granite is a natural metamorphic stone which is formed over millions of years and quarried from the ground. It is a very hard material but can easily be damaged if not handled or treated correctly. Granite comes in a variety of species and range from light colours to dark colours. Granite is quarried from various parts of the world and the majority comes from Europe, Africa and Asia. Today there are only about 40 species used but those 40 have well over a hundred names. This is mainly due to kitchen and granite companies renaming them to add a feel of exclusivity.
Granite although a hard stone is a porous material, some more than others, and spillages can harm the stone through ingress. The hardness of each granite is measured using the MOHs (means of hardness)scale.
What is marble?
Marble, like granite is also a natural stone that is quarried from the ground but differs mainly through the porosity of the material. Marble can be stained far easier than granite and that is why very few marble species are used in a kitchen. Also as marble tends to be a lot lighter in colour it is favoured more in a bathroom setting.
What is quartz?
Quartz worktops are man-made using quartz aggregate and mixed with a bonding agent and colouring. The composite material gets its strength from being highly compressed during manufacture. Although all too often this step is missed out and it is just left to dry after mixing. Uncompressed quartz will not make a good quality worktop as it will be prone to staining and scratching. A properly manufactured quartz worktop should be very stain resistant in natural use and also very hard. Most quartz worktops that are manufactured by a decent worktop manufacturer will measure about 8 on the MOHs scale which is the same as a sapphire or ruby gem stone.
This video shows you the steps on how Slabs and Stones Ltd create beautiful granite and quartz worktops from raw slabs directly from the quarries around the world.
Each slab is first cut on a semi-automatic saw to create the worktop lengths. Each length is then run through an edge polisher to make any exposed edges sealed and smooth to the touch. This is done by using a series of diamond encrusted polishing pads that range from course to smooth. The end result is a glass-like feel to the worktop edge.
Once all the worktop lengths have been cut to size and polished the holes are then cut out for a hob or sink if required. As the cut out for hob will not be seen the internal edge is left raw. However, the sink edges will be seen and therefore requires a good polish the same way as the leading edge on the worktop. The sink and hob cut outs are usually completed using a CNC (computer numeric control) machine. This allows pin point accuracy and a finish that is second to none.
Slabs and Stones Ltd is a privately owned and run business and are based in Welwyn Garden City in Hertfordshire but carry out installations in Bedfordshire, London, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and other areas in Herts. If you require service outside of these areas please ask as we can accommodate most requests.
Please follow us on our social media channels:
0 Comments