Stone Kitchen Worktop Fitters

Worktops are a major visual and practical feature in any kitchen. As well as considering the appearance, you should think about how the surface will be used and whether the material is suitable for your needs. A kitchen worktop should ideally be easy to clean, durable and suitable for regular use around heat, food and liquids. As with most purchases, some compromises may be needed depending on your budget, so consider which features matter most to you. Common stone materials used for kitchen worktops include granite, limestone, marble and composite stone, also known as engineered stone or quartz.

Granite Kitchen Worktops

Granite is a durable and hard-wearing material that is commonly used for kitchen worktops. It provides a smooth surface and is available in a wide variety of colours and natural grain patterns. Granite is resistant to heat, stains and water when properly sealed and maintained. It is usually supplied with a polished finish, although matt finishes are also available.

Limestone and Marble Worktops

Marble is a form of crystallised limestone, and both limestone and marble can create a distinctive finish in a kitchen. One downside is that these materials are porous, which means they can be prone to staining if not properly sealed and maintained. Regular cleaning with a suitable product is recommended, while abrasive or acidic cleaners should usually be avoided as they may damage the surface.

Limestone and marble are durable materials, but they are also heavy and relatively expensive. Depending on the thickness and weight of the worktop, the units underneath may require additional reinforcement.

Composite Stone Worktops

Composite stone worktops, also known as engineered stone or quartz, are manufactured using natural quartz combined with resin and other materials. They are strong, non-porous and resistant to many common stains. However, very hot pans should not normally be placed directly on the surface, as excessive heat may cause damage.

Composite stone is available in a wide range of colours and finishes and can be manufactured to resemble natural materials such as granite or marble. Prices vary depending on the brand, thickness, finish and design.

Tile Worktops

Tile worktops can be made using ceramic or stone tiles. Stone tiles may use similar materials to solid stone worktops, such as marble or granite, but can offer a lower-cost alternative. Tile worktops can also be suitable for DIY installation depending on the project.

One disadvantage is that the grout joints require regular cleaning and maintenance, so tiled surfaces may need more day-to-day upkeep than solid stone worktops.

Stone Worktop Prices

Factors that can affect the cost of stone worktops include the thickness and size of the slab, edge profile, colour, material and the number of cut-outs or joins required. Granite and marble worktops cost from around £200 per metre on average, while fitting costs may be around £25 per length for a straight run. Joins and hockey-stick mitres can cost around £50 each, while cut-outs for sinks, taps and hobs may cost around £25 each.

Laminated stone-effect worktops can be cheaper, with prices starting from around £90 for a 2 metre worktop. To compare stone worktop prices in your area, use the "post your job" button to have local kitchen worktop fitters get in touch with written quotes for your project.