Stone Worktops: Granite, Quartz and Corian

We work in three materials as standard: natural granite, engineered quartz such as Silestone, and Corian. Marble is available where a client wants it, but we do not recommend it for kitchens, for the reasons set out below.

Granite

Granite is an igneous stone, formed from cooled magma and made mostly of quartz and feldspar. It is hard, dense and tolerant of heat, which makes it the most forgiving natural stone for a working kitchen. Every slab is different, so we encourage clients to choose the actual slab rather than a sample.

Our stone comes through The Marble and Granite Centre, whose stock can be browsed online by type, colour, finish and thickness. It is a good place to start a shortlist before seeing slabs in person.

• Very hard wearing, and resistant to scratching and to hot pans.
• Each slab is unique in colour and movement.
• Some granites are more porous than others and benefit from periodic sealing.
• Available polished, honed or with a textured finish.

Engineered quartz: Silestone and similar

Engineered quartz is made from crushed natural quartz bound with resin and pigment, pressed into slabs. Silestone, made by Cosentino, is the best-known name. The result is consistent in colour from slab to slab and non-porous, so it does not need sealing and resists staining from wine, oil and coffee.

• Uniform colour and pattern, useful for long runs and islands that have to match.
• Non-porous, with no sealing required.
• The resin binder does not like direct heat, so always use a trivet under a hot pan.
• A wide range of colours, including convincing marble-effect finishes.

Corian

Corian is a solid surface material made from acrylic resin and natural minerals. Its strength is that it can be joined almost invisibly, so long runs, upstands and even integral sinks can be formed as one continuous piece. It is warm to the touch and quieter than stone.

• Near-seamless joins and integral sinks and drainers.
• Scratches and marks can be sanded out and the surface restored.
• Softer than stone, so it is more easily scratched in daily use.
• Sensitive to high heat, so hot pans must not go straight onto it.

Marble, and why we advise against it in kitchens

Marble is beautiful and has been used in English houses for centuries, but it is a soft, calcium-based stone. Acids such as lemon juice, vinegar and wine etch the polished surface, and it stains more readily than granite or quartz. In a kitchen that is used every day it will mark, however carefully it is looked after.

We are happy to supply marble where a client wants it, and it is well suited to bathrooms: vanity tops, shelves and wall cladding, where it is not exposed to cooking. For traditional bathrooms our sister company Old Fashioned Bathrooms carries a wide range of period fittings to pair with it.

Common questions

What is the most durable kitchen worktop?

For most kitchens, granite and engineered quartz are the most durable choices. Granite copes best with heat; quartz is non-porous and does not need sealing. Both are far harder wearing than marble or Corian.

Is quartz better than granite?

Neither is better in every respect. Quartz gives consistent colour and needs no sealing, but its resin binder can be marked by hot pans. Granite is natural, unique slab to slab and tolerates heat well, but some granites need periodic sealing.

Can I have a marble worktop in my kitchen?

Yes, we can supply it, but we do not recommend it. Marble etches with acidic food and drink and stains more easily than other stones, so it will show wear in a working kitchen. It is a much better choice for a bathroom.

Where can I see stone before choosing?

You can browse slabs by type, colour and finish on the The Marble and Granite Centre material search, then view shortlisted slabs in person before a final choice is made.

To discuss stone for a kitchen, bathroom or wider fit-out, call the workshop on 01449 710500 or get in touch.