Stone surface specialists

Granite is a naturally occurring igneous rock, formed by the cooling of magma deep within the earths crust. Granite is strong and durable, so a great choice for the home, internally for kitchens and bathrooms and outside for tables, barbecue areas etc.

Marble is a naturally occurring metamorphic rock that forms when limestone is subjected to heat and pressure. It is much softer and more porous than any of the other materials and therefore can be difficult to maintain and look after in a kitchen. It is much better suited to low traffic areas like bathrooms, cloakrooms etc.

Quartz surfaces are a man-made stone manufactured using crushed quartz, resins, and dyes. It is more stain and scratch resistant than granite, making it perfect for kitchens and bathrooms. We work with several high-quality suppliers like Silestone, CaesarStone, Cimstone, CRL Quartz and others.

Sintered Stones are the latest innovation in man made products. These materials are formed using ingredients which can include natural stone glass and porcelain, which are then fused together under intense heat and pressure. These large scale, thinner format stones are ideal for cladding walls in bathrooms and wet rooms and can also be used outside because they completely weatherproof.

To compare samples, try our Worktop Finder tool, browse our Materials Catalogue, or arrange to visit our showroom to view our full range. Our team would be happy to show you the range of stone from some of the world’s leading suppliers.

On average a mid-ranged priced granite is the same cost as a mid-ranged priced quartz. The prices vary depending on the colour you pick, the amount of stone you need and the features you want included.

Marble prices also vary according to colour but can be more difficult to work with so this may impact the cost.

Sintered stones are the most recent addition to the market and therefore do tend to be a bit more expensive, again it varies according to colour.

Granite and Marble are available in 20mm and 30mm, we would recommend the suitable thickness according to the colour as some natural stones are stronger/weaker than others.

Quartz is also available in 20mm and 30mm and in some cases 12/13mm thick. Again, we can advise on what will suit your project – kitchen/bathroom/cladding.

Sintered stones like Dekton, Ceralsio etc are available in 20mm down to 4mm. The thinner formats are ideal for cladding walls in wet rooms and bathrooms, the 12mm and 20mm are good for worktops.

The best way to get an estimate for your project is to send us plans of the area that requires stone, along with an idea of material, colour, and features that you want to consider. Or you can pop into our showroom and have a chat with one of our stone specialists.

A minimum deposit of £650 is required upon placing any order for our template and installation service and 50% of the total order value for supply only jobs, unless otherwise agreed in writing. This deposit will be returned immediately if your order is not accepted.

The Balance Payment is due on or before the day of installation or delivery or at the point the stone is collected.

View our full Terms & Conditions for more information.

Granite is a naturally quarried stone, formed from Igneous Rock. It is found across the globe in multiple countries and every slab is completely unique. Patterns and colours will vary hugely but we will help you find the right stone for your project with the help of the importers we work with.

Quartz is a manmade stone, manufactured from crushed quartz, resins and dyes. We work with a number of suppliers including Silestone, CaesarStone, Cimstone, CRL Quartz and others.

Quartz is stronger, more stain and more scratch resistant than granite, as well as being more consitent in colour and pattern. We have a full range of samples in our showroom to help you pick the right colour.

Granite prices are subject to where in the world the stone is found, how many quarries it is found in, how easily it is excavated and local labour and transport costs.

The price of quartz depends on the manufacturer and the complexity of the pattern.

Our specialist will help you pick the right material, colour and pattern for your kitchen or bathroom.

The standard edge details, included in all costs, are double bevel and double pencil. If you want a more ornate finish like an ogee then no problem, we can include a cost for this in your estimate.

If you are having a brand-new kitchen fitted, we will come and do the measure once all the units and end panels have been fitted, fixed, and levelled. Your belfast or under mount sink must be mounted in the cabinet; your hob or over mount sink must be on site; your range cooker or AGA must be in position and level; taps and pop-up sockets must be on site.

You also need to be there when we template so that you can confirm the necessary details and sign the paperwork off.

If you are just replacing existing worktops, your old tops need to be removed; your cabinets checked and levelled; if your new sink is an under mount one it needs to be mounted in the unit; any other new appliances must be onsite.

We always want to get back to site as quickly as possible for our customers, so ideally, we aim for 7-10 working days between template and install. But that is dependent on the diary and material availability at the time of booking.

On average a template will take 2-2 ½ hours and an install will take 3-4 hours. However, both timeframes are estimates and entirely dependent on the size of the job and the conversations that may take place on site.

Granite, Marble and Quartz are heat resistant, but we would always recommend using worktop savers or heat trivets.

Sintered stones like Dekton, Ceralsio and Neolith are marketed as being heat proof, but we would still recommend caution just in case.

Soapy water and a kitchen sponge is the best option for daily cleaning. If you have a more stubborn mark, you can use products like CIF Cream Cleaner or Astonish Cream Cleaner, but please use sparingly and make sure you rinse thoroughly with water afterwards. White vinegar solutions are good for limescale, again making sure you rinse well after.

DO NOT USE CILLIT BANG PRODUCTS, VIAKAL, OVEN PRIDE OR ANY OTHER SIMILAR CLEANERS. THEY WILL DAMAGE YOUR STONE WORKTOP.

Granite is a naturally porous stone, but we will seal it during fabrication to help prevent stains occurring. However, it is a preventative measure, not a guarantee that it won’t stain at all. Worth noting that light coloured granites are much more susceptible to staining than dark coloured ones.

Quartz is stain resistant so it is unlikely to ever stain permanently.

Sintered stones are marketed as being stain proof, the manufacturers claim they cannot be stained but we would always advise cleaning and looking after your stone tops.

Marble is very porous and highly likely to stain, even after sealing.

These pieces rarely come out whole or in any sort of usable condition. However, if there is enough stone and you ask at template stage, we will make you a matching worktop saver/chopping board.

We have a huge selection of off cuts here at The Granite House. Ideal for smaller projects like cloakrooms, barbecue areas, fire hearths and so on. You can come along and have a look and choose the piece that you want and because these are essentially left over, you will get a bargain price as well.

If you follow our care and maintenance guidelines, your stone worktops will last forever. The beauty of choosing granite, quartz or a sintered stone is that you are investing in a product that you will never need to replace, unless you want to.

Stone worktops are incredibly strong and durable, but they are not indestructible. If you do manage to damage your granite or quartz, then please get in touch with us. We will be able to advise and recommend the best course of action, we might even be able to send one of our skilled masons to site to affect a repair if needed.

The only damage we cannot potentially help resolve is chemical or heat shock.

It is possible but there are considerations. Any new stone is unlikely to match the colour, shade and pattern of what you already have. This is because with natural stones every slab is different and with the man-made ones, they vary between batches.

The best thing to do is email us the details of what you already have, i.e., the material and colour plus the dimensions for the new pieces and then we can put a price together for you.

While The Granite House do not do work like this, we can put you in touch with someone who does and will be able to help you.