Hands up who spent the Easter weekend with a paint brush in one hand and a chocolate egg in the other? That’s because April is officially National Decorating Month. Moving on from our last Blog that focussed on spring-cleaning, perhaps it’s time to revamp the whole kitchen. Replacing existing laminate or wood worktops could be […]
Hands up who spent the Easter weekend with a paint brush in one hand and a chocolate egg in the other? That’s because April is officially National Decorating Month.
Moving on from our last Blog that focussed on spring-cleaning, perhaps it’s time to revamp the whole kitchen. Replacing existing laminate or wood worktops could be all that’s needed to give your kitchen a face-lift. Let’s examine the pro’s and con’s of the various worktop options…as well as what is involved in changing them.
Pro’s: Easy installation, affordable, easy care
Con’s: Not moisture -proof, undermount sinks & drainer grooves not possible (in laminate)
To change from laminate/wood to stone, we recommend your old worktops are removed prior to templating. Extra support battens might be needed due to the increased weight of stone worktops. If changing from an overmount to undermount sink, the new sink must be mounted on its base cabinet.
The next decision is how to finish the worktop/wall junction. Laminate/wood worktops tend to be 40mm thick, whereas quartz/granite are available in 20mm or 30mm thicknesses. If you have tiles, to bridge the gap you can consider removing the first row of tiles and replacing it with an upstand. Alternatively, ‘board-out’ the top of the cabinets with 10mm plywood, cutting the front & side edges flush with the carcass. Once the stone worktop is in place, the overhang will hide the plywood.
Pro’s: Usually one-day installation, surface is chemical resistant, performs well to scratches & stains
Con’s: Much thinner stone surface than solid stone, choice of compatible appliances may be restricted, corners are squared off (large radius are not possible)
Often promoted as a simpler more cost-effective stone solution, it is not always a cheaper option. The process may be quicker and less complicated than full replacement tops, but ultimately the durability is less than solid stone and it is more prone to chipping and breaking.
Pro’s: Fully flexible layouts & features, proven durability, solid stone worktops add value to your property for resale
Con’s: Old worktops should be removed before templating. Other trades need to be booked for pluming & electrics.
Extensive choice from all leading quartz suppliers; Caesarstone, Silestone, Cimstone, Unistone, Classic Quartz, Quartz Forms as well as Dekton. Working with several Stone Importers we can also source a wide range of granites and natural stones from around the world that will add a truly unique twist to your project.
Absolutely! If you are just looking to re-surface an island or a small worktop area, then we have a large quantity of offcuts to choose from at unbeatable prices.
For further information, please call 01869 324442 or visit our Bicester Showroom.
