Sale - 50% Off Selected Stone Slabs

the-work-of-arwyn-pennington-bailey-known-as-the-time-lord-25

The Pitfalls of Style Over Substance – Choosing The Right Stone Worktop

“I fell in love with how it looked, but I didn’t realise how much maintenance it would need” When it comes to kitchen worktops, aesthetics often drive the customer decision, but how the surface performs day to day is equally important.  A stunning workshop that’s hard to clean, scratches easily, or requires constant maintenance can […]

Speak to a Specialist

I fell in love with how it looked, but I didn’t realise how much maintenance it would need”

When it comes to kitchen worktops, aesthetics often drive the customer decision, but how the surface performs day to day is equally important.  A stunning workshop that’s hard to clean, scratches easily, or requires constant maintenance can become a daily frustration. Lets explore how to choose the right stone worktop for your lifestyle.

Taking the Shine Off  Your Worktop

Polished finishes are glossy, reflect light beautifully, and are easy to wipe clean, making them perfect for a busy family kitchen.  Meanwhile, honed or matte surfaces create a modern, tactile look but can show fingerprints and smudges more easily.  So in a high traffic area in kitchen, polished would be a better choice if you don’t want to be constantly wiping off sticky little hand marks!

Quartz vs Marble vs Granite

Quartz is a non-porous, stain resistant, and virtually maintenance free, ideal for busy households or enthusiastic cooks.  Marble looks stunning, but it’s porous and softer so it can scratch, stain and etch if not cared for diligently.  Granite is extremely durable and heat resistant but like marble, some varieties need sealing and occasional maintenance. The best way to choose your stone is to arm yourself with the facts and then review this against how you will use your kitchen.

In the Heat of the Kitchen

A common mistake is assuming that all surfaces handle heat and impact in the same way.  Quartz is tough, but it’s best to use trivets to avoid incidents with hot pans.  Granite can handle more heat but can still crack when exposed to extreme high temperatures.  Marble is more delicate and can mark easily.  It is worth considering all these factors before choosing the right work surface for you.

Why this matters?

Choosing a material or finish that doesn’t suit your lifestyle is one of the most common (and most avoidable) regrets.  By considering how you use your kitchen day to day you will be able to make a choice that is right for you. And don’t worry, we will take the time to understand how you live, cook and use your space and recommend stone based on our years of experience, meaning that you’ll never have any regrets when it comes to your worktop.

Related Articles

A close-up of a white quartz countertop with subtle grey veining, featuring a vintage-style brass kitchen tap, white ceramic sink, and stone-framed window in a rustic kitchen.
The Eterno Collection – Timeless Quartz for Modern Living
Beautiful design should stand the test of time, and that’s why we are proud of our Eterno range, an exclusive collection of premium quartz surfaces crafted to bring enduring elegance, practicality, and performance to every home and project we work on. Why Choose Eterno Quartz? The word Eterno means eternal, and that’s exactly what inspired this […]
Read more
Modern kitchen with Calacatta-style quartz worktops, warm wood breakfast bar, and deep green cabinetry showcasing 2026 kitchen design trends.
Worktop Trends to Watch in 2026
If you are planning a kitchen refurb for 2026, we’ve got some top tips for the hot trends in kitchen worktops.  Kitchen design in 2026 is all about natural textures, expressive details, and confident choices. Whether you’re planning a full renovation or simply looking for inspiration, the latest worktop trends offer plenty of ways to […]
Read more
Modern kitchen with a marble worktop and splashback, wooden cabinetry, and minimalist styling.
Trend or Trap – How to Future Proof Your Worktop
It’s easy to get swept up in the latest kitchen trends when planning your renovation.  Bold veining, dramatic colours and matte finishes dominate social media and TV design shows. These looks grab attention immediately and it can be tempting to replicate them.  But kitchen trends come and go fast, but your worktops won’t. What feels […]
Read more