It’s not just about the worktop, it’s about who makes it. And choosing the right stone supplier matters. When you have a project that involves stone worktops, most people focus on choosing the perfect material and colour. But their is another factor that is just as important. Who do you choose to fabricate and install […]
It’s not just about the worktop, it’s about who makes it. And choosing the right stone supplier matters.
When you have a project that involves stone worktops, most people focus on choosing the perfect material and colour.
But their is another factor that is just as important.
Who do you choose to fabricate and install your worktop?
With increasing media attention on silicosis and health and safety within the stone industry, it is worth understanding why the fabricator behind your worktop matters just as much as the end result.
The reality is that not all fabricators operate to the same standards.
And while a lower price may seem attractive at first glance, it can sometimes be a sign that corners are being cut in ways that customers never see.
Silica is naturally found in many materials used in the construction industry, including natural stone, concrete, brick and quartz surfaces.
The concern is not the finished worktop in your home. A professionally installed worktop poses NO risk to the people living with it.
The issue relates to how the stone is processed during the fabrication. When stone is cut, shaped and polished, silica dust is generated. And if the workshop does not follow the necessary health and safety requirements, their staff may be exposed to harmful levels of airborne silica particles. This is why responsible stone fabricators invest heavily in safe working practices and modern fabrication equipment.
At first glance, workplace health and safety may seem unrelated to your worktop purchase.
In reality, they are closely connected.
A fabricator that invests in proper health and safety procedures is often investing in quality across the entire business.
The same company prioritises:
is also more likely to deliver:
Professional standards tend to run throughout the business.
Every customer wants value for money. But there is an important difference between cheap and value.
Fabricating stone worktops requires significant investment in:
These are essential parts of delivering a quality product safely.
If one quote is significantly cheaper than every other supplier, it is worth asking why.
Do they follow all the health and safety guidelines?
Are they fully insured?
Are they following recognised industry best practices?
The true cost of a stone worktop extends beyond the slab itself.
When comparing suppliers, consider asking:
Do you fabricate your worktops yourself?
Some companies sell stone but outsource the fabrication and installation. Working directly with the fabricator often provides greater accountability and quality control.
Can I visit your showroom or workshop?
Established fabricators are usually proud to show customers how they operate.
How do you ensure safe fabrication practices are in place?
A professional company should be comfortable discussing their health and safety procedures.
What happens if something goes wrong?
Aftercare and warranty support can vary significantly between suppliers.
Across the industry, best practice now includes measures such as:
These measures help create a safer environment for employees while maintaining high standards of workmanship.
At The Granite House, we operate a ‘wet workshop’, which means all cutting is done using water fed machinery. And continually invest in safe working practices that protect our team and support the quality of our finished work. Plus, we operate a completely open-door policy, so you are welcome to come in and see of workshop and ask questions of the team.
A stone worktop is one of the most visible and heavily used features in your kitchen or bathroom.
It deserves more consideration than simply comparing prices online.
And as a reminder, the issues with silica are only relevant to the fabrication process. Once a worktop has been professionally fitted in your home, there is NO risk to you.
Visit The Granite House showroom in Bicester to explore our range of quartz, granite, marble and sintered stone surfaces and speak directly to the team that templates, fabricates and installs them.
