What is Granite?
Granite is igneous rock formed from molten rock or magma brought up from deep below the earth's surface usually by volcanic activity. Granite is distinguished by it's large crystalline grains of mainly quartz, mica and feldspar.
The natural stone which occurs all over the world is quarried into large blocks, then sawn into slabs (usually 20mm & 30mm thick) called 'Scants' and polished on one face.
The slabs are then imported into the UK as the raw materials from which worktops/vanity tops can be manufactured to size.

Granite is very hard and durable and makes an ideal work surface. It is NOT  however indestructible and must be afforded due respect - as with any natural product.

What is Marble?
The three main types of marble that we supply are Natural, Micrograin and Conglomerate.
Natural marble is a Metamorphic Rock - produced when sedimentary or igneous rocks are transformed by heat and/or pressure.
Micrograin and Conglomerate marbles are made from crushed natural marble mixed with a coloured resin. Conglomerate marble uses larger chunks of natural marble and Micrograin, as the name suggests, uses finer pieces.

Colours
There are literally thousands of Granites & Marbles available from virtually every country around the world. For ease of reference however, we have selected a comprehensive range of the most popular colours from all those available and banded them into groups so you may choose a colour and price to suit your kitchen and budget.

Thickness and Profiles
Along with colour choice, the thickness and edge profile are the next determining factors to establish the price of worktops.
We supply granite in 20mm & 30mm thickness, Silestone Quartz in 12mm, 20mm & 30mm, and Marble in 20mm only. These are the most common thicknesses used in the industry. Thicker granite can be cut to special order but the weight factor normally rules out its use for kitchen worktops.

Technical Aspects
Maximum available lengths of granite worktops are ruled by 3 main factors:

1)  Firstly, the size of the block that comes from the quarry. These will normally produce worktop lengths averaging between 2.5 metres and 2.8 metres. Longer lengths can sometimes, but only exceptionally be produced.

2)  Secondly, the mechanical properties of the granite itself. Cutting holes in the granite (e.g. for sinks and hobs) makes the granite more liable to crack during transit or installation. The general rule is the greater the number of holes and the greater the length then the more likely the granite is to crack.

3)  Thirdly, manoeuvrability. Worktop lengths over 2.5 metres are extremely heavy to handle and very difficult to manoeuvre within the confines of the average kitchen.

One tip to avoid too many joints is to have a break-front unit in the middle of a very long run where the joint on either side is less noticeable.

Jointing & Support
Joints are inevitable and, where they have to be planned, they are sealed with a flexible silicone along the full length in a complementary colour to the material being used.
Where worktops have to span freestanding appliances such as dishwashers & washing machines, then additional support by means of battens to the back wall or decor panels at the end of a run may be necessary. We can advise on this from your kitchen plan.

SINKS
We offer a wide range of TEKA sinks at The Marble Warehouse.

Undermounted/Underslung Sinks:  The most common and best types of sinks to be used with Granite/Quartz worktops. With this type of sink, a hole is cut into the granite and the internal edges of the hole are polished. A template of, or the sink itself is always required to enable the size and shape of the cut out to be manufactured. Undermounting gives the sink and surrounding area a much sleeker appearance. It prevents dirt from getting trapped around or below the rim and it is absolutely waterproof when installed correctly.

Sit-On Sinks:  The rim of the sink sits on the work surface. These sinks usually require large cut outs and tend to cover a substantial part of the granite work surface! These sinks are not usually recommended for use with Granite worktops, although in most cases it is possible.

 

Belfast Sinks: Many Belfast sinks require the rear part of the granite to have a separate 'bar' with small joints either side, but this is wholly dependent upon the weight loading of the granite pieces and the size of the sink being used. If using a small Belfast, it may be possible to manufacture the granite in one piece if there is sufficient material at the rear of the sink to prevent breakage. We will advise if this is possible at the quotation stage.

Hob Cut Outs
As hobs are not normally as large as sinks, there is less possibility of needing to have joints. However, the same rules of weight-loading to the surrounding area and run-lengths still apply so if the hob you are planning to use is in a long run or leaves a small piece of granite between the cut-out and the edge, jointing may be necessary.
Use of a breakfront can be very attractive and practical within a cooking area, as can a lower-height hob area to adjoining units. Both deign features work well to disguise joints and can enhance the aesthetics of the kitchen at the same time.

Island Units
The sheer weight of an island unit is easy to underestimate. For this reason we do have restrictions on the sizes of island units (Depending on location of cut-outs and material chosen).  Extremely large sizes will have to be supplied in sections due to the sheer weight & manoeuvrability but we will be please to advise on specific units. Please note however, that for extremely large island units, installation charges are likely to be higher because it will require more people to lift the worktops into place - we will of course advise on this at the quotation stage.

Upstands & Splashbacks

Upstands: It is a fact of life that walls don't run true! Upstands are an ideal way to overcome this, as well as adding a quality touch and 'depth' to the overall look of the kitchen.
Upstands are manufactured in 100mm and 150mm heights. The corners of the upstands are butt-jointed rather than mitred. The reason for this is that the crystalline nature of granite means it tends to crumble when cut to a point and any 'off-square' corners can be accounted for more neatly.
N.B. Socket Warning! - When planning upstands, always make a note of the height if any electrical sockets, fuse spurs, boiler controls etc.
Upstands are normally supplied 20mm thick and will therefore be cut from different granite slabs to the worktops themselves. Because of this (with some granites) there can sometimes be slight shading differences. This is not usually noticeable because the upstands are installed in a horizontal plane and therfore reflect light differently.

Splashbacks: Another design idea is a splashback. Behind a hob, up to an extractor or any other appliance, as a feature above a mid-height unit or to fill an area as another option to tiling. Splashback look superb where under unit lighting is incorporated.
Splashback are normally supplied 20mm thick. Please note, exact heights will need to be determined at templating.

Window Sills
These can be an inexpensive way of adding a finishing touch that will co-ordinate the colour scheme within the kitchen. Window Sills are normally supplied 20mm thick with a flat/bevelled polished leading edge.