Thursday, 30 May 2024

Easy maintenance quartz kitchen worktops in Surrey

Quartz kitchen worktops in Surrey

The demand for quartz kitchen work surfaces in Surrey has grown considerably over recent years for homeowners seeking a comparable aesthetic to granite or marble, which also requires less attention. 

Quartz is an extremely hard-wearing, engineered stone which is easy to maintain, due to the unique composition and properties. Composed of a high percentage of ground quartz crystals which have been combined with other natural minerals, polymer resins and coloured pigments. If you are considering installing quartz kitchen worktops in Surrey, locally-based specialists in stone fabrication, Affordable Granite provides a full supply and fitting service for customers throughout the South East of England and even beyond.  Established in 2003, as a family-owned company with workshops in Charlwood, Surrey.  Professional advice is always available at every step of your end-to-end project to ensure your aspirations for the new kitchen space are achieved.

One of the primary reasons quartz worktops are easy to maintain is their non-porous surface. Unlike natural stones such as granite or marble, the sealant resin blended during manufacture results in a stone which is not susceptible to liquid infiltration or stains. This characteristic makes quartz highly resistant to common kitchen spills, such as coffee, wine, or oil. Simply wiping the surface with a non-abrasive cloth and mild detergent is usually sufficient to keep it clean and stain-free.

 

Quartz kitchen worktops in Surrey

The hardness of the stone ensures that during food preparation and other everyday activities in a busy kitchen means your quartz kitchen countertops will also be resistant to scratches and knocks, limiting the chance for damage. Quartz is also resistant to microbial growth. The non-porous surface not only protects against stains but also inhibits the growth of bacteria, mould, and mildew. This provides a hygienic worktop with a surface which will retain a pristine appearance with easy maintenance.

Quartz kitchen worktops are available in an eclectic range of colours and patterns, often replicating the appearance of natural stone so perfectly that the difference may not even be apparent. While granite will have variations in shade throughout the slab or naturally occurring fissures, providing the quartz you view in the Affordable Granite workshops is from the same consignment, the characteristics will be consistent.

Affordable Granite never outsource work to other contractors and your new kitchen project will be completed by their in-house team of highly skilled craftsmen to ensure the highest standard of excellence and customer care. All pricing will be clear, without any hidden costs and your allocated budget will always be respected. Quartz work surfaces in the kitchen will provide a stunning addition to your interior design scheme and a long-term investment in your home.  Call us today on 01293 863992 to find out more.  If preferred please use the Contact Form on our website to get in touch.

Thursday, 23 May 2024

Unique and bespoke granite kitchen worktops in Surrey

granite kitchen worktops Surrey

If you are planning to upgrade your home with granite kitchen worktops in Surrey, you may be curious about the natural characteristics of the stone and why each slab will be unique. For those with a love of the original, granite is the perfect choice, with stunning visual appeal and extremely hard-wearing properties. The finished effect of your granite work surfaces will be determined by the geological processes that occurred during formation, and the ways it is then cut and fabricated prior to installation.

Affordable Granite is a leading South East specialist in stone fabrication and the fitting of high quality granite countertops, locally based in Surrey with workshops in Charlwood. Their customer-focused team welcome questions from customers regarding the selection of the perfect stone for a new culinary project, providing professional and impartial advice on the benefits of choosing granite

So what is granite? Formed from the slow crystallisation of molten magma beneath the Earth's surface, this natural stone consists of various minerals, such as quartz, feldspar, and mica in different proportions. These minerals crystallise over different periods of time, creating the distinctive shades, speckles, and striking veining. This results in each slab of granite having a unique composition and appearance. The variability captures a moment in time, never to be repeated and means that no two granite slabs will be identical, much like a fingerprint.

granite kitchen worktops Surrey

The global location from which the granite is quarried plays a significant role in nature’s tapestry woven into the stone. Affordable Granite source stone only from trusted wholesalers, with notable quarries in countries including Brazil, India, and Italy. Each site produces granite with its own unique colour palette and patterning, influenced by the local geology. For example, some sites may produce granite with rich, vibrant colours and bold patterns, while others might have a more muted and minimal aesthetic. This provides homeowners with the opportunity to create a distinct design statement, in-keeping with the overall interior scheme.

The cutting and finishing processes further enhance the individuality of each piece. All granite slabs in the Affordable Granite workshops are cut to bespoke measurements and are then polished and finished to highlight their natural beauty. This process enhances the stone’s unique colour and the patterns will be more prominent,

Granite is a luxury stone which not only visually enhances any kitchen space, it will also have long-term durability in a busy home-hub. Granite kitchen worktops are also a wise investment, with increased interest from potential buyers and timeless appeal. Call us today on 01293 863992 to find out more.  If preferred please use the Contact Form on our website.

    

Thursday, 16 May 2024

Design ideas for quartz kitchen worktops in Crawley

 

quartz kitchen worktops in Crawley

When you begin to plan your new culinary space with quartz kitchen worktops in Crawley, making the right choice for the project is essential in protecting your long-term investment. Quartz work surfaces offer both practicality and visual appeal, with the opportunity to create a stunning kitchen to suit your design preferences and lifestyle. Renowned for it’s hard-wearing properties, quartz is an engineered stone which has been skilfully produced with advanced technology. Finely ground quartz crystals are blended with a lower percentage of other natural minerals, binding resins and injected with coloured pigments. This provides a stone which will meet all the daily demands in a busy kitchen; ensuring an easy maintenance hygienic environment, withstanding knocks, scratches and stains. 

If you are looking for design ideas for your quartz kitchen worktops, Affordable Granite is a leading South East stone fabricator and installer of superb quality countertops. With over two decades of experience and locally-based in Charlwood Surrey, home-owners in Crawley and the surrounding counties can benefit from friendly and impartial advice from the in-house team, to help navigate through the various options available compatible with the allocated budget.

Firstly, consider the colour palette and the aspired ambiance. Quartz is available in an eclectic range of shades and intricate patterns, some of which so closely replicate the visual appearance of natural stones such as marble or granite, to the untrained eye there may be no perceptible difference. Choosing a stone that complements the kitchen's overall aesthetic is key. For a contemporary style, sleek black or grey quartz can be used to create a sophisticated vibe, while lighter shades create an airy, spacious feel.

The patterns found in quartz vary from understated and subtle to bold and dramatic,  adding visual interest and dimension to the space. Unlike natural stones where there will generally be visible variations in the shades and markings running throughout the slab, the patterns and colours in quartz remain consistent. Customers are invited to view the stock-held quartz in the Affordable Granite workshops, and providing the stone is from the same consignment, all slabs will be an exact match, simplifying selection.

Quartz is an exceptionally versatile stone, which opens up a wealth of design possibilities, allowing you to customise your new kitchen space to reflect personality and unique style. With the end-to-end project undertaken by the dedicated in-house,  customer-focused team, you will have the assurance of a new kitchen which been completed to the highest standard of excellence.  Call us today on 01293 863992 or use the Contact form to find out more.

Tuesday, 7 May 2024

How to choose granite kitchen worktops in Crawley

 

granite kitchen worktops in Crawley

When you are planning your new culinary space, choosing to install granite kitchen worktopsin Crawley involves several considerations to ensure you find the perfect balance of aesthetics, functionality, and budget. Established in 2003, Affordable Granite is a family-owned specialist stone fabricator and supplier of superb quality kitchen work surfaces based locally in Charlwood Surrey. With valued customers throughout the South East of England, their highly skilled team provides valuable guidance to help you navigate through the selection process.

1.   Budget: Determine your budget beforehand. Granite kitchen countertops are available in a range of prices depending on the rarity 0f the stone, and thickness of the slab. Understanding your budget will help narrow down your options in choosing a standard, stock-held stone or a more exotic, bespoke granite which does hold a premium price.

2.   Colour and Pattern: Granite worktops come in various colours and patterns, ranging from subtle hues to bold veins and speckles. Consider the overall interior design scheme and style of your kitchen when choosing the right stone. Homeowners are encouraged to visit Affordable Granite’s Surrey workshops to discuss their vision. A simple mood board with paint and fabric samples, or cuttings from home design magazines, will enable you to select the perfect granite to complement and enhance your new space.

3.   Durability and Maintenance: Granite is known for its durability and resistance to knocks, scratches, and stains. The application of a polymer resin sealant during fabrication ensures a non-porous and hygienic surface, providing easy maintenance. This resilience is ideally suited to a high activity area in a busy home where the kitchen area serves as a multi-use hub for culinary tasks, casual dining and social gatherings, especially in an open-plan space. However, certain colours may require more attention than others, with visible crumbs and finger marks. Consider how much time and effort you're willing to invest in upkeep when selecting your granite work surfaces.

4.   Edge Profile: The edge profile of your worktops can add personality and style to your kitchen. Affordable Granite offer a bevelled edge as standard, as this reduces the chance of the granite edge chipping. However, other edge profiles are available and can be discussed with the experienced customer advice team to determine suitability and cost, in-keeping with the overall design and your aesthetic preferences.

5.   Supplier and Installation: Choose a conscientious supplier with a wide selection of granite slabs and a track record of quality service. Affordable Granite provides an end-to-end, customer-focused service with all work carried out by the in-house, highly skilled team of stone masons, templaters and worktop installers. Stone is only sourced from trusted wholesalers, guaranteeing the high grade of the granite.

Having the advantage and convenience of a South East based and reputable specialist in granite fabrication and installation ensures easy access to advice and close attention throughout your new kitchen project, safeguarding your long-term investment.  To find out more call us today on 01293 863992 or use the Contact Form.