The qualities of Quartz for kitchen worktops in Brighton

If you are in the process of planning a new kitchen, perhaps for a new build property or a re-fit of out-dated kitchen units, you may need help in getting others involved in the decision making, on your side. Having chosen quartz for your Brighton kitchen worktop, understanding the qualities and benefits over other work surfaces should give you an advantage in persuasion. The knowledgeable team at Affordable Granite are always available to advise on installing quartz worktops in Brighton and to explain the many qualities of choosing this stone. To give you a head start however, we'll prepare you with a few facts to help you win your co-decision makers over.

So what is quartz? As a brief description unlike granite, quartz composite is a semi-natural, engineered, man fabricated stone and one of nature's toughest materials. When quartz is used for kitchen worktops in Brighton the glossy finish can give a luxurious and stunning visual affect. 

Quartz provides a durable and hygienic surface for food preparation, casual dining and other kitchen tasks. It is less porous than granite and will therefore be more resilient to stains and spillages, making it easier to maintain and a bonus for cooks in a hurry or when there's the inevitable cleaning up chore after children have left evidence of their time in the kitchen. Hygiene is of prime importance where food is involved and even in moist and humid conditions the low-porosity of quartz is resistant to bacteria and mould. So we have practicality and durability, what next?

Aesthetics are very much a personal choice and the colour scheme creates the personality of the kitchen area. Quartz kitchen worktops are available in Brighton in a myriad of colours, due to the quartz to resin, polymer and pigment ratio. Cream or white quartz is light reflective and gives a neutral contemporary feel with the appearance of greater space in a smaller kitchen. There is also the option of warmer palettes through to vibrant colours of virtually every hue, to suit the modern décor or a classic more traditional design.

Quartz is an affordable choice and on-trend certainly needn't mean off-budget. Affordable Granite buy quartz in bulk which has undergone extensive quality control from trusted and established wholesalers. Holding quartz in stock enables a much shorter delivery and installation time than waiting for deliveries from a 3^rd party which may often be from overseas.

So what's not to like? Durable, practical, hygienic, visually pleasing and affordable quartz kitchen worktops. You may now be ready to present your case! For more information call us on 01293 863992

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Kitchen culture and granite worktops in Brighton

Kitchen design in the last 50 years or so has seen many innovations, including the (generally) welcomed arrival of high-tech appliances, smart synchronisation and contemporary fixtures. Kitchen culture has introduced a new and more relaxed life-style, with the food preparation area now becoming the hub of the home. With this is mind, when considering the requirements of a kitchen worktop in Brighton, Affordable Granite understand the importance of creating an area which is not only functional, but is also a place where friends and family look forward to spending time.

Influenced by the media, with programmes devoted to 'bake offs' and celebrity chef challenges, there has been an increased interest in home cooking, with foodies wanting to show off their own culinary skills. It makes sense that if you're going to take pride in food preparation (often with guests as an audience), you will also want to be proud of your kitchen.

'Granite' worktops in Brighton provide a solution to combining ambience with practicality and longevity, complementing the overall design scheme. 'Granite' is extremely compatible with both the more rustic appearance of wood or the modern sleek and shiny kitchen trends. In fact, within a contemporary design the addition of a natural 'outdoors' element blends well and adds to the charm.

'Granite' has an intricate beauty and is unique to the area where it was mined, the combination of minerals in its composition and how quickly the molten rock cooled beneath the Earth's surface. With a wide spectrum of colour the choice is vast. The highly experienced team at Affordable Granite in Brighton will help to narrow down the search, by discussing your life-style, aspirations and whether you want the natural stone worktops to be the focal point in the kitchen, or if you are looking for a more subtle environment. Not only will you want the choice to reflect your design scheme, it should also suit your daily kitchen needs.

Unbiased professional advice and recommendations are invaluable, but the ultimate decision is yours alone. On the journey from quarry to kitchen, you are in the driving seat.  For more information call Affordable Granite today on 01293 863992

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Choosing the right quartz worktop in Haywards Heath

Once you've decided to install a quartz worktop, how can you be confident that you have made the right choice? The experienced team at AffordableGranite in Haywards Heath can guide you through your options and explain the advantages of using ‘quartz’ over 'granite', according to your budget and life-style.

What is the difference between the two substances is probably the most frequently asked question we are asked.  Commercially, what is recognised as 'granite' is a combination of a variety of stones which have been mined from deep within the earth and is a hard and always natural rock.

'Granite' slabs which are dark or black in colour are mainly igneous rocks and have a lower porosity, resulting in minimum staining. With the darker shades should any stains penetrate the surface, they are less likely to be easily visible. The lighter tones of 'granite' are generally a fusion of sands, gravel and other minerals with a lower density and are therefore more susceptible to stains from spillages and more conspicuous. For this reason, customers are always advised to ensure the sealant is maintained.

So that brings us the benefitsof choosing quartz for your kitchen work surfaces and what you should consider. Quartz is an 'engineered' stone and even though it has the appearance of natural stone, unlike 'granite' it is man-made, has a higher tensile strength and with the resin base has the advantage of being completely non-porous. This means that any surface stains should be easily removed without seeping into the stone. When you are making your choice, consider perhaps that if you have children in the home, or a somewhat chaotic style of cooking, installing a quartz work top in the kitchen may well be beneficial.

There is also a wide selection of stunning colours in our quartzworktops range to complement any kitchen colour-scheme, all of the highest quality supported by an exceptional service.

For more information please call us on 01293 863992

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The benefits of granite kitchen worktops in Haywards Heath

If you have previously dismissed the option of choosing granite for your kitchen worktops in the belief that the cost will be outside of your budget, you may like to consider the highest quality and economically priced granite worktops available in Haywards Heath from Affordable Granite. Quality is never sacrificed for price and by purchasing in bulk through well-trusted and reliable wholesalers and holding warehouse stock here in the UK the cost-saving benefits can be passed directly on to customers. As an additional bonus, having access to our vast in-house stock of granite, delivery and installation can generally be completed within a few days.

 

Why choose granite?

Apart from the aesthetic benefits of bringing an eco-friendly element of nature into your home,  graniteworktops are also extremely functional with unsurpassed longevity, making them a justifiable investment. Hygiene in the kitchen is of paramount importance and the smooth pre-sealed surface is non-porous, resistant to dirt and bacteria and much easier to maintain cleanliness than alternative worktop materials such as laminates. A care kit is recommended for regular treatment and can be provided at a minimal cost, ensuring the beauty and luminosity will remain year after year.

Creating an ambience

When creating an ambient mood scheme in the kitchen, the extensive selection of hues, patterns and depths of colour available in granitekitchen work surfaces provide an opportunity to complement the overall décor. Each slab of granite is unique to the minerals and the specific area from which this igneous rock was mined. A visit to the Affordable Granite showroom will enable you to select the perfect match to enhance the mood of your kitchen, from one of the widest selections of granite in colour and texture to be found in the UK.

Quality assured

The natural and timeless beauty of granite calls for the highest quality of craftsmanship and customer care. As a long-established family business, specialist templaters, time-served experienced stonemasons and a conscientious installation team, all ensure customer satisfaction for our Haywards Heath customers throughout the whole experience.  

For more information about Granite Kitchen Worktops in Haywards Heath call Affordable Granite on 01293 863992

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Your Ultimate Guide to Cleaning Granite Kitchen Worktops

If you’ve invested in a quality granite kitchen worktop that’s adding beauty and convenience to your kitchen, it’s important to keep it clean and tidy to do it justice. We bring you some simple yet effective tips to maintain your granite kitchen worktops in pristine condition.

Everyday Cleaning

In order to keep your granite kitchen worktop bacteria free, you need to clean it regularly, not just after preparing food. Do you keep your shopping bags, children’s school bags or handbags on the worktop when you arrive home? If so your worktop might get contaminated with harmful bacteria even when you’re not cooking. Use a soft microfibre cloth and hot soapy water to wipe down the granite top every day. You can also choose a pH-balanced product that’s specially formulated for granite kitchen worktops to keep them clean and looking like new.

Preventing and Removing Stains

If your kitchen worktops are made of light coloured stone, you need to take extra care to avoid staining. Try to avoid spillage of any chemicals or corrosive substances and remember that metal objects can sometimes scratch the polished surfaces. The easiest way to avoid stains is to clean your tops immediately with a paper towel and water. The longer spills stay on the surface; the more chances there is of staining.

Avoiding Heat Damage & Scratches

Though granite is durable and highly scratch resistant, it is best to use a cutting board. If you constantly cut vegetables on the worktop without a board, it can damage both, your knives and your worktop. Granite is also heat-resistant, but you should consider using special trivets when you’re placing kitchenware straight from the oven or cooktop on the granite. This will prevent potential damage to your beautiful granite worktop.

Long-term Maintenance

Normally, all granite kitchen worktops are processed with a special sealant to maintain their look and avoid the absorption of dirt or liquids into the worktop. It is however recommended that you re-treat your granite every 1-2 years to maintain its natural shine and perfect look. For darker colours, a 2-year interval is sufficient but lighter colours might need a re-treatment every year.

Following regular cleaning and maintenance will keep your kitchen top looking pristine and perfect for a long time!

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