Thursday, 6 September 2018

Choosing quality quartz for kitchen worktops in Brighton


So you've settled on quartz for your kitchen worktops in Brighton, but how do you choose the best quality at a price which doesn't break the budget? The Affordable Granite sales team are always on hand to help you make the right choice and to explain the pros and cons when selecting your stone slab, but here are a few points to get you started. 




Unlike granite, quartz is an engineered stone, fabricated by blending particles of quartz with various other minerals before bonding with a plastic resin. This creates a highly durable composite which can be polished and cut in a similar way to granite but has the advantage being non-porous to the extent that no stains will seep below the surface.  Quartz worktops for your Brighton Kitchen are also extremely low-maintenance, won't harbour bacteria and can be simply wiped down with soap and water; a definite bonus in a busy household.



Having taken into consideration the architecture of the kitchen cabinetry, the aesthetic personality and the home lifestyle, you're ready to select your quartz slab. How can you be sure the stone you've chosen is of a high calibre?  Affordable Granite source only stone from trusted suppliers, which has already passed intensive quality  checks. There is a vast variety of colours available, with a choice of solid colours from pure white to chocolate brown and black, or with patterns which mimic natural stone.  Quartz slabs are generally 3cm thick and the consistency of colour depends on how the aggregates have settled in the stone. If you want the visible edges of your worktop to conform with the colour or markings of the flat surface, you should check that the settlement runs all the way through the slab to avoid a blank edge profile.  



Quartz kitchen worktops in Brighton are an excellent choice for a contemporary kitchen and are a smart alternative to the ultra-modern industrial look of the stainless steel work surface which requires constant maintenance removing conspicuous finger prints and crumbs. Quartz is also a versatile addition to the kitchen/dining area and can be used as a focal point, whilst blending beautifully with natural materials such as wood.  If you have your kitchen wish list, Affordable Granite will make it happen.  Call us today on 01293 863992

Tuesday, 4 September 2018

From quarry to your home – granite kitchen worktops in Brighton


When you admire a stunning kitchen with granite worktops, have you ever considered the journey that the stone has taken? Granite originates from various sites from around the globe and the granular nature is unique to the quarry from which it was mined. It is generally a compressed molten rock which has formed deep in the Earth's crust. When Affordable Granite install granite kitchen worktops in Brighton, the transition from the extracted stone to the finished article is remarkable.



The provenance of the granite with the inherent mineral content such as mica and feldspar and quartz, determines the colour and the patterns which are as individual as a piece of art. With the advances in technology, the granite blocks can be cut into slabs efficiently and precisely with a consistent thickness by the use of a diamond wire gang saw (imagine a supermarket giant bread slicer). This streamlined operation has cost saving benefits which can be passed on to the consumer, without any reduction in quality.  

The slabs are then coated with resin to ensure the stone surface is protected, followed by a line machine polishing process which will bring the natural depth and beauty of the granite to life.



The journey continues once these large slabs arrive at the Affordable Granite workshops from trusted suppliers, having undergone a process of rigorous quality control.
Selecting the granite for your Brighton kitchen worktops will depend on the style and personality you aspire to.

Granite is not only incredibly durable and functional, it also provides an impressive feature in the home, which can be the main focus in your design scheme, or a subtle addition to the kitchen plan.

Once the quotation has been accepted, the templating team will step in to create  templates of your kitchen worktops, ensuring the highest quality of installation, defining the shape and the ultimate appearance of the work surfaces. Master Stonemasons with their wealth of experience and craftsmanship will then take over to cut, polish and finish the granite to precise specifications.



Arriving at the final stage, Affordable Granite's own highly experienced installers will ensure a pristine finish to the jewel in your kitchen's crown. In reality, the end of one journey is the beginning of another, with granite worktops which will stand the test of time.

Call us today on 01293 863992 to find our more.

Tuesday, 28 August 2018

Why quartz is a good ingredient for your kitchen worktops in Sussex


From the initial inspiration through to the final installation, making the right choice for your kitchen worktops in Sussex will establish the personality and reflect the style of living in one of the most important rooms in your home.  If you are considering fitting quartz for your kitchen worktops in Sussex, the Affordable Granite team will be on hand throughout every step of the process, to provide guidance and advice when required, without losing sight of the fact that this is your journey. However, you may be gently nudged into planning well ahead to ensure your finished kitchen will tick all the boxes and that essential features for workability won't be left out.  


You may have chosen quartz for your Sussex kitchen worktop primarily for its combination of practical and aesthetic qualities. Although there is no one magic bullet that meets all the kitchen worktop challenges, for many colour-ways, quartz worktops offer the best, most practical and most cost-effective solution.

Unlike granite, quartz is a man-made engineered stone. It is a composite of crushed quartz or other natural stone, sometimes with metallic flecks or small fragments of glass,  which are then compressed with a petrol-chemical resin. The result is an incredibly durable and non-porous work surface, perfect for hygienic food preparation, easy to clean and maintain.


The fabrication process enables a wider colour choice than granite and includes the option of whites and other lighter spectrum shades. Establishing the character of the kitchen should include consideration of how you intend to spend your time there. From cooking, to chewing and chatting, the kitchen may well be the heart of the home; a homework hub, for social gatherings over a glass of something, or for relaxed dining. The use of quartz for kitchen work surfaces in Sussex however, is by no means limited to contemporary design and is equally effective when looking for a more traditional, elegant style.


Affordable Granite are dedicated to providing an exceptional service, on time and on budget with quality and customer satisfaction as the foundation of our family business.  For more information call us on 01293 863992.