What is granite?

Granite is an igneous rock formed from cooling magma. Granite is quarried throughout the world, with colors and patterns that indicate the region and the geological conditions that created it. Each granite slab is unique, with random and inconsistent patterns providing such a beautiful and classic appearance.

Granite has been used for thousands of years by architects and engineers in prestigious buildings such as palaces, churches and stately homes. It is the building material chosen when it needs to last a long time, look beautiful, keep its appearance without deterioration or maintenance.

Why is granite suitable for kitchen and bathroom worktops?

Granite is very attractive, practical and hygienic (it is easily sterilized) - an ideal choice for worktops. Features of granite include: it's tough, it has a glassy finish when polished which is very durable and will last for many years, it's waterproof, highly scratch resistant, heat resistant, keeps its colour and wipes clean easily.

Why has granite only been used recently for domestic kitchen and bathroom worktops?

Granite has only recently been used for worktops as modern techniques have reduced costs and made it practical and affordable to use in our homes.

What else might I use granite for?

Today, granite has very many applications in the commercial and domestic world including: tiles, wall cladding, flooring, countertops, kitchen worktops and splashbacks, bathroom surfaces, pub bar tops, restaurant tables and counters, laboratory benches, fire places, waterfalls, planters, headstones and gravestones

What area do you cover?

We operate within a 200 mile radius of Glasgow covering virtually the whole of Scotland and parts of Northern England.

Can I talk to your customers?

We are confident about our workmanship and we are sure all our customers are content with the level of service they receive. Please feel free to contact us - we will gladly provide details of our clients in your area who you can talk to or perhaps visit to see our work first hand.

What should I do to prepare for the measuring (templating) visit?

Granite weighs more than 90 kilograms per square metre. Ensure that cabinets are secured firmly to the wall, are level and have sufficient braces and that the floor can support the weight of granite worktops. Make sure you know the final locations of sinks, hobs, taps or any other fittings.

Then after templating ensure cabinets and supports are not moved after we have been to template. Measurements taken at that time are crucial to ensure a good fitting environment. Changes after we have taken our measurements and templates are likely to cause significant difficulties and could be very costly to deal with.

Will there be visible joints in my granite kitchen or bathroom worktops?

Granite is a very dense and heavy material so it is not practical to provide pieces of granite worktops larger than 3 x 2 metres. We also might need to add other joints if access is restricted and it is not suitable to fit the granite worktop in one piece. This will be made clear when templating, we will endevour to get the joints in a position which is acceptable for you. In general, our joints are less than 2mm wide, and will be filled with either silicone or epoxy resin.

How long will it take to provide my granite worktops?

Depending on the complexity of the installation and the material requested we can turnaround anywhere between 3 days and 2 weeks. Basically simple jobs in popular colours tend to be done very quickly whereas rare colours may take longer to source the material.   

What should I do to prepare for fitting of my granite kitchen or bathroom worktops?

Granite worktops are very heavy and can be difficult to handle in confined spaces. Our fitters are experienced and will be extremely careful. However please remove cupboard fronts and any other items that may get damaged during fitting. We can not take responsibility for damage to such items that are left in place.

Will I need to provide extra hands to assist with the fitting of my granite worktops?

On some occasions, especially when granite worktop pieces are particularly large and/or cumbersome (e.g. large islands of granite worktops), it may be necessary to arrange extra people to assist in lifting and moving the granite worktops into place. If you provide the extra people we cannot accept liability for the wellbeing of those people. If you prefer that we provide additional helpers, a separate charge may be levied by ourselves for providing the necessary manpower. This can all be agreed at the template stage where we will be able to realise the exact sizes of your worktops.

Will I need to make specific allowances for sinks?

You will need to ensure that suitable cabinet space is available for your sink whether it be over mounted or undermounted. If you need a sink just ask and we will point you in the right direction. We will ensure the sink has the necessary support and in addition we will also seal with clear silicone the joint between the worktop and sink.

Will you connect Water and Gas fittings?

We fix sinks and hobs to the granite worktops, but you should ask a suitably qualified plumber and gas fitter to connect the water and gas. We are not able to include this service.

Are there likely to be defects or imperfections in my granite worktop?

Granite is a natural material and on rare occasions can have defects or imperfections due to the natural working characteristics of materials supplied. There may be small chips which arised in the course of manufacture, delivery and/or installation. We reserve the right to replace or repair minor defects entirely at our own discretion. We also reserve the right to use chemical or resin fillers, some of which may already be present in the granite worktop to effect any repairs.

How should I clean my granite worktop?

Rinse with clean warm water (if you wish add a non-abrasive light neutral detergent - PH7) and dry with a chamois leather or similar.

Can I use abrasive cleaners on my granite kitchen or bathroom worktop?

Granite must not be rubbed with abrasive materials (such as metal pads, scouring detergents and wire wool or alkaline and chlorine based cleaners or bleach) instead, wash with clean warm water to which a non-abrasive light neutral detergent (PH7) may be added. Drainer Grooves can however be cleaned using wire wool.

What liquids may cause damage to my granite kitchen or bathroom worktop?

Granite is waterproof and highly durable but the surface sealer does need reapplication. Resealing every year ensures your granite will last a lifetime.

All spilt liquids should be mopped up immediately. The most risk is from highly alkaline or acidic liquids (such as lemon juice or vinegar), oil based substances (such as butter and cooking oils - hot oil splattering from pots and pans around the cooker), wine, detergents and alcohol.

Do not allow any build up of salt or detergent on your granite worktop.

Granite worktops should not be brought into contact with strong acids or chemicals including paint stripper, brush cleaner, oven cleaner, nail varnish remover, degreasant or similar products.

Can I damage my granite worktop?

Granite is very tough however do not hit your granite worktop with something blunt and heavy. It can crack, chip or even break (the edges are most likely to be damaged if physically abused).

Should I use a chopping board?

Granite is highly scratch resistant and is likely to dull your kitchen knives. However we would advise the use of a chopping board as a preparation centre to reduce the risk of damage to your granite worktop.

Can I put hot pots and pans on my granite kitchen worktop?

Granite is heat resistant and is not likely to be damaged however you should not expose your granite worktop to excessive heat and we advise the use of a tripod or similar to place your pans on when taken directly from the hob.

How do I remove stains from my granite worktop?

Use water based stain remover for the removal of stains of an organic nature, such as wine, coffee, nicotine, fruit juices etc.

Use alkaline degreaser for removal of dirt of an organic and greasy nature, spots, grease, pollution, smoke stains, lamp black, wax coating etc.