Kitchen worktop options don't want wood, granite or laminate
Discussion
We are now getting into the finer points of the extension and have started the kitchen layout. Went to the local kitchen guys and when asked what worktop we wanted we didn't know.
We know what we don't want, we don't want wood, granite, corian or laminate.
But then what else is out there and what sort of prices would I be looking at.
Heard of something new today called Silestone, the lady at the store said it was what we should get. But we have not gotten down to prices yet.
We want the worktop to look expensive without costing that much! Something that is hard wearing, not easily stained and something that doesn't need maintenance.
We know what we don't want, we don't want wood, granite, corian or laminate.
But then what else is out there and what sort of prices would I be looking at.
Heard of something new today called Silestone, the lady at the store said it was what we should get. But we have not gotten down to prices yet.
We want the worktop to look expensive without costing that much! Something that is hard wearing, not easily stained and something that doesn't need maintenance.
Edited by bruce_miranda on Thursday 27th August 18:23
Should have mentioned, we are thinking about having a shaker style kitchen, so maybe concrete would be too modern looking.
What exactly is Silestone btw? Is it just branded Quartz? And lets say I decide on Silestone or quartz. Is there a place people recommend here I go to buy it? So far my garage door and extension doors and windows are coming from fellow PH members. So anyone on here know or do worktops?
What exactly is Silestone btw? Is it just branded Quartz? And lets say I decide on Silestone or quartz. Is there a place people recommend here I go to buy it? So far my garage door and extension doors and windows are coming from fellow PH members. So anyone on here know or do worktops?
According to your profile, you are in the United Kingdom. Bit vague, people in London aren't going to want to do your worktop if you are in Aberdeen.
Silestone and Quartz are not normally cheaper than granite, BTW. They are 'engineered' granites, crushed granite in a epoxy (IIRC) matrix. Pretty expensive to make, hence the price.
Silestone and Quartz are not normally cheaper than granite, BTW. They are 'engineered' granites, crushed granite in a epoxy (IIRC) matrix. Pretty expensive to make, hence the price.
Silestine is a brand of man made stone worktop, usually know as Quartz. There are many different brands to choose from.
It's characteristics are similar to granite, hard wearing, etc, but in some ways it is better, such as it is a closed structure, rather than an open crystalline one as granite. This can be a real issue with light colours as granite can be stained, had a customer spill red wine on a Kashmir White top, permanently tinted it.
Cost wise it's about the same as granite, both come in a range of cost levels. We have just completed a kitchen with Silestone Chrome worktop, looks fantastic, but costs a more than most other stones, granite or Quartz.
It's characteristics are similar to granite, hard wearing, etc, but in some ways it is better, such as it is a closed structure, rather than an open crystalline one as granite. This can be a real issue with light colours as granite can be stained, had a customer spill red wine on a Kashmir White top, permanently tinted it.
Cost wise it's about the same as granite, both come in a range of cost levels. We have just completed a kitchen with Silestone Chrome worktop, looks fantastic, but costs a more than most other stones, granite or Quartz.
Simpo Two said:
bruce_miranda said:
We know what we don't want, we don't want wood, granite, corian or laminate.
Freakuk said:
Corian?
gfunk said:
There are some lovely granites
Awesome 
Quartz - silestone is a good brand, some aren't so good. Worth looking at antibacterial properties for instance. Fitting - needs to be cnc machined, not hacked up in your front garden with an angle grinder. Our first island top cracked within weeks, due to the stone suppliers cutting (literally) corners by using handheld cutting tools to create cutouts instead of proper machining.
bruce_miranda said:
Sorry should have mentioned we are based in Watford, so anyone that serves London should work.
Why don't you want three of the most common worktop materials??There is a company in Watford called Watford Laminates on the Queens Road (Google it). They do all manor of work surfaces including Quartz.
We always go there to look at different work surfaces, but his prices are crap and despite asking for a better deal, we usually give up and go and buy online.
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