Frequently asked questions
This is where you’ll find answers to our most frequently asked questions.
General
What is the difference between Granite, Marble and Quartz?
Granite and Marble are natural products that take millions of years to form, extracted straight from the earth. Both are completely natural stones. In contrast, Quartz is a manmade surface, composed of over 90% natural minerals that are crushed and blended with pigments and resins for a stunning, durable finish.
What makes Granite and Quartz a good choice for countertops?
Next to Diamond, Sapphire and Ruby, Granite is one of the hardest natural materials on earth. Once polished, it maintains its high gloss finish for years. At Granite Planet, we source granite from all over the world, offering a wide range of colours and patterns to suit every style. Quartz, on the other hand, is non-porous, uniform in appearance, and available in an array of beautiful designs, making both materials excellent choices for kitchens and bathrooms.
Do you have Granite, Marble & Quartz in your showroom?
Absolutely! At Granite Planet, we offer an extensive selection of Granite and Quartz, as well as a carefully curated range of Marble. Finding your perfect worktop has never been easier with our in showroom support and samples.
Do you sell offcuts for smaller projects?
We sure do! In fact, we have a large selection of offcuts in Granite, Quartz and Marble. Whether you’re after a piece for a hearth, vanity top, or shelf, Granite Planet likely has just what you need at a great price.
Can I template myself/ get my builder to do it?
Yes, however if we are working to your templates we will not fit. Our fitting service is only available when we have created the templates.
Services
Do you provide the full service?
Yes! At Granite Planet, we handle everything, from template to fabrication to installation. We provide a complete, professional service from start to finish to ensure your worktop is perfectly installed and built to last.
How do I choose my worktops?
You may have already seen samples at your chosen kitchen studio. If not, we encourage a visit to our showroom to enable you to view the various products on offer and to discuss the pros and cons of the various options. If you are unable to visit, we can organise for samples to be posted.
If I accept the quote, what happens next?
We generally require 2-3 weeks’ notice to book the template date of your choice. We endeavour to install 7 days after templating.
Your order confirmation letter will detail all the criteria required to be in place to enable the template.
Can you give me a quotation over the phone?
It is preferential to quote from a drawing in order to determine the positioning of the joints and which edges will require profiling etc, this tends to work in your favour as it is more accurate.
Can we work with any kitchen companies?
We work alongside kitchen companies, builders or architects as well as directly with the public.
Installation
Do I have to have joints?
Joints are often unavoidable. We will do everything we can to minimise the number of joints and make them as least noticeable as possible. We use a two part epxoy resin to seal the joint, which is coloured to blend with the stone.
Will you plumb my sink and tap?
No, over to your plumber for this one. We do however, seal the under-mounted sinks and position the taps ready. Likewise, your hob will need to be connected by a suitably qualified tradesman.
Do I need to be present for the template and installation?
Yes, you, or someone authorised to make decisions about the kitchen, must be present in order to answer any questions we may have regarding your individual requirements, such as edge detail, positioning of joints and depth of overhangs. We also require you, or someone authorised, to sign off the installation as it is completed.
Care
How do I care for my worktops?
Granite is very attractive, practical and hygienic. It is tough, water resistant, scratch and heat resistant. The same applies to quartz, although the resin content means you must always protect your quartz counter tops from heat. With both surfaces you should apply the same care that you would with laminate or timber tops.
Marble is softer, more porous and requires greater attention when leaving products which are likely to be absorbed; primarily oils, acids and many cosmetics. The day to day care is easy, simply wash with detergent and dry with a linen cloth, avoid harsh or abrasive cleaners, but mostly relax and enjoy. Simply Beautiful.
For persistent marks we recommend you apply a cream degreaser, allow some contact time, then gently buff and wash off.
Can I put hot pans onto the worktops?
We always recommend the use of a trivet as any damage from hot pans is not guaranteed.