Frequently Asked Questions
Please find detailed below a list of our most common questions which you may find helpful
- Can I use stone outside?
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Natural stone can be used outside and should maintain its appearance for many years, however Quartz is not suitable for use outside due to the resin content which is affected by UV light.
- My worktop has been damaged, can it be repaired?
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Some blemishes, chips and stains can be removed or repaired, it depends entirely on the extent of the damage. If a piece is chipped you should retain the chip and contact us for further advice. Major damage may make repair impossible and mean you need to claim on your home insurance to replace part or all of the worktops.
- What special care and maintenance do I need to undertake?
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Whilst stone is extremely durable it does need to be maintained, cleaning after use with a non bleach cleaner such as CIF Cream will keep the worktops in good condition, we can provide further advice on request. Strong chemical cleaners should never be used on Quartz worktops, if in doubt speak to us first. Hot pans should never be placed directly on a stone surface as they can crack or damage the worktop.
- Can I cut directly on my stone worktops?
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You can but it is not recommended especially if you are using expensive knives as they will quickly become blunt. More importantly, hard though they are, it is still possible to scratch any stone. We always recommend using a chopping board.
- Do I need to be present during templating and installation?
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Yes, either you or your kitchen fitter acting with your authorisation will need to be present. This is to confirm details and options and to sign off the completed install. It is in your interest to ensure everything is exactly as you want it.
- Who fixes the sinks and hobs?
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We will bond the sink to the worktop but all plumbing and gas connections will be the responsibility of others, remember to get your gas connection certified by a Gas Safe credited engineer.
- Will I need joints in my worktop?
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Generally quartz and granite is supplied in slabs up to 3m long, If you worktops are likely to be longer than this you may well require joints. Also access sometimes restricts the length that can be achieved in a single piece. Our template and installation staff will advise and attempt to minimise the impact of any joints.
- How do I get a price for my chosen worktops and what information do you need?
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We need a drawing or sketch with dimensions and specific detail you require such as drainer grooves and edge profiles etc. From this we can provide a quotation setting out all the costs. If you proceed to order we will need any sinks or hobs to be on site when we come to template. You can send us a drawing via email fax or post, alternatively call us and discuss your exact requirements
- Can I view slabs or get samples before choosing & is there a showroom?
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Yes, we can send you single samples of all quartz and granite colours and if you wish to view the slabs we can arrange for you to visit our factory or one of our suppliers, you can even reserve specific slabs. Why not visit the Stone System showroom and see different stone in situ on our display kitchens.
- What is the difference between Granite and Quartz?
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Granite is quarried in many places around the world. It is cut from the ground as Blocks, which are sawn into slabs which are polished ready for fabricating into a finished worktop. Quartz is also a quarried product but is generally supplied as an aggregate to the manufacturer. It is then made into slabs using a resin to bond the pieces. The finished slab is then polished in the same way as granite. Generally Quartz is harder, stronger and less porous than granite.
- Should I use Granite, Quartz or Marble for my worktops?
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We would not recommend Marble for use as a kitchen worktop due to its porosity although it is often used for bathroom vanity tops. Granite and Quartz are ideal for use as kitchen worktops. If you like the more natural and random look and don't mind natural flaws and veins in the stone, you will like Granite. If however you want a more consistent appearance and less random effect, then Quartz may be for you, Stone System recommend Silestone, the leading brand of Quartz.
