Granite worktops in Guildford

What makes granite different

Granite formed from cooling molten rock, and its speckled look comes from crystals of feldspar, quartz and mica locked together. There is no resin binding it, which is why a warm pan bothers it far less than it would quartz, and why it feels cool and solid to the touch.

It is also very hard. Everyday knife slips, tins dragged across it and the general wear of a busy kitchen leave little trace, and darker speckled granites are particularly good at hiding crumbs and drips.

See the slab, not just the sample

A sample of granite only tells you the colour family. The actual slab can carry heavier markings, larger crystals or a band of colour running across it. For anything beyond a plain black or grey, it is worth seeing the slabs themselves, or good photographs of them, before cutting starts. It is also how we plan joins so the pattern flows instead of jumping.

Sealing and how to tell when it is due

Some granites are dense enough that almost nothing gets in. Paler and more open-grained stones can soak up oil or wine if it is left, so they are sealed once fitted and resealed every so often. To check, put a few drops of water on it and wait a few minutes. A darker patch underneath means it needs resealing. We tell you which type you have when you choose.

The weight question

A 30 mm granite worktop weighs roughly 80 kg for every square metre, so what sits under it matters. Cabinets underneath must be level, sound, and screwed both to the wall and together. Most modern carcasses take stone without any changes; an older or water-damaged unit may need packing or a new back panel first. All of that is checked at the templating visit, before cutting.