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It’s no secret that there are a number of types of natural stone on the market. Each of which with its own price tag as well as pros and cons to consider. When the time comes to install new worktops in your bathroom, it’s good to consider all of your options, including slate. Slate, like several other types of natural stone surfaces, is formed by a great deal of pressure. Slate is formed on clay beds which means that it splits naturally into wide, thin layers. This makes the stone perfect for worktops in various settings. The surface is beautifully textured which adds to that natural appeal. For the most part the colour choices include grey or black but you can also find some green varieties. While it is softer than some other stones (like granite), it is still extremely durable and the fact of the matter is that your

When installing new worktops in your kitchen or bathroom, you are bound to come across granite surfaces. They are one of the most popular options for homeowners and for good reason. Of course, as with any home investment, property owners are bound to have several questions. What is granite? Made from cooling magma, granite is an igneous rock with unique patterns and veining. It is a natural rock that is mined around the world for its beauty and strength. Why choose granite? Not only does granite improve the look of that particular room, but it also adds value to your home. It’s easy to maintain a hygienic environment with granite and you can expect it to last a lifetime. Why is granite expensive? Granite is quarried from various locations and, once removed from the earth, it undergoes a long process in order to turn this raw rock into the beautiful

There’s no denying the beauty of granite and the durability too. Apart from colour and veining, buyers also need to decide whether they should opt for tiles or larger slabs. Each option has its own fair share of pros and cons which is why it’s important to compare these two options before making any final decisions. Tiles are easier to install yourself since they are smaller and therefore lighter. If you have a professional perform the installation, tiles and slabs usually cost about the same. As far as the materials themselves, tiles tend to be cheaper since they can be cut from smaller pieces. The main disadvantage of tiles is the final outcome. In many cases, just like any kind of wall or floor tile, you are bound to notice differences in size from tile to tile. This means that lining them all up perfectly can be a real chore

Granite worktops are known for their durability as well as their somewhat higher price tag. For this reason, some homeowners choose to pay more for the worktops and perform the installation themselves. When it comes to granite, it’s important to perform a proper installation. Anything sub standard could leave you with less than desirable results! The first tip is to make sure that you set a realistic budget for the worktops and make sure that you measure all of your fixtures properly. All measurements are crucial for that perfect fit! You should also have all of your fixtures on hand before you begin the installation. In fact, if you are planning on buying a new sink, for example, you should buy it before placing your granite order. Get at least one other person to help you perform the installation. Even if they have no idea what they are doing, they

When homeowners think about natural worktops, it’s quite common to instantly picture that perfect granite surface. There are, however, a number of other great natural stone alternatives if, for whatever reason, you’re not all that keen on granite. Marble is a sophisticated and stylish alternative that will always add amazing class to any room. It is more porous than granite which means that you will need to seal it regularly and take extra special care of this surface. Marble also tends to fetch a more competitive price. Soapstone is another alternative with is stunning veining and the added advantage of it being low maintenance. Quartz has the beauty of nature along with a bit of help from man. These worktops are very durable and are easy to care for. They do tend to cost a bit more than marble, though. Other alternatives, like stainless steel, tiles, or laminate worktops might

When you start looking at various types of natural stone worktops, you’ll need to make sure that you prepare your cabinets properly. There are a few aspects of preparation that will need to be addressed before you place the new work surface in place. The first thing you will need to do is inspect your cabinets from top to bottom. If you notice any swelling or damage, you might be better off replacing the cabinets as well. Your cabinets need to be in excellent condition if they are to support the weight of natural stone. Check your cabinets to make sure that they are level. Uneven cabinets can cause the stone worktops to buckle and maybe even crack. The same can be said for flimsy cabinets. Stone weighs more than stainless steel and wood. This means that you have to ensure that your cabinets are strong enough to withstand the

Renovating an existing kitchen or building a new kitchen involves a great deal of planning. It’s not just about budget, but also style. The cabinets, floor, and worktops are the three main focal points of any kitchen and it’s important that they are properly matched in order to create the best possible result. When choosing colours, you should select 2 dominant colours along with an accent colour. If you choose dark worktops, you can use light cabinets, and the floors should have dark and light colours. The floor will bring everything together while the worktop and cabinet colours contrast. Start by choosing your worktops and keep a sample of the colour and pattern with you when you shop for cabinets and floors. Compare several colour options and put all three side by side so that you can get a feel for the final effect. Finally, once you’ve decided on your

There are a number of worktop options out there and all these choices can be confusing. Laminate worktops might sound like a good idea when you consider the price but there are also a lot of drawbacks. It’s important to understand the disadvantages in order to make the best possible choice. There are a number of types of laminate worktops. Some are more expensive than others and they also vary in terms of quality. The cheaper the laminate, the poorer the quality and the sooner they will need to be replaced. Which means that, in the end, you will spend more on regular replacements than a once-off natural stone worktop installation. Laminate worktops are easily damaged by sharp and heavy objects. Yes, natural stone can also be scratched and chipped but these damages are not nearly as visible and they can be buffed out or filled. Hot objects can also

Wood has a lovely appeal to it and it is also notably warmer than any other type of work surface. However, when you compare wood with natural stone, the price might be an immediate indication that the two are not made equally. Wood worktops don’t last nearly as long as stone. Whether you choose wood countertops for your kitchen or bathroom, the fact of the matter is that they will come in contact with water. Wood is highly porous and absorbs water like a sponge! Stone can also absorb water but it’s far easier to seal. Wood will need to be sealed regularly whereas stone only needs to be sealed periodically. In addition, no matter how well you seal your wood worktops, they are bound to show signs of water exposure around the sink. Water splashes around the sink area and this can result in mould and mildew. Once the

When the time comes to choose from various types of natural stone worktops, you are bound to come across slate. Slate is a increasingly popular natural stone and it is known for its durability and elegance. Of course, each slab can fetch a fair price just like any other type of stone. This is precisely why it’s important to understand the disadvantages as well as the advantages. If you are looking for colourful countertops that will stand out, slate might not be your best bet. Slate is only available in a handful of subdued colours which means that they tend to play more of a supporting role in the kitchen or bathroom. That said, when you have a kitchen or bathroom that’s already bursting with colour, your décor will benefit from that neutral touch. Another possible downside to slate is the fact that the edges can be more on the