Category: Company News

Disadvantages of steel worktops

If you have ever seen a professional kitchen, you probably noticed that they have chosen stainless steel worktops. They are known for being easy to clean and they can be effectively disinfected which is essential in any professional cooking environment. That said, while they are great in commercial use, they are not necessarily the best for your home. Steel worktops are prone to scratches. It won’t take long for your perfect surfaces to suffer some kind of damage. Even the finest scratches are clearly visible and this affects the overall look of your kitchen. Steel is also known to be cold – in more ways than one! It is a physically cold surface which might sound great in the summer but not so much in the winter! It’s also really cold looking and, instead of making your kitchen a warm and welcoming place, it will appear more sterile than anything

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Can sunlight affect natural stone worktops?

Your kitchen and bathroom both benefit from natural light. Not only does it help keep your energy costs down but it’s often a better source of light than regular home lighting. As a result, we tend to see these rooms with ample windows to let all that light in. However, the possible downside can be the effect of the sun on your furniture. Exposure to these UV rays can have a negative effect on certain surfaces too. Quartz worktops are known to fade if they are exposed to regular direct sunlight. It’s most noticeable in darker colours whereas the lighter shades don’t show fading quite as easily. That said, it’s important to look into the manufacturer’s warranty because, in many cases, homeowners might be eligible for replacement worktops in the event of extreme fading. Granite is known to hold up really well even in direct sunlight. Fading will only start

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Can Sunlight Affect Natural Stone Worktops?

Your kitchen and bathroom both benefit from natural light. Not only does it help keep your energy costs down but it’s often a better source of light than regular home lighting. As a result, we tend to see these rooms with ample windows to let all that light in. However, the possible downside can be the effect of the sun on your furniture. Exposure to these UV rays can have a negative effect on certain surfaces too. Quartz worktops are known to fade if they are exposed to regular direct sunlight. It’s most noticeable in darker colours whereas the lighter shades don’t show fading quite as easily. That said, it’s important to look into the manufacturer’s warranty because, in many cases, homeowners might be eligible for replacement worktops in the event of extreme fading. Granite is known to hold up really well even in direct sunlight. Fading will only start

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Disadvantages of tiled worktops

When you first install your tiled worktops, they might look and feel great. All the tiles are in perfect condition and it’s all spotlessly clean. Not a bad result considering the price, right? Well, there are a number of disadvantages that need to be considered before choosing tiles for your countertops. Firstly, one of the most common problems is cracking. Even floor tiles and wall tiles are susceptible to cracking and chipping. If you drop something heavy on this kind of surface, you can almost be certain that it will crack. Even the smallest crack can spread over time and this will completely ruin the once perfect finish. The best solution for this problem is removing that tile and replacing it with a new one. That said, over time, this could result in colour differences. The new tile will stand out compared to the older ones. Another problem is the

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Things you should never do to your stone worktops

Natural stone worktops will give your home an amazing touch of class and you can be sure that your guests will take note of even the finest details. When you have a perfect work surface with just one small flaw, that flaw tends to stick out like a sore thumb. So, while it’s important to understand how to clean and care for your worktops, it’s also good to know what sort of actions to avoid. Remember – prevention is better than cure! Firstly, you should never cut directly on your countertops. They might be tough and made from stone but you can still scratch them. Not to mention the fact that you will also dull your knives. Always make sure that you use a cutting board and, preferably one with a groove around the edge so that juices don’t spill over onto the stone. Secondly, no matter how heat resistant

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When to replace granite worktops

Granite is a highly sought after material for bathroom and kitchen worktops. That said, it also has a higher price tag than certain other types of surfaces. They are available in a number of colours and finishes to suit your design and personal preferences. Given the higher price, many homeowners wonder how often they will need to replace this kind of work surface. Let’s face it, if you are going to pay more for a product, it had better be worth your while! The good news is that this is an investment that will pay off. Granite is a tough and durable surface. That said, there are times when replacement is necessary. If you scratch, chip, or stain your granite worktops, you can almost always perform the repairs yourself. Sanding, filling, and polishing can be done by a professional if you don’t own the necessary equipment or if you’re not

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Why is natural stone preferred to laminate worktops?

There’s no doubt that money is a major contributing factor whenever any homeowner decides to make changes in their house. Whether the changes are major or minor, the cost is always carefully compared to the value of the product or service. In the past, consumers usually looked for the cheapest possible options in all areas of life. These days, however, consumers have become wise to the true value of quality and how spending a bit more can pay of ten fold in the end. Natural stone worktops are often seen as a luxury item but they are so much more than this. Popularity and demand for these product is increasing and this trend is not showing any signs of slowing down! Laminate worktops are another option but homeowners are becoming increasingly aware of the disadvantages of these products. They are cheap, easy to install, and available in a variety of

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How did granite worktops become so popular?

Granite worktops are as popular today as they are diverse. With so many different colours and patterns to choose from, homeowners around the world are making the most of this durable, natural stone. Not only is it known for turning any room into a place of elegance, but it is also known to stand the test of time. Of course, this was not always the case and granite worktops are relatively new compared to other work surfaces. Back in the late 80s, granite was really only available in a couple of colours and it was extremely expensive. So much so, that only certain homeowners could afford this sophisticated look and it wasn’t seen as an option that would even come close to paying for itself. Today, thanks to increased availability and popularity, the prices have dropped dramatically and it really is a luxury feature that everyone can afford to enjoy.

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Should you hire a professional to install quartz worktops?

Quartz worktops have become increasingly popular over the years. Apart from the durability of this work surface, it is also a highly attractive option. After taking into account to cost of these worktops, some homeowners consider trying to save money by performing the installation themselves. It’s important to understand the pros and cons of each option before you decide. Performing the installation yourself will help you save money but this is just about the only real benefit. Hiring a professional will prove far less stressful and you won’t need to put in all that effort. Stone worktops are heavy which means that you need at least two people for the job. Installation also requires specialised tools. Without these tools, you won’t be able to get that perfect fit and you won’t be completely happy with the results. Professionals can also get the job done a lot faster which means less

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Can granite harbour bacteria?

When choosing the perfect worktops for your kitchen or bathroom, the primary concern is usually practicality. It’s not only about budget or style, but also about how well your work surface will hold up over the years. Granite has proven popular for a number of years and this trend continues to grow. That said, there have been some concerns regarding the hygiene factor. While some like to argue that granite is prone to harbouring bacteria, others beg to differ. It’s true that natural stone is porous and can be penetrated by water and other substances. That said, there are ways of combating this problem. The first step to take is to make sure that you seal the worktops as soon as they are installed. This sealing will need to be performed regularly as soon as you notice it wears down. Perform regular tests by applying small amounts of water to

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