Kitchen Worktops Features and Benefits

Features and Benefits

Stone	Characteristics	Durability Rating (out of 5*)	Heat Resistance	Cleaning Tips
Granite	A natural stone Very hard, igneous rock consisting mainly of quartz, mica, and feldspar Available in a very wide choice of colours with unique markings Overall: a very durable worktop material perfect for any busy, family kitchen.	Durability Rating: **** Can I put a hot pan on it? - Yes Will it stain if I chop beetroot on it? - No Will it leave visible scratches if I chop on it? - No Will it leave watermarks on it? - No	Up to 200C	Clean it with a gentle, neutral, surface cleaner, avoid heavy bleaches and harsh chemicals Granites can appear dull or smeary over time so we recommend lightly polishing your worktop once a week with a stone polisher, for example Pledge’s Multi-Surface or our favourite is ‘Granite Clean and Sheen’ which you can buy from us by emailing us
Marble	A natural stone Crystalline metamorphic form of limestone, typically white with coloured mottlings or streaks Associated with luxury Overall: with proper care and attention, a marble worktop can look beautiful for years and years.	Durability Rating: *** Can I put a hot pan on it? No (can discolour) Will it stain if I chop beetroot on it? - Yes Will it leave visible scratches if I chop on it? - No Will it leave watermarks on it? - Yes	Up to 150C	Don’t use household cleaning products or bleaches on your marble top, they irritate the stone making it more susceptible to staining and scratching Instead, we recommend using Dry Treat’s ‘Rejuvenata Spray’ which not only cleans your marble gently, but contains a small amount of sealer to enhance the protection of your worktop Also, do not use a scourer pads, particularly metal ones, on marble
Silestone and other composite quartz	A man-made surface Designed to be a durable and resilient work surface for homes and businesses 90% natural quartz mixed with resin and pigments for custom colours Overall: a very durable worktop material perfect for any busy, family kitchen.	Durability Rating: **** Can I put a hot pan on it? Wouldn’t recommend Will it stain if I chop beetroot on it? – Unlikely, but take caution Will it leave visible scratches if I chop on it? - No Will it leave watermarks on it? - No	Up to 160C	Similarly to granite, clean it with a gentle, neutral, surface cleaner, avoid heavy bleaches and harsh chemicals Composite’s can appear dull or smeary over time so we recommend lightly polishing your worktop once a week with a stone polisher, for example Pledge’s Multi-Surface or our favourite is ‘Granite Clean and Sheen’ which you can buy from us by emailing
Lapitec	A man-made surface With 100% mineral composition, this surface has a similar chemistry and mineralogy to granite, but with increased durability and maintenance properties Overall: an extremely durable worktop material.	Durability Rating: ***** Can I put a hot pan on it? – Yes Will it stain if I chop beetroot on it? – No Will it leave visible scratches if I chop on it? - No Will it leave watermarks on it? - No	Up to 250C	Similarly to granite, clean it with a gentle, neutral, surface cleaner, avoid heavy bleaches and harsh chemicals
Slate	A natural stone Primarily formed with the coming together of clay and volcanic ash Overall: if you choose the right slate, it can be a durable worktop material, perfect for a busy kitchen.	Durability Rating: *** Can I put a hot pan on it? – Yes Will it stain if I chop beetroot on it? – No, however oily foods might. Will it leave visible scratches if I chop on it? – Some types of slate yes Will it leave watermarks on it? - No	Up to 170C	Use a warm, soapy water or a gentle surface cleaner, avoid bleaches and harsh chemicals Don’t use scourering pads on it, particularly metal ones
Limestone	A natural stone A sedimentary rock, composed mainly of skeletal fragments of marine organisms such as coral, forams and molluscs Some can be almost as hard as granite, whilst others are soft and crumbly Overall: similarly to slate, if you choose the right one, it can make a durable worktop.	Durability Rating: *** Can I put a hot pan on it? – Yes Will it stain if I chop beetroot on it? – Some limestones will, some won’t, ask your fabricator. Will it leave visible scratches if I chop on it? – Again, some will, some won’t Will it leave watermarks on it? - No	Up to 160C	Similarly to marble, don’t use household cleaning products or bleaches, they irritate the stone making it more susceptible to staining and scratching Instead, we recommend using Dry Treat’s ‘Rejuvenata Spray’ which not only cleans, but contains a small amount of sealer to enhance the protection of your worktop Also, do not use a scourer pads, particularly metal ones