New Kitchen Countertops: Your Questions Answered

Choosing new kitchen countertops is a big decision. Your worktops have a major impact on how your kitchen looks and feels, but they also need to cope with everyday life: chopping, cooking, spills, hot pans, cleaning and everything else that happens in a busy kitchen.

Natural stone and engineered stone countertops can combine practicality with a high-end finish, but there are plenty of questions to consider before choosing the right material.

Here are some of the most common questions homeowners ask when choosing new kitchen countertops.

What is the best material for kitchen countertops?

There isn't one material that is right for every kitchen. The best choice depends on the look you want, how you use your kitchen and how much maintenance you are happy to do.

Popular options include granite, marble and engineered stone like quartz, each offering different characteristics.

Granite is renowned for its durability and natural variation, while marble offers a timeless, luxurious appearance. Engineered stone can provide a consistent finish and is available in a wide range of colours and patterns.

As a specialist stone supplier, Avon Marble can help you compare the options and find a surface that suits both your kitchen and your lifestyle.

Is marble suitable for kitchen worktops?

Yes, marble can make a beautiful kitchen countertop. Its natural veining and variation mean that every slab is unique, making it particularly popular for statement kitchens and traditional interiors.

However, marble is a natural stone and requires a little more care than some alternatives. It can be susceptible to staining and etching, particularly from acidic foods such as lemon juice, vinegar and wine.

If you love the character of natural stone and are prepared to look after it properly, marble can be an exceptional choice.

Are granite countertops durable?

Granite is one of the most popular natural stones for kitchen countertops because of its strength and durability.

A properly installed and maintained granite worktop can withstand the demands of everyday kitchen use, making it a practical choice for busy households. It is also resistant to heat and scratching, although sensible precautions such as using chopping boards and trivets are still recommended.

Granite's natural patterns and colours also make it possible to create a kitchen countertop that is both highly practical and visually distinctive.

What is the difference between natural and engineered stone?

Natural stone is quarried from the earth and cut and finished into slabs. Every piece has its own natural characteristics, including variations in colour, pattern and veining.

Engineered stone is manufactured using a combination of stone materials and other components. This allows manufacturers to create a more consistent appearance and a wide variety of finishes.

Neither is automatically "better". The right choice depends on your priorities, including appearance, maintenance, durability and budget.

Can you have a stone countertop with a Belfast sink?

Yes - stone countertops can work particularly well with Belfast and other undermount sinks.

The stone can be accurately cut around the sink to create a clean, integrated appearance. This can be particularly effective in traditional kitchens where natural stone is paired with painted cabinetry and a Belfast sink. Take a look at our Gallery to see some examples!

The exact edge detail and installation method will depend on the stone selected and the sink design. We can work with you to choose the right options for your kitchen.

Can stone countertops be made to fit my kitchen?

Yes. One of the major advantages of choosing a specialist stone fabricator is that countertops can be accurately measured, cut and finished to suit your individual kitchen.

This means stone worktops can accommodate features such as:

• Sinks and draining grooves

• Hobs and induction hobs

• Curved edges

• Upstands and splashbacks

• Breakfast bars and islands

• Cut-outs for taps

• Unusual or non-standard kitchen layouts

Good templating and accurate fabrication are essential for achieving a professional result.

What edge profiles can I choose?

The edge of your kitchen countertop is an important design detail. Depending on the material and fabrication requirements, options can include simple square edges, bevelled edges, bullnose profiles and more decorative finishes.

A contemporary kitchen might suit a simple, crisp edge, while a traditional kitchen may benefit from a softer or more decorative profile.

How do I look after a stone kitchen countertop?

The care required depends on the material.

In general, stone countertops should be cleaned regularly using appropriate products and spills should not be left sitting on the surface unnecessarily.

Some natural stones also benefit from periodic sealing to help protect them from staining.

It is important to follow the care recommendations for your specific stone rather than assuming that every stone surface should be treated in the same way.

How much do stone kitchen countertops cost?

The price of a stone kitchen countertop depends on several factors, including the material, slab selection, size, thickness, edge profile, cut-outs and installation requirements.

A small countertop using a relatively straightforward material and design will naturally cost less than a large kitchen island featuring complex fabrication and premium stone.

For an accurate price, it is best to discuss your kitchen plans with our team of experts, who can assess your requirements and provide a tailored quotation.

Should I choose the stone before designing my kitchen?

Ideally, your kitchen and stone countertop should be considered together.

The colour, pattern and thickness of your worktop can influence the appearance of your cabinetry, splashback, flooring and other finishes. If you have fallen in love with a particular slab, it can be helpful to choose it early so the rest of the kitchen can be designed around it.

This is especially important with natural stone, where individual slabs can vary considerably.

Why choose a specialist stone fabricator?

A beautiful stone slab is only part of the finished countertop. Accurate templating, cutting, polishing and installation all contribute to the final result.

An experienced stone specialist can also advise you on the most suitable materials, finishes and edge profiles for your project, helping you avoid costly mistakes.

Ready to choose your new kitchen countertops?

Whether you're planning a complete kitchen renovation or simply replacing your existing worktops, Avon Marble can help you explore the options available.

From natural stone to engineered surfaces, our team can advise on materials, finishes and fabrication to create a countertop that works beautifully in your kitchen.

Get in touch with Avon Marble today to discuss your kitchen countertop project and request a quotation.