
Brits spent over £100 billion on home improvements over the course of the pandemic, and now that things are near-enough back to normal, the value and importance of the home continues to push homeowners to prioritise improvements to the house, above other expenditures. We all want to be sure that if the worst happens again, we have a house that we love, that serves our needs for functionality, visual impact and value.
“People usually are the happiest at home.” - William Shakespeare
There are lots of improvements that enhance a home, but stunning countertops are the kind of installation that is highly impactful. Worktops are highly visible, they are an integral aspect of cooking and providing meals for the family, or in bathrooms they are easy-clean surfaces that often integrate sinks and other essential aspects of the room.
If you would love to invest in an exceptional home improvement that transforms the way you enjoy your home, read on to find out the benefits of Kent granite, marble and quartz worktops:
First Things First.. What Are Natural Stone Worktops?
Natural stone worktops are usually made of granite, marble or quartz. Each natural stone is a little different:
Granite
Granite worktops are made from igneous rock which is made up of coarse grains of quartz, alkali feldspar and plagioclase. A worktop made from granite is 100% pure natural stone, and every quarry produces different colour combinations, which can include red, pink, grey, white and other shades.
Benefits:
- Chip and scratch resistant
- Stain resistant
- Heat resistant
- Your worktop will be unique to your home
- Stunning speckled aesthetic
Marble
Marble is a metamorphic rock that is made by limestone being subjected to extreme levels of heat. The beautiful veining marble is created by minerals left behind when water has run through the stone and evaporated. Different minerals make different veining colours of reds, pinks, greens, blues, as well as combinations of colours. The most popular types of marble, and the most sought after in the world tends to be very pure with grey or black veining.
Benefits:
- Stays cool
- Incredibly durable
- Stylish and luxurious
- Crack resistant
Quartz
Quartz worktops are a little different from marble and granite worktops because they are a mixture of natural and manmade materials. They combine crushed quartz with polymer resin, to round 93% quartz to 7% resin. The result is a beautiful worktop that is incredibly durable and strong. Because of the manufacturing process used to make quartz worktops, pigment is injected to create different patterns and styles, and so they can be any colour or style you can think of.
Benefits:
- Non-porous, hygienic and easy to clean
- Low-maintenance
- Incredibly durable
- Scratch resistant
- Extensive range of patterns and colours
The Key Benefits Of Natural Stone Countertops
There are some key benefits that granite, marble and quartz share, that are the reason that many homeowners choose to invest in these countertops instead of other options:
Easy To Clean
House proud Brits spend around 10 full days a year cleaning. With that in mind, it’s nice to have at least some aspects of the house that are easy to clean, such as natural stone countertops. Quick reactions to spills, and a daily wipe with warm water and gentle dish soap and your worktop will continue to look beautiful. A little polish with a clean, soft microfibre cloth will further enhance its sheen.
Hygienic & Hypoallergenic
Quartz and sealed marble and granite are hygienic worktops that are easy to clean, that will not hold on to common allergens. Marble and granite are considered porous, though, so if you would like the most non-porous stone because you have one of the 1 in 4 people in the UK who suffer from an allergy, a quartz worktop is likely to be the best choice for you because it isn’t porous at all.
Stunning
From the eye-catching crystals in granite, to the opulent appeal of marble, natural stone worktops are incredibly beautiful and will be a standout piece in any room. With quartz you can choose near-enough any colour or pattern you like. Or, if you want a 100% natural stone like marble or granite, there are various different styles and colours depending on the quarry the stone was sourced from. Every granite and marble worktop is beautifully unique, so you not only benefit from its function and aesthetics, but from the knowledge only you have that exact worktop.
Hard-Wearing & Durable
With the right care and maintenance, natural stone worktops can last a lifetime. They are highly durable and resist chips, cracks and stains, with the exception of marble, which can be sensitive to stains and specifically acidic substances and liquids. Even with any cracks, stains, or even support issues, in many cases worktops can be repaired. There are some great worktop repair companies in Kent who can get your worktop back to its best with ease.
Adds Value To The Home
Most people agree the kitchen is the most important room in the house, and some experts even say that the bathroom is the most important room. Both of those rooms are commonly improved with natural stone countertops in Kent. From waterfall stone islands in the kitchen, to huge double sink stone countertops matching floor to ceiling natural stone for a luxe spa effect, natural stone adds functionality and beauty to ensuites, master bathrooms, kitchens and more. Buyers will be willing to pay more for these high-grade features that are not only beneficial, but remain stylish season after season and are able to stand the test of time.
“Have nothing in your home that you don’t know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.” - William Morris
If you would love to learn more about Kent stone countertop installation, speak to The Only Way Is Granite today for more information. With exceptional technicians, an extensive range of stunning granite, marble and quartz worktops, and competitive prices, you’ll be in the best hands. Why not enquire today to see how your home could be transformed with the functional, aesthetic appeal of natural stone worktops in Kent?