As expert stone workers, we’re biased in favour of our favourite material. However, even to us it’s clear that although stone is fantastically varied, resilient and durable, it’s not the right material for every job. It’s also true that there are cheaper options available. So with all that in mind, how can you tell if stone is the right choice for you?
How Much More Expensive is Stone Really?
Per meter, natural stone is one of the most expensive worktop materials. However, it’s comparable to high quality wooden worktops and is far more durable than the other options available. As an example, we’ve worked with customers who are refreshing stone floors that are a hundred years old and, despite a decade or two of neglect, only need a clean up. Vinyl and laminates can start to bubble and buckle after a couple of years. You may not be planning on using your kitchen for a hundred years, but you’d probably be disappointed to have to redo your new kitchen worktop in just 2 or 3. Moreover, some engineered stones have the same durable properties but cost less than natural stone so if you’re considering a good quality wood, stone may be a more affordable choice.
What’s Included in The Quote?
When you’re getting quotes, make sure you’re comparing like with like. As an example, we’ve had people come in asking us to match very low quotes. On inspection, it usually turns out that these quotes are just be for the materials – uncut and without installation. If you’re a skilled carpenter or can draw on trades skills in the family then installing a wood or laminate worktop might be a good cost saving. Stone, however, requires specialist tools so is not recommended as a DIY project. For this reason, our quotes include expert templating, cutting and installation services.
How Much Are You Paying the Middle Man?
As an independent stone working business, we’re able to offer competitive quotes on stone kitchen worktops. One reason why our prices are lower than others you might have seen is that you don’t have to pay a team of sales people in fancy shops. We work directly out of our Surrey based workshop, showing our products to customers in our factory.
Will You Get What You Want?
At Surrey Marble and Granite we pride ourselves on doing the job properly – and we do the whole job. This means that if you have any problems with our work, you’ve got one number to call and we’ll fix the problem. If you’re dealing with a kitchen sales room, you may find that one person has measured your space, another ordered your worktop and a third – who has never met either of the first two – cut it out. If the sink is in the wrong place or the counter is six inches short, who’ll take the blame? We’ve refined our processes to ensure that mistakes are rare, and part of the reason for this is that our small team of experts carries each project through from creating an accurate template – including wonky walls and custom details – through manufacture to installation.
