Stone worktop questions

Once the base units are fixed in place and level, and you have chosen the sink, hob and tap. Templating records the exact size and shape of every run, so the units must not move afterwards. If you are fitting a new kitchen, book it for when the fitter has finished the base units.

Only roughly, for an early estimate. A sketch with each run labelled and approximate lengths is enough. The final measurements are taken at templating. See how to measure for an estimate.

Your postcode, a sketch or plan with rough sizes, the material you are considering, where the sink and hob go, whether you want upstands or a splashback, and anything that makes access awkward. Photos of the existing kitchen help a lot: send the quote form, then email them to info@bathstoneworktops.co.uk.

In many replacement projects, yes. Templating can often be done with the existing worktops still in place, and the kitchen is then out of use on fitting day while the old tops come out and the new ones go in. We confirm how templating will work for your kitchen when we quote.

It depends on the length of each run and the size of the slab. Many quartz slabs are around 3 metres long, with larger "jumbo" slabs in some ranges. Long runs, L-shapes and large islands may need a join. Joins are planned in advance and shown to you for approval, and on patterned stone the layout matters as much as the position.

Often, yes. Stone is carried in by hand, so it depends on the route: stairs, turns, lifts and door widths. Tell us about access when you enquire, and the size of each piece can be planned around it.

Yes. Stone suits undermounted sinks, which sit below the worktop so you can wipe straight into them. You need a sink designed for undermounting, and its model or cut-out template should be available at templating. Drainer grooves can be cut into the stone beside it.

This should be agreed in your quote, so there is no gap between trades. If you have a gas hob, disconnecting and reconnecting it must be done by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

Socket cut-outs in stone upstands and splashbacks are common. Include where the sockets are in your sketch. Any electrical work itself should be done by a qualified electrician.

Sometimes. Matching an existing worktop exactly can be difficult, especially with natural stone, where every slab differs, or with a discontinued quartz colour. In some kitchens it looks better to replace the whole run.

Stone worktops are commonly 20 mm or 30 mm thick, and porcelain is often thinner. Thickness affects the look, the weight, the price and how the worktop lines up with appliances and tiles. See thickness and edge profiles.

It depends on the material, its thickness and how the overhang is supported. Larger overhangs need support brackets or legs. The safe overhang for your chosen stone is confirmed at the survey, so do not plan one from a photograph alone.

A panel of the same stone that continues the worktop down the end of an island or run to the floor. The joint at the corner is usually mitred so the pattern appears to flow over the edge.

Yes. Upstands are short strips of stone along the wall behind the worktop; a splashback covers the wall behind the hob or sink. Using the same stone gives a continuous finish and can hide a gap left by old tiles.

Quartz and porcelain are generally non-porous and do not need sealing. Some granites and most marbles benefit from it. Follow the care guidance for your exact product.

Use a trivet or pan stand. Quartz in particular resists everyday heat but is not heatproof, and Caesarstone recommends protecting it from hot cookware.

Bath’s water is very hard. Wipe around the tap and sink dry after use, remove build-up with the cleaner your worktop’s manufacturer recommends, and keep acidic descalers off marble and polished natural stone. See caring for your worktop.

The health risk from engineered quartz is to the people who cut it, because fabrication creates silica dust. A finished worktop is not being cut. If you would rather avoid high-silica materials, read our guide to low-silica and silica-free worktops.

Replacing a modern kitchen worktop is not normally the concern, but works that alter historic fabric can need listed building consent. Check with your council if you are unsure. Our Bath kitchen guide explains more.

Removal and disposal of the old worktops should be listed in your quote, so you know whether it is included.

Bath (BA1 and BA2) and the surrounding towns, including Bradford on Avon (BA15), Keynsham (BS31), Trowbridge (BA14), Midsomer Norton and Radstock (BA3) and Frome (BA11). See areas we cover.