Frequently Asked Questions
Why Granitop?
We believe that our work speaks for itself; you can see some of our completed projects below. We also encourage you to read the reviews of our satisfied customers. This should be enough to convince you that Granitop is an excellent choice!
Granite, marble or composite stone worktop?
One of the biggest advantages of granite worktops is certainly their natural and unique beauty. No kitchen ever looks exactly the same, as each surface has a different pattern. Additionally, granite also features higher wear resistance than e.g. wooden or laminate surfaces.
Marble has been a highly valued material in interior design starting from antiquity, and even today marble worktops create an undeniable aura of luxury without the risk of looking old-fashioned. Marble is simply timeless!
Composite stone worktops are available in a broad selection of colours; they are even more wear resistant than granite surfaces and allow for extraordinary design solutions. The colour of your worktop might range from snow white to bright green.
Do you also service private persons?
Yes, sales to private persons are our main focus. Since every middleman always takes a fee, we can offer you an excellent price because there are no go-betweens.
How can I get a price offer for my kitchen?
You can use our price calculator to calculate the total price of your worktops together with fitting. Once you have selected a stone you like and entered correct measurements, you can also submit your order via the calculation system. You can also send us a plan of you kitchen that includes all measurements and we can make you a price offer based on that.
Is the price calculated by the price calculator final?
Once the measurements are checked, the same calculator will be used to determine the final price. This price will be final and there will be no additional fees.
How and when should I pay?
Prepayment of 50–100% (according to the terms indicated on the invoice) of the order amount, provided the customer confirms the order. The invoice amount is to be transferred to our bank account or a payment is to be made by a payment card. The final invoice is to be settled before the ordered goods are accepted or directly before the start of installation.
What is your service area and order completion time?
You can view our service area under the price calculator. Normally, measuring takes place within a week from when we receive your order and worktops are fitted within two weeks of taking the measurements.
What does “2 weeks from measurements to installation” mean? Is it a definite promise?
In the interest of customer satisfaction, Granitop has polished its process of ordering a worktop over the years, so that everything goes smoothly and with minimal stress. Generally, the preparation and installation of a stone worktop doesn’t take more than 14 days and in exceptional cases we have performed miracles and been even faster.
This 2-week installation deadline is a priority of ours and applies to stock materials that are on the product list, including the price per square meter. For special order stones, the period may be slightly longer.
There have been a few cases when (for reasons beyond our control) it took longer to complete the order, nor can we keep our promise, if none of the offered visit times is suitable for the customer.
Granitop logisticians agree the time for measuring and installation by an hour (e.g. from two to three) – this does not mean that the team will arrive at exactly 14:00, but that our specialists can be expected between 14 and 15. From time to time, some schedule changes may occur due to the previous site taking a little longer, because no one is protected from surprises.
Where can I see some actual stone samples?
Our measuring technicians have samples of all the stones in our product range. You can make a preliminary choice using the photos in our blogpost galleries and price calculator sections of our web page.
Samples and a showroom?
Stone samples are available in the showroom(s). We also have sent samples of materials to more remote areas by post.
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If I want to order, what do I need to do?
Choose a suitable material and calculate the cost of the work in the price calculator. The calculator also functions as a contact form – after sending the request, a Granitop specialist will contact you within a maximum of two working days, and then you can discuss the order in more detail. Please read the more specific instructions of using the calculator!
What is the maximum size of a worktop cut from a stone slab?
There is no one simple answer to this question. For natural stone, a lot depends on the size and quality of the slabs cut in the mines. Although for some materials, the length of the slab may be up to 3.4-3.5 metres, one has to consider that marble, granite and limestone slabs rarely have all straight edges and huge slabs may not be available. Therefore, we recommend not planning for worktops longer than 3000mm.
Quartz stones are rectangular and the size of the jumbo-slabs exceeds 3m (3185x1550mm, 3200x1600mm, 3250x1590mm – depending on the manufacturer), but not all materials are produced in jumbo-sizes.
The size of the worktop is also somewhat limited by the weight of the stone (for example, a 5m2 kitchen island worktop may weigh 400 kg), as well as by the location of the kitchen in the building. Longer/wider worktop slabs or an L-shaped worktop as one piece cannot be transported in the narrow corridors of buildings in the old town, and hoisting the slab from the window may be limited by the size of the window frame.
Generally, we assume that the customer is able to involve additional help for carrying heavy and large worktops, and often, rental equipment needs to be used for installing these.
To what extent may the edge of a worktop extend over the furniture without additional support?
The strength of worktop materials differs and also depends on the thickness and quality of the stone (natural stone). Quartz stone, especially with the thickness of 30mm, is the strongest. If it is important that the worktop could be used as a table or a bar counter, or you want to give an airy look to the room and the furniture, the support structures can also be hidden by stone (if necessary). For example, the table section of a kitchen island or the slab of an L-shaped kitchen set visually in the air can be supported by a reinforcement frame hidden behind an added edge.
What kind of preparations should I make before the measurer arrives?
Kitchen cabinets must be fixed in their final position and they must be level. If you are not found a suitable sink from our range, you should already have purchased it elsewhere by the time our technician arrives. This also goes for the mixer tap, cooktop and any other appliances that might require an opening in the worktop.
The kitchen equipment, sink and faucet should be on site so that the measuring team can get acquainted with their make/model and dimensions. We recommend consulting the specialists in Granitop before purchasing kitchen equipment – all hob and sink models may not be suitable for recessed installation.
Please note special requests on the measuring data sheet!
Do you also install sinks and cooktops?
We will fit the sinks and cooktops into the worktops, but we do not do plumbing or electrical work. We will check the suitability of the faucet, but we will not install it.
What should be considered when purchasing sinks and faucets from elsewhere?
a) When purchasing a sink, please pay attention to its installation options. The Blanco sinks sold in Granitop have designations about whether they are meant to be installed from the top or the bottom, also whether these are to be recessed or not.
b) The sinks with multiple basins are available in left- (LH) and right-handed (RH) versions. The version is designated on the basis of which basin is larger. Not all sinks have both-handed models.
c) As the faucet opening is generally drilled in the worktop in the area between the sink and the wall upstands, it is extremely important to know the depth of the kitchen furniture and the sink, so the stone material would be wide enough from the sink edge to the wall (min 100 mm). It applies especially, when the furniture is older (the older standard depth of kitchen furniture was 560 mm, nowadays it is 600 mm). A sink by the new standard may not fit in furniture by the old standard.
d) For faucets, the strength of the water jet and the movement of the temperature control lever must also be monitored – if, for example, hot water comes from the tap when moving the lever towards the wall, the faucet opening must be planned far enough away from the wall and background stone.
e) The hobs and sinks are generally installed in the centre, i.e. an appliance is installed in the middle of the cabinet/module under it. If under the hob there is an oven that is wider than the hob, there is equal space on both sides. If you want any other principles to be followed, let us know about your preferences as early as possible, and be sure to thoroughly check the installation drawing you are to approve.
Why should floors be covered and could the installing team take off their shoes?
As worktops of stone are heavy items, the installing team wears safety shoes required by occupational safety requirements. In addition to protecting the floor with cardboard, it is also advisable to cover nearby furniture, as dust may be generated during installation (e.g. the transport reinforcement strips left in the openings of reinforced natural stones will only be cut on site).
To what extent can one trust a sample of a stone and images on a website/social media?
The stone samples originate from the sold stones – the same material the work surface is to be made. Yet, the pattern and colour of a stone greatly depend on the lighting and the angle of view. For example, quartz with a finer structure may in certain conditions appear completely monochromatic, uniformly white, beige, gray or black. Certain varieties of stone with polished and shiny pieces are extremely difficult to photograph naturally, and depending on the shooting angle chosen to avoid light reflection, the same kitchen island may appear either dark gray or night black. Slight differences in colour may occur on the stones also depending on the batch.
With natural stones, it is not surprising that the pattern or colour of the stone slab varies, regardless of the fact that the whole kitchen is made not only of one batch, but actually of the same slab. This is especially true for the white marble Bianco Carrara C.
When choosing character materials (such as natural stones like Carrara marble or Jura Gray limestone), you can send the contact person a photo of what the stone pattern should be – we then can specify, whether a stone with a similar design can be found. For very specific needs, it may be wiser to use artificial stone with a non-varying pattern.
How to choose a surface material: which is better – granite, marble, limestone, ceramic, quartz or Terrazzo?
1) Granite is extremely resistant, relatively non-porous and weatherproof.
2) The pattern of marble looks grand, but the stone requires more maintenance.
3) Limestone (especially Jura Grey) has an interesting pattern and it is more practical than marble, because signs of usage do not show on it. Limestone is a soft stone, as is marble.
4) Quartz is a very hygienic and resistant material. Unlike natural stones, artificial materials are not resistant to heat and may over time fade by sunlight.
5) Terrazo-stone is made of crushed natural stone. The mosaic pattern of pieces and fragments is beautiful and modern, but due to its resin content, it is not resistant to heat.
6) Compared to the other composite stones, quartz and terrazzo, ceramics are much more heat proof and the material tolerates as high temperatures as granite. Like another artificial stone, quartz, ceramic worktops are extremely hygienic and low in porosity.
Learn more about the types, patterns and colours of stones in the longer article on the similarities and differences of artificial stones (quartz and Terrazzo)!
Which finishing options are available?
The most popular worktop stone finishes are polished (P) and honed (H); both are smooth, but the polished surface is shiny, when the honed surface is matt. However, many more finishes exist and different manufacturers may have different terms for describing the same result, depending on whether it refers to the type of treatment or the surface after treatment (end result). For example, in case of granite, the term “leathered finish” is sometimes used, while another manufacturer calls this a “brushed” surface. Finishes may depend on the properties of the stone and, of course, not all treatment options are available for all materials. If you need an explanation of terms such as flamed, bush-hammered / fine-picked, antiqued / tumbled, water-jet honed, blasted, acid-washed, or would like to see some samples, please contact our specialists!
What should be considered upon ordering a background stone and edging?
As is the case for the worktop, the length of the background is limited by the length of the stone slab. Whenever possible, we will make the background stone from the same slab, to maximize similarity to the worktop. For some materials (limestone, marble, terrazzo), full-length edging is not possible due to the brittleness of the stone, especially if the background stone is less than 100 mm high.
When ordering a worktop or a kitchen island with a horizontal stone that continues on the vertical part, how accurately can the pattern be matched?
The specialists in Granitop will do their best to make the pattern transitions the continuation of the pattern (marble veins) as smooth as possible. A mirror effect can be used on large patterned stones, and for artificial stone, the manufacturers have provided the bookmatch effect (slabs are available for both the left and right side). Matching a perfect pattern involves a slightly higher material consumption and the price can be up to 40% higher than the price shown in the automatic price calculator on the website.
Bookmatch
If the product range shows the price per square meter of stone, why is the price of a 1x1m worktop more expensive in the calculator?
The prices of stones on the materials page are for reference, because the price per square meter is only a part of the total cost of a stone slab worktop etc. To get a square meter worktop of a stone slab, one needs to make at least 2, but often even 4 cuts (saw – 2000-4000 mm), and all visible edges require edging (profile – 4000 mm). The calculator also adds VAT and transport costs to the total and these also affect the price.
On the other hand, the price of a garden table, flower shelf, postament or fireplace mantel may be lower than in the calculator – with discount scrap material (-50% in our BEST FINDS section), the cost of a stone slab can be very favourable.
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A growing number of people are interested in how much a stone slab made to cover a dining-room table or kitchen island might cost. We calculated some sample prices, where the cost of the edge finish and the approximate transport cost have been added to a typical size slab. The cost of a simple worktop – one with no openings and which requires no measurement or installation – is presented here.
Granite Bianco Sardo 20mm, polished
1 x 1.5m (1000 x 1500mm) bevelled edge 328 – 406 £ (depending on the region)
1 x 1.5m full bullnose 433 – 511 £
0.8 x 2.2m bevelled edge 352 – 430 £
0.8 x 2.2m full bullnose 457 – 535 £
Composite stone Pietra Grey 20mm, polished
1 x 1.5m bevelled edge 503 – 581 £
1 x 1.5m full bullnose 608 – 686 £
0.8 x 2.2m bevelled edge 558 – 636 £
0.8 x 2.2m full bullnose 663 – 741 £
Limestone Jura Grey 20mm, honed
1 x 1.5m bevelled edge 410 – 488 £
1 x 1.5m full bullnose 515 – 593 £
0.8 x 2.2m bevelled edge 448 – 526 £
0.8 x 2.2m full bullnose 553 – 631 £
Tax is not included.
Is marble a good choice for a kitchen worktop?
We do offer marble worktops upon request, but do not recommend it for this use due to its susceptibility to mechanical damage and staining by substances often found in a kitchen (e.g. coffee, tea, oil, acidic fruits, red wine etc.). Marble is a better choice for bathrooms and window sills. This stone needs regular treatment with a special sealant.
Can I also order smaller slabs of stone? For example, for a bathroom, window sills, tabletops etc?
We ALWAYS have discounted stone slabs, the side length of which is less than 600mm. At the same time, it has to be considered that the price of cutting and edging, as well as transport fees will still be added to the price of the material when ordering smaller stone products.
What happens when my location is not in the calculator’s region table? Can I submit an order without measurement and installation services?
In the past, we have cooperated with reputable construction companies and interior architects, whose specialists are skilled professionals, who are of equal level to Granitop’s consultants, measurement and installation teams in terms of quality and knowledge. However, for sites outside our service area and upon using third party drawings, personnel or transportation, we cannot always guarantee the 2-week completion deadline. Nor do we take full responsibility for a perfect fit of a worktop manufactured on the basis of drawings by a third party.
How thick are your stones?
The most common thickness for stone slabs is 20 mm or 30 mm. These are priced differently and both options are also available in the price calculator. Some materials enable manufacturing slabs with a thickness of 12, 40 or 50 mm, but the price and availability are to be specified in detail.
Why is there a price for some products, but not for others? What is a special order?
The product range on the website includes materials that are currently popular and the properties of which meet Granitop’s quality requirements. Of course, the stones are also divided by type (granite, marble, limestone, quartzite, Terrazzo, quartz stone – use the filter!), but generally, for every material, there is either a price per square meter or a note “On-demand”. We have a stock of the stones with prices in our factory warehouse and for these, the promise “2 weeks from measurements to installation” applies. The “On-demand” material is also available, but its price and delivery time vary. Also, a higher advance payment requirement (as a rule, 100%) applies for special order stones.
If I have a special request, can you also order a stone that is not listed on the website?
If you dream of very exclusive or interestingly patterned stone worktops, please consider that the process takes more time and do consult with our specialists. Materials that have once been sold, but are no longer manufactured, may have an alternative with a similar design / pattern.
What should I consider regarding price quotes and discounts?
The rule in our terms and conditions of sale is that a price quote is valid for 15 days. Unfortunately, this does not apply to special discounts and campaign prices, especially in case of a “final sale from the warehouse” – when choosing between quotes too slowly, the manufacture of a stone may have ended and all material stock sold out.
We welcome any and all questions involving granite, marble and quartz worktops!