The four main options
Most made-to-measure kitchens use one of four surfaces: sintered stone, engineered quartz, granite or natural marble. They can look similar at a glance but behave differently in use.
Sintered stone & quartz — the hard-wearing choices
Sintered stone is made from natural minerals fired at very high temperature; it is highly resistant to heat, scratches, stains and UV, and comes in large slabs and many finishes — a strong choice for busy kitchens and islands. Engineered quartz is a man-made stone that is non-porous and very consistent in colour and pattern, easy to live with and stain-resistant, though more sensitive to direct heat than sintered stone.
Granite & marble — natural stone
Granite is a hard natural stone, heat-resistant and durable, with unique natural variation; it is porous and benefits from periodic sealing. Marble gives an unmatched classic look but is softer and more porous, so it scratches and stains more easily and needs more care — many people love its character and patina, while others prefer an engineered surface for a hard-working kitchen.
Choosing — and how we supply
Match the surface to how the kitchen is used and the look you want: sintered stone or quartz for low-maintenance durability, granite for natural stone that stands up to use, marble for classic character if you accept more care. Everything is made to measure; tell us the look and we'll advise the right surface and finish.
Common questions
What is the most durable kitchen worktop?
Sintered stone is among the most durable — highly resistant to heat, scratches, stains and UV. Engineered quartz and granite are also very hard-wearing. Marble is the most delicate of the four and needs more care.
What is the difference between sintered stone and quartz?
Both are engineered surfaces, but sintered stone is fired from natural minerals at very high temperature and is more resistant to heat and UV, while quartz is a resin-bound stone that is non-porous and very consistent but more sensitive to direct heat. We supply both.
Is marble a good idea for a kitchen?
Marble gives a beautiful, classic look but is softer and more porous than the engineered stones, so it marks and stains more easily and needs sealing and care. It is a question of taste versus upkeep — we'll talk you through it.
Which worktops do you supply?
We make kitchens to measure with sintered stone, engineered quartz, granite and natural marble worktops, in a wide range of finishes, and will advise the right surface for how the kitchen will be used.