Cheap Granite Worktops

Doozergirl · 9 July 2009 at 10:59AM

petersmith56 wrote: »

Did you purchase it solely over the internet? I read an article recently that talked about internet selling for granite worktops and the article mentioned the diapol autoquote...

Well yes, but not really. They send someone out to you, he brings samples and measures up for the surfaces.

Then they fit it and you don't pay a peeny until it's fitted and you're happy so whilst I found them on the internet, I didn't actually buy anything over the internet - I bought the worktops that had already been fitted into the kitchen.

Interesting that diapol have been using you Alan M! I'm looking for some new tops in the next couple of weeks (a 3m length and a 1800x1200 island top) but I want something paler to go with cream gloss units so have been considering quartz or corian as I don't want anything with too much colour variation. Would you have any suggestions on the granite front for colours?

Alan_M_2 · 9 July 2009 at 11:24AM

Light granite colour generally have variation so that kind of rules it out. Kashmir White is really the most sensible light colour, but the natural variation of the stone may put you off. Granite is much more suitable for dark or strong bold colours with natural variations.

This is the section of the market where man made materials come into their own...whites, off whites and creams..you'll never find those colours in anything other than Marble (and very expensive and a little impractical).

Not something I do, but if you're after creamy whites take a look at the Compac range of colours.

I don't deal in anything man made, not for any other reason that I've investigated it and there isn't enough margin in the decent stuff to warrant me handling it....I can make margins on the Chinese produced quartz, but generally that really is rubbish so I don't want the headaches associated with it.

Rule of thumb with quartz...stick to the big names, you know what you're getting.

The feedback I get from fitters is on the plus side it's lighter and a little easier to handle...the downside is it's not as easy to polish, other than that it's just a different material.

One of my customers specialises in some of these alternative surfaces...also an Alan.

You can find him here:- Bespoke Surfaces - mention Alan at A.T. Stone passed his details on...always good to know where business comes from.

jonrossington · 17 October 2010 at 10:58PM

Can not believe you people on here would ever consider using diapol..... There are numerous warnings about them even on this site!
From what I gather they cut everything in eastern Europe and ship it over this takes three weeks - which in itself is rediculous! There are a few examples on here of quite worrying experiences when things go wrong. Being cheap is not always the best option ... corners need to be cut to achieve this - no matter what anyone says.
I have moved house a few times and installed worktops. Each time ive used granite stone uk (Hainault, essex). They are resonably priced and the good thing is you dont have to make any payment untill works are complete..... that is somthing you should always look for....this way you always hold the cards!!

Doozergirl · 16 March 2011 at 10:32PM

Thanks Mr Spam but that was four years ago! Reported. Anyone care to join me?

Innys · 16 March 2011 at 10:36PM

Doozergirl wrote: »

Thanks Mr Spam but that was four years ago! Reported. Anyone care to join me?

I already done that.

Doozergirl · 16 March 2011 at 10:40PM

jonrossington wrote: »

Can not believe you people on here would ever consider using diapol..... There are numerous warnings about them even on this site!
From what I gather they cut everything in eastern Europe and ship it over this takes three weeks - which in itself is rediculous! There are a few examples on here of quite worrying experiences when things go wrong. Being cheap is not always the best option ... corners need to be cut to achieve this - no matter what anyone says.
I have moved house a few times and installed worktops. Each time ive used granite stone uk (Hainault, essex). They are resonably priced and the good thing is you dont have to make any payment untill works are complete..... that is somthing you should always look for....this way you always hold the cards!!

I haven't personally seen a bad report on diapol at all?

I used them again towards the end of last year. Incredibly impressed again. I'm gaining experience of different companies, used a local company in 2009 which I was pleased with - that was done in a couple of days! But it was a very similar kitchen to the one I've just done. When you compare photographs of both kitchens that the cuts etc have been planned much better by Diapol where he came and had an in depth conversation with us about cuts, curves, lengths etc. He clearly cared. The other company were keen to undercut them, but I can see where that happened.

I called diapol on a Monday, the guy came from over an hour away and was stood in the kitchen within 2 hours - these people have a work ethic like I've never known! The white quartz was fitted a week later and I'm living with gorgeous kitchen worktops again.

CKdesigner · 16 March 2011 at 10:40PM

Me too!

Alan_M_2 · 16 March 2011 at 11:04PM

Doozergirl wrote: »

I haven't personally seen a bad report on diapol at all?

A few non to happy bunnies on MSE if you do a search

Thread here as an example:-

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.php?p=29357275&highlight=diapol#post29357275

ddenver · 22 April 2011 at 9:18PM

Anyone aware of reasonablly priced granite fitters in South Wales?
I havent got a very big kitchen, but the quotes for 3 lengths I am getting are really expensive!
I am interested in Star Glaxy, Nero Cosmos and Angolan Black
I have seen a trend of people quoting prices with out VAT, and then adding the cost of an undermounted sink and drainer grooves

Any suggestions/recommendations would be highly appreciated!

Alan_M_2 · 22 April 2011 at 10:02PM

Have a chat with Paul or Simon at The Little Granite Kitchen Shop - they are in Devon but will happily travel to South Wales.

Contact details here - http://www.littlegraniteshop.co.uk/

Don't be put off by the website, they are both technophobes but they are very good stonemasons (not just granite fitters)

Mention Alan gave you their details.

Forget the Cosmos - it's a difficult stone to get right now in any decent quality - the Natural African resources are not great right now - so realistically you're looking at Galaxy or Angolan Black.

Cheap Granite Worktops

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