Granite Worktops - Truth, Lies and misinformation

cyclonebri1

rrtt wrote: »

30mm granite worktops in new kitchen of old farmhouse I've been renovating, and I'm absolutely delighted with the look, fitting and customer service.

So if anyone else in the Harrogate area is looking, like I was without success until another type of retailer in a business park a few miles away pointed me in the direction of AKTIV DESIGN, Follifoot (same road as Pannal Golf Club and the Business Park is almost opposite the riding stables), I think you'll end up like me, a happy customer if you use this company.

They have a large workshop shed which must be at least 60' by 30', every last foot outside having stacks and stacks of slabs, huge range of granite, marble and quartz. Jo who manages the showroom took me round, and when I wanted samples to take back to see in the house itself, she got one of the workers to cut chunks off for me!

I went for the Steel Grey which was actually the cheapest they do but the best for me in looks and match (it's actually more black than grey, but variable enough to match whatever state of washed/unwashed my greyish black kitchen floor tiles are in). £3K for one 900mm plain run, one approx 700mm sink run incl dble butlers sink & large recessed drainage area, one island of approx 900 x 1200mm, and two narrower depth tops either side of the range, approx 500mm each. All measurements approx as I'm not there/don't have the paperwork to hand at the mo. Jo also sourced the taps of my choice for me, at less than the online price I'd seen.

Templated (2 hrs) and installed (1.5 hours) without fuss by fitters with professional attitude, short-ish lead in time (no more than a couple of weeks or so)

I'm not a relative, friend, employee or in any way associated with the company, just in case anyone thinks this all is a bit too glowing!

All the unbiased recommendation is what most of the posters in this thread are after, it's obvious there are some very good suppliers out there, just needs a little homework doing;);)

Greenst

I am in the very early stages of updating my kitchen, going through the process of looking at kitchens, getting quotes, getting ideas.

I have decided on a white kitchen and want a black work top but not laminate, am thinking of granite but not sure if I can get it in budget as yet.

If anyone can give me suggestions of anywhere in Hertfordshire to look I'd really appreciate it, st Albans, Hatfield, Watford areas. Most posts on here seem to be oop north!

I know this is a granite forum but if you have any other suggestions on work surfaces that are a bit more 'classy' than laminate I'd appreciate all ideas at the moment finding it all very confusing already !

cyclonebri1

I'd read the topic from start to finish to be honest, there have been suggestions for retailers all over the country.

Maybe start another thread many will have crossed this off their watch list as it's a fair age now.

Greenst

Ok thanks will do !
Did start reading through but thought it would be quicker to ask as there's soooo many posts to work through!

lackingwedge

I am considering quartz for my island, however the dimensions I want are 2000 x 150mm. I believe only Silestone have slab sizes that allow for an island of that size without a join?

cyclonebri1

lackingwedge wrote: »

I am considering quartz for my island, however the dimensions I want are 2000 x 150mm. I believe only Silestone have slab sizes that allow for an island of that size without a join?

2000 x 150mm, pretty slim island

lackingwedge

Apologies.
2000 x 1500 MM

Cody123

No, compac! Silestone, and a couple of other companies do a standard slab size off 3000mm x 1400mm and the biggest size silestone, Samsung do a bigger size at 3100 x 1500 mm

spacebug

Can anyone recommend a reputable company in the Sussex area for a granite worktop? Anyone recommend Affordable Granite based in Horley? Anyone used MisterMarble or Diapol?

We have a standard 'U' shaped kitchen. One and half sink, one hob. Will stick with the current sink, mounted on top. Rough dimensions are 1850 x 600, 2800 x 600 and 2450 x 650. We'd like the star galaxy granite, chamfered edges and no upstands.

The house is a new build, but unfortunately the kitchen worktops were already chosen before we reserved it - and they are not what we would have chosen!

My understanding is that with the house being a new build we will not need to pay the VAT.

Thanks

cyclonebri1

Never heard that before, if you've taken possession it's no longer in the build process surely, could be wrong of course.