Granite Worktops - Truth, Lies and misinformation

cyclonebri1

bellbuy40 wrote: »

I have "granite worktops" which have been slightly chipped in places and the chipped areas are much lighter than the dark brown surface. Is this normal for expensive granite or have I been duped?
Await you reply with interest
Regards
bellbuy40

Did you chip them or were supplied like that?

If you accepted then it's your problem, if they have chipped?, well it's the Italian lived with effect.

They are generally indestructible if installed correctly, live with them unless they break.,

Hoploz

It sounds like bellbuy40's point was that the granite is a different colour underneath the surface

cyclonebri1

Hoploz wrote: »

It sounds like bellbuy40's point was that the granite is a different colour underneath the surface

Yes I'm sure that's their point but if supplied like that the finish would have been similar as the manufacturer would have sealed after polishing, new chips go past the polish and applied sealant so expose a raw edge which will appear lighter.

If the OP digs back through this thread he will find that granite varies greatly in hardness, generally the darker the harder, lighter colours and some browns are known to be less dense and easier to chip.

I don't thing he had been duped, just maybe not made aware of the above fact;);)

margie1234

Great post Alan. Can you tell me what is a reasonable joint width to expect in granite kitchen worktops? My newly installed worktops have joints that are 3mm wide in one case and 2mm widening to 4mm in the other and are obviously very visible. Apparently this width is because each edge has an arris or chamfer which creates a groove into which the epoxy has been run. I don't know whether I have strong grounds for complaint or whether there is an industry standard the suppliers should have met.

rosie383

Due to get quartz worktop fitted within the next two weeks. I asked for full bull nose edge as I love the feel of it. Just thought all of a sudden that it may look a bit old fashioned compared to a straight pencil cut. Don't want to pay all the extra money for an edge that will look dated.
If anyone has any thoughts, please share.

EssexExile

There's no point going for something that's in fashion now, it won't be for long, are you going to change the worktop every couple of years? Go with what you like.

daniel_fitter

Hi Alan
I am an interior fitter and have been doing site fitting for years. I have recently set up my own business aimed at the private sector. I don't have and formal training for fitting granite. I would like to be trained to do this the correct way. Do you know of anywhere I can go to get the training I need?

Cheesychap

Hi alan great post . Could you advise who to use down here in the southwest n devon

Silentflyer

I have just had a granite worktop installed by Whitton Worktops. At first company seemed friendly and prices were competitive compared to many we had looked at. Once deposit had been paid, it all started going downhill from there however. First issue was that their website had lots of glossy pictures of supposing installations by themselves, but doesn't tell the potential customer what granite is featured in pictures. I was told there is no showroom (later googled the companies address to a residential area of S!!!!horpe), so you cant go to view anything with them (they have a meta-tag (viewable if you know what you are doing) for almost every town in the UK on their website to ensure all areas of the country get their website up on your browser btw). They couldn't send out half the samples we requested. After deposit had been paid, we were handed onto another company, Rowe Granite, at which point extras to the price began to creep in. It proved impossible to get a proper invoice to accurately reflect what had been agreed and we received no copies of signed agreements during the templating process. Failed to turn up on two occasions. Installation service poor, with no follow up. Could go on, but it comes back to old saying, if the price seems too good to be true, then it probably is! So beware if promises if low price alone entice you. My advice is get a good personal recommendation if you can and stick with an installer/supplier that has either got a showroom, or is at least prepared to meet with you personally to discuss your requirements first. It will save you £££ in the long run....

Go-granite

Hi Alan

> Though current trend shows demand for Natural Stone is it still a good idea to become a Granite Importer?

> Why don't wholesalers do not disclose prices to Private customers and sell to Trade only?

Apologies if my questions are very basic and not using my common sense to find answers haha

Cheers