Kitchen worktop - textured honed slate effect?

Devonianlass

I wish to purchase a Howdens kitchen and am considering their new Basalt Slate Honed worktop - a textured, matt effect.

As these are quite new I am wondering whether anyone has one and if they have come across any problems? Are they easy to keep clean? I am worried that they might harbour germs but I guess a solid wood worktop would as well.

Any comments would be appreciated

tile_guru

BE AWARE

Basalt is an acid sensitive stone....

any wine, acid cleaners mustard etc spillages can etch the surface.

Better off with granite..

Guru

Steve_the_fitter

I take it you mean the laminate effect worktop. I have fitted quite a few of these over the last year or so and havent had any call backs with regard to problems so Id say you would be fine with this style of worktop. I dont fit Howdens Kitchens too often but have heard that their worktops are going down hill a bit on quality so something to keep in mind.

leveller2911

I agree with Steve, Ive fitted a fair few Howdens kitchens and their worktops are poor,very thin laminate and wear far to quickly.

Devonianlass

Interesting to say that Howdens' worktops aren't as good any more. Had a look in B&Q and Wickes today and those aren't good either - dimply laminate and scratchy gloss surfaces. Am looking for solid wood (but a bit out of my price range) or laminate.

Could you suggest another source? Thanks!!

Are Howdens' kitchens still OK?

leveller2911

Hi Devonianlass,
If your looking for solid wood try your local joinery workshops and you might be pleasantly surprised.I have made Iroko and Black walnut worktops.Most places like Wickes,Howdens,B&Q and many more make theirs from laminating many pieces of poor quality timber,Your local joinery can make them from good quality,wide boards with nice grain so TBH theres no comparison and often as cheap or cheaper... Go for purpose made worktops and you won't regret it....Good luck

PS. For the price you pay, Howdens kitchens are value for money.

donna-j_2

My mum has this in her kitchen and a bit chipped off right in front of the hob within days. Howdens were not terribly helpful.