Work Surfaces
We are passionate about our worksurfaces and we want you to feel great about the one you choose. At Neil’s Kitchens we offer a large range of options tailored to your preferred kitchen. Beautifully hand crafted options, elegantand stylish natural stone, replicant solutions offering a large range of effects including granite, woodgrain and stone plus a large colour pallete right the way through to Active Hygiene surfaces that incorporate Microban anti bacterial protection right in the surface.
We are stockists for popular ranges including Bushboard, Encore Solid Surface, Polyrey UK and Crown Imperial.
Some of our options are shown. But the choice is huge, so let our consultants detail what would be best for your kitchen. Please call for more details.
Useful information about Granite Worktops.
Information About Granite Worktops
(Everything you ever wanted to know about granite but didn’t think to ask)
Granite is – quite literally – as old as the earth itself. It was formed as liquid magma, the molten rock still found at the core of the planet, slowly cooled to form a substance approaching the hardness and durability of a diamond. In order to appreciate more about the varying characteristics, and how they reflect in the commercial realities, it is important that we understand a little about their origins.
Molten material within the Earth is called magma. In simple terms magma can be thought of as molten rock. When magma cools, it solidifies to form rock which is called "igneous rock". That is deceptively simple, since the solidification process can be very complex. There is a considerable range of melting temperatures for different compositions of magma. Upon cooling from the completely molten state, it is typical for silicon tetrahedra to form first, and they in turn join with each other and other ions to form the nuclei for crystal growth. The minerals with the highest melting points will crystallize first, and their crystal growth may continue unimpeded as long as the surrounding material remains molten. Depending upon the surroundings and the rate of cooling, a great variety of textures and compositions of igneous rock can be formed. When crystallization is complete, the result is a solid mass of interlocking crystals of different sizes
To summarize, the origin, evolution, and cooling history of magma affects the composition and texture of the igneous / granite rocks.
INTRUSIVE ROCKS
Igneous rocks which form by the crystallization of magma at a depth within the Earth are called intrusive rocks. Intrusive rocks are characterized by large crystal sizes, i.e., their visual appearance shows individual crystals interlocked together to form the rock mass. The cooling of magma deep in the Earth is typically much slower than the cooling process at the surface, so larger crystals can grow.
Granite is the most common type of intrusive igneous rock that we have at the earths’ surface.
EXTRUSIVE ROCKS
Igneous rocks which form by the crystallization of magma at the surface of the Earth are called extrusive rocks. They are characterized by fine-grained textures because their rapid cooling at or near the surface did not provide enough time for large crystals to grow. The most common extrusive rock is basalt. The magma in the ocean’s crust is basaltic. An example of this is Nero Assolouto.
It is “Plate tectonics” that is responsible for moving rocks around the planet and for transporting rocks that were once deep within the crust to locations above ground.
COMPOSITION
Granites are formed of an aggregate of crystals which are moulded together without any interspace between them or which enclose one another. It is accurate to speak of “granites,” because many varieties of the stone exist. While they differ in colour, texture and crystalline structure, the granites have three essential minerals in common: Feldspar- Quartz- Mica. These minerals occur in different proportions, giving each granite its own colour, texture and structural characteristics. In addition, hornblende, magnetite, hematite, pyrite, zircon, garnet, corundum and other minerals may be present in smaller amounts, adding to the unique colouration and texture of each granite deposit
This is why most rocks that are used in the home are treated as a standard practise at the source. The treatments that are used will vary from one type of rock to another depending upon which natural characteristics are more profound in any one type of stone.
Scientifically speaking, to be classified as true granite the material must be of an intrusive nature and made up of mainly Feldspar, mica, quartz and hornblende. Commercially, there are many different types of igneous and even metamorphic rock that are quarried, sold and used as granites. They all have similar levels of hardness and durability, but are never exactly the same. It is therefore impossible to pose that one piece / type of “granite” is inferior in quality to another, although the visual aesthetics of any surface markings / characteristics will often be enough for the ”layman” to form their own preconceived idea of what they deem to be a “quality granite.” Don’t let this alarm you! It is not our intention to steer anyone away from using granite, but to ensure you fully understand and appreciate the nature of this beautiful material for use in your home, and to help you make a more informed choice.
When the large blocks of granite (weighing up to 40 tonnes) are initially quarried, they could be likened to “Sealed Letters”, in so much as, until they’re opened (i.e. sliced into slabs and polished) no one can know for certain what they contain.
When cut and polished, if scrutinised too closely, they may reveal what appear as faults and imperfections that are inconsistent to the rest of the material. These may appear as pot marks, natural fissures in the surface polish and irregularities in the surface markings / texture of the stone.
Sometimes the suppliers will provide slabs that have been stopped, cramped and filled / treated with resins to ensure they arrive in a perfect condition. So, if additional repairs / treatments are carried out in our workshop or on site, they may not automatically constitute a fault
When irregularities in the surface markings are excessive, unsightly, unavoidable and prominent, the slab will be rejected or removed into a “seconds” category. Provided the structural integrity has not been compromised and remains intact, these “seconds” (scientifically speaking) can still be regarded as “being in a perfect condition.”
Commercially, the cost implications of quarrying such large blocks of granite, then shipping them around the world for processing into the polished slabs are titanic. It is because of this, the natural imperfections and irregularities that characterize the surface markings, should be looked upon and enjoyed for what they actually are…….the very characteristics that lend the granite its individuality and emphasise the natural beauty. The true reason, that granite has become so prized and appreciated.
Other options would be simply to buy more material, which would create a great deal more waste, resulting in further costs and delays that will inevitably get passed on to the customer. So if the customer is intolerant of natural imperfections and the various characteristics, then the choice of granite and marble for work surfaces and vanity tops could be deemed inappropriate. It is for these reasons that a visit to the workshop to view, choose and approve the material prior to manufacture is highly recommended. Your opinion may well differ from ours, and it would be very disappointing should you arrive home to find the stone does not live up to your expectations.
Rest assured we will not compromise the strength, aesthetics, and quality of any material or installation. It is for this reason we reserve the right to reject material that we regard as being poor quality. (i.e. badly processed and calibrated) This can sometimes lead to short delays during the manufacture; A “catch 22” situation! Although, a reflection of our commitment to quality.
GUARANTEE
It is impossible to offer unconditional guarantees on stone surfaces as contrary to popular belief, stone is not indestructible. Household insurance however, should cover the cost of any breakages. and small chips can be repaired easily.
If any problem arises as a result of poor workmanship within a period of one year of the date of installation, then we will take every measure necessary to rectify any problems to the customers’ satisfaction.
WHY GRANITE
Granite is a very tough and durable natural stone; it is a beautiful long lasting, hygienic material – ideally suited to countertops and worktops in the kitchen or bathroom. It is stain and scratch resistant and easy to maintain and keep clean, making it an ideal and popular choice for worktops. Granite surfaces provide years of durable service and add elegance and style to any setting
This is one of nature’s purest materials, endowed with the highest qualities of durability and insulation, and which speaks freely of the world it comes from; it is for this freedom of expression that granites are chosen, for they achieve a dimension of chromatic relief that distinguishes them from the cold repetitiveness of artificial products. There is also a limitless variety of veining and colors, which means that your worktops will always remain new and unique.
In the last few years its popularity has outgrown other materials such as laminate, wood, Corrian and tiled worktops.
Our aim is to provide a problem free and quality service. In order to be able to achieve this, to process and manufacture projects as efficiently and accurately as possible it is essential that the following points are considered / carried out prior to our commencing any installation. Please take the time to read the following information, so that you may assist us in helping you.
DEFECTS AND IMPERFECTIONS
A natural material that can incorporate flaws, pot marks, veining, and irregularities and can never be guaranteed to remain consistent throughout the whole installation. This is due to the natural working characteristics of materials supplied. Granite is also sometimes susceptible to “blowing out”. This occurs when contact is made with the material whilst cutting or grinding. This is common in large particled granites. There may be small chips which arised in the course of manufacture, delivery and / or installation. We reserve the right to replace or repair minor defects entirely at our own discretion. We also reserve the right to use chemical or resinous fillers, some of which may already be present in the granite worktop to effect any repairs. This is a standard practice throughout the industry, and repairs no matter how discreet will ever be 100%. Remember they are generally a result of the varying characteristics inherent in this natural material in the first place, so provided they are discreet and the structural integrity restored, they will be deemed acceptable.
LOOKING AFTER YOUR BEAUTIFUL WORKTOPS
Looking after your granite worktops couldn’t be easier, simply rinse with clean warm water ( if you wish add a non-abrasive light neutral detergent – PH7) and dry with a chamois leather or similar.
Drainage grooves can be cleaned periodically with a medium grade wire wool to remove limescale build up.
Our fitters will leave behind a care and maintenance sheet with a list of suggested do’s and don’ts and a complimentary tin of hard surface cleaner.
A FINAL NOTE
If anything is unclear, please don’t hesitate to call us. We will be only too pleased to answer any questions or queries you may have. Please remember it is sometimes impossible to offer firm advice without first conducting a site survey.
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