Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the difference between quartz and granite worktops?

Granite is a natural igneous rock quarried directly from the earth, so every slab is unique in its patterning and colouring. Quartz is an engineered material made from approximately 93% natural quartz crystals bound with resins and pigments, giving it greater consistency of colour and pattern. Granite needs periodic sealing to maintain its resistance to staining, while quartz is non-porous and requires no sealing. Both are extremely durable — the right choice depends on your aesthetic preference and how much variation you want in the finished surface. Visit our granite worktops and quartz worktops pages to compare our range.

Is quartz or porcelain better for a kitchen worktop?

Both are excellent choices, but they suit different priorities. Quartz is highly resistant to scratching and impact, and its non-porous surface makes it virtually stain-proof. Porcelain is completely heat-resistant (you can place hot pans directly on it), UV-stable, and available in ultra-slim profiles for a contemporary look. However, porcelain edges can be more susceptible to chipping if struck with force. If you cook heavily and want the freedom to put hot pans down without a trivet, porcelain is worth considering. If you want maximum resilience and a wider range of colours, quartz is typically the more versatile option. Take a look at our quartz worktops and porcelain worktops pages for more detail.

Can I use marble in my kitchen?

Marble makes a beautiful kitchen worktop, and it's a material we work with regularly. However, marble is a soft, porous stone that can etch (develop dull marks) when it comes into contact with acidic substances such as lemon juice or vinegar, and it requires periodic sealing to maintain its resistance to staining. For homeowners who love the aesthetic and are happy to treat the surface with appropriate care, it is an excellent choice, especially for bathrooms and baking stations. If you would prefer a marble look without the maintenance requirements, there are excellent marble-effect quartz and porcelain options in our range.

What is the difference between marble, limestone, and slate?

All three are natural stones, but they have different properties and applications. Marble is a metamorphic rock known for its veining and elegance, and is used for worktops, splashbacks, bathroom surfaces, and flooring. Limestone is a sedimentary stone with a subtler, more muted appearance and a natural warmth — it's well suited to traditional kitchens and bathroom vanities. Slate has a darker, more textured character and is particularly popular for hearths and feature surfaces. We are happy to advise on which material suits your project best, whether that's via our contact form or our showroom in Staplehurst.

Do you supply hearths?

We supply stone hearths in a range of materials including granite, marble, and limestone, and we're able to produce bespoke sizes and shapes to suit your fireplace. Hearths are a popular addition to our worktop orders, and our team can advise on which material will work best alongside your interior.

What is the largest slab size you can supply?

Slab sizes vary by material. Most granites are available up to approximately 1,900mm × 3,000mm. Standard quartz and porcelain slabs are typically 1,400mm × 3,000mm, though a number of brands offer jumbo slabs at 1,590mm × 3,250mm, and a small selection are available in super-jumbo format at 1,950mm × 3,400mm. For runs longer than a single slab, we join sections using a colour-matched two-part resin with a joint of approximately 1mm. If you have a specific layout in mind, our team can advise on the best approach.

What thicknesses are available?

We supply worktops in 11mm, 20mm, and 30mm. The 20mm profile is the most popular for kitchen worktops, but 30mm offers a more substantial appearance that suits both traditional and contemporary kitchens. We can also mitre edges to create the visual impression of a greater thickness, which is useful if you want a bold, chunky profile without the additional weight of solid 30mm stone throughout.

How are joins made in stone worktops?

Joins are made using a two-part epoxy resin colour-matched to your worktop material. When applied and finished correctly, the joint is typically around 1mm wide and very difficult to spot. Our team uses this method routinely for L-shaped kitchens, large islands, and any run that exceeds the maximum slab length.

How do I get a quote?

There are three ways to get a price from us. The quickest is our instant quote tool, which gives you an estimated cost in a few minutes using your measurements. You can also email your plans or dimensions to us directly, or bring a hardcopy into our showroom in Staplehurst. We aim to respond to all email enquiries within 12 hours. For more complex projects, a showroom visit is often the best starting point.

Do I need a detailed plan to get a quote?

A rough sketch with dimensions is enough to get an initial quote. You will need to include the overall lengths and widths of each section, any cut-outs for hobs or sinks, and whether you require upstands or a splashback. The more detail you can provide, the more accurate the quote will be, but we're used to working from hand-drawn sketches and can ask any clarifying questions when we receive your enquiry.

Can you send me samples before I commit?

Yes, we will send up to three samples free of charge. That said, we strongly recommend visiting our showroom if you can. Samples give a useful indication of colour and texture, but the full character of a material — especially natural stones like granite and marble — is best appreciated at slab size. Our Staplehurst showroom has hundreds of samples across the full range, and our team can talk you through the options in person.

What happens after I accept a quote?

Once you're happy with the price and have chosen your material, we book a templating date. We typically require around three weeks’ notice to schedule a template. Installation takes place one week after templating. Our payment terms are 50% due one week before the template visit, with the remaining balance payable on completion.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept BACS transfer, cash, cheque, and card payment.

Do you have a showroom?

Our showroom is at Unit 1, Select Business Centre, Lodge Road, Staplehurst, Kent, TN12 0QW. It features a fitted kitchen display alongside hundreds of material samples. We offer a virtual tour of the showroom if you would like to browse remotely before visiting.

What is a template, and why is it needed?

A template is a precise replica of your worktop layout, taken by our team in your home using a laser templating system. It captures every dimension, angle, cut-out, and overhang to ensure your worktops are fabricated to exactly the right specification. Templating is the step that guarantees accuracy — it is the reason our fitted worktops sit perfectly flush with your units and appliances.

Do I need to be present for the template visit and installation?

We recommend that you are present for both. During the template visit, our team may have questions about exact overhang preferences or joint positions, and it is easier to resolve these in person. On installation day, being present means you can confirm you are happy with the finished result before our fitters leave.

Can I template and fit the worktop myself?

For smaller, straightforward pieces it is possible for customers to provide their own templates and carry out their own installation (we can supply the fabricated stone for self-fit projects). However, for most kitchen worktop installations we strongly recommend using our templating and fitting service. Stone is heavy, and errors in templating or installation can result in cracked or ill-fitting worktops that are expensive to correct.

What needs to be done before you come to template?

All kitchen units must be in place, level, and secured to the walls before we template. Any sinks or hobs that will be cut into the worktop should be on site at the time of templating (undermount sinks should already be in position). Wall plastering should be completed before the template visit, but tiling should be left until after the worktops are installed. If you are replacing existing worktops, they will need to be loosened or removed so we can template directly on the unit carcasses.

How long does installation take from placing an order?

Our normal process is: quote → template (approximately three weeks from order confirmation) → installation (one week after templating). From the point of templating, most customers have their worktops fitted within five to seven working days. The complete process from initial enquiry to installation typically takes four to five weeks, depending on scheduling and material availability.

Do you connect sinks and hobs after installation?

Connecting sinks and hobs is the responsibility of the relevant tradesperson rather than our fitting team. Gas hobs must be connected by a Gas Safe-registered engineer. Plumbing connections for sinks should be handled by a plumber. We will ensure all cut-outs are in the correct position and to the correct dimensions, and can cut holes for taps if required.

Can you supply and fit marble bathrooms?

Alongside kitchen worktops, we regularly supply and install marble panels, bath surrounds, vanity tops, and book-matched wall cladding. If you have a bathroom project in mind, please get in touch to discuss your requirements.

How do I clean my stone worktop?

For day-to-day cleaning, warm soapy water or a mild household detergent is all that's needed. Avoid abrasive cleaners, bleach, or anything highly acidic (such as vinegar-based products), as these can damage the surface of natural stones in particular. For stubborn marks on quartz or porcelain, a non-abrasive cream cleaner is generally safe. Always wipe spills promptly — especially on granite, marble, or limestone, which can absorb staining liquids if left to sit.

Does my worktop need sealing?

Granite, marble, limestone, and slate are natural, porous stones that benefit from periodic sealing. We apply a sealant at the point of installation, and we recommend resealing annually or as needed depending on how heavily your kitchen is used. Quartz and porcelain are non-porous engineered materials that do not require sealing.

Can I put hot pans directly on my worktop?

This depends on the material. Porcelain is fully heat-resistant and can withstand direct contact with hot pans. Granite can also tolerate heat well, though we still recommend using a trivet as a precaution. Quartz, however, contains resins that can be damaged by sudden intense heat — always use a trivet or heatproof mat with quartz worktops. Marble and limestone should also be protected from direct heat.

Are stone worktops scratch-resistant?

Quartz and granite are among the hardest materials available for kitchen worktops and are highly resistant to everyday scratching. Porcelain is similarly hard-wearing, though its edges can chip if struck sharply. Marble, limestone, and slate are softer natural stones that can be scratched more easily — a chopping board is always recommended regardless of material.

What are your terms and conditions?

If you have any questions about our terms and conditions before placing an order, our team is happy to talk you through them.

Do the worktops come with a guarantee?

Henderstone offers a warranty on our workmanship. Many of the quartz brands we stock also carry manufacturer warranties — for example, Silestone products come with a Lifetime Warranty for residential use. Our team can confirm the relevant warranty information for your chosen material at the point of quoting.

Do you work with trade customers or kitchen designers?

We work regularly with kitchen designers, architects, and trade customers and offer competitive pricing for trade accounts. If you are a trade professional interested in working with us, please contact our team.

I still have a question — how do I contact you?

Call us on 01622 747040, email us, or fill in our contact form. You are also welcome to visit our showroom in Staplehurst, where a member of our team will be happy to help. Alternatively, get a price immediately using our instant quote tool.