Like most industries the Granite Worktops business has its jargon.

“Upstands” is a term that causes confusion amongst customers – especially when we in the industry assume that you know what they are. This should help:

Definition of Upstands: An upstand is a piece of granite, usually 20mm thick and 100mm high, that is mounted to the wall – at the point where the granite meets the wall. It serves 2 purposes:-

1. It allows the installer a slight tolerance at the point where the granite meets the wall (particularly helpful in older houses where the walls may not be level)
2. It looks good! – it finishes the worktops off really well – creating a sleek and sophisticated finish.

Also – if you’ve got tiles – the upstands can be cut to size to come to the top of the first tile from the worktop – resulting in a finish that looks as tho the tiles were installed at the same time (this can save the expense of removing/replacing your tiles if you’re happy with them)

NOTE: Splashback - is the term when the upstand covers the whole height of the wall between the worktop and thewall units.

Dales Granite will advise as to what will work best in your kitchen when you’re considering just replacing your laminate worktops with beautiful granite.

Most people will have a budget in mind when considering installing new granite worktops. It’s important that you don’t miss any of the less obvious costs of upgrading to granite. Here’s a checklist:

• Removal/disposal of existing worktops
• Removal of tiles/replaster/re-tile/redecorate
• Disconnection of your sink/tap
• New Sink/Tap
• Reconnection of new sink/tap
• Disconnection of Hob (Gassafe/Corgi may be needed)
• New Hob and connection
• GRANITE !

Many granite suppliers just supply granite. Dales Granite will outline all your options and associated costs and will manage the whole process for you. A ‘turnkey’ solution. We’re flexible to suit you.

A question I’m often asked by customers thinking about replacing their laminate kitchen worktops is “What’s the difference between Granite and Quartz worktops?” The answer is quite simple – Granite is a completely natural product which has been mined/cut/polished and sealed. Quartz worktops are made by mixing elements such as granite, mineral quartz and silica into a man-made resin.

If you consider worktops on a scale -

• Granite (purely natural) is at one end
• Corian (wholly man-made – like plastic) is at the other end
• Quartz – somewhere in between

Granite tends to be less expensive on the whole and is resistant to heat. Because it is naturally porous it needs to be sealed periodically – a quick and easy process.

Quartz comes in a broad colour spectrum, is non-porous but may be subject to damage by heat and exposure to sunlight over time.