Based on checking the website, Planetgranite.co.uk appears to be a legitimate and established UK-based company specializing in the fabrication and installation of natural stone and quartz worktops, primarily for kitchens.
Their online presence suggests a focus on direct customer engagement, quality craftsmanship, and competitive pricing due to their integrated business model of importing, fabricating, and installing materials themselves.
This direct approach aims to cut out intermediaries, potentially offering better value for customers seeking bespoke worktop solutions.
The website provides a comprehensive overview of their offerings, including a wide range of granite, quartz from brands like Silestone, Caesarstone, and Unistone, and marble options.
They highlight their long-standing experience since 2002, their custom-built factory and showroom in Coventry, and their investment in advanced technology like waterjet machines and CNC equipment.
The company emphasizes a hands-on approach from the director, Steve, suggesting a personal touch and commitment to project oversight.
For homeowners or businesses in the Midlands and Central London looking for durable and aesthetically pleasing stone surfaces, Planet Granite presents itself as a viable option that prioritizes direct service and quality control.
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IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.
Planetgranite.co.uk Review & First Look
Based on an initial review of the website, Planetgranite.co.uk presents itself as a dedicated specialist in stone worktops.
The site design is functional, providing clear navigation to their product ranges, gallery, and contact information.
It immediately highlights their core business: custom fabrication and installation of granite, quartz, and marble worktops.
Initial Impressions and User Experience
The homepage serves as a strong introduction to their services, featuring high-quality images of past projects and samples of various stone types.
The layout is intuitive, making it easy for a potential customer to understand what the company offers and how to get in touch. Ukheliumsupplies.co.uk Reviews
The presence of a direct phone number, email, and physical address reinforces their legitimacy.
Key Information Availability
Crucially, the website readily provides essential details such as:
- Contact Information: Clearly displayed phone number 01676 542 675 and email [email protected].
- Physical Location: Showroom and factory details in Coventry, Warwickshire, indicating a tangible presence.
- Operating Hours/Consultation: While specific hours aren’t front and center, the invitation to visit the showroom or contact for a quote implies direct engagement.
- Company History: “Trading since 2002” lends credibility and experience.
Transparency and Credibility
The “About Us” section, featuring the founder Steve, adds a personal touch and speaks to the company’s ethos.
His direct involvement “with every project” and commitment to being “hands-on” could be a significant trust-builder for customers seeking bespoke solutions.
The mention of “thousands of jobs” completed, often through recommendations, suggests a strong track record. Smilekitchens.com Reviews
Planetgranite.co.uk Features
Planetgranite.co.uk offers a range of features designed to provide a comprehensive service for customers seeking bespoke stone worktops. These aren’t just product listings. they encompass the entire service delivery model.
Extensive Material Selection
The website showcases a broad spectrum of materials, catering to diverse aesthetic preferences and functional requirements.
- Granite: A wide variety of natural granite options, including “African Fusion,” “Angola Black,” “Blue Pearl,” “Colonial White,” “Fantasy Brown,” “Nero Assoluto,” “River White,” and “Star Galaxy.” These are often listed with their typical thickness e.g., 30mm, 20mm, which is crucial for installation and durability.
- Quartz: An impressive selection from leading brands like Silestone, Caesarstone, and Unistone. Specific quartz names like “Silestone Eternal Calacatta Gold,” “Caesarstone London Grey,” and “Unistone Statuario” highlight popular and contemporary choices. Quartz is emphasized for its low maintenance, stain, thermal, and scratch resistance, making it an excellent alternative to granite.
- Marble: While not as extensively listed as granite or quartz, marble is mentioned as a core offering, particularly in blog posts like “Marble worktops The Timeless Beauty.” This suggests they can source and fabricate various marble types like “Calacatta Gold Marble” and “Panda Marble” shown in their gallery.
Bespoke Fabrication and Installation
This is a core strength highlighted by Planet Granite. They are not just suppliers. they are fabricators and installers.
- Custom-Built Factory: The presence of their “own custom built showroom and factory” signifies complete control over the fabrication process. This means they can precisely cut, polish, and finish stone to client specifications.
- Advanced Technology: Investment in “the latest CNC technology,” “waterjet machines,” “7 axis Robots,” and “granite polishing machines” ensures precision, efficiency, and high-quality finishes. This technology allows for intricate cuts and designs, adapting to unique kitchen layouts.
- Experienced Team: The company prides itself on a “small dedicated team of 15 people” who are “brilliant at the job they do.” This expertise is vital for handling and shaping heavy, delicate stone materials.
Direct Import Model and Cost Efficiency
A significant feature is their direct-to-customer model, which they claim leads to cost savings.
- Direct Importing: “The fact we are the importers of all our own material” eliminates intermediaries. This means they purchase raw slabs directly from quarries or manufacturers.
- Lower Overheads: Being a “small dedicated team” with “moderately low overheads” and owning “all our own specialist granite processing equipment” contributes to their ability to offer competitive pricing.
- Integrated Service: The entire process—importing, fabricating, and installing—is handled in-house. This streamlined approach not only potentially reduces costs but also provides greater control over quality and timelines, leading to a more efficient project delivery for the customer.
Planetgranite.co.uk Pros & Cons
When evaluating Planetgranite.co.uk based on their website, several strengths and potential areas for more information become apparent. Straightmyteeth.com Reviews
Understanding these aspects can help a potential customer make an informed decision.
Pros:
- Extensive Experience: With “trading since 2002,” Planet Granite boasts over two decades in the industry. This long history suggests a deep understanding of stone fabrication and installation, as well as resilience in the market. Their claim of “literally thousands of jobs” completed and a high rate of recommendations further solidifies their experience.
- Direct Control & Quality Assurance: By having their “own custom built showroom and factory” and importing their “own material,” they maintain tight control over the entire process from sourcing to installation. This integrated model helps ensure consistency in material quality and craftsmanship, potentially leading to a superior end product.
- Advanced Technology: The investment in “latest waterjet technology,” “CNC technology,” “7 axis Robots,” and “granite polishing machines” indicates a commitment to precision and efficiency. This technology allows for accurate cuts, intricate designs, and high-quality finishes that might be difficult to achieve with less advanced equipment.
- Competitive Pricing Model: Their business model of direct importing and low overheads, with “no queue of people taking their cut,” is explicitly stated as a reason for their competitive pricing. This could translate into significant cost savings for customers compared to companies that rely on multiple intermediaries.
- Personalized Service: The founder and director, Steve, highlights his “very hands-on” approach and personal involvement “with every project.” This offers a level of personalized service and accountability that can be very appealing to customers seeking tailored solutions and direct communication.
- Wide Service Area: While based in Coventry, they “operate… across the Midlands and into Central London,” extending their reach to a significant customer base.
Cons:
- Limited Online Pricing Information: The website does not offer immediate, transparent pricing or an online quote calculator. While bespoke worktops often require custom quotes, a general price range or a clear explanation of their quoting process might help manage customer expectations from the outset. Customers must “contact Planet Granite for a quote” or visit the showroom.
- Reliance on Offline Engagement for Detailed Information: While they offer free samples, the process for obtaining a detailed quote or understanding the full range of options seems to heavily rely on direct contact or a showroom visit. For customers outside their immediate service area or those who prefer to research extensively online before engaging, this could be a slight hurdle.
- Customer Review Aggregation: While they mention “Read our Google Reviews” with a link, the website itself doesn’t feature integrated customer testimonials or a dedicated review section. Centralizing customer feedback directly on the site could further enhance trust and provide social proof.
- Less Detail on Warranty/Aftercare: The website focuses heavily on the initial fabrication and installation. More explicit details on warranties for materials and workmanship, as well as guidance on aftercare and maintenance for the stone, would be beneficial for long-term customer reassurance.
Planetgranite.co.uk Alternatives
When considering stone worktops, it’s wise to explore alternatives to ensure you’re getting the best fit for your needs and budget.
While Planet Granite offers a compelling direct-to-customer model, the market for granite, quartz, and marble worktops is diverse, with various approaches and specializations.
Local Independent Fabricators
- Overview: Many regions have independent stone fabricators similar to Planet Granite, but operating on a smaller, more localized scale. These businesses often pride themselves on craftsmanship and personal service.
- Pros: Can offer highly personalized service, flexibility in design, and competitive pricing due to lower overheads. You might find a unique stone selection.
- Cons: Their reach might be limited, and their technology might not be as advanced as larger operations. Vetting their experience and reliability is crucial.
- Consideration: Search “granite fabricators near me” or “quartz worktops ” to find local options. Look for businesses with established showrooms and a portfolio of past work.
National Kitchen Retailers with Stone Options
- Overview: Large kitchen companies e.g., Magnet, Wren Kitchens, B&Q, Homebase in the UK often provide integrated kitchen design services that include stone worktops as part of a complete package. They typically partner with third-party fabricators.
- Pros: Convenient for a full kitchen renovation as everything is managed under one roof. Often have extensive showrooms and finance options.
- Cons: Can be more expensive due to multiple layers of markup. Less flexibility in stone selection, and the quality of fabrication and installation can vary depending on their chosen subcontractor. The direct, hands-on control seen at Planet Granite might be absent.
- Consideration: Useful if you’re undertaking a complete kitchen overhaul and prefer a single point of contact, but be mindful of potential added costs and less direct control over the stone worktop aspect.
Online Stone Worktop Suppliers
- Overview: A growing number of online-only suppliers allow you to select, configure, and order worktops digitally, often shipping slabs or pre-cut pieces for local installation.
- Pros: Can offer very competitive prices, especially for standard sizes or common stone types, due to lower operational costs. Wide selection of materials.
- Cons: The “supply only” model means you’re responsible for finding and vetting an installer, which adds another layer of complexity. You don’t get the bespoke templating and fitting service that companies like Planet Granite provide. There’s less direct quality control over the final installed product.
- Consideration: Best for experienced DIYers or those with trusted local installers. Not suitable if you need a full-service solution including templating, fabrication, and installation.
Local Joinery or Cabinet Makers
- Overview: Some high-end joinery workshops or custom cabinet makers might offer stone worktop integration as part of their bespoke furniture projects.
- Pros: Can provide a highly integrated design solution where the worktop perfectly complements custom cabinetry.
- Cons: Their primary expertise is usually wood, and they may subcontract stone work, adding to the cost and potentially reducing direct oversight of the stone aspect.
- Consideration: Relevant if you’re commissioning custom cabinetry and want a seamless, integrated design, but ensure they have robust, vetted stone partners.
When choosing an alternative, it’s crucial to weigh factors like the level of service you need supply only vs. full service, budget, desired material, and the importance of a hands-on, expert approach like that championed by Planet Granite.
Always seek multiple quotes and review portfolios and customer feedback. Ereresearch.com Reviews
How to Get a Quote from Planetgranite.co.uk
Getting a quote from Planetgranite.co.uk seems to follow a direct, personalized approach, aligning with their emphasis on hands-on customer service.
Based on the website, the process is straightforward, focusing on direct communication rather than an automated online configurator.
Initial Contact Methods
The website clearly highlights two primary ways to initiate contact for a quote:
- Phone Call: The most prominent method displayed is their phone number: 01676 542 675. This suggests they prefer direct conversations to understand customer needs immediately.
- Email: You can also email them at [email protected]. This is suitable for those who prefer to send initial details in writing or outside of business hours.
- Showroom Visit: They explicitly invite potential customers to “visit our granite and quartz worktops showroom in Coventry.” A physical visit allows for seeing material samples, discussing options face-to-face, and getting a direct consultation. Steve, the director, states he will “personally take care of everything from start to finish” if you visit.
Information Required for a Quote
To receive an accurate quote, you will likely need to provide specific details about your project.
While not explicitly listed as a form on the website, common information needed for stone worktop quotes includes: Pieces-detachees.sogedis.fr Reviews
- Kitchen Layout/Dimensions: Basic measurements or a simple sketch of your kitchen layout, indicating where the worktops will go.
- Material Preference: Whether you’re interested in granite, quartz, or marble, and if you have a specific color or type in mind e.g., “Silestone Eternal Calacatta Gold,” “Nero Assoluto granite”.
- Worktop Usage: For kitchen worktops, bathroom vanities, or other applications.
- Edge Profiles: Any specific edge designs e.g., bullnose, ogee, pencil edge you might prefer, although standard options are usually available.
- Cut-outs: Details for any sink cut-outs undermount, overmount, hob cut-outs, or tap holes.
- Splashbacks/Upstands: Whether you require matching splashbacks or upstands and their approximate height.
- Location: Your address, as this will impact templating and installation logistics and costs, especially if you are outside their immediate Coventry/Midlands area but within their service reach e.g., Central London.
- Project Timeline: An idea of when you would ideally like the work to be completed.
The Quoting Process
Based on their operational model, the quoting process would likely involve:
- Initial Discussion: After you provide your project details, Planet Granite would likely engage in a discussion to clarify requirements and provide initial estimates.
- Templating if applicable: For bespoke fits, a precise template of your kitchen or area would be required. This is a crucial step to ensure the worktops are cut to exact dimensions. While not detailed, their “investment in the latest CNC technology” implies they can handle precise templating.
- Fabrication and Installation Estimate: Once all details are confirmed and potentially a template is made, they would provide a comprehensive quote covering material costs, fabrication, and installation.
- No Cancellation Policy Mentioned: Since it’s a bespoke service, there’s no mention of a “cancellation” policy in the context of a subscription or free trial. Any changes or cancellations after an order is placed would likely fall under their standard terms and conditions for custom manufacturing, which are typically discussed during the quoting and contract phase.
Planetgranite.co.uk Pricing
Based on the information available on Planetgranite.co.uk, specific pricing details for individual worktop materials or projects are not explicitly listed.
This is a common practice in the bespoke stone worktop industry, as prices vary significantly based on several factors.
Factors Influencing Pricing
The cost of a stone worktop from Planet Granite, or any similar fabricator, is highly variable and depends on:
- Material Choice:
- Granite vs. Quartz vs. Marble: Each stone type has a different price point. Generally, some quartz brands or exotic granite/marble slabs can be more expensive than standard granites. For instance, a “Silestone Eternal Calacatta Gold” might cost more per square foot than a “Nero Assoluto” granite.
- Rarity and Origin: Unique or rare stone types e.g., “Patagonia,” “Fusion Wow” often command higher prices due to limited availability and complexity in sourcing.
- Thickness: While 20mm and 30mm are common, the thickness of the slab affects material cost and weight.
- Quantity/Area: The total square footage or meters of the worktop required is a primary driver of cost. Larger kitchens naturally require more material.
- Complexity of Fabrication:
- Cut-outs: Each sink cut-out especially undermount, hob cut-out, or tap hole adds to the fabrication cost due to the labor and precision involved.
- Edge Profiles: Standard polished edges are usually included, but complex edge profiles e.g., ogee, bullnose, waterfall edges require more detailed work and can increase the price.
- Corners and Joints: The number of joints and intricate corner fabrications can impact cost.
- Installation Difficulty:
- Access: Ease of access to the property and kitchen can influence installation time and labor.
- Location: While Planet Granite services a wide area, projects further afield e.g., Central London from Coventry might incur additional transportation costs.
- Additional Features: Whether you require matching upstands, splashbacks, or windowsills will add to the overall cost.
Planet Granite’s Approach to Cost Efficiency
The website strongly emphasizes their commitment to offering “Quality that doesn’t cost the earth.” They attribute their ability to maintain competitive pricing to several operational efficiencies: Garden-fence-panels.co.uk Reviews
- Direct Importing: By “importing all of our own material,” they cut out the middleman, which often means lower raw material costs.
- Low Overheads: As a “small dedicated team of 15 people” with “moderately low overheads” and ownership of “all our own specialist granite processing equipment,” they can run a leaner operation.
- Integrated Process: Since they handle the entire process—importing, fabricating, and installing—they eliminate the markups that might occur when multiple companies are involved in a project.
How to Get an Accurate Price
Given the custom nature of worktops, the only way to get an accurate price from Planet Granite is to contact them directly for a personalized quote.
As mentioned in the “How to Get a Quote” section, providing specific details about your project, including dimensions, material preference, and desired features, will enable them to give you a precise and competitive estimate.
Planetgranite.co.uk vs. Competitors
When evaluating Planetgranite.co.uk against its competitors in the stone worktop market, it’s essential to consider various business models, service offerings, and pricing structures.
Planet Granite’s unique selling proposition lies in its integrated, direct-to-customer approach.
Planetgranite.co.uk’s Strengths:
- Integrated Model: Planet Granite manages the entire process: importing, fabricating, and installing. This “import it, fabricate it, and install it” model is a significant differentiator.
- Benefit: Provides greater quality control, potentially faster lead times as they don’t rely on external fabricators, and a more streamlined customer experience. It also enables them to directly address any issues that may arise.
- Cost Efficiency: By directly importing materials and operating with “moderately low overheads,” they position themselves to offer competitive pricing. This contrasts with companies that have multiple layers of distribution or rely heavily on third-party fabricators, which can add to the final cost.
- Data Point: While no specific price comparisons are provided on their site, their claim of “quality that doesn’t cost the earth” suggests a value proposition.
- Experience & Reputation: Trading since 2002, with thousands of jobs completed and a reliance on recommendations, speaks to a long-standing positive reputation. The founder’s hands-on involvement reinforces this commitment.
- Advanced Technology: Investment in “waterjet machines,” “CNC technology,” and “7 axis Robots” allows for precision cuts and efficient fabrication, matching or exceeding the capabilities of many competitors.
- Personalized Service: Steve’s direct involvement in projects and willingness to personally handle everything from start to finish offers a level of bespoke service that can be hard to find with larger, more corporate competitors.
Competitor Landscape & How Planet Granite Compares:
1. National Kitchen Retailers e.g., Wren Kitchens, Magnet, DIY Superstores:
- Business Model: Offer full kitchen packages, often subcontracting worktop fabrication and installation.
- Comparison:
- Pros Competitors: Convenience of a single point of contact for an entire kitchen. large showrooms. often offer financing options.
- Cons Competitors: Higher markups due to subcontracting. less direct control over stone quality and fabrication. potential for less personalized service. lead times might be longer as they coordinate multiple suppliers.
- Planet Granite Advantage: Direct control over quality, potentially better pricing for just the worktops, and specialized expertise in stone.
2. Local Independent Fabricators Smaller Scale:
- Business Model: Similar to Planet Granite but potentially with less extensive facilities or material import capabilities.
- Pros Competitors: Can offer personalized service. support local businesses.
- Cons Competitors: May not have the same advanced machinery, direct import cost advantages, or material stock as Planet Granite. quality control might be inconsistent if they rely on external suppliers for slabs.
- Planet Granite Advantage: Larger scale of operation, direct import capabilities, and proven long-term investment in technology give them an edge in efficiency and material sourcing.
3. Online-Only Stone Suppliers:
- Business Model: Primarily supply pre-cut slabs or templated pieces directly to the customer, who then arranges their own installation.
- Pros Competitors: Potentially lowest material cost supply only. wide range of materials.
- Cons Competitors: Crucial disadvantage: No templating, fabrication, or installation service. This requires the customer to find and manage a separate, skilled installer, which adds complexity, risk, and often additional cost. Issues with measurements or damage during installation become the customer’s responsibility.
- Planet Granite Advantage: Offers a complete, seamless service from measurement/templating to fabrication and professional installation, taking the burden off the customer and ensuring a perfect fit and finish. Their model significantly reduces the risk associated with a DIY approach or using unvetted third-party installers.
In essence, Planet Granite carves out a niche by offering the benefits of a direct, specialist fabricator competitive pricing, expertise, quality control combined with the convenience of a full-service provider templating, installation, positioning itself favorably against both large retailers and purely online suppliers. Jacksonsleisure.com Reviews
Their long history and explicit focus on direct customer interaction suggest a strong commitment to service quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What services does Planetgranite.co.uk offer?
Based on looking at the website, Planetgranite.co.uk specializes in the bespoke fabrication and installation of granite, quartz, and marble worktops, primarily for kitchens.
They handle everything from importing the raw material to cutting, polishing, and installing the finished worktops.
Where is Planetgranite.co.uk located?
Planetgranite.co.uk has its custom-built showroom and factory located at Devitts Green Farm in Coventry, Warwickshire, UK.
What types of stone materials does Planetgranite.co.uk work with?
They work with a wide range of natural and engineered stone, including various types of granite, quartz from brands like Silestone, Caesarstone, Unistone, and marble. Infinitymassagechairs.com Reviews
Does Planetgranite.co.uk offer free samples?
Yes, the website explicitly states that you can “order samples” if you’re “Not sure what surface you like,” implying free samples are available to help with selection.
What areas does Planetgranite.co.uk serve?
Planetgranite.co.uk operates in Coventry and extends its services “across the Midlands and into Central London.”
How long has Planetgranite.co.uk been in business?
Planetgranite.co.uk has been trading since 2002, indicating over two decades of experience in the industry.
Why does Planetgranite.co.uk claim to be cost-effective?
They claim to keep costs down by importing all their own materials directly, operating with “moderately low overheads” as a small, dedicated team, and owning all their specialist processing equipment, which eliminates middlemen markups.
What technology does Planetgranite.co.uk use for fabrication?
Planetgranite.co.uk invests in “the latest CNC technology,” “waterjet machines,” “7 axis Robots,” and “granite polishing machines” for precise and efficient fabrication. Jbheating.co.uk Reviews
Can I get a quote directly from the website?
No, the website does not offer an instant online quote calculator.
You need to contact them directly via phone 01676 542 675 or email [email protected], or visit their showroom, to obtain a personalized quote.
Does Planetgranite.co.uk provide installation services?
Yes, Planetgranite.co.uk provides full installation services as part of their integrated “import it, fabricate it and install it” model.
Is quartz or granite better for worktops?
Planetgranite.co.uk explains the differences between granite and quartz on their website.
Quartz is a man-made material known for being non-porous, stain, thermal, and scratch-resistant, and doesn’t require sealing. Ulefone.ie Reviews
Granite is a natural stone prized for its unique patterns and durability.
The “better” choice depends on your specific needs for maintenance, aesthetics, and budget.
What kind of quartz brands does Planetgranite.co.uk offer?
They offer quartz from well-known brands such as Silestone, Caesarstone, Unistone, Bloomstone, Silkstone, CRL Quartz, Neolith Dekton, and others.
Does Planetgranite.co.uk specialize in kitchen worktops only?
While their website heavily emphasizes kitchen worktops, their expertise in stone fabrication suggests they could also create worktops for other areas like bathrooms or utility rooms, given it’s a “bespoke” service.
How many people are on the Planet Granite team?
The website states that Planet Granite consists of a “small dedicated team of 15 people.” Offpeak.ie Reviews
Can I see examples of their previous work?
Yes, the website features a “View Gallery” section where you can browse images of their past projects to see the quality and variety of their work.
Does Planetgranite.co.uk have a strong reputation?
The company states that “most people are referred to us through a recommendation these days as we have completed literally thousands of jobs,” suggesting a strong reputation and reliance on word-of-mouth referrals. They also link to their Google Reviews.
Who is the founder of Planetgranite.co.uk?
Steve is the director and founder of Planet Granite, and he emphasizes his hands-on involvement in every project.
What makes Planetgranite.co.uk different from other suppliers?
Their key differentiators include their long trading history since 2002, owning their own factory and showroom, investing in advanced technology, importing their own materials directly to keep costs down, and the personal, hands-on involvement of the founder.
Do they offer bespoke worktop designs?
Yes, their core offering is “bespoke quartz worktops” and custom fabrication of granite and marble, meaning they tailor the worktops to your specific kitchen layout and design preferences. Lexreception.com Reviews
What should I prepare before contacting Planetgranite.co.uk for a quote?
It’s helpful to have your kitchen measurements or a layout sketch, an idea of the material granite, quartz, or marble you’re interested in, and any specific requirements for sinks, hobs, or edge profiles.
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