Based on checking the website, Surfaceco.uk appears to be a company specializing in the supply and installation of quartz, granite, and marble worktops for kitchens and homes.
The site highlights features such as a small deposit, 5-7 day turnaround, and a trusted family business model that uses in-house certified employees rather than subcontractors.
This focus on bespoke home improvement, particularly in a product category like stone worktops, aligns with providing functional and aesthetically pleasing solutions for residential spaces, which is generally permissible.
The services offered seem to center around enhancing the living environment through durable and attractive natural stone surfaces, which can be seen as beneficial for home comfort and utility.
Find detailed reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org, for software products you can also check Producthunt.
0.0 out of 5 stars (based on 0 reviews)
There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one. |
Amazon.com:
Check Amazon for Surfaceco.uk Reviews Latest Discussions & Reviews: |
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.
Surfaceco.uk Review & First Look
Upon a detailed examination of Surfaceco.uk, the immediate impression is one of professionalism and specialization.
The website is well-organized, with clear navigation leading to various stone types and services.
It quickly conveys that the company focuses solely on stone worktops—quartz, marble, and granite—rather than a broader range of construction or home improvement services.
This specialization is often a good sign, indicating a deep understanding and expertise in their niche.
Initial Impressions of the Website Design and User Experience
The website’s design is clean and modern, prioritizing ease of use. Dubaievisaonline.com Reviews
Key information like contact numbers, operating hours, and a “GET YOUR FREE QUOTE NOW” call to action are prominently displayed.
The menu is intuitive, allowing users to quickly access sections on different worktop materials, showrooms, and contact information.
The use of high-quality images showcasing finished projects helps potential customers visualize the products in a real-world setting.
- Clean Layout: The design avoids clutter, making it easy to focus on the essential information.
- Clear Call to Actions: Buttons for quotes, showroom visits, and sample requests are strategically placed.
- Informative Sections: Dedicated pages for Quartz, Marble, and Granite provide basic information about each material.
Overview of Products and Services Offered
Surfaceco.uk’s core offering revolves around the supply, templating, cutting, polishing, and fitting of stone worktops.
They present a wide variety of brands and types within their three main categories: Mgocspares.co.uk Reviews
- Quartz Worktops: Mentioning brands like Silestone, Dekton, Arklam, Classic Quartz, Sapien Stone, Neolith, Caesarstone, and Surfaceco Quartz. This suggests a comprehensive selection of engineered stone options.
- Marble Worktops: Emphasizing natural beauty and sophistication, with specific examples like Black Marquina, Botticino, CALACATTA VIOL, and Amazonite.
- Granite Worktops: Highlighting durability and timelessness, with options like Absolute Black Zimbabwe, Amadeus F, Andromeda White, and BLACK FUSION.
The service aspect is equally important, as they stress an end-to-end process handled entirely by their own certified employees, which is a significant selling point for quality control.
Surfaceco.uk Pros & Cons
When evaluating any service, it’s essential to weigh its strengths against potential limitations.
For Surfaceco.uk, several factors stand out, especially concerning their operational model and customer-centric approach.
Advantages of Choosing Surfaceco.uk
Surfaceco.uk appears to offer several compelling advantages that could make them an attractive choice for those seeking stone worktops. Sxpro.co.uk Reviews
Their business model emphasizes control and quality, which is crucial in custom fabrication.
- In-House Expertise and No Subcontractors: This is perhaps their strongest selling point. By employing their own certified team for templating, cutting, polishing, and fitting, Surfaceco.uk maintains full control over the entire process. This minimizes miscommunication and ensures consistency in quality, which is often a major concern when dealing with home renovations.
- Benefit: Reduced risk of errors and delays commonly associated with third-party contractors.
- Data Point: “We never use subcontractors, only our own experienced employees. Giving you only the best of service, our team are fully certified…”
- Quick Turnaround Time: A 5-7 day turnaround on all jobs is notably efficient for custom stone work. This can significantly reduce the disruption caused by kitchen renovations.
- Industry Context: Custom worktop installations can often take weeks from template to fit, so this timeframe is competitive.
- Small Deposit Requirement: The “Only Small Deposit” policy makes their services more accessible and reduces the initial financial burden on customers, indicating a degree of trust in their own service delivery.
- Financial Ease: Lower upfront cost can be very appealing to budget-conscious homeowners.
- Trusted Family Business: This often implies a commitment to long-term reputation and customer satisfaction, as family-run businesses tend to be more personally invested in their operations.
- Customer Trust: Builds confidence through a perception of reliability and ethical practices.
- Wide Selection of Materials and Brands: Offering numerous recognized brands like Silestone, Dekton, and Neolith, alongside various natural granite and marble options, provides customers with extensive choices to match their aesthetic and functional requirements.
- Variety: Caters to diverse tastes and budget levels.
- Popularity: Quartz worktops, for instance, have seen a steady rise in popularity, with market reports indicating their growing share in the global countertop market due to durability and low maintenance.
Potential Drawbacks and Considerations
While the advantages are clear, it’s also important to consider potential limitations or areas where more information might be beneficial.
- Geographic Service Area: The website doesn’t explicitly detail their service area beyond the UK, specifically mentioning showroom locations e.g., Uxbridge. Customers outside their immediate operational radius might find their services unavailable or subject to additional costs.
- Clarification Needed: Users would benefit from a clear map or list of regions they serve.
- Limited Online Pricing Transparency: While they offer a “FREE INSTANT ONLINE QUOTE,” direct pricing for different stone types or specific projects isn’t readily available on the public pages. This is common for custom services, but some users prefer more upfront cost indicators.
- Custom Quote Requirement: Users must engage directly to get a cost estimate.
- Blog Content Age: The “Recent Posts From Blog” section shows articles dated December 13, 2017. While the content might still be relevant, an outdated blog can sometimes suggest less active engagement with online content marketing or updates, though it doesn’t necessarily reflect on their core service quality.
- Engagement Indicator: Newer blog posts could enhance SEO and user engagement.
- Dependency on Showroom Visits: While samples can be requested, the full experience and appreciation of the stone varieties might necessitate a showroom visit, which isn’t always feasible for all potential customers.
- Physical Presence: Showroom visits are key for material selection, which might be a barrier for remote clients.
Surfaceco.uk Alternatives
When considering a significant home investment like stone worktops, exploring alternatives is a wise approach.
The market for kitchen and home surfaces is diverse, offering various materials and service providers.
Customers often look for options that balance cost, durability, aesthetics, and installation quality. Costumesource.co.uk Reviews
Comparing Stone Worktop Options
Beyond quartz, granite, and marble, homeowners have a plethora of other materials to consider, each with its own set of characteristics.
Understanding these can help in making an informed decision.
- Laminate Worktops:
- Pros: Very affordable, wide range of designs and finishes including those mimicking stone or wood, easy to clean.
- Cons: Not heat-resistant, prone to scratches and chips, difficult to repair, generally less durable than stone.
- Cost: Typically £30-£60 per linear meter.
- Solid Wood Worktops:
- Pros: Warm, natural aesthetic, can be sanded and re-oiled to repair damage, sustainable option if sourced responsibly.
- Cons: Requires regular oiling and maintenance, susceptible to water damage if not sealed properly, prone to scratches and dents, not highly heat-resistant.
- Cost: Ranges from £100-£300 per linear meter depending on wood type.
- Stainless Steel Worktops:
- Pros: Extremely durable, hygienic, heat-resistant, modern industrial look, easy to clean.
- Cons: Prone to scratches and fingerprints, can be noisy, can look cold in some kitchen designs, may dent.
- Cost: Often £200-£400 per linear meter for bespoke fabrication.
- Concrete Worktops:
- Pros: Highly customizable in terms of color and finish, unique industrial aesthetic, very durable once sealed.
- Cons: Very heavy, requires professional installation, prone to staining if not sealed properly, can develop hairline cracks, porous.
- Cost: Can be £300-£600 per linear meter due to custom fabrication.
- Sintered Stone e.g., Dekton, Neolith – often also available through Surfaceco.uk:
- Pros: Extremely durable, highly resistant to heat, scratches, UV light, and stains. non-porous.
- Cons: Can be brittle if not handled correctly during installation, requires specialized fabrication and tools, can be expensive.
- Cost: Often £250-£500 per linear meter. These are often premium options.
Competitors in the UK Stone Worktop Market
The UK market for stone worktops is competitive, with numerous companies offering similar products and services.
When comparing Surfaceco.uk to others, key factors to consider include reputation, range of materials, pricing transparency, and customer service reviews.
- Worktop Express:
- Focus: Very broad range of worktops including solid wood, laminate, Earthstone, and a growing selection of quartz and granite.
- Model: Primarily an online retailer, often providing materials for DIY installation or through recommended fitters.
- Pros: Extensive selection, competitive pricing for certain materials, strong online presence, frequent sales.
- Cons: Less emphasis on integrated template-to-fit service, more geared towards supply.
- Granite Transformations:
- Focus: Specializes in “overlay” worktops, where new surfaces often engineered stone are fitted directly over existing ones. Also offers traditional full worktop installations.
- Model: Franchise-based network across the UK.
- Pros: Less disruptive installation process for overlays, wide range of designs, established brand.
- Cons: Overlay system might not be suitable for all kitchens, can be more expensive than some traditional options.
- Local Fabricators and Installers:
- Focus: Small to medium-sized businesses that often operate locally, providing bespoke cutting and fitting services for natural stone granite, marble and engineered stone.
- Model: Direct engagement with customers, often involving site visits for templating.
- Pros: Personalized service, ability to negotiate, direct communication with the craftsmen, supporting local economy.
- Cons: Quality and reliability can vary greatly, less established online presence, might have smaller showrooms or material selections compared to larger suppliers.
- Example: A quick search for “granite worktops ” will reveal numerous local businesses. For instance, in London, one might find companies like “London Marble & Granite” or “UK Granite & Stone.”
- DIY Stores e.g., B&Q, Wickes, Magnet:
- Focus: Offer a range of worktops as part of broader kitchen design and installation services.
- Model: Can supply pre-cut worktops or manage full kitchen projects including worktop installation.
- Pros: Convenient for full kitchen renovations, often have showrooms for physical inspection, various financing options.
- Cons: Often use subcontractors for installation, lead times can be longer, less customization for bespoke stone work.
When evaluating alternatives, customers should consider: Theappsolutions.com Reviews
- Total Cost: Material + fabrication + installation.
- Lead Times: How quickly can the project be completed?
- Warranty and Guarantees: What assurance is provided for the product and installation?
- Customer Reviews: What do previous clients say about their experience?
- In-House vs. Subcontracted Installation: A key differentiator, with in-house teams often preferred for quality control.
How to Get a Quote from Surfaceco.uk
Obtaining a quote from Surfaceco.uk seems straightforward, with multiple avenues provided on their website.
For custom projects like worktops, a detailed quote is essential as pricing depends on material choice, dimensions, cuts, edge profiles, and any special features.
Steps to Receive an Online Quote
Surfaceco.uk highlights a “FREE INSTANT ONLINE QUOTE” feature, designed to provide a quick estimate.
While the specifics of their online quote tool aren’t fully detailed without engagement, typically such tools require certain inputs.
- Navigate to the Quote Section: Look for prominent buttons or links labeled “FREE INSTANT ONLINE QUOTE” or similar on the homepage or navigation menu.
- Input Project Details:
- Material Choice: Select from Quartz, Marble, or Granite. The tool might also allow selection of specific brands or colors within those categories.
- Dimensions: Provide approximate measurements of the worktop areas needed length and width of each section.
- Cut-outs: Indicate the number and type of cut-outs for sinks undermount, overmount, hobs, and taps.
- Edge Profiles: Choose desired edge finishes e.g., standard polished, bevel, bullnose.
- Upstands/Splashbacks: Specify if these are required and their dimensions.
- Provide Contact Information: Enter your name, email, and phone number for the quote to be sent and for follow-up by Surfaceco.uk.
- Submit Request: Click the button to send your details and receive the estimate.
It’s important to note that online quotes are often estimates. Asiaregistry.com Reviews
A final, accurate quote usually requires a site visit for precise templating.
Contacting Surfaceco.uk for Detailed Information
For more complex projects, specific material questions, or to discuss design options, direct contact is often preferred.
Surfaceco.uk provides several ways to get in touch.
- Phone Calls:
- They list two primary contact numbers: 07723222272 and 01895 255 455.
- Operating hours are clearly stated: Mon-Fri: 8am-5pm, Sat: 10am-2pm.
- Calling directly allows for immediate discussion of project specifics and clarification of any queries.
- Email/Contact Form:
- While a direct email address isn’t prominently displayed on the homepage, a “CONTACT US” section or link is usually available which leads to a contact form.
- This is useful for sending detailed inquiries, attaching architectural plans, or requesting specific samples.
- Visiting Showrooms:
- Surfaceco.uk encourages customers to “VISIT SHOWROOM.” Physical showrooms allow customers to:
- See full slabs or larger samples of stone materials.
- Discuss options in person with sales representatives.
- Get a better feel for colors, patterns, and textures.
- Location: The website mentions “SHOWROOMS” plural, suggesting multiple locations, though specific addresses might need to be sought on their contact page. For instance, their mention of “01895 255 455” which is an Uxbridge area code, suggests a presence there.
- Surfaceco.uk encourages customers to “VISIT SHOWROOM.” Physical showrooms allow customers to:
- Requesting Free Worktop Samples:
- A “REQUEST FREE WORKTOP SAMPLES” option is available, which is crucial for decision-making. Seeing samples in your home environment can help assess how the stone looks under different lighting and against existing cabinetry.
When engaging for a quote, be prepared with:
- Rough dimensions of your kitchen layout.
- Ideas for sink and hob placement.
- Desired style and color palette for your kitchen.
- Any specific material preferences e.g., “I’m interested in a durable quartz similar to concrete”.
Customer Testimonials and Trust Factors
In any service-based business, customer testimonials and trust factors play a crucial role in building credibility and attracting new clients. Store.samsung.com Reviews
Surfaceco.uk explicitly features a “Testimonials” section, which is a good indicator of their focus on client satisfaction.
Analysis of Testimonials on Surfaceco.uk
The website states, “What our clients say,” and includes a “VIEW ALL TESTIMONIALS” button.
While the content of these testimonials isn’t directly provided in the prompt, the presence of such a section is a positive sign.
- Purpose of Testimonials: They serve to reassure potential customers that the company delivers on its promises, provides quality products, and offers good service. Genuine testimonials often highlight:
- Professionalism of staff: From sales to templaters and fitters.
- Quality of materials: Durability, aesthetics, and finish.
- Efficiency and timeliness: Adherence to promised turnaround times.
- Overall satisfaction: Would the customer recommend the service to others?
- Credibility: For testimonials to be impactful, they should ideally appear genuine. Some companies include names, locations, or even photos/videos, though this isn’t always feasible or necessary.
- Common Themes: If Surfaceco.uk’s testimonials are positive, they likely echo the advantages highlighted earlier: the seamless process due to in-house teams, quick turnaround, and satisfaction with the final product.
External Reviews and Ratings General Guidance
While the provided text doesn’t include external review data, in a real-world scenario, prospective customers would look beyond the company’s own website to independent review platforms. This provides a more balanced and objective view.
- Google My Business: Many local businesses have a Google My Business profile where customers can leave reviews and ratings. This is often the first place people check for local service providers. Look for:
- Overall Star Rating: A rating of 4.5 stars or higher out of 5 generally indicates strong customer satisfaction.
- Number of Reviews: A higher number of reviews e.g., 50+ or 100+ provides a more reliable average.
- Content of Reviews: Look for recurring themes, both positive and negative. How does the company respond to negative feedback?
- Trustpilot/Feefo: These are independent review platforms where verified customers can share their experiences. A strong presence on these platforms with high ratings further enhances credibility.
- Houzz/Checkatrade UK Specific: For home improvement services, platforms like Houzz for design professionals and products and Checkatrade for tradespeople are valuable resources in the UK. They often include customer feedback, project photos, and sometimes verification of qualifications.
- Social Media: Facebook reviews or comments on other social media platforms can also offer insights.
When reviewing external feedback, consider: Pegatin.com Reviews
- Consistency: Are the positive points mentioned on the company’s website e.g., in-house team, quick turnaround consistently praised in external reviews?
- Resolution of Issues: How does the company handle complaints or problems? A company that responds professionally and resolves issues effectively often builds more trust than one with no negative reviews at all.
- Recency: Are the reviews recent? This indicates current service quality.
The presence of a dedicated “Testimonials” section on Surfaceco.uk suggests they are confident in their customer satisfaction.
For a comprehensive view, however, external review platforms would provide additional layers of validation.
Surfaceco.uk Pricing
Understanding pricing for custom stone worktops is nuanced, as it’s rarely a one-size-fits-all cost.
Surfaceco.uk, like most fabricators, operates on a quotation basis, as indicated by their “FREE INSTANT ONLINE QUOTE” feature.
While specific prices aren’t listed on their public pages, we can infer common industry pricing structures and factors influencing cost. Ac-creatives.com Reviews
Factors Influencing Worktop Costs
Several key elements contribute to the final price of a custom-fitted stone worktop.
-
Material Type and Quality:
- Quartz: Generally ranges from mid-to-high price points. Brand names Silestone, Caesarstone, Dekton can significantly impact cost, with premium, unique patterns or imported quartz often being more expensive. Surfaceco Quartz, being their own brand, might offer a more cost-effective option.
- Industry Range: £200 – £600 per square meter, depending on brand and design.
- Granite: Prices vary widely based on rarity, origin, and color. Common granites can be relatively affordable, while exotic or less common types can be quite pricey.
- Industry Range: £150 – £500+ per square meter.
- Marble: Often considered a premium material, marble is typically at the higher end of the spectrum due to its luxurious appearance and natural veining. Rarity of specific patterns e.g., Calacatta Viola drives up the price.
- Industry Range: £300 – £800+ per square meter.
- Sintered Stone e.g., Dekton, Neolith: These are premium engineered materials known for extreme durability, often priced higher than many quartz options.
- Industry Range: £250 – £700+ per square meter.
- Quartz: Generally ranges from mid-to-high price points. Brand names Silestone, Caesarstone, Dekton can significantly impact cost, with premium, unique patterns or imported quartz often being more expensive. Surfaceco Quartz, being their own brand, might offer a more cost-effective option.
-
Worktop Dimensions and Layout:
- The total linear meters or square meters of stone required is the primary cost driver.
- Complex kitchen layouts with multiple turns, islands, or intricate shapes will require more material and more precise cutting, increasing fabrication costs.
-
Cut-outs and Edge Profiles:
- Sink Cut-outs: Undermount sinks require more precise and polished edges, adding more to the cost than overmount sinks.
- Hob Cut-outs: Similarly, these add to fabrication complexity.
- Tap Holes/Drainer Grooves: Additional cut-outs or features.
- Edge Profiles: A standard polished edge is usually included, but decorative edges e.g., ogee, bullnose, sharknose require more labor and therefore increase the price.
-
Upstands and Splashbacks: Tuktukmart.co.uk Reviews
- Adding matching upstands short pieces of stone along the wall or full-height splashbacks will add to the material and fabrication cost.
-
Installation Complexity:
- Access to the property, floor level, and specific site conditions can influence installation time and effort.
- Removal and disposal of old worktops, if requested, is usually an additional charge.
Understanding “Small Deposit” and “Free Quote”
Surfaceco.uk highlights “Only Small Deposit” and “FREE INSTANT ONLINE QUOTE.”
- Small Deposit: This indicates that customers don’t need to pay a large upfront sum to secure their booking. This is customer-friendly and shows confidence from the company. The exact percentage or fixed amount of this “small deposit” would be disclosed during the quoting process.
- Free Instant Online Quote: This tool is designed to give an immediate estimate based on user inputs. It’s an excellent feature for initial budgeting. However, it’s critical to remember that this is usually an estimate. The final price is confirmed after a professional templating service, where precise measurements are taken, and all specific requirements are finalized. Discrepancies between initial estimates and final quotes can occur if measurements or specific needs change.
For an accurate price from Surfaceco.uk, customers should:
-
Utilize their online quote tool for an initial estimate.
-
Provide as much detail as possible about the project. Wizgear.com Reviews
-
Be prepared for a site visit for templating, which is the standard industry practice for a precise quotation and successful installation.
Given their emphasis on in-house teams and quick turnaround, their pricing model is likely competitive for the level of service and quality they promise.
Surfaceco.uk Features
Surfaceco.uk appears to emphasize several key features that differentiate it in the competitive worktop market.
These features are designed to instill confidence in potential customers and streamline the purchasing and installation process.
Key Service Offerings and Operational Strengths
Surfaceco.uk’s approach centers around providing a comprehensive, hassle-free experience from selection to installation. Mangotreekids.com Reviews
- End-to-End Service by Certified Employees: This is a cornerstone of their offering. Unlike many companies that outsource parts of the process, Surfaceco.uk handles everything internally.
- Process: Templating taking precise measurements, Cutting fabricating the stone, Polishing finishing the edges, and Fitting installation.
- Benefit: This unified approach ensures consistency in quality, reduces potential for miscommunication between different contractors, and allows for greater accountability. It means the same team that measures your kitchen will likely be involved in cutting and fitting your worktop, leading to a more precise and integrated result.
- Data Point: “We never use subcontractors, only our own experienced employees. Giving you only the best of service, our team are fully certified to template worktops which they later on cut and polish in our workshops, and eventually come back to fit by the same team. This ensures a perfect and nicely fitted outstanding result on every job we do.”
- 5-7 Days Turnaround on all Jobs: This is a very impressive and competitive lead time for custom stone worktops.
- Benefit: Minimizes disruption during kitchen renovations, allowing homeowners to quickly resume normal use of their space. For reference, industry averages can range from 2-4 weeks or even longer, depending on complexity and material availability.
- Practical Impact: This speed means less time living without a fully functional kitchen, which is a major convenience.
- Small Deposit Requirement: The ability to secure a project with “Only Small Deposit” makes their services more financially accessible and implies the company’s confidence in its ability to deliver.
- Customer Convenience: Reduces the initial financial barrier, allowing customers to budget more flexibly.
- Trusted Family Business: While qualitative, this descriptor often suggests a business with a long-term vision, a focus on reputation, and a personalized approach to customer service, often valuing relationships over pure transactional exchanges.
- Reputation Building: Family businesses often rely heavily on word-of-mouth and repeat customers.
- Supply Best Brands of Stone: Their partnerships with leading stone brands like Silestone, Dekton, Neolith, and Caesarstone, alongside their own “Surfaceco Quartz,” ensure a wide variety of high-quality options.
- Variety and Quality: Customers have access to globally recognized, durable, and aesthetically pleasing materials. This also suggests they stay updated with industry trends and material innovations.
- Specific Brands Mentioned: Silestone, Dekton, Arklam, Classic Quartz, Sapien Stone, Neolith, Caesarstone, Surfaceco Quartz, Top Stone Centre for Quartz. various specific natural marble and granite options.
Showroom and Sample Services
Beyond the operational features, Surfaceco.uk also provides tangible touchpoints for customers to experience their products firsthand.
- Showrooms: Offering physical showrooms allows potential customers to:
- Inspect Materials: See larger slabs or samples of the stone, which gives a much better idea of color, pattern, and texture than small samples or online images.
- Consult Experts: Discuss design ideas, material suitability, and technical specifications with experienced staff.
- Visualize: Get inspiration for their own kitchens by seeing finished worktops in a showroom setting.
- Location Inference: While not explicitly listed, the phone number and general UK presence suggest central locations accessible to their target market.
- Free Worktop Samples: The option to “REQUEST FREE WORKTOP SAMPLES” is invaluable.
- Decision-Making Aid: Allows customers to take samples home and assess how the stone looks under their own kitchen lighting, against their existing cabinetry and flooring. This helps ensure the final choice integrates seamlessly with the home’s aesthetic.
- Practicality: Essential for making an informed decision about such a significant home investment.
These features collectively paint a picture of a company aiming for high customer satisfaction through quality materials, efficient processes, and direct control over every stage of the worktop installation.
How to Maintain Your Stone Worktops General Advice
Once you’ve invested in beautiful stone worktops from a company like Surfaceco.uk, proper maintenance is key to preserving their beauty and extending their lifespan.
While specific care instructions may vary slightly depending on the type of stone, some general guidelines apply to quartz, granite, and marble.
Maintaining your belongings, especially those that enhance your home and serve your family, is a good practice. Boilerguide.co.uk Reviews
General Care for Quartz, Granite, and Marble
Each stone type has unique characteristics that influence its care routine.
Understanding these differences helps in providing the best possible maintenance.
-
Quartz Worktops Engineered Stone:
- Properties: Non-porous, highly resistant to stains, scratches, and heat though extreme heat can cause damage. Made from natural quartz particles bound with resins.
- Daily Cleaning: Wipe with a damp cloth and mild dish soap solution. For tougher spots, use a non-abrasive cleaner.
- Do’s:
- Use trivets and hot pads: While heat resistant, extreme temperature changes can cause thermal shock and damage the resin. Always place hot pans on protection.
- Use cutting boards: While scratch-resistant, it’s best practice to use a cutting board to protect both the worktop and your knives.
- Wipe spills promptly: Especially highly pigmented liquids like wine, coffee, or dyes, though quartz is very stain resistant.
- Don’ts:
- Avoid harsh chemicals: Stay away from abrasive cleaners, strong acids e.g., oven cleaner, drain cleaner, paint stripper, or highly alkaline solutions. These can damage the resin bond or dull the finish.
- Don’t use abrasive pads: Steel wool or scouring pads can scratch the surface.
- Avoid excessive impact: While durable, heavy impacts can cause chips or cracks.
- Sealing: Not typically required for quartz as it’s non-porous.
-
Granite Worktops Natural Stone:
- Properties: Durable, resistant to scratches and heat. Naturally porous to varying degrees, requiring sealing.
- Daily Cleaning: Clean with warm water and a pH-neutral cleaner specifically designed for natural stone, or a mild dish soap solution.
- Seal Regularly: Granite needs to be sealed periodically every 1-3 years, depending on porosity and usage to prevent staining. A simple water droplet test can determine if it needs re-sealing: if water beads up, it’s sealed. if it soaks in, it needs sealing.
- Use trivets and hot pads: While heat resistant, direct extreme heat over prolonged periods can still be risky, and trivets protect the sealant.
- Use cutting boards: Protects the stone from potential scratches and keeps knives sharper.
- Wipe spills immediately: Especially acidic liquids lemon juice, vinegar, wine or oils, which can etch or stain unsealed granite.
- Avoid acidic or abrasive cleaners: These can etch the surface or break down the sealant.
- Don’t drag heavy or rough objects: Can cause scratches.
-
Marble Worktops Natural Stone: Accuweather.com Reviews
- Properties: Beautiful, luxurious, but softer and more porous than granite or quartz. Highly susceptible to etching from acids and staining.
- Daily Cleaning: Gentle cleaning with a pH-neutral cleaner specifically for marble and a soft cloth.
- Seal Regularly and Frequently: Marble requires more frequent sealing than granite every 6-12 months or more often, depending on use due to its higher porosity and susceptibility to staining.
- Always use cutting boards, trivets, and coasters: This is crucial for marble. Protect it from all forms of direct contact with food, liquids, and heat.
- Wipe spills immediately: This is the most critical rule for marble. Even a few minutes can allow an acidic spill to etch the surface, leaving dull spots.
- Absolutely no acidic substances: Avoid lemon juice, vinegar, wine, soda, coffee, tomato products, and certain cleaning agents. These will etch the surface.
- Avoid abrasive cleaners or pads: They will scratch or dull the polished finish.
- Don’t place hot items directly on the surface.
- Don’t use generic household cleaners: Many contain ingredients harmful to marble.
Best Practices for Longevity
Regardless of the stone type, adopting these habits will contribute significantly to your worktop’s longevity:
- Regular Cleaning: Consistent, gentle cleaning prevents dirt and grime buildup.
- Immediate Spill Cleanup: This is paramount, especially for natural stones.
- Protection from Heat and Scratches: Always use trivets, hot pads, and cutting boards.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Stick to cleaners designed for your specific stone type or simple soap and water.
- Professional Cleaning/Sealing if needed: For deep cleaning or stubborn stains on natural stone, consider professional services. For sealing, follow manufacturer or installer recommendations.
- Gentle Pressure: When cleaning, use soft cloths or sponges, avoiding harsh scrubbing.
By adhering to these simple yet effective maintenance practices, your stone worktops from Surfaceco.uk can remain a stunning and durable feature in your home for many years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of worktops does Surfaceco.uk offer?
Surfaceco.uk specializes in the supply and installation of quartz, granite, and marble worktops for kitchens and homes.
They also offer various brands within these categories, including Silestone, Dekton, Neolith, and their own Surfaceco Quartz.
Is Surfaceco.uk a trusted company?
Based on the website’s description, Surfaceco.uk presents itself as a “Trusted Family Business” that has been supplying quality stone worktops since 2000. They emphasize using only their own experienced and certified employees, which typically builds trust by ensuring quality control and accountability. Pestfree.co.in Reviews
What is the typical turnaround time for a worktop installation from Surfaceco.uk?
Surfaceco.uk states a “5-7 Days Turnaround on all Jobs,” which is notably quick for custom stone worktop fabrication and installation, often faster than industry averages.
Does Surfaceco.uk use subcontractors for installation?
No, Surfaceco.uk explicitly states, “We never use subcontractors, only our own experienced employees” for templating, cutting, polishing, and fitting, ensuring a consistent and controlled process.
How do I get a quote from Surfaceco.uk?
You can get a “FREE INSTANT ONLINE QUOTE” by providing details on their website, or by contacting them directly via phone at 07723222272 or 01895 255 455. You can also visit their showrooms or request free worktop samples.
Do I need to pay a large deposit to order from Surfaceco.uk?
Surfaceco.uk advertises “Only Small Deposit,” suggesting a customer-friendly payment structure that requires a minimal upfront payment to begin your project.
Can I visit a showroom to see the stone materials?
Yes, Surfaceco.uk encourages customers to “VISIT SHOWROOMS” to view their range of quartz, granite, and marble materials firsthand.
Are samples available from Surfaceco.uk?
Yes, you can “REQUEST FREE WORKTOP SAMPLES” from Surfaceco.uk, allowing you to see how the materials look in your own home environment.
What are the operating hours for Surfaceco.uk?
Their stated operating hours are Mon-Fri: 8am-5pm and Sat: 10am-2pm.
How durable are quartz worktops from Surfaceco.uk?
Quartz worktops are engineered stone and are highly durable, non-porous, and very resistant to stains and scratches, making them an excellent choice for busy kitchens.
What are the benefits of choosing granite worktops?
Granite worktops are known for their natural beauty, unique patterns, and excellent resistance to heat and scratches, offering a timeless and robust surface.
Is marble a good choice for kitchen worktops?
Marble offers unparalleled elegance and sophistication, but it is softer and more porous than granite or quartz, making it more susceptible to etching and staining. It requires more diligent maintenance and sealing.
What is templating in worktop installation?
Templating is the process where precise measurements and outlines of your kitchen cabinets and any specific requirements like sink cut-outs are taken to create an exact template for the stone worktop, ensuring a perfect fit.
Surfaceco.uk uses their own certified team for this.
What areas does Surfaceco.uk serve?
While the website mentions “SHOWROOMS” and UK phone numbers, specific service area details aren’t explicitly listed on the homepage.
It’s best to contact them directly to confirm if they serve your location.
Does Surfaceco.uk offer different edge profiles for worktops?
While not explicitly detailed on the homepage, professional worktop fabricators like Surfaceco.uk typically offer a range of edge profiles e.g., standard polished, bevel, bullnose to customize the look of your worktops.
You would discuss these options during the quoting or design phase.
How do I maintain my quartz worktop?
Clean quartz worktops daily with a damp cloth and mild soap.
Avoid harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners, and always use trivets for hot pans to prevent damage to the resin.
What are the common issues with marble worktops?
Marble is prone to etching from acidic substances like lemon juice or vinegar and can stain easily due to its porosity if not properly sealed and spills are not wiped immediately.
Can I use Surfaceco.uk for bathroom worktops?
While their primary focus is kitchen worktops, companies specializing in stone fabrication often cater to other areas like bathrooms.
It’s advisable to inquire directly with Surfaceco.uk about their services for bathroom vanity tops or other stone applications.
Are there any recent blog posts on Surfaceco.uk’s website?
Based on the homepage text, the “Recent Posts From Blog” section shows articles dated December 13, 2017. While the content may still be relevant, the blog doesn’t appear to be actively updated with very recent posts.
How does Surfaceco.uk ensure a “perfect and nicely fitted outstanding result”?
Surfaceco.uk achieves this by having their own certified and experienced employees handle the entire process from templating to cutting, polishing, and fitting.
This ensures consistency, control, and a high level of craftsmanship throughout the project.
Leave a Reply