Frequently Asked Questions

Because we exclusively source premium-grade stone and employ master stonemasons for flawless finishing, our custom installations typically start from £2,000. Every project is entirely bespoke, and we provide highly detailed, fixed-price quotes based on your exact architectural layout and material choices.

At Star Worktops, our standard turnaround time is typically 5 to 7 working days from the date we take the digital laser templates to the final installation in your home. This rapid turnaround is made possible by our state-of-the-art, in-house fabrication facility and our highly synchronised team. We understand the kitchen is the heart of your home, and we work efficiently to minimise any disruption to your daily life.

Granite is a 100% natural igneous rock quarried directly from the earth. Each slab is completely unique, offering rich, unpredictable veining, exceptional heat resistance, and natural character. It is porous, meaning it requires periodic sealing (which we perform during installation). Quartz, on the other hand, is an engineered stone composed of roughly 90-93% ground natural quartz crystals combined with polymer resins and pigments. It is completely non-porous, highly resistant to staining and scratching, requires zero sealing, and offers more uniform, consistent color patterns.

While natural Granite is highly heat-resistant, we always advise using a trivet or heat pad for boiling pans to be absolutely safe. For Quartz, which contains polymer resins, you must never place hot pans directly on the surface, as sudden thermal shock can cause permanent scorch marks or cracking. Always use protective mats to preserve the pristine finish of your stone.

Marble is a luxurious, softer, and more porous natural stone that requires gentle care to preserve its pristine lustre. To clean marble, always use a soft, damp microfiber cloth with warm water and a pH-neutral stone cleaner or mild dish soap. Never use abrasive sponges, vinegar, bleach, lemon juice, or acid-based cleaners, as these will etch the surface of the stone. Wipe up spills immediately—especially acidic substances like wine, coffee, or tomato sauce. We recommend having your marble professionally resealed by Star Worktops every 12 to 18 months to protect against deep staining.

Because natural and engineered stone slabs have maximum size limits, most larger kitchens (especially L-shaped or U-shaped layouts) will require at least one join. However, our state-of-the-art CNC cutting machinery and master stonemasons ensure that seams are as tight and inconspicuous as possible. We use bespoke, colour-matched epoxy resins to blend the join seamlessly with the natural pattern of the stone.

Yes, absolutely! Star Worktops provides expert stone restoration services. Our master craftsmen can seamlessly repair chips, cracks, and deep scratches in granite, marble, and quartz. We utilize advanced, colour-matched UV-curing epoxy resins and diamond-grit polishing pads to fill, smooth, and blend the damaged area, making it virtually invisible to the naked eye. We can also re-polish dull surfaces and apply professional-grade deep-penetrating sealers to restore your stone to its original showroom brilliance.

Templating is the crucial step where we create a highly precise digital map of your kitchen. Our technician uses a state-of-the-art laser measuring device to capture every angle, wall curve, and dimension. To prepare for templating, your existing worktops must be completely removed, and your new cabinets must be fully installed, level, and secured in their permanent positions. All sinks, hobs, taps, and pop-up sockets must be on-site so our technician can verify their exact dimensions and cut-out requirements.

Yes, we offer a comprehensive removal and disposal service. Our team can carefully dismantle and remove your old worktops prior to templating or installation, ensuring they are disposed of responsibly at commercial recycling facilities. Please let us know during your initial consultation if you require this service so we can include it in your bespoke quote.

Yes, we stand firmly behind our world-class craftsmanship. Star Worktops provides a comprehensive 10-year warranty on all our installation workmanship, including the structural integrity of our joins, seams, and undermount sink installations. Additionally, many of our engineered quartz materials come with manufacturer-backed warranties ranging from 15 years to a lifetime, depending on the specific brand selected. We ensure you receive all warranty documentation and detailed care guidelines upon project completion.

We are highly flexible! We can easily supply a curated range of premium, luxury undermount sinks, taps, and kitchen appliances directly from our trusted partner brands. Alternatively, you are completely free to purchase your own sinks, hobs, and taps independently. If you choose to supply your own, we simply require that you have them on-site during our digital templating appointment so we can accurately measure and fabricate the exact cut-outs needed.

We primarily offer two standard thicknesses for premium stone installations: 20mm and 30mm. 20mm stone provides a sleek, modern, minimalist aesthetic that is highly popular in contemporary and handleless kitchen designs. 30mm stone is the classic, traditional thickness, offering a substantial, robust, and commanding presence in your space. The choice depends on your design aesthetic and cabinet structural capacity. The Star Worktops team will happily recommend the perfect thickness during your consultation.

The fastest way to get an accurate quote is to use our online Quote Wizard or email us a rough sketch of your kitchen layout, including approximate measurements and your preferred stone material. The Star Worktops team will return a detailed estimate within 24 hours. We also offer free home visits across our service area for precise measuring and consultations.