Thinking of changing kitchen countertop to marble/stone – advice needed

fffnicky

Hi all,

Looking to upgrade my kitchen countertop to marble or stone (quartz/granite) and I’d love advice from anyone who has done this in Ireland:

Will I need a new sink, or can my current one usually be reused? (Is it better to get an undermount with stone?)

Is this a hard job for the installer, and how much disruption should I expect at home?

Any price ranges people have paid recently would be really helpful so I can budget properly.

Any recommendations for fitters or suppliers in Ireland (cork if possible)?

Would love to hear your experiences with marble vs quartz or granite too. Any regrets or things you wish you had known before you switched?

Thanks in advance for any help!

whizbang

I really Hate undermounted sinks..!

whizbang

Its not a big job: if the existing furniture is solid and level, its just drop in. Check if installers will do the sink for you: they may not unless its prefitted in the shop.

mikewest

Have you experience of living with stone countertops? When you factor in the crockery and glass replacements is it worth it? Personal experience talking, they look beautiful but the weekly cost isn't always counted.

mick121

Some of the man made quartz are beautiful.

The advantage is man made can be repaired if it gets chipped etc and the repair is not visible.

The downside is that they mostly cannot be sealed properly so be careful of tea, coffee, curry powder etc.These need to be wiped off quick as they could soak in and stain.

Vestiapx

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123588651#Comment_123588651

Hi Mike. What do you mean crockery and glass replacements should I change my stuff when I get stone 🤔

mikewest

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123591779#Comment_123591779

The slightest slip with a glass or plate on a stone worktop can result in a chip or breakage unlike any of the "softer" materials. Marble or granite look beautiful but are a right bugger on quality glassware or porcelain. It's a tradeoff between beautiful and functional.

bfclancy2

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123591779#Comment_123591779

don't worry about it, have quartz for six years, never broke a plate or glass off it yet, your man must have butter fingers

Staplor

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123591773#Comment_123591773

The Pink Stuff works wonders here, or in the case of say marker where the kids are doing art where the ink seeps through, an old electric toothbrush head with the pink stuff. Still trying to find something it can't get out.

Dial Hard

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123593321#Comment_123593321

Turmeric, I suspect. I wouldn't test it either way!

Banzai600

we've quartz, spent a lot of money around 9 / 10 yrs ago, its a big enough space. some parts have discolored with water ingress, no matter how quick you clean / wipe dry over a long period of time. parts have a yellow hue in places. not overly noticeable but its there. it still looks great, but have yet to find anything that will lift it back to the brightness it once had in spots. its got a flec in it, like diamonds in places, sounds tacky but looks v good.

if we were to go again, im not sure we'd go with the quartz. But it has worn well, no kids in the house, but we'd cook a lot , meaning counter spaces for prep would be busy spots.

Banzai600

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123593321#Comment_123593321

when you say the " pink stuff " is that whats its actually called ? you use this for cleaning the worktop ?

Staplor

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123611764#Comment_123611764

Yup, that's the brand name, wet cloth most days, CIF Power Shine is something I use now and again for more regular cleaning, "The Pink Stuff" is only used once in a while, when there's a stain I can't get out. It's a paste in a tub, you'll get it in Dealz or the Range - that kind of shop that as a few cleaning bits usually has it.

cml387

I agree with the breakarage problem. On a wooden surface, a wineglass knocked over won't break.On a stone top it probably will.

Banzai600

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123614130#Comment_123614130

grand thanks, i will look into it. our tops are old now, still in good condition, but i will try a few areas with that pink stuff. nothing to loose now.

Staplor

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123614207#Comment_123614207

Try an old toothbrush too, my electric one does wonders, just remember to change the head on it!

Banzai600

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123614606#Comment_123614606

lol, good tip, will try that , nice one.