Advice centre
Finding Your Style: Calacatta vs. Carrara
While marble comes in a spectacular array of tones, two classic Italian varieties remain highly popular for luxury kitchen designs: 1. Carrara Marble Hailing from the mountains of Tuscany, Carrara marble features a softer, more muted appearance. It typically showcases a crisp white-to-light-grey background tightly woven with delicate, feathery grey veining. It is an excellent option for creating a subtle, classic look that blends seamlessly with both modern handleless cabinets and traditional Shaker kitchens. 2. Calacatta Marble For those who want a dramatic, high-contrast look, Calacatta marble is unmatched. It is rarer than Carrara, characterized by a pure, stark white backdrop interrupted by thick, bold, and expressive veining. Calacatta often incorporates beautiful undertones of deep charcoal and subtle gold, making it the perfect choice for a luxury kitchen island centerpiece or a full-height matching splashback.
Why Marble Remains the Ultimate Luxury Choice for London Kitchens
When it comes to designing a statement kitchen, few materials carry the timeless prestige of natural marble. Celebrated for centuries in fine architecture, it remains a highly sought-after material for homeowners looking to inject effortless luxury, brightness, and unique character into their property. If you are currently planning a kitchen renovation, here is a complete guide to why marble remains the ultimate premium choice, and how to choose the right variety for your home Unlike manufactured surfaces, every single slab of natural marble is completely unique. Created by nature over millions of years, no two kitchen worktops will ever feature the exact same patterns or formations. • Bespoke Natural Art: The intricate veining—ranging from delicate, smoky lines to bold, dramatic sweeps—creates a striking visual focal point that anchors the entire room. • Luminous, Bright Interiors: Marble possesses a natural translucency that reflects light beautifully. This quality instantly opens up a kitchen, making the space feel larger, brighter, and incredibly elegant. • Naturally Cool Surface: Marble naturally stays cool to the touch, making it a historic favorite for bakers and chefs as it provides an excellent surface for working with pastry and dough.
Silestone vs. Caesarstone
Choosing a quartz worktop in London can be overwhelming. You’ll see names like Silestone, Caesarstone, CRL, Cimstone and others on our Quartz Brands page, but which one actually belongs in your kitchen? As specialist stonemasons with our own in-house London factory, we’ve cut and installed thousands of these slabs. Here is the "insider’s view" on how these brands compare in terms of price, performance, and style. *1. The Luxury Leader: Silestone If you want the "iPhone" of worktops, it’s Silestone. The Edge: Their HybriQ+ technology is a game-changer. It’s more sustainable and features a built-in…
Beyond Gloss: Why Textured ‘Leathered’ Stone is the 2026 Trend for London Kitchens
For years, the high-gloss, polished look dominated London renovations. But as we move into 2026, a new tactile trend is taking over: Textured and Leathered finishes. At MT Stones, we’re seeing a massive shift toward surfaces that feel as good as they look. If you want a kitchen that stands out from the standard "cookie-cutter" quartz, this is for you. What is a ‘Leathered’ Finish? Unlike polished stone, which is ground until reflective, a leathered finish is created by brushing the stone with diamond-tipped brushes. This results in a sophisticated, matte appearance with a subtle, dimpled texture that highlights the natural character of the material. 3 Reasons to Go Matte in 2026: Hide the Smudges: High-gloss surfaces are magnets for fingerprints and water spots. Leathered finishes are incredibly forgiving, making them the perfect choice for busy family islands. Sophisticated Depth: Matte surfaces don't reflect harsh overhead LED lighting. Instead, they absorb light, giving your kitchen a warmer, more "organic" feel. Unique Tactility: It turns your worktop into a statement piece. Whether it’s a dark Sensa Granite or a soft Grey Quartz, the texture invites people to touch it. *Expert Fabrication at Our London Factory* Working with textured stone requires a delicate touch. Because we handle all fabrication…
From Template to Tea: What Happens During Your 7-Day Installation?
The biggest fear homeowners have when upgrading worktops isn't the cost—it's the downtime. "How long will I be without a sink?" "Will there be dust everywhere?" At MT Stones, we’ve perfected our installation process to take you from old surfaces to a brand-new kitchen in just 7 days. The Step-by-Step Breakdown: Day 1: The Precision Template. Our technicians visit your home to create a perfect laser-guided template. Pro tip: Your cabinets must be fully fixed in place before we arrive! Days 2–6: The Master Cut. Your stone is fabricated in our London workshop. We use CNC technology to ensure every cut, from sink cutouts to drainage grooves, is millimetre-perfect. Day 7: The Final Fit. Our team returns to install the stone. Most installations take just 3–5 hours. By dinner time, your kitchen is ready to use. *Why Local Matters: Because we are based in London and fabricate our own stone, we don't rely on third-party shippers. This is why we can guarantee a 7-day turnaround while others take weeks. Ready for a stress-free upgrade? Get a quote today*
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN QUARTZ COUNTERTOP BRANDS?
When looking for quartz countertops, it is easy to be overwhelmed by the different choices and names of quartz. There are many different brands of quartz countertops on the market. Caesarstone, Silestone, Compac, CRL, Classic quartz, and many others more. Unlike granite countertops, quartz countertop slabs have a brand name rather than just a colour name Color palette. Quartz is a man-made material. Quartz slab manufacturing starts by taking the strongest part of granite, natural quartz. The natural quartz is then blended with other raw materials and polymer resins. Quartz is often referred to as “engineered stone” or “re-engineered stone”, this is because the manufacturing process mixes approximately 95% ground natural quartz with about 5% polymer resins. The combination of strong natural quartz gives quartz countertops great durability while the resins help to make the product non-porous (unlike natural stones). There are a number of manufactures, colors, and brands of quartz slabs. Each slab is created using the same general process, however brands…
Quartz Countertops Costs
Mtstones
Countertop materials vary from various stones including quartz, granite and marble. A worktop in quartz for kitchens or bathrooms possesses the combination of being aesthetically striking and beautiful as well as stain-resistant, low maintenance and highly durable. Quartz is often referred to as “engineered stone” this is because the manufacturing process mixes approximately 95% ground natural quartz with about 5% polymer resins. The combination of strong natural quartz gives quartz countertops great durability while the resins help to make the product non-porous (unlike natural stones). There are a number of manufactures, colors, and brands of quartz slabs. Each slab is created using the same general process, however brands will differentiate themselves with their selectiveness in raw materials, quality control, country of origin, and stylized colors. The brand, along with the popularity of a color, and the complexity of its design will influence the raw slab price from the manufacturer. Cheaper brands and types of quartz typically come in more…
Drainer grooves
DRAINER GROOVES ARE IDEAL FOR USING WITH BELFAST/UNDER-MOUNTED SINKS. It is a practical solution to keeping your work surface dry and clean.The typical drainer groove length is between 300 mm and 350 mm, but we can make it shorter or longer if required. Can be positioned right, left or both sides of the sink.
JOINTS ON QUARTZ AND GRANITE WORKTOPS
ABOUT THE JOINTS ON QUARTZ AND GRANITE WORKTOPS - JOINTS ON QUARTZ AND GRANITE WORKTOPS Friday 25th May 2018 The typical maximum length for a single piece is 3000mm at which point it will be necessary for a joint. Joints are generally two pieces of worktops butted up against…
Upstands
Upstands intended to sit at the rear of your kitchen worktops to hide the gap between them and an adjacent wall. The gap is necessary to allow expansion of the kitchen…
EDGE PROFILES FOR QUARTZ AND GRANITE WORKTOPS
Square edges Some people ask for very square edges. Fully square is impossible, and also uncomfortable on whatever part of your body you happen to lean on it. Also it is more fragile and in risk to damage if anything is dropped on the edge. But we can make an edge with a very minimal bevel. Bevel edge Bevel edge (3-5mm) is one of the best ways to reduce the chance of the quartz or granite worktop edge chipping. Straight bevelled edge The straight edge is the simplest of all, as it has the same thickness as the worktop but with a straight finish. Bullnose A totally rounded finish that creates a sensation of complete continuity in the kitchen, while maintaining the same worktops thickness Dove chest A traditional edge formed by a finish with very…
About the joints on Quartz and Granite worktops
Joints on Quartz and Granite worktops The typical maximum length for a single piece is 3000mm at which point it will be necessary for a joint. Joints are generally two pieces of worktops butted up against each other and generally less than 30 mm wide. For a perfect look the joins should be inconspicuous as possible. On template you should discuss with fabricator where the joints need to be placed. You will be able to see the joints between pieces but to achieve a perfect join is important that the support or kitchen base do not move between template and fitting. For patterned stones like Carrara quartz, it is important that the vein in the stone is cut in the same…
YOUR GRANITE WORKTOP WILL LAST A LIFETIME WITH A PROPER CARE & MAINTENANCE !!
The appearance of granite is not uniform because stones are coming right out of the earth and are not perfectly designed by nature. For that reason, granite samples can slightly differ from the stone you're ordering. Granite is extremely durable but because it's a natural stone can break or chip if subjected to heavy abuse. With a proper maintenance granite worktops can last for a lifetime and beyond. Granite needs to be sealed on a regular basis. GRANITE CARE & MAINTENANCE Granite worktops are durable, resistant to scratches, stains and heat resistant when regularly and properly maintained. Granite does require minimal care, including removing stains, sealing and daily cleans: Daily Care: Use a microfiber cloth and water to wipe clean your surface. Abrasive products or generic chemicals to clean your worktops are not recommended. You should prefer cleaning products specially designed for natural stone and avoid using highly acidic or cleaning products containing bleach. Always wipe spills immediately. Clean regularly by wiping them clean after each use. The best products are mixture of soap and water or alternatively special cleaning granite products.Apply the product on granite…
YOUR QUARTZ WORKTOP WILL LAST A LIFETIME WITH A PROPER CARE & MAINTENANCE
QUARTZ WORKTOP - CARE & MAINTENANCE: Quartz is virtually maintenance free and can be cleaned with extreme ease. Common household spills - such as, tea, coffee, lemon juice, soda, fruit, vegetable juice, olive oil or grease spills - are easily removed and the surface can be restored to its original appearance. Quartz is one of the hardest materials in nature, which is an assurance that your quartz surface will not easily scratch or chip. The use of a cutting board is nevertheless recommended. To maintain the natural beauty of quartz, do not place hot skillets or roasting pans directly onto the surface but use a trivet instead. For routine cleaning use a damp cloth or paper towel and, if necessary, a small amount of mild soap. Once clean, rinse and dry the surface…
Quartz vs. Granite: Which Stone Offers the Best ROI for London Homeowners?
Here are some points to help you decide if you should get Granite or Quartz for your kitchen worktop. When renovating a kitchen in London or the Home Counties, your choice of worktop is more than a design preference—it’s a financial decision. With the property market being as competitive as it is, homeowners often ask us: “Will I actually see a return on my investment if I choose premium stone?” The answer is a resounding yes, but the "best" stone depends on your long-term goals. Here is how Quartz and Granite stack up regarding your home’s Return on Investment (ROI). 1. Durability and “Future-Proofing” Quartz: As an engineered stone, Quartz (from brands like Silestone or Caesarstone) is non-porous. It won’t stain from a spilled glass of red wine or a coffee ring. For a buyer, this means the kitchen will look just as "new" five years from now as it does today. Granite: It is incredibly heat-resistant but requires periodic sealing to prevent staining. The ROI Winner: Quartz. Its "fit and forget" nature is a massive selling point for modern, busy buyers. 2. Aesthetic Appeal & Resale Value Granite: Every slab is unique. For high-end period properties in areas like Reigate or Surrey, the natural, one-of-a-kind look of Granite…
Worktop thickness - 20mm or 30mm thickness Quartz Worktops?
mtstones
20mm or 30mm thickness Quartz Worktops? >Granite worktops are generally 30mm thick. >Quartz worktops are generally fitted in 30mm or 20mm thickness. Some manufacturers make 13mm thickness. >While 30mm worktops looks very aesthetically pleasing and stronger, 20 mm thick look chunkier. >Over recent years, 20mm thick worktops have become increasingly popular benefiting from the saving on cost compared to 30 mm thickness. Contemporary kitchens tend to adapt to a slim, stripped-down look. >In terms of costs, there is a difference in price between 20 mm and 30 mm thickness worktops. 20 mm is less expensive. >But not always 30 mm worktops are recommended: For kitchens with breakfast bar or island with overhangs is recommended 30mm for structural security. >With 20mm worktops we recommend sticking to low-profile edges.