Advice centre
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 hygiene protection that prevents bacteria growth. Visuals: Their "Eternal" collection offers the most realistic marble veining in the industry. Best For: Premium renovations where sustainability and hygiene are top priorities. 2. The Modern Icon: Caesarstone Caesarstone is the choice for architects and interior designers. The Edge: They pioneered the "Industrial" look. If you want a worktop that…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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 worktop, though…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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 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…