FAQs
No – we welcome visitors any time during our opening hours of 8am-4pm Monday-Friday.
Quartz and natural stone products all come in 20mm and 30mm thicknesses. Any back panels, cladding, upstands, chopping boards, risers etc, will be made in 20mm thickness as standard, even if you have 30mm thick worktops.
Porcelain and ceramic products also come in other thickness options – this varies by supplier so please ask for more information should you require thinner than our standard 20mm / 30mm thicknesses.
Natural stone such as granite, slate and quartzite are all suitable for a fire hearth, as they are heat resistant and will not burn or crack. Limestone, and marble can be used for outer hearths/surrounds. Granite and slate tend to be the most favoured options for hearths as they are the easiest to keep clean. Unfortunately, Quartz is not suitable for this purpose as it can be damaged by heat, due to the resin which is used to make it.
Not all materials are suitable for outdoor use as they may be affected by UV rays over time. Natural materials are all suitable as they have spent their entire life exposed to the elements. Porcelain and Ceramic are also great alternatives.
Although quartz is not typically recommended for this use, some of our quartz suppliers now offer a special quartz with bio-UV ray technology. If you would like to use quartz outside, for an outdoor bar for example, please ask us for more information on which quartz suppliers offer this type of quartz.
With regards to man-made products, slab sizes vary by supplier. Some suppliers not only offer standard size slabs, typically 3000mm x 1400mm, but also jumbo-sized slabs (3200mm x 1600mm) in selected colours. We are also seeing an increase in the number of super-jumbo slabs available too (3450mm x 1950mm). When it comes to natural products, such as granite, slab sizes and useable area will vary by block and slab availability. Please ask us if you have specific size requirements.
If a joint is necessary, they will always be as minimal as possible. The positioning of joints will be based on many factors, such as support points, where the hob and sink are positioned, as well as the best position aesthetically. These decisions will always be discussed with you during the templating process, but please do ask us if you have specific requirements regarding top sizes/ joint positions.
When it comes to natural stone, one of the beauties of it is that no two blocks are alike! Therefore, when choosing natural stone, we always advise you visit one of our suppliers to choose your own slabs, which will need to be from the same block for continuity.
The sizes of slabs, thickness, and numbers available per block can vary, so this is something you need to consider when making your selection. If you are unsure of how many slabs you will need, we can calculate this using your kitchen plan, so it is important your kitchen layout is finalised and is as accurate as possible.
If you would like to choose your own natural stone slabs, please get in touch and we can arrange a viewing at your nearest supplier. If you are unable to visit in person, we can send images/ videos via email of any materials/ colours you are interested in. However, please bear in mind, an online image may not truly represent the actual colour like it would in person.
People often assume that granite is more expensive than quartz, but this is not always the case. Prices vary by supplier, style and colour. Whether you have a limited budget or the sky’s the limit, there will be an option for you. We only charge our customers per square metre, rather than per slab, to ensure we give the best prices we can.
We believe our prices are competitive and strive to give our best price the first time. We do sometimes have exclusive offers on specific slabs and offcuts, so please ask if this is something you would like more information on. Offcuts vary in size, and we cannot mix and match different batches, so all offcuts are subject to size requirements and availability.
Book-matching is a term used to describe the alignment of patterns and veining for stone products, such as worktops or cladding. In heavily patterned material, we will always do our upmost best to ensure the book-matching looks as good as possible. However, sometimes it is impossible to line up every single vein/ pattern.
Also, we only quote per square metre, rather than for the whole slab. Therefore, if you would like a completely book-matched effect, this may incur additional costs, as more slabs may be required. Please make us aware when requesting a quotation, if complete book-matching is an important aspect of your project.
If you have found something you like the look of, please feel free to send us an image and we will do our best to source that product. We have access to a substantial number of suppliers. If you would like a specific sample, please contact us with the supplier and material name (if known) and we will arrange for your sample to be posted to you.
Please note that samples only show a small part of a slab, and slight variations in colour and pattern can occur. Unfortunately, samples cannot be sent for natural stone products due to their natural variation. However, we can signpost you to our natural stone suppliers so you can view their current stock inventory online.
All quotations are valid for a period of 3 months from the date written on the quotation.
As much notice as possible!
For kitchen worktops – once you have a date for your new kitchen to be delivered and fitted, we will be able to book you in for your template. A template is where we use either boards, or a laser machine to take measurements and discuss all the finer details.
We need all units to be fitted and level. The sink, tap and hob (if applicable) will need to be there too, so we can take notes of the sizes and positions of those items. We understand that sometimes things do not always go to plan, so just keep us updated and we will be as flexible as we can be.
Our turnaround time is typically five working days. For example, if your template is completed on a Monday, the installation will be the following Monday. However, during busier periods, bank holidays, for more intricate designs, or larger installations, turnaround times may be longer.
When you place an order with us, dates will be confirmed via an order confirmation, in advance. Occasionally there may be unavoidable delays, but you will always be kept fully informed.
Template and installation visit times will vary, as it very much depends on the size of the area and the overall details. A typical template is usually around 2-3 hours and an installation can be around 3-4 hours, but this can vary greatly.
The day before your appointment, you will be advised by our office team whether you can expect us in the morning, or in the afternoon. We are unable to give exact times due to traffic conditions and the other variable factors which can occur throughout the working day.
If you are having replacement worktops, we can remove and dispose of the old worktops, but there will be an additional charge for this.
We are not trained or insured to plumb in taps or disconnect/ reconnect gas hobs, so this is something you will need to arrange separately. We do stick the sink into position and will ensure the hob fits (if applicable). If local to us, we do know some great plumbers who we can recommend. Please ask if you’d like any further advice on this.
Unless agreed otherwise, our standard payment terms are:
- 50% deposit is required on booking. This secures your date and material choice. Please note, if you change your material choice after paying the deposit, there may be a fee to return the originally ordered material back to our supplier.
- Once your worktops have been templated, we will then check the sizes against the original quotation. If there have been any additional add-ons, or a significant increase in top sizes, we will re-quote and advise you accordingly, prior to starting the manufacturing process.
- Likewise, if you remove any requirements (such as drainer grooves) or the worktops decrease in size, we will reduce your final balance to reflect these changes.
- Final balance invoices will be issued after template, prior to installation. The final balance invoice will need to be paid in full before the installation date.
IMPORTANT – we ask that you fully inspect our work immediately after installation and raise any issues within 48 hours. We will always do our absolute best to resolve any issues you may have, in a timely manner.
There is no set time for how long your worktops will last, although they typically last an exceptionally long time! Solid surfaces are very hardwearing and durable but do require some care, as they are not completely indestructible. Check out the material type section, which explains each material type in more detail.
You can access supplier-specific care instructions by visiting the relevant supplier website. If you do not know which supplier your material came from, this should be written on your quotation and/ or your order confirmation. If in doubt, just ask!
When you purchase your worktops (or other stone products) via CKstone, we give a year’s warranty on the actual installation, as standard.
The material itself is covered by the supplier and typically covers manufacturing faults. In the rare occurrence of a material issue, please contact us and we will be happy to advise further.
Please note each supplier we use has their own warranty registration requirements and terms and conditions, so please ask if you are unsure. Also, please bear in mind that natural stone may not be covered under material warranty as it is not a man-made product.
In the unfortunate event that you accidentally damage your worktops, whether this is a chip, scratch, stain, or other, please do not attempt to fix it yourself without seeking advice first. You may do more harm than good. Contact us and we will be able to advise accordingly. If you have the actual chip, please keep hold of it as this can help with the repair.
We do offer chip / joint repair services should you ever require them. Please email us a photo and your location, as prices vary. Please note not all damage is reparable and repair results may vary, but we will always try our best!
