Advice
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Worksurfaces
Every kitchen needs a practical surface where you can prepare
meat, chop vegetables and whip up the odd pudding, all without having to worry
about causing it damage. If you enjoy entertaining or cook for a family, you'll
need a worktop that can withstand the rigours of daily use.
It is very important to consider all the facts when deciding
upon a work surface, ie durability, high or low maintenance, colours and
patterns available etc.
Our guide has
been designed to assist you in making the right choice.
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Granite is an extremely
hard and durable natural product, making it very practical and desirable in a
working kitchen and is available in a wide range of colours and patterns.
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The surface is cold to the
touch, making it ideal for pastry making.
However, whilst it is reasonably resistant to scratching and
heat, it should still be treated with a certain amount of respect. Our advice
is to always use a chopping board and a pan stand, as it is not advisable to
cut or place a hot pan directly onto the surface.
Certain products, such as red wine, tea or coffee will act
like a dye and upon prolonged contact with the surface could permanently spoil
the looks and should therefore not be left unattended for any length of
time.
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Lithofin stainstop has been applied to the surfaces prior to
installation and has been specially formulated in helping to reduce staining,
however acidic products such as lemon and lime juices are NOT protected
by Stainstop.
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Corian is a subtle blend
of natural minerals and clear acrylic and is available in a wide range of
colours. It is naturally hygienic, versatile, yet lovely to touch and can be
cut, joined and formed to meet virtually any design.
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The design
qualities are limitless with a choice of edge detail, hob bars, coving,
cladding and inlays. There is also a selection of sinks and bowls available to
match which will fit seamlessly into your work surface.
It is easily cleaned, does not absorb liquids, resists most
household stains and will stand up to the small incidents of normal daily life
and because they are renewable, difficult stains and accidental damages are
easily repaired, leaving it looking like new year after
year.
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Timbernot only looks
beautiful and will add a touch of warmth to any kitchen, but is also tough.
However, it does require a little more care and maintenance than Granite and
Corian.
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However, in the
first few weeks some caution must be observed to prevent the worktop becoming
stained before it has had time to build up a sufficient barrier. As with the
granite, certain products will act like a dye and could leave a stain upon
prolonged contact, and should therefore not be left unattended for any length
of time.
In particular, water should not
be allowed to lie on the surface but wiped off immediately with a cloth. Oak
especially, is prone to acquire a black stain, which is difficult to remove, if
any iron utensils are in contact with the presence of water for any period of
time - for example overnight.
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Timber is a wonderful compliment to Granite and can be used
together to define the cooking and preparation areas of your kitchen.
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Kirkstone
Slate is often associated only with a rustic
and rugged look, however the best slate can be more versatile. The smooth
finish and classic colours will adapt to any style, surface and situation.
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It is quarried in Cumbria and
being a natural material it is subject to a variation in colour and
markings.
The worktops are sealed with a
protective seal and in general a wipe over with a damp cloth is all the
maintenance required. However, some slates can remain slightly porous, even
after sealing and should therefore be protected from food stains. Occasionally
natural variations in the composition of the stone may result in some
sensitivity to acids such as red wine, colas, vinegar and citrus juice.
Spillage of these should simply be wiped away as it occurs. If left to lie it
could etch the surface locally and leave a patch lighter in colour, which can
be difficult to remove.
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Silestone is natural
Quartz created for today's homes.
It is
based on a revolutionary treatment that offers you the most stunning colours,
exceptional textures and varied finishes. It is also the only Quartz surface
that contains Miroban Antibacterial protection, giving maximum hygiene
throughout its surfaces.
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Silestone is a
non-porous surface that is highly resistant to staining caused by coffee, wine,
lemon juice, olive oil, vinegar and many other products that are used every
day.
While care must be taken when using
sharp knives on other kitchen tops such as granite, Silestone is very resistant
to scratching, but should not be subjected to extreme rough
treatment. |
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There are other work surfaces too, such as concrete, glass
and Quartz stone.
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