Scratches
Quartz worktops are highly scratch resistant but not scratch proof and the surface must be protected by chopping or cutting boards. Dark colours will show scratches.
Staining
Quartz worktops are incredibly hard and non-porous and will not absorb liquids, but it is still possible that grease, wine, coffee, nicotine, fruit juices and other strongly coloured substances can stain the surface if not properly protected or if the spills are not cleaned up immediately.
Hygienic
Quartz is naturally hygienic as it is non-porous.
More specific guidance for various brands can be viewed on our Care & Maintenance page.
Silestone
Silestone® by Cosentino is the world’s leading quartz worktop. Silestone® is a quartz surface that is made up of 94% natural quartz, which makes it extremely hard and resilient. Silestone® quartz comes in a variety of colours, finishes, sizes and thicknesses which are ideal for kitchen and bathroom worktops. From traditional to contemporary, Silestone has a great range that can cater to all designs. We are a Silestone® approved fabricator and provide a 10 year manufacturers warranty.
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Quartz Worktops
Frequently Asked Questions
They’re engineered surfaces made from natural quartz crystals mixed with resins and pigments for strength and design versatility.
Quartz is non-porous, so it resists staining better than natural stone. Spills should still be wiped up quickly.
Not generally - quartz can fade or warp in prolonged UV exposure, so it’s best for indoor use.
No. Unlike granite, quartz never requires sealing.
Silestone Edge Details
Enhance the finish of your quartz worktop with our precision-crafted edge profiles. Designed to complement both modern and traditional interiors, our edge details add a stylish, seamless look while maintaining the durability and hygiene benefits of solid surface materials.
Choose from a range of elegant profiles to suit your design preferences and achieve a truly bespoke result. Each edge is expertly fabricated to ensure a smooth, long-lasting finish.
Silestone Return End Styles
Return ends are custom-shaped finishes applied to the exposed edges of the worktop. They’re designed to provide a polished, continuous look where the surface terminates—whether against a wall, cabinet, or open space.
Each return style serves a specific purpose, from creating standout design features to accommodating architectural details or practical use cases. Whether you're planning a flowing curved end, a distinctive break front, or precision notching for cabinetry, these return styles ensure a tailored, high-quality finish.
Explore the full range below to find the perfect return style for your project.
Silestone Upstands
Upstands are an essential element for achieving a refined and practical finish where your worktop meets the wall, offering protection against splashes and spills while creating a seamless transition between horizontal and vertical planes. Square upstands provide a sharp, modern look with a defined 90° junction, and are fixed on-site using special glue or silicone. Fabricated to exacting standards to ensure a good match with your quartz worktop. However, it’s important to note that upstands are made in a straight line, and any imperfections or large variations in the wall profile can leave gaps, which will need to be filled with decorators’ caulk. To achieve the best result, plastering or tiling should be completed after the worktops have been installed, ensuring a polished, professional finish.
Silestone Cutouts & Drainer Grooves
Custom cutouts and drainer grooves add both functionality and finesse to your solid surface worktop. Whether you're integrating sinks, hobs, tap holes, or pop-up sockets, each cutout is precisely machined to suit your specifications and seamlessly finished to match the surrounding surface.
Drainer grooves can be added for both style and practicality—angled or flat, they channel water efficiently back into the sink while enhancing the clean, bespoke look of your kitchen or utility space. Every detail is carefully crafted to maintain the durability, hygiene, and elegance of your worktop.
Silestone Technical Information
Overhangs and End Panels
Solid Surface Worktops must be supported every 600mm.
Maximum recommended overhang is 300mm. Greater than 300mm requires steel support.
Solid underside wrapping is recommended on overhangs or end panels when MDF substrate is visible beneath.
Due to the weight of solid surface worktops, it is essential that your units are level and securely fixed.
Sinks
A minimum of 70mm is required between sink cut-outs.
If a waste disposal unit is fitted to an undermounted sink after installation, additional support will be required, otherwise your warranty may be invalidated.
Hobs and Splashbacks
Splash backs or wall cladding are installed with a minimum 50mm gap behind an electric hob and a minimum 100mm gap behind a gas hob. There must also be a minimum 50mm gap from the cutout to the front of the worktop. To accommodate these requirements, it is sometimes necessary to widen the worktop to what is called a “breakfront.”
- Sink cutouts are placed a minimum 50mm from the worktop front edge
- A minimum of 120mm is required between two hob cutouts
- A minimum of 100mm is required between hob and sink cutouts
- A minimum of 70mm is required between two sink cutouts
- If a waste disposal unit is fitted to an undermounted sink after installation, additional support will be required, otherwise your warranty may be invalidated
