How do Ultra Compact worktops differ from Solid-Surface, Natural Stone and Quartz worktops?

These are all extraordinary products at the top end of the market, with Ultra Compact worktops probably at the very top of the totem pole. All these products are supplied and installed only by approved fabricators and contractors and are not suitable for DIY. Comparing a few of the major factors will help you select the best option for you:

Ultra Compact Worktops

• 100% Natural materials with no additives gives the most eco friendly worktops on the market.
• The greatest difference lies in its composition and manufacturing process. Ultra Compact worktops are formed by mixing elements of glass, porcelain and quartz and sintering them under extreme pressure and heat, just below the point of melting them.
• Sintered stone is UV-stable and chemical resistant, which means it is completely colour-fast and the solid colours do not fade over time.
• It has the highest compressive strength of any of the comparable products currently on the market. This means it can be used for anything requiring super strength, including staircases.
• Sintered stone does not warp and has virtually no thermal expansion, regardless of temperature and moisture changes.
• It is completely non-porous and will not absorb any moisture, bacteria, or stains.
• It is more resistant to heat and temperature changes than any other comparable products, to withstand hot pots and pans. Short of setting it on fire, it will probably survive any hot item you can place on it.
• It is extremely hard and resistant to scratches. This, together with its capacity to resist high heat, makes it perfectly suitable for outdoor firepits and fireplaces.
• It actively fights bacteria and raw foods can be prepared directly on the surface.
• Currently, it is available in a wide array of solid colours, textures and finishes, with constant new development of a veined and marbled look. The colours are embedded throughout the slab for a natural appearance, but with much greater consistency across slabs than natural stone.
• It is available in very large slab sizes, making it highly suitable for kitchen island and similar areas that require a single surface.

Cons of Ultra Compact worktops

• Not freely available. Only the top fabricators can fabricate and install them
• Cannot be repaired easily
  More expensive than other products
• Cabinets and other supporting structures have to be perfectly straight and level. Because of the weight and ultra-high density, it is possible that the tops may crack if not installed properly.

Quartz Worktops

• Quartz is at the high end of luxurious kitchen and bathroom worktops.
• It is an engineered stone product that consists of about 94% to 95% natural quartz aggregate, blended with polymer acrylic resins and pigment, to create a radiant 3-dimensional crystal-like appearance. The mixture is compressed through a special heat and pressure process, making the final product one of the hardest substances used in worktops, but with great flexibility and resilience.
• It is available in a wide range of textures and the colours and patterns follow consistently throughout the entire thickness of the worktop.
• Quartz countertops have a higher heat and chemical resistance than solid surface materials, but lower than Ultra Compact materials.
• It is highly scratch and stain-resistant and has anti-microbial properties, actively fighting bacteria.
• Quartz can be shaped into basins, sinks, shower trays, etc for a fully integrated appearance.
• Quartz worktops are smoothed and joined with specially formulated colour coordinated adhesives, silicone caulking and a heat process that make joints almost imperceptible, giving the appearance of solid, seamless design and no crevices where dirt can accumulate.

Cons of Quartz Worktops

• Silestone is non-porous and highly resistant to stains, so chemicals will not be absorbed, but corrosive chemicals or acids will damage the surface.
• Quartz is very heavy and worktops should be properly supported.
• Quartz worktops are competitively priced but are generally more expensive than natural stone and solid surface worktops.

Solid Surface Worktops

• As a very popular alternative to solid natural stone, Solid surface worktops are extremely durable and versatile, and are available in an extremely wide range of colours, patterns, textures and finishes.
• Designer material with contemporary clean lines and seamless appearance.
• Solid surfaces are manufactured by mixing approximately 66% pulverized natural stone (mostly a bauxite derivative) with acrylic resins and other chemicals and forming sheets with high heat and compression. It mimics natural stone, with much greater flexibility and strength.
• Solid surface sheets are formed into matching sinks, basins, shower pans, bathtubs, vanity tops and much more. It can be shaped and moulded to any form, shape or size.
• The seamless installation of Solid surface creates the impression that the kitchen or bathroom has been cut out of one solid piece of stone and makes it extremely hygienic.
• It is highly durable, non-porous, resistant to heat and damage.
• The homogenous colour that penetrates the entire slab, makes it highly attractive and much more consistent across slabs than would be possible with natural stone.
• Easy to repair. Scratches can be polished out and stains can be easily removed.

Cons of Solid Surface

• While it is highly resistant to heat and scratches, damage is possible.
• It is preferable to use cutting boards and trivets to protect the surface.
• It is resistant to chemicals but remains vulnerable to any excessive exposure.
• Competitively priced, but generally more expensive than natural stone.

Natural Stone Worktops

• Natural stone – such as marble, granite, limestone and slate – makes any space look and feel more luxurious and can completely transform the appearance of a kitchen, bathroom, or living area.
• Natural stone improves and actually looks better as it is allowed to age and mature.
• It works well with other natural and man-made material, making it a great choice to create a luxurious atmosphere with a great deal of charm

Cons of Natural Stone Worktops

• Each slab is unique, giving it great appeal, but adjacent slabs may not necessarily match.
• Natural stone is porous, which means it has to be sealed at installation and again at regular intervals to prevent absorption of moisture.
• It is not as resistant to stains and chemicals as the re-engineered stone products.

Dekton Ultra Compact

Dekton is available in a large array of colours, textures and patterns

Neolith Ultra Compact

Neolith is available in a large array of colours, textures and patterns

Our specialists at Worktops.net are standing by to answer any question you might have and to supply you with samples and expert advice.