Frequently Asked Questions
What is your standard turnaround time?
We pride ourselves on one of the fastest turnarounds in the industry. Once we have completed the template of your space, we aim to have your worktops or surfaces fully installed within 2 to 4 working days.
Do you only supply kitchen worktops?
Whilst we are specialists in kitchen worktops, our expertise extends much further. We also manufacture and install bespoke marble fireplaces, vanity tops, bar tops, and custom stone surfaces for both residential and commercial projects.
Can you recreate a fireplace from a photo?
Yes, we specialise in making bespoke design accessible. Our experienced stonemasons can hand-craft a marble fireplace based on your own photos, sketches, or drawings, often at a fraction of the cost of an original antique or designer piece.
Where do you source your stone?
We source only the finest materials from the most prestigious quarries worldwide. Every slab is hand-selected to ensure it meets our rigorous standards for quality and durability.
Do you work on commercial projects?
Absolutely. We have extensive experience in the commercial sector, having completed prestigious installations for clients such as Nobu Restaurant, Chelsea Football Club, and BBC Studios London. We are fully equipped to handle large-scale contracts and bespoke commercial fit-outs.
Are your fire surrounds made in the UK?
Yes. All of our fire surrounds are produced and manufactured in our own local factory. This allows us to maintain total control over the quality and craftsmanship of every piece we produce.
Do you provide a templating service?
Yes, we provide a full professional templating service to ensure your worktops fit perfectly. Our team uses precision tools to create an exact map of your kitchen or bathroom before we begin the manufacturing process.
Why choose us for high performance worktops?
Choosing a specialist like Leyton Stone offers benefits beyond just the material:
Rapid Turnaround
They are known for an industry-leading 2 to 4-day turnaround from template to installation, significantly faster than the standard 1–2 weeks.
Direct-from-Manufacturer
By working with their own factory and experienced stonemasons, they cut out the middleman, ensuring higher quality control and more competitive pricing.
Heritage Craftsmanship
Originally established as master masons for intricate fire surrounds and natural stone, they apply that same precision to modern kitchen fabrication.
Leading Brand Partnerships
They are authorised installers for elite brands like Silestone, Caesarstone, and Cimstone, ensuring you get authentic materials with full manufacturer warranties.
What design options are available?
Design goes far beyond colour. You can customise your surfaces to fit your specific kitchen aesthetic:
Edge Profiles
You can choose from modern Square or Pencil edges, or traditional Ogee and Bullnose profiles. For a contemporary “floating” look, a Sharknose edge is popular.
Surface Finishes
Polished: High-gloss and reflective (most popular for Quartz and Granite).
Honed: A smooth, matte finish that feels more organic.
Leathered: A textured, “brushed” finish that hides fingerprints and smudges.
Bespoke Features
You can integrate drainer grooves (sloped channels cut into the stone), matching upstands/splashbacks, and waterfall ends (where the stone continues down the side of the cabinet to the floor).
What should I consider when choosing a material?
Before deciding, evaluate these four key factors:
Porosity & Maintenance
Do you mind sealing your worktop? Natural stones like Granite and Marble are porous and require periodic sealing. Quartz is non-porous and “maintenance-free.”
Heat Resistance
Do you often take pans straight from the hob? Granite and Porcelain are highly heat-resistant. Quartz is sensitive to high temperatures and can “scorch” if a hot pan is placed directly on it.
Aesthetic Continuity
Natural stone varies from slab to slab. If you want a perfectly consistent pattern across multiple joins or a large island, Quartz or Porcelain offer better uniformity.
Usage Level
Busy family kitchens benefit from the scratch and stain resistance of Quartz. Professional “chef-style” kitchens often prefer the rugged durability and heat tolerance of Granite.
What is the best material for kitchen worktops?
The “best” material depends on your specific priorities.
Quartz: Best for the Busy Home
As a non-porous and stain-resistant surface, Quartz is the ultimate choice for active households. Its key advantage is “low-effort” maintenance—simply wipe and go without the need for specialist treatments.
Granite: Best for the Serious Cook
Renowned for its heat-proof qualities and unique natural character, Granite is a timeless favourite. It offers incredible durability, though it requires medium maintenance, such as occasional sealing, to keep it at its best.
Porcelain: Best for Modern Luxury
For those seeking a sleek, contemporary aesthetic, Porcelain offers an ultra-thin yet highly durable profile. It is incredibly resilient and requires very low maintenance, making it perfect for high-traffic areas.
Quartzite: Best for Statement Style
If you want the elegant look of Marble with even more strength than Granite, Quartzite is the ideal statement material. It offers unparalleled natural beauty and requires medium maintenance to preserve its striking appearance.
Do you offer a warranty on your installations?
We take immense pride in our workmanship. All of our installations come with a comprehensive guarantee, ensuring your investment is protected and providing you with total peace of mind for years to come.
How should I maintain and care for my new surface?
Maintenance varies depending on the material, but generally, we recommend using pH-neutral cleaners and avoiding harsh chemicals. Upon installation, our team will provide you with specific care instructions tailored to your chosen stone to ensure it retains its beauty.
What is the difference between Granite and Quartz?
Granite is a 100% natural stone quarried from the earth; every slab is unique with its own character and veining. Quartz is an engineered stone (approx. 93% natural quartz and 7% resin). While Granite offers unmatched heat resistance, Quartz is non-porous, meaning it never requires sealing and is highly resistant to staining.
