Granite Worktops

Choosing a Granite Worktop

Granite is a natural stone, so the pattern, colour and movement vary from one slab to another. That variation is a large part of its appeal: the finished kitchen is shaped by the actual material selected rather than a repeated printed pattern. Darker slabs can create a strong contrast with pale cabinetry, while lighter and more flowing patterns can make the worktop the main visual feature.

The most useful way to choose is to view full slabs rather than relying only on a small sample or screen image. At our South Shields showroom, you can compare the scale of the pattern, the polish and the natural changes across each available slab. Bring a kitchen plan, cabinet colour or door sample if you have one; it makes it easier to judge how the stone will sit within the complete room.

If granite is not the right visual direction, compare our quartz worktops and quartzite worktops. Quartz is an engineered surface with more repeatable patterning, while granite and quartzite are natural stones with individual slab variation. We can talk through the practical details of the current materials you are considering without pushing you towards a finish that does not suit the design.

From Plans to a Finished Installation

You do not need exact final measurements to start. Send a plan, sketch, photographs or approximate sizes, together with the postcode and the features you want included. Useful details are the worktop runs, island size, preferred granite style, upstands or splashbacks, sink type, hob size and any polished cut-outs or drainage details. This gives us enough information to discuss the project and prepare an initial quotation.

Final templating takes place when the base units are installed, level and firmly fixed. Sink, hob, tap and appliance information should be confirmed by this stage so openings and clearances can be recorded accurately. The selected slab can then be planned for the worktop layout, including the direction of natural movement, practical joint positions and the relationship between adjoining pieces.

RH Stone Surfaces carries out the templating, fabrication and installation. The exact layout depends on the kitchen, slab dimensions, access and the features being made. Curved ends, waterfall-style island panels, upstands, splashbacks and polished sink cut-outs should be raised during the quotation and confirmed at templating rather than treated as last-minute additions.

Granite Islands, Worktop Runs & Feature Pieces

A kitchen island often shows more of the slab than a narrow perimeter run, so it is worth considering where the strongest movement should sit. A bold pattern may be centred across the island, carried towards a visible end panel or balanced with quieter perimeter worktops. Viewing the actual slab helps make those choices before cutting begins.

Long worktop runs and L-shaped layouts may require joints. Their position is planned around slab size, access, cabinet support, cut-outs and the overall design. The aim is a practical layout that also respects the natural pattern of the chosen stone. Because every project differs, photographs and plans are more useful than a generic promise about where a joint will or will not be.

For day-to-day care, use products suitable for natural stone and follow the aftercare advice provided for the selected finish. Wipe spills promptly and avoid using an unfamiliar harsh cleaner without checking it is appropriate. If you are comparing finishes or have questions about maintaining a particular slab, ask while viewing the material.

Real Granite Slabs & Showroom Videos

The photographs and videos below show genuine granite slabs and worktop details used by RH Stone Surfaces. They are here to show the scale, movement and variation that can be difficult to understand from a small sample.

Granite Worktops Across the North East

Our South Shields showroom and workshop support granite worktop projects across the North East. Use the local pages below for area-specific information, or return to our main kitchen worktops page to compare the complete material range.

Granite Worktop FAQs

How do I get a quote for granite worktops?

Send a kitchen plan, sketch or approximate measurements, together with your preferred granite style and details such as an island, upstands, splashbacks, sink or hob cut-outs. Exact final measurements are taken at templating, so rough information is enough to begin a quotation.

Can I view the actual granite slab before ordering?

Yes. Granite is a natural material and every slab has its own movement, tone and pattern. Visit the RH Stone Surfaces showroom in South Shields to compare available slabs at full size before the material is allocated to your project.

What needs to be ready before templating?

Kitchen base units should be installed, level and firmly fixed before final templating. Sink, hob, tap and appliance details should also be confirmed or available so the required openings and clearances can be agreed accurately.

Can granite be used for islands, upstands and splashbacks?

Yes. Granite can be planned for worktop runs, kitchen islands, upstands and splashbacks. The suitable layout, joints, edge details and cut-outs depend on the chosen slab, the kitchen design and access to the property, so these are confirmed for each project.

Where does RH Stone Surfaces supply and install granite worktops?

RH Stone Surfaces supplies, templates, fabricates and installs granite worktops across Newcastle, Sunderland, Gateshead, Durham, North Tyneside, South Tyneside, Northumberland and the wider North East from its South Shields showroom and workshop.

Bring Your Plans or Measurements

Visit the showroom to compare granite slabs, or send your project details with a plan, approximate measurements, photographs and postcode. If the design is still changing, tell us what is confirmed and what is not. We can start with the information available and explain what will be needed before templating.