FAQs

Granite is natural and unique; quartz is man-made and more uniform. Granite is more heat-tolerant, but quartz is slightly lower maintenance.

It’s highly durable, but we recommend sealing. Chips are rare and often repairable

Pricing varies by slab rarity and thickness. You might be surprised how affordable some options are.

Yes, sealing helps protect against stains and moisture – we offer advice and service plans.

Quartz is lower maintenance and more consistent in colour. Granite is 100% natural and more heat resistant.

Not easily – quartz is non-porous and resists staining from common kitchen items.

No – unlike granite and marble, quartz never needs sealing.

It’s best for indoor use, as prolonged UV exposure can affect colour over time.

Yes, but we recommend it for lower-use zones or statement islands, as it’s softer and more porous than quartz or granite.

It can, which is why sealing and quick clean-up are important – we provide guidance and support.

Yes – with the right sealing and maintenance, marble performs beautifully in wet areas.

Carrara is softer in veining and tone; Calacatta is bolder and often more expensive due to its rarity.

Sintered Stone is more heat-resistant and suitable for outdoor use. Quartz offers a softer touch and slightly more colour consistency indoors.

Yes – it’s fully UV-resistant and doesn’t fade, stain or warp in the sun or rain.

It’s very hard but can chip if struck hard on an edge – professional fitting reduces this risk.

Simply use warm water and mild detergent – no sealing or special treatment required.

Sintered Stone is more heat- and UV-resistant, ideal for outdoor and high-heat environments. Quartz offers more colour consistency.

Absolutely. Sintered Stone is UV-stable and weather-resistant – perfect for outdoor kitchens and façades.

Available as thin as 3mm for wall cladding, with thicker options for worktops.

It’s made from 100% natural raw materials, sintered using heat and pressure without resins.

It depends on your needs – porcelain is non-porous and ultra-durable, while natural stone offers one-of-a-kind aesthetics.

Yes, its UV and frost resistance make it ideal for patios, BBQ areas and exterior cladding.

It’s often more affordable than marble and can be very cost-effective when durability is considered long term.

Porcelain is denser and more durable than ceramic – better suited for high-traffic or wet areas.

Quartz and granite are the most popular, but Sintered Stone is excellent for high-performance modern kitchens.

Most installations are completed within a day after templating.

Yes – we can fabricate matching splashbacks or upstands in any stone.

Natural stones like granite and marble benefit from sealing; engineered stones like quartz and Sintered Stone do not.

Standard upstands are around 100mm; full-height splashbacks can run from worktop to upper cabinets or ceiling.

Yes – and we often recommend it for a sleek, cohesive look.

Yes – materials like granite, quartz and Sintered Stone are heat resistant and perfect behind hobs.

Extremely – they’re non-porous and have no grout lines, so wiping them down is quick and simple.

Yes – we offer a range of profiles including chamfered, bullnose, pencil round and ogee.

Absolutely – they offer a discreet, hygienic way to manage water runoff beside sinks.

Yes – all worktops and splashbacks are digitally templated for a perfect fit, no matter how tricky.

Many small touches are included in your quote. If there are added costs, we’ll make it clear before you commit.

Yes – engineered stones like porcelain, quartz and Sintered Stone are perfect for wet areas. Natural stones like marble or granite can be sealed and used with care.

Most surfaces wipe clean easily – no grout means less build-up. We’ll provide care instructions for your specific material.

Absolutely – we can cut recesses, ledges and even floating bench seating to match the rest of your stonework.

Yes – we offer full templating and installation across Cornwall, working with homeowners or bathroom fitters.

Yes – quartz, granite and Sintered Stone are particularly low-maintenance and highly durable.

Yes – we regularly carve basins directly into matching stone vanity tops.

Some natural stones like marble and granite benefit from sealing; we handle this during fabrication.

Absolutely – we fabricate all sinks to order, so size, depth and shape are fully customisable.

Porcelain and granite are excellent for high-use, easy-clean surfaces.

Yes – many of our clients use it successfully, particularly with porcelain and marble.

Yes – we seal porous stones like marble, slate and limestone to protect them from staining and moisture.

It depends on the space, but most residential flooring projects are completed in 2–4 days.

Absolutely – granite, slate and porcelain are particularly well suited to external use in all weathers.

Yes – we often match thresholds to existing or new flooring, fireplaces and exterior steps.

Some natural stones like limestone and slate benefit from sealing; we’ll advise based on your chosen material.

Typically 20–30mm, but we can work to custom thicknesses and step builds as required.

Granite and slate are most popular – durable, heat-resistant and attractive.

Yes – we template and cut all hearths to match your dimensions, even in older properties.

We offer both – full installation across Cornwall or supply-only for self-builds and trades.

We seal porous stones like slate and marble before delivery or installation.

Yes – but we work with thinner profiles and support structures to ensure it’s safe and manageable.

Absolutely – we template everything digitally to ensure a perfect fit, even in tight spaces.

Most are extremely resistant – especially quartz, granite and Sintered Stone. We’ll advise on care based on your chosen stone.

Yes – we frequently create coordinated surfaces to complete the room.

Granite and quartz are most popular, but we’ll help you find what suits your style and usage.

Yes – every project is templated, cut and installed by our in-house team.

Absolutely – visit our showroom on The Lizard to view samples and full slabs.

Yes – many types of stone and engineered surfaces are perfect for high-moisture areas.

Most surfaces require just gentle cleaning. Some natural stones may need occasional resealing.

Absolutely – we create integrated basins, undermount cut-outs and custom stone bowls.

Yes – our team handle templating, fabrication and installation throughout Cornwall.

Porcelain, granite or slate – depending on your style and whether underfloor heating is being used.

Yes – we handle all finishing, including sealing for stain and moisture protection.

Absolutely – we regularly match hearths, upstands and window sills to worktop materials.

Not necessarily – many clients are surprised at how affordable our bespoke work is compared to mass-produced options.

Yes – all pieces are templated and fabricated from the same stone used in your bathroom.

We work with your installer or builder to provide templated stone for recessed or framed details.

Yes – we seal any porous stones and advise on maintenance for your chosen finish.

Absolutely – we can supply cut-to-size pieces ready for third-party installation.

Yes – we’re happy to work on one-off pieces, whether decorative or functional.

Absolutely – all ornaments can be customised with wording, dates or symbols.

It varies, but most projects are completed within 2–4 weeks depending on size and complexity.

Yes – we’ll recommend materials and finishes suitable for all weather conditions.

Yes. We regularly collaborate with architects, interior designers, builders and project managers on commercial schemes, providing technical input, material guidance and precise fabrication to support smooth project delivery.

Absolutely. We specify stone materials based on usage, durability and maintenance requirements, ensuring surfaces perform reliably in busy settings such as offices, hospitality venues, retail spaces and public buildings.

Yes. We are experienced in working to defined programmes, including phased installations and coordinated site access, helping commercial projects stay on schedule without compromising quality.

We do. Many of our stone solutions are non-porous, sealed and easy to clean, making them ideal for washrooms, bars, serving counters and healthcare or hospitality environments where hygiene is critical.

Yes. All our commercial work is made to measure. From branded reception desks to custom counters, cladding and flooring details, we fabricate bespoke stone features tailored precisely to each project’s design brief.

Granite worktops are one of the most durable surface options available and can last for decades when properly maintained. With routine cleaning and occasional sealing, granite retains its strength, appearance and performance, making it a long term investment for kitchens, bathrooms and commercial spaces.

Yes. Granite is naturally formed under extreme heat and pressure, making it highly resistant to hot pans, cookware and everyday kitchen temperatures. While granite performs exceptionally well against heat, we still recommend using trivets or heat pads to help protect the surface and maintain its finish over time.

In most cases, yes. Minor chips, scratches and surface damage can often be professionally repaired and polished to restore the appearance of the stone. Granite is an incredibly strong material, and with expert fabrication and installation, significant damage is uncommon.

Granite is available in a wide range of colours and patterns, from classic whites, creams and greys to dramatic blacks, blues, greens and richly veined designs. Every slab is unique, allowing homeowners to choose a surface that complements both contemporary and traditional interiors. Duke Stone can help you select the perfect granite for your project from a carefully chosen range of premium materials.

Coastal Range™ Quartz is Duke Stone’s exclusive collection of premium engineered quartz surfaces, inspired by the colours, textures and natural beauty of the Cornish coastline. Combining contemporary design with exceptional durability, the range offers a curated selection of quartz worktops suitable for kitchens, bathrooms and luxury interiors across Cornwall.

Yes. Coastal Range™ Quartz offers excellent resistance to everyday kitchen temperatures and hot cookware. However, as with all quartz surfaces, we recommend using trivets or heat pads for very hot pots and pans to protect the surface and maintain its appearance for years to come.

The cost of quartz worktops varies depending on the design selected, the size of the project, edge profiles, cut-outs and installation requirements. Duke Stone provides tailored quotations for every project, ensuring you receive a solution that matches your design goals and budget.

Absolutely. We encourage customers to visit our Helston showroom to view Coastal Range™ Quartz samples in person. Seeing the colours, veining and finishes firsthand helps ensure you select the perfect surface for your kitchen, bathroom or commercial project.

Yes. Coastal Range™ is an exclusive Duke Stone collection, carefully selected to reflect Cornwall’s coastal landscape and contemporary design trends. These designs are available directly through Duke Stone, combining premium quartz surfaces with expert fabrication and installation.

Coastal Range™ Quartz is suitable for a wide range of applications including kitchen worktops, waterfall islands, splashbacks, utility rooms and bathroom vanity tops. Its non-porous surface and low maintenance properties make it ideal for both family homes and luxury interiors.

Duke Stone and Meadows Kitchens share the same commitment to quality craftsmanship and attention to detail. By working together, every kitchen benefits from expert digital templating, precision stone fabrication and professional installation, ensuring the finished worktops perfectly complement the bespoke kitchen design.

Absolutely. While Duke Stone is proud to work with Meadows Kitchens, we also manufacture and install bespoke stone worktops for homeowners, independent kitchen designers, builders and developers across Cornwall. Whatever stage your project is at, our team can help bring your vision to life.

Duke Stone offers a carefully selected range of premium granite, quartz and porcelain worktops, available in a wide variety of colours, finishes and styles. Whether you’re looking for the natural character of granite, the consistency of quartz or the ultra-modern performance of porcelain, we’ll help you choose the perfect surface for your kitchen.

Yes. Every project begins with precision digital templating, allowing each worktop to be manufactured to the exact dimensions of your kitchen. This ensures accurate cut-outs, seamless joins and a professional fit during installation.

Yes. You’re welcome to visit the Duke Stone showroom near Helston, where you can explore a wide selection of granite, quartz and porcelain surfaces, discuss your project with our experienced team and receive expert advice on choosing the right material for your home.

Yes. Duke Stone manufactures and installs bespoke stone worktops throughout Cornwall, including Truro, Falmouth, Helston, Penzance, Newquay, St Austell, Wadebridge, Padstow, St Ives and the surrounding areas. Whether you’re working with Meadows Kitchens or another kitchen designer, our team provides a complete templating, fabrication and installation service across the county.

The Now Kitchens showroom allows you to see complete kitchen displays featuring genuine Duke Stone worktops. You’ll be able to compare different stone materials, colours, edge profiles and finishes in full kitchen settings, helping you make a confident decision before choosing your worktops.

Yes. Every stone worktop featured within the Now Kitchens showroom has been manufactured and installed by Duke Stone. The displays showcase our craftsmanship and demonstrate the quality of our quartz, granite, porcelain and sintered stone worktops.

Absolutely. Although we work closely with Now Kitchens, Duke Stone manufactures and installs bespoke stone worktops for homeowners, architects, builders and kitchen companies throughout Cornwall. We are happy to work with your chosen kitchen supplier or designer.

Duke Stone manufactures bespoke worktops in quartz, granite, porcelain and sintered stone. Each material offers different colours, textures and performance benefits, allowing you to choose the perfect surface for your kitchen and lifestyle.

Yes. Many customers visit both the Now Kitchens showroom for kitchen inspiration and the Duke Stone showroom to view our full range of stone samples, discuss edge profiles and receive expert advice before templating and installation.

Yes. Duke Stone templates, manufactures and installs bespoke stone worktops across Cornwall. Whether your kitchen has been designed by Now Kitchens or another supplier, our experienced installation team delivers precision fitted stone surfaces throughout the county.

The Torben Schmid Kitchens showroom near the A30 lets you see Duke Stone surfaces fitted in complete, designed kitchens. It is a useful way to judge colour, texture, edge profiles and proportions in real lighting, alongside cabinetry, sinks and appliances, rather than from a small sample alone.

Yes. The display kitchens at Torben Schmid Kitchens feature stone supplied by Duke Stone of Cornwall. Visiting the showroom gives you the opportunity to see how our surfaces work within finished bespoke kitchen designs.

Yes. Once your kitchen design and cabinetry are in place, Duke Stone can help you select a suitable surface, digitally template the worktops, fabricate them and arrange professional installation. The two teams work together to support a well-coordinated finished kitchen.

The showroom displays give a practical view of Duke Stone surfaces in a finished kitchen setting. We can then advise on the most suitable options for your project, including quartz, granite, porcelain and other natural or engineered stone surfaces, based on your design and everyday use.

It is best to contact Torben Schmid Kitchens directly before travelling, especially for a Saturday visit, which is by appointment. Their Summercourt showroom is conveniently placed close to the A30 for customers across mid and north Cornwall.

Yes. You are welcome to contact Duke Stone to arrange a visit to our Lizard showroom. Torben Schmid Kitchens offers an additional, more convenient place for many customers to view completed kitchens featuring Duke Stone surfaces before travelling further west.