Alternatives to granite

[davebrien]

Hi all,

I'm currently looking into replacing the kitchen. I have priced Granite and can't really afford it. Does anyone have recommendations for alternatives in stone - there is quartz for one but just wondering what else and what are the price differentials.

Thanks,

Dave

 

[Moneypit]

Have you shopped around a good few places for your Granite? Reason I ask is, I got quotes from about 8 places and couldn't believe how much they varied, some as much as €2k for exactly the same granite. I found stonefacings in Mullingar (they travelled to me in Dublin and I believe will travel all around) very good and the most competitively priced.

There's also composite stone counter tops but they can be as expensive as Granite in a lot of cases.

 

[Lambchops]

Hi,

I got my kitchen done a couple of years ago. I picked out what I was sure was granite but it was actually siltstone (think thats what it is called) and it looks fab. I got black and you could get lots of different colour flecks - silver, gold etc...I got silver to go with the stainless steel in my appliances - really happy with it. Can't remember what it cost but it was way cheaper then what I was quoted for granite.

The guy who installed it was called James - JR Fireplaces (Dublin Northside) Not sure what their number is though.

I have no connection - Just a happy customer.

 

[Lorz]

I believe Quartz is actually more expensive than Granite. If you go for black granite it's cheaper than other colours. The best thing to do is visit a supplier and see what they have in stock - they will give you a better deal for an instock off-cut.

 

[galwaytt]

we have quartz, and it was cheaper than granite. And, in our kitchen, its a more uniform appearance (inclusion-wise), than granite so we like it.

 

[samm]

we have quartz, and it was cheaper than granite. And, in our kitchen, its a more uniform appearance (inclusion-wise), than granite so we like it.

generally quartz is dearer than granite although a few rare granite colours mighter be dearer.galwaytt,do you know what brand and colour(name) your quartz is?

 

[woodale]

Granite worktop is now more affordable in my opinion. Get the length of your worktops - multiply it by the depth (ie. 2ft) gives you the sq ft of the surface area then multiply that by €42 (the average price per sq ft) and this will give you a very close price to what you should be getting charged. Some kitchen companies add a bit on for themselves so get your own quotes.
Silestone is also a nice counter top, it also has anti-bacterial properties and comes in a huge range of colours. It's man made and very durable, when fitted it should have no joints/seemless. This worktop is slightly more expensive.