Supersize Island Worktop

[Sunisshining12]

Is there a cheaper alternative to Quartz & natural stone that can still achieve the super sizes? The quartz I looked at is ‘Calacatta Gold’ 3m x 1400w. But the price has shocked me & is way out of my budget.

Is there an alternative? Hope so!

Silestone?

Yes it was a silestone quartz, but I also got some other quartz brands quoted & they’re still way out of my league

How much are you looking to spend?

Have you looked at granite. I have got a 3000 X 1200 island piece, a 2400 x 600 worktop and a 2400 x500 splashback all for £3150 including templating, cutouts, edge polishing and fitting. I researched about 50 various options including quartz but granite was definitely cheaper.

Laminate? Or glass?

Our neighbour has this and it looks very smart.

www.worktop-express.co.uk/solid-laminate-worktops/zenith-worktops/caldeira-zenith-worktop-3000-650-12mm

@Myfutureisland would you mind me asking who you used? The thing with granite is it doesn’t have the calacatta/marble veining. But I’d be interested to see who you used please?

My budget is £3k (ish) for the Island, one 3m run & an upstand.

@Mosaic123 I’ve not managed to find a laminate available this size.

@TobyHouseMan that’s interesting! How are they getting on with it? Why is it only 12mm?

Thanks 😊

@TobyHouseMan just realised that’s only for a 900 width too :(

Definitely recommend work top express. Really good customer service,. especially if you need an odd size.

We got our island top from Ikea. They do bespoke cuts up to 4m long and 1.45 wide. They came from Germany but were very quick.

I ordered the worktops from Stoneworld. They are based in Kendal but travel UK wide to fit.
I initially wanted Calacatta Gold in Quartz but the price was crazy.
I ended up with Leathered River White Granite which in retrospect is way nicer. It has a matt/satin finish and the natural strata of the stone makes it very tactile. Its bombproof and stain proof and is the very light colour that I wanted.

I’m trying to locate these on the web - are they online? Interested in having a nosey!

The main problem I’m coming across is either the width isn’t available or if it is, the pattern choice is so limited. I was quoted £7k for Calacatta gold!

@Myfutureisland that is a really gorgeous stone. Not actually what I’m after as id like polished/shiny (I think?).

It’s crazy that granite is cheaper than quartz! I love that it has been pulled out of the ground rather than man made too

We have this which worked out a lot cheaper than the Silestone we originally looked at. Depends on where you are if they have stockists near you as these are the importers.

istones.co.uk/quartz/statuario.html

@Sunisshining12

I’m trying to locate these on the web - are they online? Interested in having a nosey!

The main problem I’m coming across is either the width isn’t available or if it is, the pattern choice is so limited. I was quoted £7k for Calacatta gold!

@ginginchinchin I can’t find the ikea ones? But really hope they still stock!

@Sunisshining12 Not all of them are super sized. Here's one www.ikea.com/gb/en/p/skararp-custom-made-worktop-matt-white-marble-effect-ceramic-00428417/

@Sunisshining12 they show as unavailable online but that's because you have to order in store. We found it easier to visit a showroom as we could compare them more easily.

Great. That isn’t too far off the style I was thinking! £450m2 is that right?

Matt vs glossy in marble style - opinions welcome please?

Glossy shows up every smear and streak!

Had gloss in a rented house and it showed every mark. It either looked smeary or dusty.

Matte finish added £2k to our tops!

Wickes do something called slabtech which my friend had and joins invisibly apparently. May be good for you?

Think I’m going to have to bite the bullet & go with a smaller island to allow for laminate or a cheaper quartz deisgn.

Really interested to hear more about gloss vs Matt...