Surface special | PRODUCT FEATURE


The view from a showroom Allison Lynch, senior design


consultant at the Roundhouse showroom in Cambridge


Q & A


Q: Do you find that consumers are generally more ‘clued up’ now about the wide variety of surface options available? A: Most clients that visit a showroom understand stone categories. For example, natural, composite man-made, and Corian options. However, they don’t always recognise which is which. Often, clients think a natural stone is a composite stone, and many get confused by quartzite and quartz composite. Porcelain is a completely new kitchen surface clients are asking for, requesting brands such as Dekton or Neolith.


Q: Do you have to correct general views on the suitability of surfaces for certain areas? A: Yes, more often than not. When talking to clients about the suitability of work surfaces for certain areas, I usually begin by explaining which surfaces are most durable and which are porous. This often leaves clients wondering why their granite worktop has lasted, but this is usually due to how stains can be disguised if the granite is polished black, or if it us speckled in a way that hides marks.


Q: Regarding natural stone


surfaces, what pros and cons do you flag up to your clients? A: We always explain to the client that in order to choose their natural stone, they must visit the stone yard to select their slab so they know exactly what will be installed. If the stone yard does not have anything they like in stock, they can choose from a selection of photographs of slabs in Italy. The stone company will then order the slab from their supplier. This can take months in some cases, so choosing the natural stone you want early in the design process is recommended. Composite quartz worktops are usually in stock, and some can be viewed in large formats (as opposed to a smaller sample size). Both Caesarstone and


Q: What is the best way to choose the right surfaces for showroom displays? A: For the new Cambridge show- room, I selected stones that are practical,


affordable, stylish and


timeless. I wanted to showcase popular finishes so that clients could appreciate the finer details, such as the edges, thicknesses, joins, mitring, and of course, the use of different materials. The opportunity to design new displays made me think more about the use of different materials and combinations. Often, the most beautiful and expensive materials are displayed without a thought about the possible impracticality of them in a working kitchen. In reality, clients don’t choose these materials for their own kitchen, so displaying them is pointless.


Most clients understand stone categories, for example natural, composite man-made, and Corian options. However, they don’t always recognise which is which. Often, clients think a natural stone is a composite stone, and many get confused by quartzite and quartz composite


August 2022 ·


Silestone from Cosentino have large showrooms where clients can visit to view the full slab. Most prefer this, as the pattern can vary and look very different from a smaller sample. However, the pattern in some stones is very consistent and therefore does not need to be seen in large format. When it comes to installation, we also explain how the fabricator can slip match or book match the stone – this is a design detail that can make a huge difference to the cost and time of fabrication.


Q: How important is it to differentiate between work- surface materials, splashbacks and decorative surfaces? A: There is a lot to be said about differentiating between worktops and splashbacks, because they do not have the same use. If a client wants to use marble, I suggest incorporating it into the design as a splashback, or on the back of an island, where it can be seen from other rooms. Not only is this a practical solution, it creates a stunning feature. To help the client find the right work surface for them, it’s important to understand their kitchen habits. Keeping it simple is always an option too – splashbacks are often the same stone as the worktop.


De Terra American Walnut work surface by WEX Trade


Rotpunkt Fenix worktop with new Memory RI cabinetry in Old Forest Oak


Timber options We can be forgiven for ‘forgetting’ about wood surfaces, which seem to get


left behind in the


general


enthusiasm for engineered and natural stone. Nicole Oliver, trade marketing manager, WEX Trade, suppliers of the De Terra range of solid wood work surfaces, comments: “There are numerous different solid wood worktops


available, with different


properties and price levels. For example, bamboo is a good option when sustainability is a client’s priority. All solid wood worktops are incredibly durable, as well as hygienic, making them a great worktop choice for any kitchen style. However, they are a natural product, which means there is a level of care and maintenance for optimum condition, whether it’s oak or iroko. If solid wood worktops are cared


for and oiled correctly throughout their lifespan, they will last as long as any other worktop type. General usage of any worktop can occasionally cause small scratches or other marks to appear, but on wooden worktops this is nothing to worry about as they are easily repairable by sanding, cleaning and re-oiling.”


Solid surfaces


Solid surface materials are a precise mixture of acrylic, minerals and natural pigments, which can be fabricated into basins, shower trays and so on, as well as worktops and wall surfaces. Retailers can add confidence to their presentations to clients by pointing out not just the physical and practical qualities of a material, but also the guarantees offered. For example, HIMACS by LX Hausys operates a


IDS Durasein in Glacier White


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