Ultra-compact worktops are made of sintered stone, a revolutionary new material that replicates all the appealing aesthetic qualities of natural stone such as marble and granite, but which improves on their structural strength, hardness and density.

Natural granite stone minerals such as quartz and feldspar, provide the strength. Silica, glass and porcelain provide stability. Natural oxides are blended in during the manufacturing process to provide the desired colours, veins and textures.

Ultra-Compact worktops are completely UV resistant and their heat resistance surpasses any other worktop material available. It is an almost indestructible material that is perfect for worktops, floor and wall cladding, furniture, facades, stairs and a multitude of other hardwearing surfaces and architectural or building applications, both indoors and outdoors.

The wide array of colours and veins are embedded throughout the material for the ultimate luxurious appearance, colour stability and colour matching across slabs and eliminates the need for edging.

Because of its immense strength and hardness, Ultra-Compact worktops can be manufactured in larger sheets than other worktop materials, making it incredibly versatile. It is also possible to use thinner slabs, thereby reducing weight and cost.

The beautiful three-dimensional crystal-like Quartz worktops are made from re-engineered natural quartz, the hardest worktop material known to man. At the top end of luxury, premier quartz worktops are re-formed through a special heat and vibro-compaction process by combining at least 90-94% ground natural quartz with 6-10% resins, polymers, and pigments.

Quartz worktops are completely nonporous and they are ultra-hygienic, easy to clean and actively resists heat, water, bacteria and stains. Silestone has silver ions as an active ingredient to actually fight bacteria. Quartz worktops are available in a vast array of colours and surface textures.

Solid surface worktops are a magnificent improvement on natural luxury. Created from a unique composite of pulverised natural minerals and pure acrylic polymer, it enhances the appearance of marble and granite, while also improving the strength, durability and hygiene factors of the natural minerals. All the imperfections, fissures and cracks are eliminated from the original stone, while retaining, even enhancing, its beauty.

Solid surface worktops are created to last a lifetime. The stone-hard worktop can be shaped, moulded, sanded, engraved and fabricated to meet any design requirements. It is completely non-porous, easy to clean and maintain and highly resistant to stains.

Integrated sinks and bowls, upstands and downturns, and accessories are fabricated in the same colour – and because joints are almost invisible – it gives a truly uniform appearance of everything being created from a solid block of marble or granite.

Bluestone imports the highest quality natural stone from selected quarries in the UK and Europe. Solid stone worktops are completely natural and are synonymous with luxury. They are tough, durable, easy to clean and heat resistant.

Solid worktops made of Sensa Granite, Granite, Marble and Limestone are fabricated from individual slabs of natural stone, which guarantees each slab is unique and has its own characteristic touch of elegance.

Natural stone has fissures and is not completely non-porous, but the best brands of worktops use only top-quality slabs and protect the surface with superior sealants.

Solid wood worktops improve with age as the wood matures and develops a patina (gloss or sheen), causing its natural colour to become deeper and enriching its appearance.

Bluestone imports the best quality timber from selected forests around the world. Our top-quality timber worktops are hard-wearing, resistant to heat and impact and easy to repair. If properly sealed and sterilised at regular intervals, water does not penetrate the surface and if properly done, the almost seamless joints do not leave crevices for germs to accumulate. Even if bacteria do enter the wood fibre, they do not multiply and can easily be disinfected.  strong and very resilient and if cared for properly they can last a lifetime. Scratches can be sanded out.

Bluestone does not supply the following materials, but they are mentioned for the sake of a more complete picture:

Glass

Glass countertops are available in a wide variety of styles, colours, and textures in new or recycled glass. Designs that stretch the imagination are possible with glass because it can be shaped and formed into an endless number of different eye-catching styles. Variations are possible with recycled pieces of crushed glass set in acrylic or concrete, can either give the appearance of glass floating in liquid or arranged artistically for a mosaic-like look.

Stainless steel

Stainless steel may not exude the luxury of quartz, solid surface or natural materials, but the top brands can be aesthetically very pleasing and modern.

In certain work-areas stainless steel worktops are very practical because they are resistant to water, heat and stains. No type of liquid or substances can penetrate into the material at all and they can easily be cleaned.

It is important to use good quality thicker gauge stainless steel (14-18 gauge) for durability and resistance to dents and scratches.

Laminates

As a cheaper option, laminated worktops have always been popular. The laminate covering the substrate is nonporous and does not absorb water and food spills and the surfaces are easy to clean. However, the substrate can absorb water and distort if not sealed properly.

The development of laminates has come a long way in the past decade and popular brands such as Formica and Wilsonart offer a large variety of attractive styles, colours and textures are available. They are versatile and can be cut into just about any shape or size. If special care is taken to seal ends and joints, they are pretty hygienic.

Concrete

Especially in outdoor entertainment areas, well-designed concrete worktops have become more popular, because they are highly resistant to the elements. To make them aesthetically attractive, materials such as glass fragments, stones, shells, and fibre-optic lights can be embedded.