Preparing your kitchen for the second half of the year

The autumn weather is slowly starting to creep in and already you may be putting your heating on as the days and nights get colder. Your kitchen is an area of the home that will always go through a major transformation in the second half of the year in both the way you use your space and the way it functions. Being one of the most frequently used and high traffic areas of any home it is important that you prepare your kitchen for the long winter days and nights to come!

Here we’ve compiled a list of some of the challenges you may face in the second half of the year and how adequately preparing your kitchen can help you through the seasons to come!

Flooring

One of the most noticeable changes of the colder weather is the flooring getting colder, particularly in the morning and evening! There’s nothing worse than coming down early in the morning when its still dark outside and being greeted by a freezing kitchen flooring especially if you have tiled floors. Arguably the best method to counteract this is to have underfloor heating installed that can be timed to start heating your flooring before you wake up so that when you come downstairs for breakfast, the whole room is the perfect temperature.

Alternatively, if your budget doesn’t stretch to having an underfloor heating system installed, there are less costly methods such as using rugs across areas where you spend the most time and using draft snakes against doors that lead to colder or draughtier parts of your home. You can also stop drafts and heat loss by filling any holes and cracks between your baseboards, sealing your floorboards with caulk and installing or replacing the weatherstripping around your doors and windows. By making these seemingly small changes in your kitchen, you will start to notice a big difference.

More Time Indoors

The colder seasons always mean we spend more time indoors and with the kitchen being the heart of any home, families naturally gravitate to this space. If you often find yourself spending the majority of the second half of the year in your kitchen you may want to consider revamping your space. Everyone wants their home to reflect them and function in a way that best suits their needs on a daily basis, so why not expect this from your kitchen?

You may want a more dynamic kitchen which prioritises space and openness, something that installing a new granite or quartz countertop can bring. Perhaps you want clean fresh countertops wrapped around your space or you’re looking to create a kitchen island that the whole family can benefit from? Whatever you require from your kitchen, a new installation can help create the ideal space for you and your family in time for the cold winter months.

Here at Granite and Quartz Installations, we have more than 25 years’ experience in supplying and fitting affordable, high-quality kitchen worktops. All of our installations include anti-stain technology and come with a lifetime guarantee for your peace of mind.

Pipes

Winter weather can pose a serious risk to your interior water pipes which is why inspecting and insulating your sink piping is so important. If the temperature drops below freezing your pipes are at risk of freezing up which is why on colder days and nights you may want to let your sink drip to keep the water running through the pipes. Equally keeping your sink cabinet open so that the warm air from your home can keep the pipes from getting too cold can be beneficial in protecting this area of your kitchen.

Contact us

If you are interested in revamping your kitchen this year, why not consider installing new and luxurious Granite or Quartz countertops?

Prepare your kitchen for the second half of the year by getting in touch with us today at Granite & Quartz Installations on 0161 287 0715 to find out more about our worktops and receive a no obligation quote for your project.

FAQ

Some questions & some answers

Where do you supply and install granite and quartz worktops?

Granite & Quartz Installations supplies and fits kitchen worktops across Greater Manchester, Cheshire and surrounding areas, with nationwide fitting also available. Our service areas include Manchester, Stockport, Wilmslow, Altrincham, Warrington, Chester, Bolton and Wigan. Send us your postcode with your enquiry so we can confirm availability for your address.

How much do quartz worktops cost?

Quartz worktop prices depend on your chosen stone, worktop dimensions, thickness and fabrication requirements. Sink and hob cut-outs, edge profiles, upstands, splashbacks and access to the property can also affect the total. Send us your kitchen plan or approximate measurements for a quote tailored to your project.

What information do you need for a worktop quote?

Please provide your postcode, contact details and a kitchen plan or the approximate length and width of each worktop section in millimetres. Include your preferred stone and details of any sink, hob, tap holes, drainer grooves, upstands or splashbacks. Let us know about stairs or restricted access too.

What is the difference between granite and quartz worktops?

Granite is natural stone, so its colour and pattern vary from slab to slab. Quartz is an engineered surface available in a wide choice of colours and designs, including marble-effect finishes. Both can suit kitchen worktops; the right choice depends on the appearance, maintenance requirements and budget you prefer.

What thicknesses are available for your worktops?

Our worktops are available in 20mm and 30mm thicknesses, depending on the selected stone. A 30mm worktop creates a more substantial appearance, while 20mm offers a slimmer finish. We can discuss the available thicknesses for your chosen design when preparing your quote.

What size are quartz slabs, and will my worktop need a joint?

Slab dimensions vary by stone and supplier. Whether your worktop needs a joint depends on the available slab size, kitchen layout, cut-outs and access to the property. We will discuss the proposed layout and any necessary joints before fabrication.

Are your worktops made to measure?

Yes. We template your kitchen to establish the measurements before fabricating the worktops to suit your layout. The finished pieces are planned around your cabinets, sink, hob and other agreed features.

When should I arrange worktop templating?

Arrange templating once your kitchen base units are installed, securely fixed and level. This allows us to measure the finished layout accurately. Contact us earlier for an initial quote and advice on coordinating the worktops with your kitchen installation.

How long does it take from templating to installation?

We aim to manufacture and fit your worktops approximately seven days after templating. The timescale depends on your chosen stone, availability and project requirements. We will confirm the expected installation date when arranging your order.

How long does worktop installation take?

Installation usually takes around three to eight hours, depending on the size and complexity of your kitchen. Larger layouts, additional features or difficult access may require more time. We will discuss the expected fitting arrangements before installation day.

Can I see samples before choosing my worktops?

Yes. You can view a selection of granite and quartz samples at our Cheadle showroom or request free samples through our website. Viewing samples in your own kitchen can help you compare colours with your cabinets, flooring and lighting.

When should I arrange worktop templating?

Can you install worktops in an upstairs kitchen or flat?

Yes, upstairs installations can be possible, subject to suitable access. Tell us about stairs, lifts, narrow doorways and other restrictions when requesting your quote. Additional labour charges may apply, and access can affect the size of the worktop sections we can bring into the property.

Can you replace my worktops without replacing the kitchen?

We offer worktop replacement as well as worktops for new kitchens. The existing cabinets and layout will need to be suitable for the new stone surfaces. Send us photographs and measurements so we can discuss your project and any preparation required.

Where is your granite and quartz showroom?

Our showroom is at Apex, Unit G037, Stanley Green Trading Estate, Duke Avenue, Cheadle, SK8 6RX. Contact us on 0161 302 8959 before travelling to check visiting arrangements and availability of the samples you would like to see.

Do you fit undermount sinks and connect the plumbing?

For undermount sinks, we secure the sink in position as part of the worktop installation. Suitable sink supports must be installed by you or your tradesperson beforehand. Securing the sink is separate from connecting the water supply and waste; please confirm the plumbing arrangements with us before installation.

Can you make matching upstands and splashbacks?

Upstands and splashbacks can be included in your worktop design, subject to the chosen material and project requirements. Include the dimensions in your enquiry and tell us whether you would like a short upstand, a splashback or full-height wall panels.

Can I put hot pans directly on quartz worktops?

Use a trivet or heat-resistant mat rather than placing hot pans directly on quartz. Although quartz is durable, excessive heat or sudden temperature changes can damage the surface. Follow the care instructions supplied for your particular stone.