Granite continues to be the most popular stone option as it is more durable than the softer stone options such as marble, limestone or slate. While stone materials are more resilient to heat, all stone will scratch to a greater or lesser extent. Similarly, all stones are porous and will absorb liquids if not wiped up. Stain stops used on stone have been traditionally absorbed into the stone and will require periodic ‘topping up’ in much the same way as timber requires Danish Oil to water proof timber worktops.

A new unique stone seal Granite Shield™, offered by Universal Worktops, is guaranteed to be a once only application solution to this problem and carries a lifetime guarantee when applied to granite worktops. This process can be applied to new worktops supplied by the company or it can even be applied to worktops already fitted in your home. In addition to this service, the company can also attend your home and remove most stains before applying Granite Shield™ to protect the stone.

A growing trend is to mix worktop surfaces to provide the right material for the right job within the kitchen; for example, solid timber chopping block areas are incorporated within granite, solid surface and stainless steel worktop surfaces to protect the worktops from scratching and the blade of the chef’s knives! Similarly granite slabs can be incorporated within the solid timber worktops to provide the ideal surface for bread, croissant and pastry preparation. These slabs will provide improved preparation surfaces and a cool base for your delicious pastries.

Pantry revival

Additional areas of stone application within the kitchen area include the revival of the walk in pantry in larger farmhouse-style kitchens. Here the traditional properties of smooth, cool materials long appreciated by our fore-fathers have been re-evaluated and found useful in our modern-day lifestyles. Whole walls and shelves are fabricated from solid granite and useful features, such as integrated wine racks benefit from the stable temperatures offered by such a construction. Areas such as these are prone to staining and Granite Shield™ is particularly important in these areas.

For further details contact the sales department of Universal Worktops on 01388 768500 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it