What is a worktop overlay?
A countertop overlay is a long-lasting, slim piece of stone such as quartz or granite. (It can also be engineered stone or laminate.) The idea is that it fits directly on top of the counters you already have in place. Typical thicknesses are somewhere between 6mm and 13mm.
What are the benefits?
There are quite a few of these. For example, an overlay typically takes no longer than a day to fit in place. There’s minimal waste and disruption, so you get a durable, low-maintenance and heat-resistance surface with next to no hassle.
At the same time, these options are cost-effective, hygienic and eco-friendly. Go for granite in particular and you can look forward to a winning combination of strength and lightness.
Overlays make sound sense if you want a change of colour to update your kitchen. Replacing a solid block of granite can be challenging. If a whole worktop is coming off, the cabinet underneath often needs replacing as well.
To ensure it looks as good as a solid surface, check the thickness of the overlay you’ll be getting. If it’s too thick, for example, it could look unrealistic. Talk to the installer in advance to be sure of getting the end result you want.
But, in short, an overlay can be the perfect way of achieving the kitchen of your dreams.
What about cleaning and care?
Granite overlays need similar pH-neutral cleaning agents as their solid-stone counterparts. But you’ll also need to take particular care to avoid over-saturation with water. In turn, this prevents damage to the substrate joints. Both versions require cleaning with a mild product such as washing-up liquid, plus you need to avoid getting anything acidic on the surface.
At the same time, be diligent about regular, professional sealing of your natural stone. If anything, this needs doing more frequently than a solid worktop does.
Get in touch with us
Royal Stone Care has its HQ in London but works across the UK, for both businesses and private homes. With more than a quarter-century’s experience under our belts, we offer a full-maintenance service for all types of stone, including marble, granite, quartz, limestone or travertine.
So whether you need marble cleaning, granite restoration or anything else, make us your first point of call. Contact us for free, no-obligation quote today.
