Ordering a Stone Worktop: What to Expect, From Template to Fit
Ordering a stone worktop is more involved than buying a flat-pack top, and that is exactly why it lasts and fits beautifully. Knowing the steps in advance makes the whole thing smooth. Here is what to expect.
Step 1: Quote and material choice
It starts with choosing your material and getting a price. Our quote builder lets you enter your measurements, pick your quartz, granite or sintered stone and thickness, add any extras, and see a transparent cost, a great way to plan your budget before committing. (Browse colours and request samples to settle on your choice.)
Step 2: Templating
Once your base units are fitted and level, a templater visits to take a precise measurement of the actual space, the template. This is the master pattern the worktop is cut from, so:
- Your units need to be installed first (worktops cannot be made accurately from plans alone).
- Your sink, hob and tap (or their specifications) should be on site so cut-outs are marked exactly.
- It is the moment to confirm details like edge profile and any joins. Our how to measure guide explains what goes into it.
Step 3: Fabrication
Your worktop is then cut from the slab in the workshop, with the edges profiled, cut-outs made for the sink and hob, and any drainer grooves or mitred edges fabricated. This typically takes a week or two. For bold veined designs, this is also when the slab is laid out to get the best of the pattern and any vein-matching.
Step 4: Installation day
Fitting is usually completed in a day. The team will:
- carefully bring in and position the pieces,
- level them and bond any joins (kept tight and discreet),
- seal around sinks, hobs and walls,
- and remove the offcuts and tidy up.
You can normally use the worktop almost straight away, with any minor advice on letting sealant cure.
After it is in
Stone worktops are easy to live with. Quartz and sintered stone simply need warm soapy water (see the care guide); granite and marble need periodic sealing. And the one universal rule for quartz: no hot pans straight down.
Ready to start?
Build your quote to price your kitchen, and we will guide you through templating and fitting from there.
Frequently asked questions
How does stone worktop installation work, step by step?
In four stages: you get a quote and choose your material, the kitchen is templated (precisely measured) once the units are fitted, the worktop is fabricated (cut, edged and cut-outs made) over a week or two, and then it is professionally installed, usually in a day.
How long does it take from order to fitting?
Typically around one to three weeks from template to fit, depending on the material and how busy the workshop is. Templating happens once your units are in, and fabrication usually takes a week or two before installation day.
Do my kitchen units need to be fitted before templating?
Yes. The base units must be installed and level before templating, because the template is an exact measurement of the real space. Worktops cannot be accurately made from plans alone, so templating comes after the cabinets are in.
Do I need my sink and hob on site for templating?
Usually yes. Having the actual sink, hob and tap (or their templates and specifications) on site lets the templater mark the exact cut-out positions, which avoids costly errors later.