Earthstone

[Guest]

I wrote a lengthy blog about solid surface worktops nearly two years ago now ... which attracts a slow stream of people complaining about their tops.

The moral of the Clints, I think, is make sure you have a good fitter, avoid pure white worktops of any sort ... and black worktops, if they're a solid surface.

Corian actually say that their dark colours are not suitable for heavy use areas such as worktops ... but not everyone seems to have read the warning!

I very rarely specify solid surface worktops. Every now and again I think I really should pay more attention to them ... but I get put off by the small print ... don't use them with hobs that have wok burners at the edge, for instance ... or don't pour boiling water into the sink without running the cold tap! What's the point of a kitchen worktop that isn't very heat resistant? Encore I think might be the best (certainly for temperature resistance).

My worktop of choice would normally be quartz (budget permitting ... and not pure white!).

Majjie

[Guest]

STAY WELL CLEAR OF EARTHSTONE TOPS, RUBBISH QUALITY, MARK TOO EASILY, AND THE JOINTS LET GO ON MINE LETTING WATER IN, YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.

[Stretch]

No need to shout.....

[Mark Staines]

Morning!

I posted on an Earthstone thread yesterday so thought you might find the info useful on here too!

THIS PAGE has got a bit of info on Earthstone tops as well as a fitting and installation video showing how its fitted by one of Wilsonart's guys!

Cheers,
Mark

[Majjie]

Ooh dear - people (not surprisingly) get very upset when they have problems with their worktops. I do sympathise.

My original blog has attracted a few more questions and Clints since I first mentioned it here ... although, funnily enough, one set of Clints is from a guy who was quite happy with his Earthstone top. He decided against the drainer grooves though and went for a nice mottled beige finish!

I've since written another blog on Cleaning and Repairing Solid Surface Worktops ... after talking to a Maia rep at the Grand Designs Live show ... I'd still be wary of the plainer white and black colours, though.

Majjie

[Stretch]

I've just installed some Maia Vulcano tops (as shown on your blog Majjie) and I have to say I'm disappointed.

Only days after the installation the customers have been less than careful with the tops and they are showing light scratches in a number of places.

Given that I didn't supply the kitchen or tops I would still say they have parted with over £10k for everything including the appliances, never mind the fitting cost. It's annoying to go in the morning and see stuff all over the tops and paint brushes, rollers and trays in their brand new sink!! Especially when they have a crappy old bathroom upstairs which would be better suited for cleaning decorating stuff

[Majjie]

Only days after the installation the customers have been less than careful with the tops and they are showing light scratches in a number of places.

Tchh!!! Customers huh ... who'd have em?

[PREM]

point blank refuse to do any solid blacks, not worth the trouble they always cause.

[Guest]

Hi there,

Having a kitchen fitted with Earthstone worktops and finding that they seem to be showing 'scratches' from the buffing. Its the black coloured Earthstone - is this usual? Also joints are visibile - salesman said we'd never see the joints, but now reading the catalogue blurb it says inconspicuous!!

Also we've having the Earthstone upstands, which we've noticed say on them do not have within 150mm of the hob, jet fitters are saying will be safe to run behind it, and they won't catch fire etc etc.

Any thoughts and Clints welcome

hi we have the same problem with the black earthstone worktop it is rubbish and we paid a fortune through wickes who i believe have had a lot of Clints about it . it just doesnt stand up to everyday wear and tear of a working kitchen