After reading an article about the pros and cons of all types or worktop, we went for black sparkly corian (quartz). Reason was that I wanted the look, but also the practicality. We drink wine, cook quite a bit of spicy food and use alot of grapefruit (which can damage other surfaces). It doesn't scratch, looks fabulous and I have no idea whether it would withstand a hot dish as it would not occur to me to put something straight down on a worktop. We have had it a year, no problems at all. All it needs is a polish with a microfibre glass cloth every day to keep it smear free.

There are a huge range of worktop options available, we have a large range of Granites and Quartz. Silestone, Ceasarstone, Cimstone, Quartzforms, Compac and Technistone are just a few Quartz brands that we offer. They all have websites where you can view colours available and request samples. If white is what you are looking for then these Quartz brands do have some lovely colour options.

Generally it has to be Quartz, though we do love others, as sometimes they can give the right feel for the design you want. Different metals can look amazing and Quartz can't replicate these. We are just starting a project that has mainly Quartz but one side of the island will be copper . . . Can't wait to see the finished look

Hi there - no one is better than the the other, each have their own strengths and weaknesses... here are a few that spring to mind: Corian pros: It can be moulded, meaning that you can actually make sinks out of it and seamlessly clad the end, say a kitchen Island It doesn't crack - If you're unlucky and the installer lays a less than totally level base for granite / quartz I have seen it crack (only once though). It is lighter than quartz It is warmer to touch... though personally I prefer the cooler touch of the quartz Corian cons: It does actually stain over time.. wine tea bags etc, though they can usually be polished out. Make sure to follow manufacturers instructions with regards to maintenance. Can feel plasticky to touch There is no movement or texture Quartz pros: It is cool to the touch so great for pastry making It can have fabulous texture and colour variations - wonderful to balance a contemporary finish and give it some energy many now have antimicrobial properties built into them It comes in many finishes - honed, matt, high gloss Quartz cons: Heavy and tricky to install limited to fixed length pieces which can mean more junctions Can also stain if manufacturers instructions are not followed gloss finishes need to be maintained - i.e. polished, to look well I hope this is of some help to you. Enjoy our new kitchen! Deirdre.