Four core materials. Every project different. Whether you're after the timeless character of natural stone or the precision of modern engineering, we'll help you find the right surface for your kitchen, bathroom or living space.
Request a Quote Call 0191 258 1540Not every worktop suits every kitchen. The material you choose affects how your surface looks on day one, how it behaves under daily use, and how much attention it needs to keep it looking good. Get the match right and a stone worktop will still be in excellent condition in thirty years' time.
At Traditional Masonry we work with four core materials — granite, quartz, marble and ceramic — chosen because together they cover every realistic brief: the most hardwearing natural stone, the most popular engineered surface, the most luxurious classic material, and the most technically advanced option available. Below you'll find an honest guide to each.
Click any material to read the full guide — performance characteristics, colour ranges, finishes, typical applications, and honest advice on who it suits best.
The original kitchen worktop. Formed over millions of years, every slab is genuinely unique. Extremely hard, heat-tolerant and built to last a lifetime — this is the material we've been working with longest and know best.
View granite worktops
The most popular choice for modern kitchens. Non-porous, scratch-resistant, virtually zero maintenance. A vast range of colours and patterns — from marble-effect veining to clean solid tones and concrete-inspired finishes.
View quartz worktops
Timeless, quietly luxurious, and unlike any other material. Marble asks a little more of its owner than quartz or granite — but for those who want genuine beauty and character, nothing else comes close.
View marble worktops
The most technically advanced worktop material we supply. Heat-proof, UV-stable, chemical-resistant — and available in ultra-thin 6mm and 8mm formats that simply aren't possible with natural stone. The go-to for outdoor kitchens.
View ceramic worktopsA quick reference guide to the key performance differences. We're happy to talk through any of these in more detail — call us or visit the showroom.
| Granite | Quartz | Marble | Ceramic | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sealing required | Yes — every 1–3 yrs | ✓ Never | Yes — every 6–12 mths | ✓ Never |
| Heat resistance | ✓ Very high | ~ Good (use trivet) | ~ Good (use trivet) | ✓ Exceptional |
| Scratch resistance | ✓ Excellent | ✓ Excellent | ~ Moderate | ✓ Exceptional |
| Acid sensitivity | ✓ Low | ✓ Very low | ✗ High — wipe spills fast | ✓ Very low |
| Outdoor use | ✓ Yes | ✗ No (UV sensitive) | ✗ No | ✓ Yes — UV stable |
| Unique / natural pattern | ✓ Yes — every slab different | ✗ Consistent by design | ✓ Yes — dramatic veining | ✗ Consistent by design |
| Ultra-thin formats | ✗ 20mm min | ✗ 20mm min | ✗ 20mm min | ✓ From 6mm |
Whichever material you choose, the process is the same — clear, straightforward, and handled entirely by our own team from start to finish.
Browse full-size slabs in natural light. Pick samples to take away. Get honest advice on which material and finish suits your project.
Our team visits your property with specialist digital measuring equipment to template your exact layout before fabrication begins.
Your worktop is cut, shaped and finished in our North Shields workshop using CNC machinery and hand-finishing by our stonemasons.
Fitted by our own qualified team — no subcontractors. Most installations complete in a single day, 7–10 working days from template.
All four materials can be used across a range of applications. Here's where we install them most often across the North East.
Worktops, islands, waterfall ends, splashbacks and sink cut-outs for kitchens of every size and style across the North East.
View kitchen workVanity tops, basin surrounds, shower walls and bath panels — stone surfaces that bring lasting elegance to any bathroom.
View bathroom workBar tops, reception counters, restaurant surfaces and retail displays. Durable, beautiful and specified to brief.
View commercial workDining tables, coffee tables, shelving, hearths and one-off pieces that don't fit a standard category.
View bespoke workFeature walls, media surrounds and external cladding — particularly popular in ceramic and large-format granite.
View cladding workBased in North Shields, we supply and install across Tyne & Wear, Northumberland, County Durham and beyond.
View areas coveredThe best way to choose a worktop is to see the slabs in person. Our showroom has full-size samples of all four materials in every popular colour and finish — and our team will give you straightforward, unbiased advice on which suits your project and your budget. No hard sell, no pressure.
Request a Free Quote Call 0191 258 1540