A Guide to Customising Quartz Worktops

Beyond colour, quartz worktops can be tailored in thickness, edge profile, finish and integrated features to suit your kitchen exactly -- here's what's possible.

Standard quartz thicknesses are 20mm and 30mm. 20mm suits minimalist, modern kitchens and can help a small space feel larger; 30mm gives a more substantial, luxurious look and is a popular choice for statement islands. Thicker slabs may need extra support for overhangs or unsupported spans.

• Straight edge: A clean, minimalist line that suits most kitchen styles
• Bevelled edge: An angled cut that adds a geometric, contemporary accent
• Bullnose: A fully rounded edge, softer and safer for households with young children
• Ogee edge: An ornate S-curve profile suited to traditional or classic kitchens
• Half bullnose: Rounded on top, straight below -- a balance between the two styles

Undermount sinks create a smooth, easy-to-clean transition from worktop to basin, and flush-mounted hobs and ovens maximise usable counter space. Cut-outs should be planned around your kitchen's workflow -- the position of sink, hob and fridge -- with enough clearance either side for food prep, and edge profiling continued consistently around any cut-outs for a cohesive finish.

Integrated drainboards, built-in trivets and custom cutting boards can all be carved directly into the quartz for a seamless, practical finish. Finish choice also matters: a polished finish is glossy and easiest to keep clean; a honed finish gives a matte, more forgiving look for fingerprints; a leathered finish adds subtle texture that hides marks well but takes more care to clean.