All you need to know about choosing kitchen worktops
The worktop choice you make for your kitchen will not only influence its aesthetics but also how often you have to pay for upgrades. Today, there are many different worktop materials to choose from, each with a different look and functionality, and there is something to suit every budget. There are a number of different factors involved in ensuring you pick the right one.
How to choose a kitchen worktop
Know your options
There are so many worktop styles and materials available today but which one is best suited to you?
Laminate
A great budget-friendly choice, laminate is basically made from multiple layers of fused, treated paper. Laminates are non-porous and moisture resistant but can be damaged by heat or steam.
Natural stone
Granite worktops have an edge aesthetically and never go out of fashion. Marble is a rarer choice but equally as impressive and durable. Most natural stone worktops will require an initial sealing treatment and minimal ongoing care.
Concrete
Industrial but elegant, concrete is an increasingly popular worktop choice. It’s very durable and can be mixed with pigments to create colour. However, concrete is very porous, which means it’s susceptible to staining.
Composites
Made from 90% natural quartz crystals, composite worktops are heat resistant, non-porous and durable. Ideal if your kitchen is a non-conventional shape or you’re looking to incorporate dramatic, different colours.
Hardwood
Woods like oak age well and are easy to cut and fit. An initial sealing treatment will be required and hardwood needs to be cared for e.g. wiping up spills quickly and not chopping directly on the wood.
Stainless steel
If you’re looking for a professional feel to your kitchen, stainless steel is ideal. It is durable, resistant to heat, strong, waterproof and hygienic but can be prone to scratches.
Glass
It may come as a surprise that glass is often a choice for worktops to increase durability. Worktop glass is resistant to acids, heat and water but does need frequent wiping to avoid water marking.
Choose a worktop that fits the kitchen
For example, if your kitchen requires simple, straight worktops then cheaper materials will be easy to fit. However, corners often require more sophisticated design, such as composites.
Pick an option at the right price
When you’re looking at the cost remember that this needs to factor in longevity – the cheaper the worktop, the more often it may need to be replaced. It’s also important to look at installation – surfaces such as wood or stone composites, for example, will require an expert installer at a cost of several hundred pounds, depending on kitchen size and design.
Identify the right worktop depth
Most standard worktops come in at 30mm but you can opt for thicker or thinner profiles depending on the look that you’re trying to achieve.
Look at the practical requirements
Different worktops are suited to different environments – hardwood, for example, is ideal for the sink area because it has a high oil content and is water resistant. Durability will be a key factor, depending on how you want to use the worktop. Composites are one of the most durable worktop options and any imperfections can be sanded out while granite is tough but easily damaged by acids.
The right worktop will depending on your budget, the kitchen itself as well as the aesthetic that you’re hoping to achieve for it. Take a look at our gallery for more inspiration or get in touch today.