Selecting the perfect kitchen worktop material is all about striking the best balance of durability, aesthetics and cost and is very much a personal decision. Here we break down the most popular types of worktop surface and offer our thoughts on how to go about choosing the right material for your project and lifestyle.
Marble & Limestone
Arguably, the most beautiful worktop finish, natural marble and limestone have been quarried and used in fine sculpture for hundreds of years. Available in a rainbow of colours, it is usually supplied in a honed or polished finish but slab sizes can be limited so joins will need to be considered. Durable enough to withstand every day use, it is a porous material and can be affected visually by spillages especially acids like wine, vinegar and citrus.
Granite
Granite is an extremely hard and heavy natural stone used extensively in the construction industry due to it’s durability. Available in a huge array of colours and patterns, granite has been a very popular worktop material for decades. Supplied either polished to a high shine for a more formal feel or honed for a relaxed, natural look, granite is extremely tough. Withstanding high heat, it is easy to keep clean and doesn’t scratch or mark easily.
Quartz & Mineral Stone
Quartz and mineral stone worktops are a great alternative to natural stone. Made using a blend of natural quartz, pigments and resin they are non-porous, easy to keep clean, extremely durable and available in a huge range of colours and finishes. Mineral stone worktops enjoy all the benefits of quartz but they contain more recycled content and less crystalline silica which is better for the environment and the people working with the material.
Porcelain & Ceramic
Porcelain worktops are fast becoming a popular choice in the UK and for very good reason. Available in limitless finishes and colours, including marble, metal, wood and concrete, porcelain offers extreme durability but with the beauty of natural stone. Available in large slabs and a slim thickness of 12mm, it delivers complete design flexibility. Being UV stable it will retain it’s colour and can be used externally in direct sunlight.
Solid Surface
Sometimes referred to as acrylic worktops, solid surface worktops are made from a mixture of natural minerals and synthetic resins and offer a seamless, homogeneous appearance. They can be moulded into any shape and sinks can be formed into the worktop for a truly seamless look. They are very hygienic, easy to clean, durable and repairable. Stains and scratches can be easily removed but it is not as heat resistant as some other materials.
Solid Wood
Solid wood worktops are a beautiful living material and can look better with age and use. Easier to install compared to stone alternatives, a timber worktop brings nature inside and offers warmth, character and texture like nothing else. Naturally durable, repairable, easy to clean and tough, wooden worktops do require some maintenance in the form of oiling to preserve them and to keep them cleaner for longer.
Stainless Steel, Copper & Brass
Stainless steel is the ultimate durable worktop material and is commonly found in commercial kitchens. Brass and copper however are living materials and although durable, they can scratch and patina with use and age. Brass and copper worktops are hygienic and easy to install, often being bonded to a timber substrate. They can add a lot of character and individuality to a kitchen, we like to use them as features on a kitchen island for example or a splashback.
Laminate
Laminate worktops are formed from timber particle board with a durable laminate made from multiple layers of cellulose and resins applied over the top. The most cost effective of all worktops, there is a laminate colour and pattern to suit every application. Whilst loved for their cost effectiveness, they are not the most durable and will often fail decades before their stone, metal or timber counterparts.