What are the most cost-effective worktops?
Probably the most common and the most cost-effective of the worktops, laminate worktops are everywhere in the kitchen industry, although usually sold more in the lower end of the market. There are many different brands out there including some ‘own brand’ versions.
What is the best wood for a kitchen worktop?
For achieving a traditional look, maple, oak and beech work well. For a slightly more exotic feel, Wenge, bamboo or iroko are good options. Just make sure you always choose a sustainable hardwood, preferably from an FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) accredited source. How good is it as a kitchen worktop?
What is the difference between laminate and stainless steel worktops?
When it comes to the kitchen, stainless steel worktops are made up similarly to laminate, in that there is a top layer (the steel itself) bonded onto a timber substrate to make a thicker worktop. Most commonly you will buy your kitchen worktop from the same place you buy your kitchen cabinets from, usually a kitchen design showroom.
Is granite a good choice for kitchen worktops?
‘Granite is the result of cooling pressurised magma over millions of years resulting in a rock that is both heat and scratch resistant. When sealed properly it is also stain resistant and, once installed, requires no more maintenance,’ says Jon Brewer, managing director and founder of Purple Granite. How good is it as a kitchen worktop?
What is the best material to use for a kitchen worktop?
The Best Kitchen Worktop Materials Natural stone, timber/wooden, laminate and composite, like quartz (a man-made mix) are popular choices for kitchen worktops. Concrete, steel and zinc are also options that will add an industrial edge to your kitchen.
What is the hardest wearing kitchen worktop?
Granite is a natural, tough and hardwearing stone. Its own unique patterns are what makes each worktop different. No two pieces are ever the same, says Kam. Granite worktops usually come sealed when installed.
What is the most durable countertop?
QuartzQuartz takes first place in terms of durability. Made of crushed quartz stone mixed with polymers and resin, this artificially engineered stone countertop is an extremely durable surface that resembles natural stone.
What is a better kitchen worktop granite or quartz?
Benefits: Quartz worktops are just as strong as granite but have the added benefit of being more flexible – making them less likely to chip or crack. Quartz is non-porous and does not require any sealing, which offers a fairly maintenance-free kitchen work surface.
Which countertop is easiest to maintain?
Laminate countertops are the easiest kitchen countertop to maintain. Once installed, all you will need to do is clean them with mild soap and water. No additional maintenance is required.
Is quartz better than granite?
Quartz is actually harder than granite and thus, more durable. In fact, quartz is nearly indestructible, and because it isn't porous like granite, it's easy to keep your countertops relatively bacteria-free.
Is quartz cheaper than granite?
Quartz is generally less expensive. But with the exception of the cheapest granite, quartz is generally less expensive—$70 to $100 per square foot installed compared with granite's price range of $60 to $270 per square foot installed.
What is the latest countertop material?
Recent innovations in porcelain tiles offer many more design options than ever before, including tiles that look like wood, marble, or even leather or cork. Ceramic and porcelain tiles offer more design options than nearly any other countertop material.
What is the cheapest most durable countertop?
Laminate Countertops Generally the most affordable countertop material available, laminate is made from layers of plastic bonded to particleboard to form a solid surface.
What are the problems with quartz countertops?
Of course, there's also quartz, an engineered stone made from natural stone particles. Quartz can be a great countertop option....Other possible problems with quartz countertops1 – Heat can damage. ... 2 – Sun can also damage. ... 3 – Seams might surprise. ... 4 – Visible caulk. ... 5 – Miter that doesn't fit perfectly.
Are Quartz worktops worth the money?
Quartz worktops don't come cheap, but they're well worth the price. There are lots of other potential countertop materials out there like laminate which can be more economical if you are looking for something short term.
Do quartz countertops look cheap?
Most people love the appearance of quartz, but others say it looks fake and cheap. Bottom line—with quartz, the design options are virtually limitless, but it's difficult to match the truly unique and exotic patterns you get with natural stone.
What are the disadvantages of quartz countertops?
The main downsides of quartz countertops are their price, appearance (if you desire the look of natural stone), and lack of resistance against heat damage.
Are quartz worktops hard wearing?
Quartz surfaces are non-porous, hard wearing, resistant to heat and scratching, and do not require sealing, making them very low maintenance. Together with their aesthetic advantages, the durability of quartz has meant that this has become the kitchen worktop of choice for many homeowners.
What countertop can you put hot pans on?
GraniteGranite. One of the most heat-resistant countertop materials available today is granite. This natural stone requires extremely high temperatures and high pressure to form. You can place pans straight of the stove or oven on a granite countertop, and you won't see any marks or stains on the surface.
Is Corian cheaper than quartz?
Corian is cheaper than quartz upfront. You can expect to pay between $40 and $65 per square foot for Corian while quartz starts at $40 and can extend well beyond $200 per square foot. Corian will cost more over the long haul due to the material's fragility and poor resale value.
What is a kitchen worktop used for?
Your kitchen worktops will be used for preparing, serving and, potentially, dining and will need to withstand regular, intensive cleaning.
What is the best kitchen countertop?
1. Granite. Granite is one of the most popular choices for kitchen worktops.
What is quartz worktop?
Quartz is a man-made alternative to traditional stone worktops like granite. Employing industrial techniques, natural quartz is fortified with resin to create a truly hard-wearing and customisable worktop.
How are solid surface worktops made?
Solid surface worktops are made by applying an acrylic resin to the top of a substrate material like wood. They create a seamless, glossy worktop that fits perfectly into a contemporary design.
Is granite a stain resistant rock?
‘Granite is the result of cooling pressurised magma over millions of years resulting in a rock that is both heat and scratch resistant When sealed properly it is also stain resistant and , once installed, requires no more maintenance,’. 2. Quartz.
Is glass a work surface?
Glass has only recently been introduced to the worksurface market. It is stylish, versatile and works perfectly in a contemporary design.
Is hardwood a good material for a kitchen?
Whether you are after a contemporary or traditional kitchen, Hardwood is a great solution, as long as you are willing to put the work into its maintenance.
What is the best material for kitchen worktops?
If you have a lot of cash to spend and want something elegant, timeless, and natural, this is a great option. Natural stone kitchen worktops can be made from stones such as granite and marble.
Why are man made kitchen countertops so popular?
Man-made materials are becoming more popular for kitchen worktops because of their durability and often reasonable price points. There are many different types of man-made materials for kitchens, but here are just a few that might interest you.
Is quartz a good material for kitchen countertops?
Quartz is a brilliant option if you want something close to natural stone but more durable. Quartz kitchen worktops have a percentage of man-made material added to them to avoid cracking and chipping. However, it isn’t totally heatproof so you usually can’t put hot pans down on it. Corian is similar to this, but it is a blend of natural minerals with resin. It is very durable and easy to look after, but extremely expensive.
Is laminate worktop heatproof?
They are also very easy to wipe clean and are generally inexpensive. However, they are again not very heatproof. Similarly, some people use tiles for their whole kitchen worktop. This can create a unique look that isn’t often seen in kitchens today. However, they need regular re-grouting, so can be a lot more maintenance than laminate.
What kind of worktops are best for a kitchen?
If you want a more industrial or professional look in your kitchen, stainless-steel worktops are what you want.
Why do we use concrete worktops in kitchens?
They are energy efficient because they capture the heat, then release it once the kitchen cools down some.
What color marble worktops are good for wear and tear?
If you choose a marble worktop in light grey, which is very much the trend nowadays, it can hide light stains and general wear and tear.
Why is Corian so popular?
The reason it is so popular is because it looks a lot like quartz but is much lower in price.
What is soapstone?
Soapstone is a natural stone that frequently comes in various shades of grey so that it matches all kitchens.
Can you wipe up spills on granite?
First, never hesitate to wipe up spills quickly because they can stain the granite.
Is granite a natural stone?
Granite is a natural stone; therefore, matching slabs can be a bit tricky. Nevertheless, for many homeowners, this simply adds to its charm.
What is a worktop?
The worktops (or countertops) make up a large visual footprint of your kitchen and can also contribute to a large portion of your budget, so making sure you get the right one for you is something to take the time to research and think about. In this post, I’ll go over the different types of worktop, their pros and cons, ...
How are laminate worktops made?
Laminate worktops are made by combining layers of paper and resin to form semi-rigid sheets. A decorative sheet that has the colour or particular pattern goes in the middle with clear sheets on top.
What material do people think of when they think of a more luxurious hardwearing worktop?
Probably the material people think of most when they think of a more luxurious hardwearing worktop. Granite worktops have been around a long time and for good reason.
What is the most popular brand of Corian?
Got curves or want a seamless flowing worktop with no joints in sight? Acrylic, or probably the most popular brand Corian, is what you’re looking for.
How are compact surfaces made?
Compact Surfaces are fabricated by putting the raw materials found in porcelain, glass, and quartz, under extreme pressure and heat to create an extremely durable material.
How big is a slab?
Slabs usually don’t come any bigger than 3m, so keep that in mind when designing runs and islands. You may require joints.
How wide is a 40mm stave?
Then you move up to full staves or full planks, these are usually between 80-120mm wide and run longer lengthways. This style is often considered a bit more luxurious and you guessed it, is more expensive.
What is the most popular material for kitchen countertops?
Where kitchen worktops are concerned, what is the most popular material? Well, there are several: 1 Solid wood – also known as butcher block 2 Granite 3 Quartz 4 Laminate
What is the main style decision in a kitchen?
When most people create or redecorate a kitchen, the main style decision they make is usually for the cabinetry. However, for the overall scheme of your kitchen, your choice of worktop will also have a definite impact. It’s highly prominent because, for one thing, it’s a horizontal plane – much like the flooring.
Things to Consider Before Purchasing a Kitchen Worktop
Finding the right kitchen worktop for your home can be challenging. With so many options, it's tempting to settle with something that doesn't work in your kitchen or lifestyle.
Most Common Kitchen Worktop Materials
Different materials have different benefits and drawbacks, so choosing one to meet your needs is essential. So, whether you're looking for durability, maintenance-free, or something else entirely, these are some of the most common kitchen worktop materials:
Conclusion
So, what’s the best kitchen worktop for you and your home? It really depends on your lifestyle, budget, and preferences.
What is the trendiest countertop material?
Stainless Steel: The Trendy Option. Second only to concrete as the most trendy countertop material, stainless steel 's popularity has waxed and waned over the years. Originally a material found only in commercial kitchens, stainless steel has recently become common in high-end residential kitchens.
Which countertop is best for resisting burns?
Quartz countertops are among the best at resisting burns and scorching.
How much does laminate cost?
Laminate countertops range in price from $15 to $40 per square foot, installed.
What is a solid surface countertop?
Solid surface countertops are made from synthetic acrylic, epoxy, and polyester materials bonded together in formulations aimed at mimicking the look of natural stone. When solid-surface material was introduced in the late 1960s by Dupont, it was regarded as a high-end countertop material.
How much does a solid surface countertop cost?
Costs for solid-surface countertops range from $35 to $85 per square foot, installed.
What is reclaimed wood countertop?
Reclaimed wood countertops are slabs made from hardwoods recycled from other uses, such as commercial bowling alleys, barns, or residential flooring. For homeowners concerned about the environment, reclaimed wood offers obvious appeal.
What is the rating of reclaimed wood?
Reclaimed wood falls toward the lower end of the countertop ratings, at 2.7 out of a possible 5.0 rating. Choose reclaimed wood if you put a high priority on green building materials, not to improve real estate value.
What is the best countertop material for a kitchen?
One Kind Design. If you have countertops in unusual shapes, or if you want a truly unique kitchen, concrete may be a good choice for your countertops. Due to their heavy weight, concrete countertops are usually cast in forms right in your kitchen.
What is the best wood for countertops?
Wood countertops offer a beautiful warm look and are available in a wide range of colors and finishes. Hardwoods such as maple and oak are the species most often used as countertop woods.
What is soapstone used for?
It has seen a recent resurgence as an alternative to granite. Soapstone is often seen in historic homes but is also used in modern homes as both a countertop and sink material.
What is laminate counter top?
Laminate counters bear trademarks such as Formica, Nevamar, and Wilsonart. The laminates are plastic-coated synthetics with a smooth surface that's easy to clean . Countertops are made by bonding the laminate sheets to a particleboard (MDF) core. Laminate countertops can be purchased as pre-formed segments (called "post-form countertops"), or custom-fabricated to specifications, either on-site or in a fabrication shop.
What is glass countertop?
Similar technology is now being used in so-called glass countertops, which consist of particles of recycled glass blended with resins and shaped into countertop slabs. Consumers keen on being on the cutting edge may want to consider glass as well as quartz countertops.
What are the different types of countertops?
They include granite, marble, quartz, and more. Each material has its positive and negative aspects. For instance, some are very strong while others can be scratched or marred. And some materials cost a lot more than others .
What is solid surface countertop?
Solid-surface material, sold under brands including Avonite, Corian, and Swanstone, is a man-made material consisting of a blend of acrylic particles and resins that are pressed into sheets and other shapes. Solid-surface countertops and sinks have now been around for nearly 50 years, but at the time of introduction, they were regarded as space-age alternatives to natural stone, which they sought to mimic.
