The Ultimate Guide To Choosing The Best Kitchen Worktop
- Granite. Granite is a highly popular stone choice for worktops. ...
- Quartz. Quartz, although a man-made stone, has the durability of natural stone. ...
- Ceramic. People love ceramic worktops because they’re versatile and hygienic. ...
- Glass. ...
- Corian. ...
- Wood. ...
- Laminate. ...
- Stainless Steel. ...
Full Answer
What is the best material for kitchen worktops?
Granite kitchen worktops. Granite is one of the most popular choices for kitchen worktops. It’s stylish, beautiful and is associated with luxurious kitchen design schemes.
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. They’re a natural focal point in your kitchen, complementing the kitchen cabinets and kitchen flooring, and have become a key part of the design process.
Is quartz a good choice for a kitchen worktop?
‘Quartz has become ever more popular over the years and offers a more uniform, contemporary stone work-surface. It is naturally resistant to staining and scratching, but is less heat-resistant than granite, ‘ adds Jon Brewer of Purple Granite. How good is it as a kitchen worktop?
Are laminate kitchen worktops a good option?
Laminate worktops start from as little as £35 per metre, so if you are doing up a kitchen on a budget they are a great option. The upsides are that they're pretty resilient to stains and come in a vast range of finishes and colours, too. A big plus of laminate worktops? You can fit them yourself, even if you aren't a DIY expert.
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.
Which type of worktop is best?
Granite is probably the most popular type of kitchen worktop. It is by far the most low-maintenance choice, so sturdy that it's unlikely to chip or scratch, and only needs to be resealed once a decade. Supremely heat-resistant, granite can easily withstand all your hot pans placed on top of it.
What is the hardest wearing worktop?
Dekton worktops represent the cutting edge of what is possible with kitchen worktops, they're a hybrid of the very best materials on the market. It combines quartz, porcelain, and glass to make the most hard-wearing material available in kitchens today.
What is the most heat resistant worktop?
The most heat resistant countertops include those made of granite, concrete and metals such as stainless steel and copper.Laminate, Solid-Surface and Engineered Stone. ... Granite and Other Natural Stones. ... Soapstone Countertops Offer Granite Alternative. ... Terrazzo and Recycled Glass. ... Stainless Steel, Copper and Aluminum.More items...
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.
What is most durable kitchen countertop?
Quartz 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.
Which is the most expensive worktop?
Ceramic worktops would be the most expensive, followed by quartz and marble. The cheapest option would be a granite worktop, but you should keep in mind something very important – this is an average calculation and there are always exceptions.
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.
Do laminate worktops look cheap?
Laminate is also easy to maintain and clean and is antibacterial, as long as it's not badly damaged. The main downside is that the price of laminate can vary. The less you spend, the less natural your worktop will look. Moreover, laminate never quite feels the same as a natural or composite worktop.
Can you put a cup of tea on quartz?
While most coffee and tea mugs will not burn through your quartz counter the first time you set them down, you do not want to tempt fate. Use coasters to protect the stone from heat marks. Over time this will help you with the maintenance of your counter.
What is the cheapest heat resistant countertop?
Ceramic and porcelain tile are among the most affordable varieties and come in a wide range of colors and patterns, including designs that mimic granite and other stone.
What is the best stain resistant countertop?
QuartzQuartz is the most stain resistant material because it is engineered with ground-up natural stone and resin. This creates a non-porous material that is highly stain resistant. Quartz is also easy to maintain as no sealer is required.
Do laminate worktops look cheap?
Laminate is also easy to maintain and clean and is antibacterial, as long as it's not badly damaged. The main downside is that the price of laminate can vary. The less you spend, the less natural your worktop will look. Moreover, laminate never quite feels the same as a natural or composite worktop.
Which is best granite or quartz worktops?
While both are heat-resistant to a certain level, granite wins out in this stake thanks to its natural material make-up. Putting a hot pan over 250°C directly on a quartz worktop may cause thermal shock, causing the polymers to break down and the surface to fracture.
Which is more expensive granite or quartz?
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.
Are wooden worktops a good idea?
Wooden worktops are incredibly durable and any knife marks or imperfections are much more easily fixed than with other worktop materials. As long as you look after your worktop and oil it every 6 months, it should last for as long as you want it to. Eco friendly. With wood it's possible to make eco-friendly choices.
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.
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.
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.
What is the best kitchen countertop?
1. Granite. Granite is one of the most popular choices for kitchen worktops.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Can you put a hot pot on top of a worktop?
One of the things people love the most about this type of worktop is the fact that it is heat-resistant; therefore, you can place a hot pot directly on top of it without damaging or ruining it.
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, ...
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.
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 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 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.
