Choosing a kitchen worktop that suits you and your kitchen needs.
Choosing a kitchen worktop can make or break the look you’re trying to achieve. So it’s worth taking the time to research the best type of kitchen worktop for you.
With so many choices including Corian, Silestone, Granite, Laminate, Solid Woods and Dekton, you might be wondering, which kitchen worktops are best? Think about how practical your surface needs to be. Would you need to maintain your worktop for example?
If hygiene is a concern, think about anti-bacterial materials, such as Corian, Dekton or Silestone.
Corian
Corian suits most schemes and is available in a variety of colours – choose bright hues for modern kitchens, white for architectural, and any pale shades for traditional spaces. Each colour option is sure to stand the test of time.
Corian is a smooth surface that enables you to create large designs made from one single element. You can opt for integrated countertops, sinks and covered backsplashes, which also means there are less places for dirt and bacteria to get trapped. Corian is a kitchen worktop option that is hygienic and easy to clean. Its smooth surface does not allow liquids to penetrate, so all you need to do is wipe with a soft cloth and a mild detergent. Although this surface can withstand high temperatures, it should be protected against direct heat. So avoid placing hot pans and oven trays directly onto your worktop!
Dekton
Dekton is an innovative surface and each colour has an individually applied texture making every option unique. XGLOSS has high-tech polishing, high gloss and water-repellent properties. So if your kitchen worktop is prone to spills, this one could be for you! Ultratexture is inspired by nature and comes in wood, slate or marble. Lastly, the Ultramatte option has a matte and polished finish and just radiates elegance and simplicity.
This kitchen worktop option is resistant to stains, scratches and heat. How much better could it get?
Silestone
Another kitchen worktop option is Silestone, which is available in more than 50 colours. It also has a variety of edges, textures and formats.
Silestone is made up of 90% quartz, a natural material created for kitchens and bathrooms. It is extremely hard and resilient. If a scratch or mark does appear, it can be sanded out. This material is also stain resistant. It won’t allow any of those tough liquids such as red wine, olive oil or coffee to seep through. Just be sure to keep your surface clean with a soft, damp cloth and a mild detergent.
Timber Wood
Often used in food preparation and dining areas, islands and breakfast bars. Hardwood also gives a contrast to the rest of your kitchen and can often compliment other surfaces and introduce a warm feel into the kitchen. Hardwood such as Iroko is a good surface for sink areas as it has a high oil content.
Solid wood unfortunately isn’t the best type of kitchen worktop for stains. Make sure that any spillages are cleaned up promptly with warm water, a drop of washing up liquid and a well rung cloth. This will prevent spillage seeping too far into the wood. An advantage of a solid wood surface is that scratches can be easily sanded out. To prevent the surface drying out and to reduce movement, ensure it is oiled at least every 3 months and use a good kitchen surface oil, which also has antibacterial properties.
If hardwoods are properly sealed and maintained they will last for a long time, but don’t use the worktop as a chopping board, or place hot pans directly onto the wood, as it can scorch. Use pan stands or trivets for protection.
Granite
Is granite a good worktop? Well… nothing innately exhibits the classical properties of elegance and beauty more than natural stone. A natural product right out of the ground. Different granites have different qualities when considering maintenance and appearance.
Unlike man-made products, this is a material that has a natural make-up and beauty, which is impossible to recreate under factory conditions. Variations in colour and vein mean that your Granite kitchen worktops will be completely unique and nobody has the same surface. It can also be cut into a variety of shapes and sizes.
The quality of granite kitchen worktops is undeniable and the strength of the material makes it easy to maintain. However, granite has the disadvantage of allowing liquids to seep through. Cosentino Sensa may be a viable option so that your surface is sealed. Sensa is a granite surface by Cosentino, a high-quality surface that offers such reliable performance that it comes with a 15-year certified guarantee. More information can be found here.
Laminate
Laminate is an affordable option when choosing a kitchen worktop. If you have a tight budget and you’re wondering ‘what is the best quality laminate worktops?’, a laminate worktop such as Duropal is a good choice to help you achieve the look you want. More information about Duropal worktops can be found here.
A laminate worktop is water and stain resistant and available in a variety of colours. It is also available with ABS square edging to give a more natural look. Duropal laminate worktops are the perfect alternative to acrylic based, granite and stone. With a range of different textiles from Crisp Granite to Natural Wood, this surface is both generous with options and affordable.
Cleaning and caring for a Duropal worktop couldn’t be simpler. Depending on the severity of the stain, water, washing up liquid and a damp cloth is all you need to wipe up any spillage. Heavier stains can be removed with household bleach and organic solvents.
Make sure not to cut or chop directly onto your Duropal worktop and avoid placing hot pans or ovenware onto it too. Appliances that produce heat or damp should not be positioned over the joints of your worktop as this could lead to issues.
If you’re still unsure which kitchen worktop is best for you, or if you’ve came to a decision and you want to get started on your dream kitchen, get in touch with one of our talented designers 0191 217 0917
