Kitchen Worktops
WHAT ARE THE BEST KITCHEN WORKTOPS?
FIND OUT HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT MATERIAL FOR YOUR KITCHEN
AND THE PROS AND CONS OF EACH SURFACE TYPE, WITH OUR EXPERT GUIDE.
Kitchen Worktops – Everything you need to know
It is important to give your worktop choice due consideration. Your choice of worktop will have a big impact on the overall scheme as it can be such a large horizontal plane and the focus of where most activity is performed.
There’s choice of worktop materials and technologies is wide and your usage and available budget will be a key factor in determining which will suit you best. From super tough materials that are designed to be virtually indestructible for busy family homes to luxurious finishes for the open-plan designer kitchen.
Read on to find out what you should consider before making your worktop choice.
Initial worktop Considerations – Budget, Layout, Timescales
BUDGET
How long would you like the worktop to last and what would you be prepared to invest for that longevity?
If are you planning on moving in a couple of years and just want to have things looking a bit tidier, then you may not want to invest in a worktop of more superior quality and durability. However, if this is your forever kitchen you want to look just as good in 20 years time, then you should consider investing more money for a better quality solution.
It sounds obvious but its worth noting that cheaper options may not last as long as more durable materials, which tend to cost a bit more. You can also mix materials to save on some of the outlay – Why not use solid worktops in heavily used areas, like the sink
and cooking spaces, and then woods or laminates everywhere else?
This is a great and practical way to compromise and can also create design interest. Different edge profiles and worktop thicknesses can also affect cost as well as look. Standard thickness is 30mm but thinner 20mm tops create a nice modern look and can be a little cheaper.
LAYOUT
Your kitchen size can impact your choice and some materials will lend themselves better to your layout than others. For example, solid worktops like quartz and granite come in slabs and therefore have a maximum size before a joint is needed. This is especially important if you are wanting a large island and want the worktop to be one piece. Your maximum size here will be around 3m x 1.5m.
Materials like Corian, that can be joined together and made to look seamless are a great option for a large expanse of worktop where you’d like to avoid having any joints.
TIMESCALES
Some worktops require different considerations in terms of implementation. Composite worktops like granite, quartz and Corian need to be templated by an expert. This means that your kitchen cabinets need to be in place for the template to be made. The worktop then needs to be fabricated, which normally takes 7 days. This isn’t usually a problem as installation would be ongoing in your kitchen during this time, but if you are wanting something that can be fitted quickly consider laminate or wooden worktops instead.
More Kitchen Worktop Options
Granite Worktops
Ceramic / Sintered Stone
Quartz Worktops
Acrylic Solid Surfaces
Solid Wood Worktops
Laminate Worktops
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