Buying the best worktop for your new kitchen can seem like a daunting task. With so many to choose from, how do you know what the ideal kitchen worktop is for you? Well, first of all you need to ask yourself some questions…
What colour and texture do I want? There are almost unlimited choices when it comes to colour and texture, so finding the right one can be a little overwhelming. Find your style and find something that matches perfectly.
What is your budget? Kitchen worktops can fit most budgets, but you don’t really want to be scrimping on such a focal point so make sure you can afford exactly what you want.
Is there a need for a heat resistant worktop in my kitchen? Sure, we’ve all put a hot pan down only to find out that it’s left a mark on our work surface. If you want something that is resistant to heat, make sure you choose the right worktop.
Am I good with cleaning and wiping up any spills immediately? Some worktops can be easily damaged through spills, whereas others take a spill in their stride. Choose wisely or it could end up costing you later!
How much area have I dedicated for the worktop? Most worktops have a maximum length. If you want your worktop to be in one piece, without any visible joins, the choice you make will be important.
Once you have answers to these questions, you’ll be able to understand the different worktop materials and make the right decision.
Let’s have a look at the different types of worktops that you can choose from.
1. Granite is a stone that is incredibly durable and resistant to scratches and heat. Since granite is a natural product, you can choose from many shades and patterns to match your kitchen’s colour scheme. Whether your kitchen is modern or traditional, you will be able to find something in granite that looks both unique and appealing.
2. Quartz is another popular choice for kitchen worktops. It’s a man-made material that is made from crushed stone and resin. It’s very durable and easy to maintain and has a consistent stone quality, which gives your worktop a more finished look and feel. Also, buying a quartz worktop helps in contributing to the green revolution since it contains waste materials.
3. Laminate worktops are an affordable surface that comes in an array of options available to choose from such as matt, high gloss, riven, honed and riverwash. There are also laminate worktops that mimic other effects such as granite and wood. They’re easy to clean and maintain, but they’re not as hard-wearing as some of the other options out there.
4. Wood worktops are a popular choice for those who want a warm and natural look in their kitchen. They’re not as robust as some of the other options, but they can be sanded and refinished to remove scratches and stains. For achieving a traditional look, maple, oak and beech work well. For a slightly more exotic feel, Wenge, bamboo and Iroko are excellent choices. What makes wooden worktops unique is they develop a character and an even greater aesthetic appeal over time.
5. Ceramic. People love ceramic worktops because they’re versatile and hygienic. They’re also easy to match to a particular kitchen theme due to the variety of colours and textures available. What makes ceramic different from quartz and granite is the fact that even though it’s harder than both, it can create a work surface with thickness as less as 10mm. This helps you get that clean, modern and refined look for your worktop and kitchen.
6. Corian is a popular brand in the solid surface worktop market. Solid surface material is produced by mixing plastic resin and bauxite pigments. Once created, it is bonded to a timber substrate to create a solid surface worktop. When it comes to matching the worktop to the kitchen’s theme or design, Corian does a great job. Since it’s not a natural material, it can be used to create a “one piece” worktop that has zero visible joins or seams.
7. Stainless steel worktops are a common choice for commercial kitchens, but they’re also becoming more popular in residential kitchens. Stainless steel worktops are used by many restaurants for a reason, they’re highly heat resistant and resilient, making them the ideal choice for kitchens with heavy cooking. Stainless steel worktops contain high level of nickel and chromium, which gives them the heat and stain resistant quality. They’re also easy to clean and maintain.
8. Glass worktops are a modern and sleek option that comes in a variety of colours and patterns. They’re easy to clean and maintain, but they’re not as durable as some of the other options. What’s more, glass worktops come in lots of different colours and unique designs. For example, cracked glass worktops are a popular choice with homeowners. Glass worktops can also be heavily customised according to your preferences.
Take your time when choosing the best kitchen worktop for your home, as it can be an investment that not only reinvigorates a kitchen, but it can increase the value of your home as well.
As you can see, each type of worktop has its pros and cons, so make sure you know exactly what worktop fits your requirements and lifestyle before you make a purchase.
Our friendly and knowledgeable designers at Regal can help you choose the perfect worktop for your new perfect kitchen.
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