What are the toughest worktops?
Last Updated on February 13, 2024
All kitchen worktops are, to a large extent, tough and durable, yet some, such as granite and quartz have superior characteristics as they are more solid and scratch-resistant. However, everything comes with a price tag – with granite and quartz being higher-end products with first-rate physical characteristics compared to laminate, compact laminate, and wood worktops.
However, all these worktops are sufficiently strong enough to withstand aggressive cleaning products, especially those high in acidity, as well as high levels of wear and tear, from constant food preparation.
Although it is easy to compare the toughness of all worktops, costs also need to be considered. Laminate and wooden worktops, tend to provide households with superb value for the price tag that they come with and are durable enough to withstand regular cooking. However, some worktops are just not too forgiving when it comes to the effects of wear and tear or damage, because of neglect or mistreatment, they may not have the toughness to withstand excessive use. Although households should always use a chopping board when preparing food, some worktops may be scratch-resistant, but none are scratch-proof. However, it is much more difficult to damage a quartz or granite worktop with a knife, compared to laminate, compact laminate, solid surface and wood worktops.
However, even the toughest worktops have their ‘Achilles Heel’ – with quartz worktops having limited heat resistance, as even a hot pan may create scorches on the surface.
What is the longest-lasting worktop?
Be it laminate, compact laminate, wood, granite, quartz or solid surface worktops, all of them have pros and cons, with some being more scratch and stain-resistant, while others being more maintenance-free, or still easily repairable. They are all built to last, with some worktops such as granite and quartz, easily lasting longer – as they are more difficult to scratch and dent. On the other hand, wood is more durable and hygienic and if well looked after, can look good for many years, whilst preserving its original look and developing a deeper colour and texture.
Compact laminate worktops are also extremely durable and robust, thanks to their water-resistant core, these worktops are less likely to get damaged from water. Laminate worktops, on the other hand, can also last, however, their life cycle tends to be the shortest out of all worktops, as their chipboard core is very vulnerable to water.
Solid surface, also known as acrylic worktops, are solid throughout its whole thickness and are completely waterproof. Similar to quartz, they have a non-porous surface which makes them easy-to-clean and maintain. In case the look becomes obsolete, their surface is repairable, just like solid wood.
If households are careful with their countertops and they look after them, a decision to replace one, may not necessarily be based on any deterioration or damage, instead a fresh new look or change in design, is usually the main decision-making factor.
What is the most scratch-resistant worktop?
Granite and particularly quartz worktops are the most scratch-resistant of all, however, they are not scratch-proof, as even the most durable worktops may get scratched in everyday kitchen use. Householders tend to be less careful, knowing the robustness of granite and quartz. It is therefore important, to always use a chopping board and be cautious with the type of cleaning products used, to ensure longevity.
Laminate and compact laminate worktops have a similar level of scratch resistance, as both surfaces are made from the same material. However, knives and sharp objects may leave marks and households should be more cautious as scratches are difficult to repair.
Wooden worktops have less scratch resistance compared to quartz, however, if scratched, they are very easy to repair. Simply, sand the damaged surface with 120-grit sanding paper and re-oil with a roller, lint-free cloth, or brush. Once the oil is absorbed and the hard wax has dried one or two additional coats are recommended.
You can visit our “How to repair a scratch on a Wooden Worktop?” guide for more tips.
Solid surface worktops also have an inferior scratch resistance to quartz, however their surface, similar to wood is fully repairable. The damaged spot simply has to be sanded with 120-grit sanding paper and then, depending on the sheen level sand up to a grit between 400 – 800.
What is the hardest worktop to maintain?
Laminate and compact laminate worktops are known to be maintenance-free. However, with laminate worktops households should regularly check the silicone joints, particularly around the sink area, as any gaps may result in water seeping through.
Quartz and solid surface worktops, on the other hand, can also be considered as maintenance-free thanks to their engineered non-porous surface.
Granite and wood worktops are natural products; therefore, they require more care to protect against unwanted marks and stains. Their porous surface can easily absorb liquids – which can leave unwanted marks. Wooden worktops, for example, must be oiled, to pass the waterdrop test – when a water drop can stay on a worktop surface, without absorbing into the wood. Solid surface worktops, on the other hand, similar to wood, also have a repairable surface.
Granite worktops should be sealed every 12 to 15 months, with lighter-coloured versions requiring to be sealed more often, due to their more porous surface. However, the frequency may depend on multiple factors – with the acidity of cleaning products, and the frequency of acidic spills (i.e., wine, vinegar, orange, and lemon juice) being just two of the main factors. It is also important to pay particular attention to cooking areas, to protect them from acidic spills and cleaning.
What is the easiest worktop to clean?
Laminate and compact laminate worktops are the easiest to clean, as the decorative surface covering, is very resistant to aggressive cleaning products. Also, thanks to its non-porous surface, quartz and solid surface are also very easy to clean.
Households should always strive to leave their countertops clean after each use, as accumulated dirt may leave unwanted, permanent marks even on the most stain-resistant worktops. However, it is vital to only use cleaning products, recommended for that worktop type. Otherwise, inappropriate use of aggressive chemical cleaning products may leave unwanted stains.
Granite and wooden worktops are natural products and need to be cleaned with more caution.
What is the very best countertop material?
With all countertop materials having both pros and cons, it is quite difficult to choose which material is best. High-end countertops such as granite or quartz may not look very good when fitted in an outdated kitchen with basic cabinets. Even if those worktops would fit the style, an important consideration would be – whether the cabinets could bear the weight, of heavy granite worktops. In terms of wooden worktops, thanks to their versatile nature, they would be either be used in modest kitchens as the main countertop, but also in high-spec kitchens for a kitchen island or breakfast bar.
It is also important to consider the usage requirement of countertops, apart from the style. Households should pick a worktop that will fit their needs best. Laminate and compact laminate worktops are the favourite choice for extremely busy households, as they do not require any maintenance, and are extremely easy to clean and look after.
Is granite better than a wood worktop?
A lot of people are wondering if granite is superior to wood when choosing a worktop. However, the answer is that both countertops have pros and cons. Firstly, both of them are natural products that have maintenance requirements. Granite is a high-end product and is not DIY friendly, on the other hand, wooden worktops are more affordable, such as beech worktops which have a slightly higher price tag, compared to laminate. Wooden worktops are DIY-friendly, as households may even save on fitting costs.
There is a synergy effect when both of those worktops are combined in a kitchen, with wooden worktops used as a large breakfast bar or kitchen island worktops, and granite as the main countertops. This combination creates a unique atmosphere, as one can feel the robustness and strength of granite, while at the same time, wooden worktops, radiate a warm and homely feeling. This design is very popular among high-specification kitchens.
In terms of maintenance, to avoid any unwanted staining, both wooden and granite worktops should be sealed. However, oiling wooden worktops is a much simpler process – even those, with limited DIY experience can successfully oil a wooden countertop.
It is easy to realise when it’s time to re-oil a wooden worktop, whereas, with granite, it may be trickier. Overall, there is no right or wrong when choosing a worktop, as all are tough enough to withstand the usual wear and tear, within a home environment. It all depends on your individual requirements and consideration of the time required, to maintain and look after the surface chosen, as well as budget.
If you have any questions about anything worktop related, please do not hesitate to
get in touch with us!
You can find us at 01727260688 or [email protected]
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Enjoy your kitchen and wood worktops!
For additional topics please check the links below:
1) How to Oil Your Worktops with Osmo?
2) How to apply Danish Oil on your worktop?
3) How to repair a scratch on a Wooden Worktop?
4) A comprehensive comparison of all Wood Worktop Oils.
5) Kitchen Worktop Height: Everything You Need To Know
7) How to Store Wood Worktops?
8) Worktop Installation Guide
9) Care & Maintenance Guide for Wood Worktops