A Guide to Buying Utility Room Worktops

Last Updated on September 13, 2024

Worktops are a great addition to a utility room because they provide space for you to do everyday jobs. They also add a beautiful aesthetic element, and when coordinated with your kitchen countertops, can create seamless flow throughout the home. But there are a few extra things to think about when it comes to choosing the best utility worktops.

Utility room worktops tend to be well-used so need to stand up to wear and tear, and depending on the function of your room, may be more exposed to water, damp and heat. Furthermore, as a secondary space that follows on from the main kitchen, many people prefer low-maintenance options. So how do you choose the right worktop for your utility area?

Here, we provide a complete guide on shopping for the right utility countertop materials:

Choosing durable utility worktops

The first thing that many people think about when it comes to worktops for their utility room is durability. Utility spaces are often reserved for tasks such as laundry, cleaning of non-food items, shoe and boot storage, and general pet care (such as cat litter or dog grooming).

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Check out our Oak worktops

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As these are everyday tasks, your countertops will see a lot of action. Here are some popular utility room worktop materials to consider:

• Laminate

This is perhaps the most popular choice for utility area worktops because of its durability and affordability. Laminate is ideal for spaces with high traffic where there is a lot of heat and/or water. The options are endless when it comes to colours, styles and designs so you can find something to match the style of your home.

• Compact Laminate worktops

If you’re looking for extra durability, whilst providing the same convenience as laminate, it would be the compact laminate worktops. These are designed with outstanding wear resistance and are ultra-thin in comparison to standard laminate, making them ideal for small spaces.

• Wood Worktops

While many people choose laminate for utility rooms, wooden worktops can be just as practical, as well as being a beautiful feature. Materials such as solid oak can instantly elevate your home, giving your utility area a high-end touch. If you feature organic wood throughout your property, using wooden countertops in your kitchen and utility space can help to create a natural flow.

Wood worktops are also one of the most popular choices for kitchens, so for anyone who wants to match their kitchen and utility room, wood is an excellent option. While they do require maintenance to protect against water damage, wooden countertops can last for many years when cared for properly.

For maximum durability, opt for solid oak worktop, walnut or iroko wood, as hardwoods like these are able to undergo the stresses of everyday use while providing a versatile work surface.

• Solid surface worktops

If you want to upgrade from laminate, solid surface worktops are the perfect addition to your home, and are excellent as a durable material for your utility space. Our solid surface worktops stand up to wear and tear while being incredibly easy to maintain. They also come in a range of styles that give you the look and feel of marble or quartz, making them an affordable alternative to real stone.

Solid surface worktops are non-porous and extremely hygienic, so they’re suitable for a variety of utility room functions, including laundry or pet care.

The best easy-clean worktop materials

Low-maintenance utility room worktops are definitely a big plus when shopping for the right worktop material. A utility space is often an extension of the kitchen area, and can often be the last place to be cleaned when there’s a big list of chores. So having easy-to-clean surfaces is hugely beneficial for busy families.

Here’s a quick look at maintenance requirements for wood, laminate and solid surface worktops:

If easy care utility worktops are your main goal, solid surface and compact laminate worktops are highly recommended. Not only does the non-porous surface ensure maximum hygiene for a variety of tasks in the home, but the surfaces will be easy to clean and maintain.

However, with basic cleaning and care, all worktop materials are suitable for the average family home. So it does depend on personal preference, as well as your interior design budget. Although wood worktops need a little more maintenance, they offer an unmatched level of quality and beauty that many homeowners love – potentially adding to the resale value of your property.

Light vs. dark utility room worktops

When choosing the right worktop for utility rooms, colour can be a major factor. Many people opt for darker utility worktops as they can be more forgiving than lighter worktops. They may hide stains much more effectively after years of wear and tear, making them a good choice for busy spaces that get a lot of use.

However, dark worktops often work best in well-lit rooms, and a lot of utility spaces don’t get a lot of natural light. In fact, many utility rooms are windowless (with perhaps a backdoor as the only natural light source). This means you’ll want to strike a balance when it comes to colour selection.

Many utility rooms double up as storage spaces, or may even be used as a sorting room for laundry and other things for the home. So having a light, airy space with good task lighting may be preferable.

Something bright and white like our Pure White Solid Surface, Lucida White Compact or our White Sparkle laminate worktops can be a good option to bounce light around the room and to create that illusion of space. By applying lighter colours for work surfaces, walls and flooring, you can design a space that doesn’t feel cramped when you’re getting on with your day-to-day chores.

For north-facing kitchens and utility spaces where the light is very cool, you may want to choose a warmer material such as wood. Some of the warmer woods to consider include walnut, sapele and iroko – but any wood can add instant warmth to your home. Wood countertops have a premium look and feel, ranging from wonderfully rustic to clean and modern. They look great in every home and can revive a tired utility space. If you are looking for a way to transform your utility room into a beautiful work area, wooden worktops can be the perfect choice due to their incredible aesthetic appeal, and durability when cared for in the right way.

For more help choosing the right worktop for utility rooms or kitchens, be sure to check out our ultimate worktop comparison blog.

Or if you have any questions about a particular product, get in touch with our friendly team on 01727 617931 / [email protected].