Picking the right worktop for your kitchen

Last Updated on September 12, 2024

The kitchen is often the centre point of the home where family and friends gather to eat and socialise, so it’s important to create a space that is warm and welcoming. As the focal point of the room, your kitchen worktop plays a huge part in setting that environment – but it’s not always easy to know what kind of surface to go for.
When picking the right worktop for your kitchen you’ll need to take into account material, appearance, functionality and cost. With that in mind, we’ve taken a look at the pros and cons of the most popular types of worktops, so you have all the facts when you’re making your decision.

Granite

Description

Granite worktops also known as natural stone, is one of the most durable worktops on the market. Every slab of granite has a unique design, making it the ideal choice if you’re looking to create a kitchen space that is uniquely yours. Available in varying shades of mottled grey, black and white – there is a granite worktop to suit any aesthetic.

Is this worktop good quality?

Granite is a high-quality material for a worktop, providing natural resistance from scratches and heat, not to mention corrosive cleaning materials and everyday wear and tear. These worktops are a little more susceptible to staining, to avoid that, they have to be sealed on a regularly basis.

Is Granite worktop easy to maintain?

Although granite is one of the easiest worktop surface materials to maintain thanks to the protective qualities mentioned above, it does require re-sealing with a high-quality sealant at least once a year to keep it in good condition. Granite is a porous mineral, so poor or outdated sealing may lead to liquids seeping into the worktop causing damage.

Check out our Oak worktops

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Check out our Oak worktops

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It’s also worth bearing in mind that while granite is highly resistant to impact (for example dropping a heavy pan onto the surface), if it does get damaged the process of fixing it can be more complicated than with other materials – not to mention more expensive. Small chips can be replaced with a resin that blends into the design of the worktop, but more serious damage may be difficult to repair.

Is Granite worktop good value for money?

Granite models are towards the higher end of the price spectrum for worktops. This is not to say they are necessarily poor value for money. Not only are they incredibly long-lasting – with regular maintenance a granite worktop can last for over a century – they retain their value very well, so you may be able to recoup some of your outlay further down the line.

Ultimately granite is a luxury option offering a high level of quality, but at a very expensive price point – there are alternative materials available that look just as good for a much lower cost.

Anything else to consider?

Some people find granite worktops cold to the touch – this could be viewed as a positive or a negative depending on your point of view. Even if you see this cool sensation as a bad thing, it is easily solved with an inexpensive warming mat.

It is also worth bearing in mind that on top of its high price tag, granite is also expensive to install can only be installed by a trained stonemason.

Quartz

Description

Unlike natural stone worktop materials like marble and granite, quartz worktops are man-made, combining the natural mineral quartz and a binding agent such as polymer resin. The ratio of stone to adhesive varies from brand to brand – cheaper models may contain as much as 10% resin, while the higher end quartz worktops may contain as little as 3%, with the remaining 97% made up of ground quartz.

Is this worktop good quality?

Quartz worktops are generally very good quality – as mentioned above, the higher the ratio of quartz to resin, the more durable the worktop is likely to be. Quartz is a robust stone, and these worktops are generally resistant to chipping, cracking and scratching – so you can be relatively confident that your investment will last for many years.

Is Quartz worktop easy to maintain?

Quartz worktops are designed to be as low-maintenance as possible – unlike granite, quartz is naturally non-porous, which means they need to be sealed less often than other types of worktops. This non-porous quality prevents water from seeping into the material and damaging the worktop, as well as protecting the surface from staining. This also prevents the build-up of bacteria, making quartz a hygienic choice.

Is Quartz worktop good value for money?

Quartz is a very good option, and that is reflected in the cost; these worktops are among the most expensive available. If you have plenty of money to spend then they can be a good choice – they’re stylish, easy to maintain and can be customised to your kitchen’s specifications – but if you’re on a budget there are more cost-effective options available. Installation costs are also very high due to the expertise required to perform them effectively.

Anything else to consider?

Although, as we’ve already mentioned, quartz worktops are generally very sturdy, they do have one weak point – they are not very resistant to heat, and so prone to visible damage if hot pans are left on them for long periods. This can be mitigated somewhat with a protective heat mat, but given the huge cost of a quartz worktop, it is a major drawback that they can be damaged so easily.

Wood

Description

Available in a wide range of options (most commonly oak and beech, but also walnut, iroko, ash and many others), wood worktops are ideal for anyone looking to create an inviting atmosphere in their kitchen. The rich brown tones of a wooden worktop fit into any kitchen design scheme from traditional to modern, making it one of the most versatile materials around.

With proper maintenance wooden worktops won’t just retain their beauty – they’ll actually look better with age! As the years pass, the colour of the wood will deepen while the patina becomes increasingly developed, adding character to the surface.

Are wooden worktops good quality?

Wooden worktops are made from strong, durable materials and can last for generations if cared for correctly.
More expensive materials like granite and quartz may offer greater protection from damage, but the beauty of a wooden worktop is that it can be repaired with relative ease. Stains, scratches, water damage, heat, impact – whatever damage is caused, you can sand away the affected area, re-oil it and have it looking as good as new in no time, without the expense of calling in an expert.

Are wood worktops easy to maintain?

Although there are other material options that are easier to maintain, wood worktops are not especially difficult to keep in good condition – with a little practice sanding and oiling can be done at home without any issue, and this process will only be required infrequently.

In terms of hygiene, wood worktops are incredibly easy to maintain. Wooden worktop is a naturally hygienic material, but of course, we’d still recommend wiping the surface with an anti-bacterial solution just to be safe, but the worktop will do an excellent job of keeping itself clean.

Is this worktop good value for money?

Cheaper than granite and quartz worktops without sacrificing appearance or sturdiness, wood worktops present fantastic value for money. They’re easy to install and repair at home and can last for many years, making them one of the most cost-effective choices of worktop. If you’re into DIY you can even save money on installation – you can fit a wooden worktop yourself with relative ease!

Anything else to consider?

Not only are wooden worktops attractive and affordable, they offer health benefits too! Studies have shown that owners of wooden furniture report improved physical and mental well-being, including lower blood pressure, heart rate and stress. The psychological impact is said to be similar to people spending time in nature – it can be difficult to find time to spend in the great outdoors, so why not enjoy the benefit of bringing the great outdoors into your kitchen?

Compact Laminate

Description

Formed by soaking absorbent kraft paper in resin and compressing it using high pressure and heat, compact laminate is a popular choice of kitchen worktop for the 21st-century household, providing a sleek and stylish look to your space at a reasonable price.

The beauty of a compact laminate worktop is its versatility – the man-made surface can be tailored to your preferences, with your options almost limitless. Whether you want a clean, white appearance to fit into a monochrome kitchen design, you want a granite or quartz effect (at a fraction of the price of the real thing) or something a little more unique and specific to your personality, compact laminate can provide it.

Is this worktop good quality?

Compact laminate worktops are robust enough to withstand the bumps and bruises of a busy kitchen, and are resistant to scratches, cracks and chips. They also offer excellent water resistance – a necessity if your kitchen worktop includes an undermount sink with drainage grooves. The one drawback is its heat resistance, so you may need to invest in a heat mat to protect the surface.

Is Compact Laminate worktop easy to maintain?

One of the key selling points of compact laminate worktops is their ease of maintenance. Thanks to their non-porous surfaces, these worktops are stain-resistant and easy to wipe down. A simple solution of soap and water will keep your surfaces clean and free of bacteria, without the need for regular re-sealing.

Is this worktop good value for money?

Solid Laminate represents excellent value for money, providing the aesthetic appeal and durability of a granite or marble worktop at a significantly lower cost. Although, as mentioned above, this is a highly durable material, it is worth considering that compact laminate surfaces cannot be repaired easily.

Anything else to consider?

Although compact laminate offers a wealth of design options, it is only available in 12mm thickness – if you’re looking for a thicker worktop, you may need to consider other options. Compact laminate worktops can be cut with standard woodworking tools and can be installed straight on the cabinets.

Laminate

Description

At first glance, laminate worktops are very similar to compact laminates, with the same versatility of design. There are a wide selection of colour and pattern options, ensuring you will be able to find one that’s exactly what you’re looking for.

The difference between laminate and compact laminate lies beneath the surface. Whereas a compact laminate contains only a highly compressed combination of kraft paper and resin, a laminate worktop features a chipboard core underneath.

Is this worktop good quality?

Although it may not be as hard-wearing as graphite or quartz, laminate still offers practicality – and at a much lower price. You do need to be careful with spillages, stains and hot pans as laminate is more easily damaged than other worktop materials but, with a bit of care, a good laminate worktop will last for many years without losing its appeal.

Is this worktop easy to maintain?

Laminate is a very low-maintenance material – you will not need to re-seal your worktop or give it any other special attention beyond regular cleaning and wiping to ensure it remains free of bacteria. You do need to be a little more careful with water around a laminate worktop as permanent damage can be very tricky to repair.

Is this worktop good value for money?

If you’ve got a tight budget, a laminate worktop is quite simply a fantastic choice – providing the style and functionality of a premium worktop without the price tag to match. Stone worktops might ‘feel’ more substantial, but that comes at a cost. Laminate looks great and is built to last, without breaking the bank.

Anything else to consider?

Not only is laminate cheaper than other options, together with wood, it’s one of the easiest worktops to install – so you can make extra savings fitting it yourself! However, its limited water resistance has to be factored before picking the right countertop.

Solid Surface

Description

Engineered from a combination of compacted mineral and acrylic or polyester, solid surface is a man-made stone material with a slick look that is perfect for a modern or traditional kitchen.

These worktops have pigment added to provide any colour you choose, with the colouring running all the way through the thickness of the material. They can even be tailored to the shape of your kitchen, so you don’t have to worry about visible seams where two sections connect.

Is this worktop good quality?

Solid surfaces offer great longevity; provided you look after it, your worktop should last for anywhere from 30 to 50 years. They’re extremely robust, so are able to withstand impact, making them an excellent choice if you have a busy home with young children.

They are less resistant to heat, though – prolonged contact with a hot pan can lead to scorch marks. For this reason, it would be wise to invest in a heat mat to rest your pans on. However these worktops can look as good as new after a good sanding as they are repairable.

Are solid surface worktops easy to maintain?

One of the biggest benefits of a solid surface worktop is how easy they are to look after. They’re naturally non-porous so you don’t need to worry about re-sealing your worktop to prevent a build-up of bacteria or staining – regular cleaning with mild soap and water is all that’s required to keep it hygienic.

Is solid surface worktop good value for money?

Solid surfaces offer a fantastic middle ground between costly quartz and marble materials, and budget options like laminate. Although they are likely to endure for as long as premium stone materials as repairable and have relatively good scratch resistance. Scratches and stains can be buffed out, without the need for an expensive call-out from an expert.

Anything else to consider?

This material provides all the benefits of a high-end stone worktop – durability, visual appeal, ease of maintenance – without the eye-watering cost. Similar to wood, laminate and compact laminate – Solid surface worktops can be cut using standard woodworking tools. In particular, 20mm thick solid surface worktops can be installed straight on top of the kitchen cabinets, which can be even done by keen DIYers – resulting in substantial savings. Unlike quartz – which is predominantly available in gloss finish, solid surface worktops are popular for their satin and in particularly matt finishes.

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] 
https://houseofworktops.co.uk/

Enjoy your kitchen and 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