Choosing The Right Worktops
Choosing the right worktop for your new kitchen can be a daunting task with so many different materials available on the market. Here we’ll give you a rundown of the most common and their advantages and disadvantages.
Granite
Granite has long been the worktop material of choice for both modern and traditional kitchens. Formed within the earth’s crust from volcanic rock over millions of years, granite is one of the toughest worktop materials on the market. Available in many different colours from white’s through to dark blacks with flecks this naturally occurring stone is machined to suit your particular kitchen.
Advantages include: Very hard wearing, not easily stained, highly scratch and heat resistant (although trivets should always be used), low maintenance, easily cleaned.
Disadvantages include: Can be chipped if something heavy is dropped on it, specialist templating and fitting required
Quartz
Compared to granite quartz is the newcomer of the stone world. Generally composed of around 93% quartz and 7% resin binder, these tops are available in hundreds of colours. Incredibly hard wearing just like granite and generally finished to a high polish. They do require specialist templating and fitting but will last for many, many years.
Advantages: Just like granite very hard wearing and stain resistant, scratch and heat resistant (trivets to be used) and easily cleaned. Prices are generally comparable to granite. Long guarantees offered from certain manufacturers.
Disadvantages: Can be chipped if something heavy is dropped on it, specialist templating and fitting required
Wood
In the right environment wood worktops look amazing. Many species to choose from such as oak, beech, teak, walnut and sapele so there should be something available to match your kitchen. They give a very natural finish and can be fitted on site without full templating. However, you’ve got to watch out for hot pans and staining and they require regular maintenance.
Advantages: Very natural, warm looking finish, beautiful timbers available, softer appearance then stone, prices can be very favourable
Disadvantages: Scratch easily, regular maintenance required, not ideal for sink areas or where standing water may be present, stain easily
