The Complete Guide To Choosing The Best Kitchen Worktops

February 21, 2022

Are you in the process of renovating your kitchen and are looking for the best material for your worktops? Or perhaps you're just starting to think about it and have lots of questions? When it comes to kitchen renovations, the worktops/countertops are a vital feature that can make or break the look and functionality of your kitchen.

This article will discuss the different types of worktops and help you decide which is best for your home kitchen. Keep reading for more information!

Things to Consider Before Purchasing a Kitchen Worktop

Finding the right kitchen worktop for your home can be challenging. With so many options, it's tempting to settle with something that doesn't work in your kitchen or lifestyle.

Let's give the kitchen the respect it deserves and pick a worktop that properly complements your kitchen's design. When shopping for a kitchen countertop, here are a few things to keep in mind.

Lifestyle

Do you cook a lot or not so much? Some countertop selections are better suited for your kitchen than others, depending on your way of life. A white granite countertop may not be the most excellent choice if you live in an active household where there are a lot of spills and accidents in the kitchen.

Try to consider how your kitchen will be utilized when choosing a countertop material because some materials are more porous or more vulnerable to cracks and chipping. This will aid in figuring out how long the countertop's surface will need to last.

Budget

How much money are you willing to spend on your countertop? How much can you be willing to spend when remodeling your kitchen?

If your budget is limited to a few hundred dollars, laminate or wood worktops are the likely options. Granite is the most popular material for kitchen worktops these days, but it's not always affordable. If you're looking to make your budget stretch further, quartz can offer outstanding performance in all areas and has an attractive appearance–and is long-lasting too!

The Best and Most-Suitable Material

When you're in the market for a new kitchen, it's essential to consider what type of surface will work best.

Are there many uses, and do you need something with scratch-resistant capabilities? How sturdily should your worktop stand up against various tasks like boiling water or cooking fried eggs on top (without burning)?

Timber may be beautiful if you take care of it. Compact surfaces, also known as porcelain composites, are a good option if you're looking for something a little more durable. The bottom line is you should choose a long-lasting, easy-to-clean countertop that’s suitable for your kitchen use.

Preferred Kitchen Style

Choosing a kitchen worktop can significantly impact the overall look and feel of the space.

Knowing what kitchen style you want can help you decide what material to purchase for your worktop.

Marble is a trendy choice in conventional and contemporary kitchens because of its magnificent and opulent appearance. On the other hand, concrete or stainless steel worktops give an industrial feel to your kitchen. Traditional kitchens mostly use a mix of natural stone, metal, and solid wood.

Depending on your preference, you can mix and match depending on your preferred kitchen style.

Picking the Right Size

When deciding which worktop is right for your kitchen, one factor to consider is the size of space you have.

Most tops have a maximum length so if you measure the width and height in feet or meters before looking at other options—this will help rule some things down that may not be suitable because their dimensions exceed what could fit into any given area!

Maintenance

Maintenance of your worktops is vital to longevity. If you're a busy family who doesn't have time for this extra chore, consider materials that require less sealing, like stainless steel.

Stainless steel is the easiest countertop material to maintain because it doesn’t require sealing and refinishing. The best part is that it is the most hygienic among all kitchen worktops because it doesn’t absorb bacteria like wood or laminate.

Ask Experts

When deciding about renovating your kitchen, take the time needed for research and consideration. An expert can help you choose between various materials that will meet both functions needs and appearance standards in terms of color or shape while staying within budget!

Most Common Kitchen Worktop Materials

Different materials have different benefits and drawbacks, so choosing one to meet your needs is essential. So, whether you're looking for durability, maintenance-free, or something else entirely, these are some of the most common kitchen worktop materials:

Granite

Granite worktops are perfect for any kitchen. They're luxurious, high-end, and long-lasting—all qualities you want in your appliances! They look great and match the rest of the design details of the kitchen.

Granites can be chosen from various patterns or colors, so there's always something new to try out, no matter how traditional it may seem at first glance.

Granite Worktops Advantages:

They save you money because they are long-lasting and do not lose value.
They can withstand the heat of anything hot.
They are not only hygienic but also effortless to clean.

Granite Worktops Disadvantages:

They cannot be repaired once damaged.
They are heavy and require full support from the cabinets after installation.
They are porous and must be sealed at least once every two years.

How to Clean Granite: Use warm water, detergent, and a microfiber cloth to clean the surfaces. Avoid using acidic cleaners.

Quartz

Quartz is the perfect stone for your kitchen countertop. Not only does it give an appealing finish that's less likely to chip or crack than other stones, but you can also recycle them into new products

Quartz Worktops Advantages:

They come in various colors and textures.
Non-porous, non-sealed, very stain resistant.
Sturdy and resilient—made of 93% natural quartz stone and 7% resin bending

Quartz Worktops Disadvantages:

They can't take much heat.
They are more costly than their alternatives. Aside from the initial costs, a professional installation will be more expensive.
They have a more contemporary look than natural.

How to Clean Quartz: To clean, simply use soap, water, and a soft cloth.

Ceramic

Ceramic worktops are popular because they are versatile and hygienic. The variety of colors and textures available are also simple to match a specific kitchen theme.

Ceramic is different from quartz and granite in that it can provide work surfaces as thin as 1cm thick. This gives your workstation and kitchen a clean, modern, and refined look.

Ceramic Worktops Advantages:

They already have a lovely, sophisticated design
They are less expensive than their rivals and last for years.
They're heat and moisture-resistant.

Ceramic Worktops Disadvantages:

Their surface is uneven and prone to scratches.
They can break if struck hard—non-repairable
The tile grout joints might be challenging to maintain.

How to Clean Ceramic: Mix 1/4 cup bleach in 2 cups water in a spray bottle. Spray the bleach solution on the tile countertop, including the grout lines if applicable. Let the bleach solution rest for 5-10 minutes. Wipe it with damp soft cloth after.

Glass

Glass countertops have quickly become a popular choice for homeowners looking to upgrade their kitchens. Their greatest asset is their adaptability.

They have back-painted glass, crushed glass, textured glass, and even glass with LED. There are many reasons to choose glass countertops.

Glass Worktops Advantages:

They are strong, heat, and water-resistant.
They can be cut to size/shape to fit the kitchen's design and are non-fading.
They prevent staining and mold growth, making them hygienic.

Glass Worktops Disadvantages:

Their strength can be compromised by excessive weight on the corners.
Highly acidic foods (like tomato) or harsh cleaners can damage the surface.
Compared to granite and quartz, they can be heavy and expensive.

How to Clean Glass: To avoid streaking, always use distilled water when cleaning glass. Vinegar is also a non-streaky cleaning solution and a low-cost alternative. For stains and spills, use soap water and a soft cloth! There's no need to rush because spills on glass will not stain because glass is a non-porous medium.

Corian

Corian is a well-known solid surface worktop brand. Plastic resin and bauxite pigments are mixed to make a solid surface. It is then bonded to a wood substrate to form a solid surface worktop.

Corian is great at matching the worktop to the kitchen's theme or design. Since it's not natural, you can get it in one big sheet for a seamless "one sheet" worktop.

Corian Worktops Advantages:

Not having a chipboard core allows for design flexibility.
This makes them hygienic and resistant to dirt/bacteria. No joints to trap germs either.
You can easily remove minimal scratches and marks with regular cleaning products.

Corian Worktops Disadvantages:

Abrasions and scratches accumulate over time, degrading the satin finish.
It is more expensive than other solid surface worktops despite its design flexibility.
They are less heat resistant than granite and quartz

How to Clean Corian: Moisten a cloth and apply regular cleaning spray and scrub pad as needed. After cleaning, rinse and dry completely. A degreaser will also remove grease stains.

Wood

A solid wood worktop can completely revamp your kitchen. These worktops can enhance the beauty of any kitchen, whether you’re going for a traditional or modern.

Conventional woods like maple, oak, and beech work well. Wenge, bamboo, and Iroko are excellent choices for an exotic feel. Wooden worktops have a distinct character and aesthetic appeal that develops over time.

Wood Worktops Advantages:

A little TLC keeps them in good shape.
They are solid and can be sanded if damaged.
They're naturally antimicrobial.

Wood Worktops Disadvantages:

They are less expensive but require regular maintenance.
They require periodic lubrication to avoid water damage.
They can't handle hot pans or dishes. You also can't cut directly on the surface.

How to Clean Wood: Remove stains and burns by sanding with the grain. Annually apply a thin coat of oil to keep the wood from drying out.

Laminate

Laminate worktops are constructed of high density chipboard that has been laminated with plastic. They are currently the most popular worktop material in the United State.

They are available in a variety of sizes, colors, and designs to help you achieve the look you want. Matt, high gloss, honed, riven, standard, and riverwash are just a few of the options available. There are laminate worktops that look like granite or wood.

Laminate Worktops Advantages:

Their price is reasonable and can easily fit into your budget.
Their waterproof surface makes cleaning up spills simple.
They are easily installed without a professional.

Laminate Worktops Disadvantages:

Sharp or heavy objects can harm them.
Hot pans can leave scorch marks on surfaces.
They don't always go with Belfast or under-mount sinks.

How to Clean Laminate: Use a mild detergent and a nylon brush to clean the surface.

Stainless Steel

Many restaurants use stainless steel worktops for a good reason. As a result, they are ideal for heavy-duty kitchens. High nickel and chromium content gives stainless steel worktops heat and stain resistance. Plus, they're also simple to clean.

Stainless Steel Worktop Advantages:

Unlike natural stones, they are non-porous and will not stain or harbor germs.
They withstand both heat and water. No liquid can get through the material.
They're easy to install and custom-made to match your kitchen's design.

Stainless Steel Worktops Disadvantages:

They are not scratch-proof and will accumulate scratches over time.
They can get dents if not cared for properly.
They make noise.

How to Clean Stainless Steel: Clean the surface using a soft sponge and warm water to avoid scuffs and scratches. After cleaning the surface, dry it with a microfibre cloth to prevent water spots.

Conclusion

So, what’s the best kitchen worktop for you and your home? It really depends on your lifestyle, budget, and preferences.

No matter which material you choose, always make sure to get the right size and style that will fit in your kitchen. We know it can be tough to decide with so many options available, and we hope this post has guided you in making your choice.

What kitchen worktop do you consider having? Let us know in the comments.