HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT KITCHEN WORKTOP

Buying the best kitchen worktop for your home can be a daunting task. With so many to choose from, it’s easy to settle for something that turns out not to be the right fit for your kitchen or lifestyle.

The kitchen is the heart of the home, bringing your family together for Christmas, birthdays and Mum’s best Sunday dinner so let’s treat it with the respect it deserves and find a worktop that perfectly matches your kitchen’s style.

So how do know what the ideal kitchen worktop is for you? Well, first of all you need to ask yourself some questions.

1. What is your budget? Kitchen worktops can fit most budgets, but you don’t really want to be scrimping on such a focal point so make sure you can afford exactly what you want.
2. Do I have enough time for the installation? We all lead busy lives, make sure you have the time for your old worktops to be ripped out and replaced.
3. Will I hire a professional to install it or do it myself? Depending on your own level of skill and the type of worktop you choose, it may be possible for you to fit your own. However, make sure you know exactly what you’re doing before you start cutting anything up!
4. Is there a need for a heat resistant worktop in my kitchen? Sure, we’ve all put a hot pan down only to find out that it’s left a mark on our work surface. If you want something that is resistant to heat, make sure you choose the right worktop.
5. Am I good with cleaning and wiping up any spills immediately? Some worktops can be easily damaged through spills, whereas others take a spill in their stride. Choose wisely or it could end up costing you later!
6. How much area have I dedicated for the worktop? Most worktops have a maximum length. If you want your worktop to be in one piece, without any visible joins, make sure you’ve correctly measured your space.
7. What colour and texture do I want? There are almost unlimited choices when it comes to colour and texture, so finding the right one can be a little daunting. Find your style and find something that matches perfectly.

Let’s have a look at the different types of worktops that you can choose from.

CORIAN

Corian is a popular brand in the solid surface worktop market. Solid surface material is produced by mixing plastic resin and bauxite pigments. Once created, it is bonded to a timber substrate to create a solid surface worktop. When it comes to matching the worktop to the kitchen’s theme or design, Corian does a great job. Since it’s not a natural material, you can get it one large sheet to create a “one sheet” worktop that has zero joints or seams.

QUARTZ

Quartz, although a man-made stone, has the durability of natural stone. One of the best things about quartz is that it’s scratch-proof and can easily withstand chipping, which makes it low-maintenance. Quartz has a consistent stone quality, which gives your worktop a more finished look and feel. Also, buying a quartz worktop helps in contributing to the green revolution since it contains waste materials.

CERAMIC

People love ceramic worktops because they’re versatile and hygienic. They’re also easy to match to a particular kitchen theme due to the variety of colours and textures available. What makes ceramic different from quartz and granite is the fact that even though it’s harder than both, it can create a work surface with thickness as less as 10mm. This helps you get that clean, modern and refined look for your worktop and kitchen.

GRANITE

Granite is a highly popular stone choice for worktops. It’s stylish, luxurious and adds a quality feel to the kitchen. It’s also durable and functional — two of the most important qualities you want in a worktop. Since granite is a natural stone, you can choose from many shades and patterns to match your kitchen’s colour scheme. Whether your kitchen is modern or traditional, you will be able to find something in granite that looks both unique and appealing.

STAINLESS STEEL

Stainless steel worktops are used by many restaurants for a reason. They’re highly heat resistant and durable, making them the ideal choice for kitchens with heavy cooking. Stainless steel worktops contain high level of nickel and chromium, which gives them the heat and stain resistant quality. They’re also easy to clean and maintain.

WOOD

A solid wood worktop has the ability to fully transform your kitchen. Whether you have a traditional kitchen or a modern one, these worktops can add natural beauty to the place. For achieving a traditional look, maple, oak and beech work well. For a slightly more exotic feel, Wenge, bamboo and Iroko are excellent choices. What makes wooden worktops unique is they develop a character and an even greater aesthetic appeal over time.

LAMINATE

Laminate worktops are made of high density chipboard and then coated with plastic laminate. Currently, they are the most popular choice for worktops in the UK. They come in various sizes, colours and designs to help you achieve your desired look. There is an array of options available to choose from such as matt, high gloss, honed, riven, standard and riverwash. There are also laminate worktops that mimic other effects such as granite and wood.

GLASS

One of the reasons many people choose to go for a glass worktop is it helps them make a modern design statement. These worktops are sleek, glossy and look super-stylish. What’s more, glass worktops come in a ton of different colours and unique designs. For example, cracked glass worktops are a popular choice with homeowners. Glass worktops can also be heavily customised according to your preferences.

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