Kitchen worktops are high-working areas and as such they need to be made of quality, durable materials. There are so many types of kitchen worktops today that choosing the right match for your kitchen can quickly turn into a challenge and even a nightmare.
These are made of two or more materials, which improves their features and durability. Quartz (or engineered stone) and Corian are the two most popular options here and they are both man-made.
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Thanks to their improved features, composite worktops are ideal for every nook and cranny in the kitchen.
Quartz is relatively maintenance-free. Corian countertops should be cleaned more often. Do ensure they are dry at all times.
Cleaning composite worktops is simple. Simply spritz some soap or cleaning solution on the surface and wipe away with a damp cloth. For limescale marks, you may want to use a special product. Rinse and dry.
Quartz kitchen worktops are resilient. They are non-porous and require minimum maintenance. There is an extensive palette of colours to choose from. Corian can assume any shape when cut down. It’s easy to clean.
Quartz is sensitive to chemicals. Corian doesn’t cope well in heat. It’s not resistant to scratches either.
Granite is an expensive material that creates a feeling of elegance and luxury. It has been used in building for many years and it will not likely go out of fashion any time soon. In fact, if you want to give the heart of your home a timeless appeal, granite kitchen worktop is what you need.
So, granite belongs to the group of solid surface worktops and is quite durable. Thus, it can be a great addition to any kitchen, whether you are going for the floors, stair treads, or the worktops. Now, since we are on the topic of kitchen worktops, we ought to say granite can be used for food preparation. It’s resistant to scratches. If your hand slips while cutting onions and the knife brushes the surface, you can rest assured no damage will be done.
Being porous, granite should stay away from moisture. This means it’s a bad decision to pop granite worktops in the sink section. It is ideal to implement them in kitchen islands and other surfaces around the kitchen.
Granite can absorb liquids if they sit on it for too long due to its porous nature. For this reason, it requires sealing twice a year. Also, any spills should be removed instantaneously.
To keep this kitchen worktop clean at all times, you should give it a quick wipe down using a microfiber cloth and some soapy water. Don’t let it stay wet for too long, though. You may also stick with a cleaning solution that is specifically designed for granite surfaces. There are various brands in stores these days. Use whatever works for you.
Some people go with a hand-held steamer but it may not be a good idea. Granite does not tackle heat very well, so refrain from this activity or at least don’t do it way too often. Whatever you choose, remember to avoid using harsh chemicals on granite kitchen worktops.
Timeless. Durable and resistant to scratches. Impervious to bacteria if sealed well. Resistant to heat. Low maintenance. Easy to clean.
They can crack if you put heavy objects on top. They are quite heavy. They are more porous than slate worktops. They can get expensive - there are many variables that determine the price but it starts from £300 per square metre.
Marble is a natural stone obtained from limestone rock or sedimentary dolomite. Since it adds a luxurious touch to any place, you want a piece of it in your home. It’s bright and smooth, soothing to both the eyes and mind. The only trouble is that it’s porous. It’s only natural to be wondering whether it’s a good kitchen worktop option. The answer is both yes and no. It depends on what you want to use it for.
As far as kitchen worktops are concerned, marble kitchen worktops can be two types: honed and polished. Starting with honed marble, it has a matte finish achieved through sanding. This causes more pores to form on the surface. On the other hand, polished marble is a little bit more resistant to staining.
Marble is best used on kitchen islands and around the stove. It’s a bad conductor of heat, which means it will stay cool no matter what. Because of this specific feature, a stone kitchen worktop is perfect for working dough, as the chances of overheating are slim to none.
Being porous, granite should stay away from moisture. This means it’s a bad decision to pop granite worktops in the sink section. It is ideal to implement them in kitchen islands and other surfaces around the kitchen.
The surface of this natural stone has pores and can let liquids seep in. Again, this is something you don’t want on your kitchen worktops, especially if you hope for them to hold up for years. To give marble the protection it needs, you have to use a sealing product every now and then. It is wise to consult a professional about it.
All it takes is a damp cloth, you don’t even need some special solution to keep marble spic-and-span. The surface is smooth and it’s easy to remove any stains or spills. To make it shine, use a squirt of stone polish on it and finish with a dry cloth.
Do not use lemon juice, vinegar, or other acidic substances to clean your marble kitchen worktops. Unlike granite, they are not resistant to acids. That being said, if you accidentally spill juice onto the surface, don’t hesitate to clean straight away or else it may cause damage.
It can stand the test of time, both when it comes to modern trends and longevity. It’s easy to cut. Each piece is truly unique. It’s resistant to heat. It offers the ideal surface for baking. It’s easy to clean.
Honed marble worktops are susceptible to staining but not to scratching. Polished marble scratches easily but repels stains. Marble is more porous than a slate kitchen worktop and requires sealing twice a year at the very best. It’s a little harsh on the wallet: £500 per square metre. Truth be told, every type is different and you may be able to negotiate a better price. It’s not as durable as quartz kitchen countertops.
There are loads of types of kitchen worktops, from modern to classic, high maintenance versus little maintenance, expensive versus affordable. They come in a wide variety of styles, colours, and designs, so it’s absolutely possible to find the perfect materials for your dream kitchen.
Keep in mind that the notion of best kitchen worktop varies slightly from household to household because everyone has different needs and goals. What is good for some may be useless for others. So, hopefully, the detailed info in this post has helped you figure out the exact surface you want for your cooking area. Good luck!