Worktops and Countertops for Kitchens - Buyers Guide to Materials

Worktops and Countertops for Kitchens - Buyers Guide to Materials

The worktop or countertop is not only necessary for a kitchen it is also an integral part of its design. Food preparation can deliver a large amount of wear and tear to the surfaces in the kitchen. Within this article we look at the various materials used for countertops and discuss the reasons for choosing them for your kitchen. Whether its durability, hygiene or cost, you can find both the advantages and disadvantages of each material below.

Laminate Worktops

This in expensive option is a very popular choice for kitchen countertops and it comes in a variety of colors and textures. It isn't that hard wearing and can get scratched or burned, and gets dirty very easily. It is not built to last. If you do choose laminate you can protect your surfaces with trivets and chopping boards.

Advantages

Fairly Inexpensive.

A wide range of colours and patterns to choose from.

Easy to apply fancy edges.

Stain resistant.

Disadvantages

Not wise to use as a cutting surface or to place hot pans upon. Cannot be repaired if it gets damaged. It must get replaced. Noticeable seams because of a dark backing sheet. This is most apparent with light colours.

Granite Worktops

Granite is the most common type of stone used for a countertop. Granite is quarried worldwide, with colors and patterns that reveal the region and the geological conditions that created it. Each slab is unique, with random and inconsistent patterns for a great character and look. It is highly durable, it doesn't scratch or burn, and it keeps its color. Unfortunately Granite is a very expensive material though the finished look is often well worth the cost.

Advantages

A variety of colours of natural stone.
Extremely durable.
Heat resistant and hard to scratch.

Disadvantages

Expensive To prevent staining it will need to be resealed.

Stainless Steel Worktops

Often associated with professional kitchens, stainless steel is stylish and contemporary. Steel is highly durable and can be shaped in many ways to fit your kitchen. The backsplash and the sink can be made out of the same piece of steel, ensuring that there are no awkward corners or gaps for food to get lost in. Stainless steel is hygienic and is the only surface that can be safely bleached.

Advantages

The only surface that can be safely bleached.
Corrosion proof.
Very durable.
Sinks, draining boards and backsplashes can all be fabricated into the counter top.
Heat proof.
All the joints can be polished for a seamless effect (may cost extra).

Disadvantages

Can scratch and dent (though newer designs can include textured finishes that can hide the scratches). A high maintenance option. Expensive.

Wood and Butcher Block Worktops

Wood will always give a great look and add character to your kitchen. On the countertop, however, it is highly susceptible to scratching and cutting. Hot pans will burn it or leave marks, and it can be unhygienic if meat or poultry is prepared on it. However, it is one of the only surfaces that will not damage your knives. Oak, maple, cherry, red beech, walnut, teak, and mahogany are all hardwoods favored for countertop applications.

Advantages

Ideal for cutting on.
Only surface that will not damage your knives.
Very attractive.

Disadvantages

Deep cuts will show but can be sanded out. Hot pans will burn it or leave marks. High maintenance. Use mineral oil to renew surface.

Quartz Surfaces: Zodiaq, Cambria and Silestone Worktops

Quartz delivers a great natural look to any kitchen. It is highly durable being resistant to scratches, stains and heat. However this flexibility comes at a price and you can sometimes encounter prices up to 10% higher than that of granite. Quartz surfaces are hygienic because the material is non-porous and so bacteria and mould have nowhere to hide. Three brands to note of are Zodiaq, Cambria and Silestone. Zodiaq comes in 26 colors and has a 10-year warranty. Cambria is made in the USA and is available in 34 colors which are all the same price. Silestone is made by the Spanish company Consentino and is available in 46 colors.

Advantages

Scratch resistant.
Stain resistant.
Heat Resistant.
Looks great.
Does not need to be resealed every few years (unlike granite).

Disadvantages

Expensive (about 10% more than granite). Set on backsplashes only.

Corian, Avonite and Other Solid Surfaces Worktops

A countertop that consists of a solid plastic all the way through is said to be a solid surface countertop (as opposed to those built up in layers i.e. laminate). They are similar to quartz in that they're also hardwearing. They are resistant to scratches, scorching and heat. If you do manage to do damage to the countertop you can easily repair it. You can expect to spend about three times more than you would for laminate, and twice as much for wood. A wide range of colors and styles are available to choose from and most suppliers will give you a good guarantee. Corian is the most famous brand (has been around for 30 years) Avonite has unique color choices.

Advantages

Large variety of colors and edge styles.

You can create your own design on the deck.

Backsplashes can be any height and coved to deck for a very clean look.

Seams are virtually invisible.

The material is renewable and repairable.

Most all brands offer a full, transferable, 10-year warranty.

Disadvantages

Cost is high when all available options are used.

Barry Dunlop is the Founder of Kitchen-Buyers-Guide.com - The site that promises you lots of tips, advice and help to plan, design and buy your dream kitchen! Find out more at his website: http://www.almostimpartialguide.co.uk/kitc hens.htm

---

Lighting up Your Life

You are visiting a friend that has just had a... Read More

Comparing Types Of Conservatory Blinds

The cost of furnishing a conservatory can catch many people... Read More

What is Injection Waterproofing?

Injection waterproofing is often used to fill and seal cracks... Read More

Ways to Heat Your Water

Water heating optionsWhere you live, as well as the life... Read More

Bathroom Remodeling Ideas

Bathroom remodeling is often a popular home improvement project for... Read More

The Dangers of Pesticides and the EPAs Harrowing Plan to Test Them on Kids

Pesticides are a ubiquitous toxin in our environment. We spray... Read More

Refrigerators Electric Consumption - Lower It In 15 Minutes

I recently had a customer ask for my advise about... Read More

Design Psychology: Beds and Emotional Well-Being

The bed represents the beginning and ending of life. In... Read More

10 Common Uses for Baking Soda

Baking soda is a great household cleaner. Here are ten... Read More

Hardwood Floors: Beautiful, But a Pain to Keep Clean

Hardwood Floors are beautiful to look at and expensive to... Read More

Styles And Varieties Of Locking Mailboxes For Sale

Locking mailboxes made from durable, weatherproof materials are highly desirable... Read More

How to Design a Lighting Plan

You are doing a remodel and know that you want... Read More

Avoiding Leaks When Installing Vinyl Retrofit Windows

These days a lot of homeowners are replacing their old... Read More

Professional Asphalt Paving Contractors In California

Choosing an asphalt paving contractor can be a major event... Read More

Ridding Your Home of Geopathic Stress

Just as there are solar magnetic stresses that come from... Read More

What is Wire EDM?

What exactly is wire electrical discharge machining, also referred to... Read More

Used But Not Used Up

Some DIY Maintence will put Used tools back in Main... Read More

How Stained Glass Can Add Elegance To Your Home

If there is one way to throw a new light... Read More

Is It Time For Solar Energy to Get Hot?

Solar energy has been around for quite a while and... Read More

Electrical Savings System; Save up to 40% on Your Electric Bill Every Month

Once a month there's an electric bill coming in the... Read More

?5 Fast Ideas to Freshen the Look of your Room

"Company's coming and my place doesn't look right?"You know how... Read More

Carbon Monoxide Can Be Deadly--Early Detection Monitors Make It Easy to Protect Your Family

If you burn gas, kerosene, or wood in your home... Read More

Interior Design For Couples

Interior design for couples is one of the hottest, most... Read More

How to Care for Laminate Flooring

It's hard to damage and easy to care for laminate... Read More

Log Home Basics

As we start to research log homes, it quickly becomes... Read More

Planning Permission Tips Uk - How To Select A Property to Extend or Develop

Many people purchasing a property for their main home actually... Read More

Removing Your Old Sliding Glass Door

Last week I explained how to measure your existing sliding... Read More

Get Your Home Ready To Sell

Have you been considering selling your home in the near... Read More

Strapping a Ceiling

Prior to hanging sheetrock to ceiling joists it is important... Read More

Color Help: Choosing Color Combinations

Choosing a color scheme can be a nerve-wracking business. For... Read More

Reduce Your Heating Bills This Winter - Overlooked Sources of Heat Loss in the Home

Imagine leaving a window open all winter long ? the... Read More

Summer Is Here! Consider Tackling Key Home Improvement Projects While The Weather Is Good!

Summer time means barbeques, baseball, camping, and yes, Home Improvement... Read More

How To Find Cat Mailboxes

You can add a personal touch to your home or... Read More