There are countless worktop options to choose from, and the right one can reinvigorate your kitchen. It should be durable and functional, and match your design aesthetics.
Prioritising functionality is essential, and this should include choosing a material with robust resistance to stains, heat, and scratches. Visit showrooms to visually assess different materials and request samples before choosing your kitchen worktops.
Durability
The worktop is a key part of any kitchen and the material and colour it’s made from will have a significant impact on the overall aesthetic. Choosing the right one for your home is essential, but it can be tricky to know what will suit.
If you’re a keen cook or host you might want a hard-wearing material that resists scratches and stains from hot pans. Natural stone is popular as it’s beautiful and hard-wearing but can be expensive, while man-made composites like quartz are affordable and come in a wide range of colours and patterns.
Maintenance
If your kitchen is a space where appliances like kettles and coffee machines are always in use, it’s important that the worktop is able to cope with daily wear and tear. Larger items should be stored in cupboards, but smaller items can still be kept on the worktop if it’s easy to access and is practical for your lifestyle.
Wooden worktops can look great in traditional and country style kitchens, especially oak which ages well. Other popular species include walnut, iroko and maple. These natural worktops are hygienic, warm and create gentler acoustics than harder materials.
Aesthetics
The worktop is a key feature in any kitchen. It can completely alter the aesthetic and feeling of the space. Designers at John Lewis of Hungerford advise choosing a surface that not only reflects your style, but suits the way you use your kitchen too.
For example, wood worktops offer warmth, a natural look and can be easily oiled to keep them looking good. But, if you’re someone who likes to put hot pans down, you may want a more durable material such as granite or quartz that can withstand scratches and heat.
Budget
Kitchen worktops should not be seen as a cost-cutting option but should be a key consideration in any kitchen renovation project. With advances in technology providing incredibly tough materials suitable for the busiest family homes, there is now a wide choice for every budget.
Solid wood – oak, walnut and iroko are popular choices – is warm and welcoming to a kitchen and will add character as it ages. A timber worktop will also be kinder to delicate crockery than other harder surfaces.