What are the best kitchen worktops?

What are the pros of granite worktops?

• It’s a hardwearing material - granite promises durability and longevity, which is ideal for kitchens that get a lot of use
• Antibacterial properties - this option is naturally resistant to bacteria, making it safe for the whole family
• Adds value to your home - granite worksurfaces are sought after and can increase your overall property value
• Great colour selection - there’s a huge choice when it comes to colour and design
• Heat-resistant - like quartz, granite is considered to be heat-resistant (but using trivets is still recommended)
  
  

How do I look after granite worktops?

Taking care of your granite kitchen is relatively easy, and surfaces can be cleaned with a soft cloth, warm water and mild soap/specialised granite sprays. Make sure you use cleaning solutions that are pH-balanced and avoid applying harsh chemicals or abrasive sponges. 

What are the pros of marble worktops?

• The look of luxury - marble kitchens are often seen as an aspirational feature in home design, making them a popular choice for kitchen upgrades
• Timeless beauty - when looked after in the right way, the quality and appearance of marble endures a lifetime 
• Increases home value - the modern marble kitchen is sought-after by buyers, so can help to boost the saleability of your property
• Affordable options available - there are marble countertops in the mid to high price range, meaning you could get a premium look for less
• Loved by chefs - a marble countertop naturally stays cool, making it ideal for rolling dough or pasta 

How do I look after marble worktops?

While it’s one of the best kitchen worktops for luxury seekers, the downside is that marble is a porous stone and can stain. It can also scratch if you’re not careful, making it a tricky option for busy family kitchens. Sealing is typically recommended every year. 

To clean, avoid acidic cleaners and opt for gentle pH-neutral solutions instead.

Corian worktops

Manmade from 1/3 acrylic resin and 2/3 natural minerals, Corian has a solid surface and looks great in a variety of colours. Corian is actually a brand name, but the term is commonly used to refer to any type of solid worktop containing polymer and natural minerals.

While Corian countertops will have visible seams when the surface area is particularly large (or if it has an irregular shape), most kitchens can get away with a seamless look. 

How much do Corian worktops cost?

Price range: ££

The cost of Corian kitchen worktops is lower than granite and more expensive than laminate, giving you an affordable mid-range option with hundreds of colours and styles to choose from. 

What are the pros of Corian worktops?

• A wide choice of designs - you’ll find a wide range of modern colours and patterns to match your home’s aesthetics 
• Non-porous surface - unlike natural stone, Corian surfaces will not need sealing every year
• Wireless charging - Corian can be used to conduct electricity, which gives you the option of adding wireless charging features for phones and tablets 
• Will not fade - being resistant to sunlight, Corian maintains colour opacity and will not fade or discolour over time
• A durable option - generally, this material is hard-wearing and will last for years to come 

How do I look after Corian worktops?

One of the disadvantages of Corian worktops is that they can be prone to dents and scratches. It’s also not as heat resistant as quartz, granite or marble so always use trivets for hot pans and baking trays. Clean the surface with warm, soapy water or an ammonia-based household solution. 

Ceramic worktops

Often selected as an alternative to marble, ceramic worktops offer the same high-end finish but with a glossy or clay-like surface. The overall look is contemporary, giving your kitchen area a clean and modern aesthetic. 

How much do ceramic worktops cost?

Price range: ££-£££

Due to the complex manufacturing process, ceramic can be expensive like quartz or marble. However, as it’s a low-maintenance material, it’s a worthwhile investment that will prove to be cost-effective over time. 

What are the pros of ceramic worktops?

• Similar to marble - you can get beautiful ceramic worktops with marble-inspired finishes 
• Slimline and seamless - you can get thinner-looking slabs with a thickness starting from as little as 10mm
• Highly durable - ceramic creates hard-wearing kitchen worktops that are heat and moisture resistant
• Does not need sealing - compared to marble, ceramic worktops are much easier to care for

How do I look after ceramic worktops?

Although ceramic is a low-maintenance option, it can still be prone to scratches. To maintain the condition of your worktops, avoid using highly acidic cleaners or detergents containing bleach. Opt for a microfibre cloth over abrasive sponges to prevent scratching.

Laminate worktops

Made with a plastic overlay and design layer bonded to man-made board, laminate kitchen worktops can mimic just about any finish. Whether you dream of weathered wood or lavish marble, laminate can achieve a similar style without the high cost.

How much do laminate worktops cost?

Price range: £

As the most affordable kitchen worktop on the market, laminate is a good choice for anyone with a more modest budget. 

What are the pros of laminate worktops?

• Water-resistant - laminate counters are easy to maintain due to them being resistant to moisture 
• Antibacterial properties - this is a highly practical option that doesn’t harbour germs, making it safe for the whole family 
• Can mimic other materials - if you still want to add a designer element to your kitchen, choose laminate that is made to look like more expensive worktops
• Versatile - laminate worktops suit any style of home, ranging from contemporary to the more traditional 
• Highly durable - benefit from low-cost yet hard-wearing kitchen worktops that won’t easily scratch or crack

How do I look after laminate worktops?

Despite promising strength and durability, laminate can peel and may even burn or melt if exposed to extreme heat. To prevent damage, keep work surfaces dry and always use trivets when placing hot cookware down. 

What are the pros of wood worktops?

• Different styles to choose from - timber worktops come in a variety of wood grains and colours to match your home 
• Antibacterial properties - if maintained properly, wooden counters can offer antibacterial benefits
• Timeless design - not only do wooden worktops coordinate with both classic and contemporary homes, but they age well, giving you a beautiful kitchen now and in the future

How do I look after wood worktops?

Unlike some of the other man-made materials out there, wood requires bi-annual maintenance with oil products - this will prevent rotting and discolouration. Clean with a soft cloth and warm water after every use, and make sure trivets are placed down to avoid splitting or warping.