There are many different types of kitchen worktops you can choose in your kitchen design, all with their own benefits and drawbacks. The choice of materials for countertops depends on your style, your kitchen budget and your individual priorities. Considerations such as durability, weight, look and price should all be factored in.
If you love the idea of a natural countertop in the kitchen, but don’t want to deal with the concerns of porous, easily scratched stones, think of dark granite. If money is not an issue, granite countertops are a good choice, especially if you want a countertop with a more natural look than typical quartz worktops.
Stainless steel looks good, and is a good choice to create an industrial aesthetic in your home but some may see it as too commercial looking. They are durable and hygienic whilst having the added bonus of being able to chop directly on the worktop without a chopping board.
Quartz worktops are relatively hard wearing, comes in a variety of patterns, colours and veining and is mid-range in terms of pricing.
Hardwood is another beautiful kitchen countertop material that is beautiful and eye-catching but requires regular maintenance and is only really suited to more traditional kitchen designs.
Porcelain products like dekton or neolith are very hard-wearing. They are heat resistant, scratch proof and stain resistant – perfect for kitchens where deep coloured spices like turmeric are being used. The cons of porcelain though, are that they are quite brittle (due to the way it is made) and more costly than other worktop options.
If you have a really tight budget, you might want to consider placing the countertop in a hard-working area like around the hob or range cooker. For example, you can install more expensive countertops in busy work areas such as the sink or hob, or mix and match them with cheaper countertops in other areas.
