Your worktop is often the first thing people notice, making it the focal point of your kitchen. When choosing which material to use for your worktops it can be difficult to know where to start, with so many different styles and finishes available.
Start by considering the aesthetics- do you want something neutral to fit into an already colourful kitchen design? Do you want a colour that blends in with your cabinets, or that provides an attractive contrast? As well as thinking about how it will look, you also need to consider the longevity of the material you are choosing. Are you happy to invest something that will stay the same for years to come? Do you want the inexpensive option, or the worktop that is easiest to maintain?
To help you answer some of these questions, we’ve summed up the pros and cons of each worktop material.
Marble
This natural material is available in a range of different colours and patterns, and provides a smooth surface that won’t chip or dent. Marble is also heat-resistant which makes it great if you love to cook. The downsides of choosing marble for your worktops? It can be expensive, and it is not the most durable option as it can be scratched or damaged if exposed to acids such as alcohol or certain cleaning products.
Granite
Granite is a popular worktop material as it is more durable than marble. One of the best choices if you want a low-maintenance style, it won’t scratch and is resistant to stains and spillages. Arizona tile Granite slabs (or similar options from where you live) can also add value to your house, so they would be a worthy investment. The main downside? The price- granite is one of the more expensive options.
Timber
Timber provides your kitchen with a warm and homely appearance. The strengths of this worktop material are that timber is naturally antibacterial, and more affordable than some other popular worktop styles. Although wooden worktops are durable, they should not be used for cutting on directly. They also require regular maintenance to keep them looking their best.
Tiles
Using tiles to top your worktops is a good option if you want something that is easy to install. Choose tiles designed for use in the kitchen to ensure they are heat and moisture-resistant. Problems associated with tiled worktops are an uneven work surface, and more maintenance than other options- tiles can crack or chip, and grout can be hard to keep clean. If you wish to have tiles work in kitchen, then you could look at e-stores such as TilesHub and similar others to find your desired design along with your needed feature!
Laminate
Laminate worktops are a great option if you are looking to keep costs low as they are inexpensive and easy to maintain. Laminates come in lots of colour options, and are usually stain resistant. The cons of choosing laminate are that it isn’t heatproof and once damaged it is difficult to repair.
Stainless steel
Most often seen in industrial kitchens, steel is becoming more popular in homes thanks to its durability and resistance to stains and spills. Steel is easy to clean and maintain so it is perfect for a busy kitchen. The downsides are that steel is prone to scratches, and can quickly look dirty.