Choosing your kitchen worktop will be one of the most important decisions you make when designing your new kitchen. Many factors will be determining your choice from function to affordability. Modern kitchen companies will provide you with a range of worktop solutions to fit any budget and kitchen aesthetic, some of the most popular worktop choices currently are Solid Wood, Laminate, Granite, and Quartz each providing their unique benefits.
Factors You Should Consider
Worktop Cost
Worktop costs will vary dependant on quality, many kitchen companies will provide you with options to suit any budget with laminate worktops being the cheapest and Quartz being the most expensive. When it comes to worktop costs it is often the better materials will be the most expensive options. While more affordable choices such as Laminate worktops will degrade quicker and need to be replaced sooner than their Quartz or Granite alternatives.
Worktop Size
The size and shape of your worktop may dictate your material choice for example if you are having curved worktops or islands then a Hard Wood worktop will be out of the question, and you may be looking at Granite as your ideal option. If your kitchen layout is going to be rectangular then any worktop material will be ideal. However, if you are planning on having long worktops then material such as Quartz will be significantly more expensive.
Its Function
Most importantly consider what you will be doing on your worktops and your cooking style if you use sharp knives and place pans on your surfaces without protection then you will be needing a surface that is completely scratch, stain and heat resistant. Alternatively, if you use chopping boards and heat mats then options such as Hard Wood and Laminate are much more viable.
Your Overall Kitchen Design
A huge factor when considering your worktop choose will be the aesthetic design of your kitchen. Your worktop choice can make or break the general feel of the kitchen you are going for. Solid Wood worktops are perfect for traditionally designed kitchens or “farm style” kitchens with the natural wood giving you that timeless and homely feel. If you are going for a more minimalistic kitchen then clean surfaces such as Quartz or Granite can be ideal for clean modern handless kitchens.
The Pros & Cons of Worktop Choices
Hardwood
Hardwood worktops are timeless and completement any kitchen style with wood effects improving their aesthetic with age. Wood worktops do require more maintenance however with stains and damage being an issue. Any wood worktops will need to be sealed every few years to protect them from water damage.
Pros of Hard Wood Worktops
- Timeless Design
- Looks Better with Age
- More Affordable Than Granite or Quartz
- Long Lasting
- Highly Durable
Cons of Hard Wood Worktops
- Can Be Easily Damaged
- Can Be Susceptible to Stains
- Will Require More Maintenance
- They Will Need To Be Sealed To Protect From Water
- Harder To Keep Clean
Granite Worktops
Granite worktops are incredibly durable making them heat and scratch resistant. They are much mor affordable than Quartz worktops while still offering a stunningly unique aesthetic with the resins giving each piece of granite a truly unique pattern.
Pros of Granite Worktops
- Cheaper Than Quartz
- Unique Aesthetic
- Can Be Cut into a Vareiy of Shapes
- Scratch & Heat Resistant
- Multiple Colour Choices Available
Cons of Granite Worktops
- Not as Stain Resistant as Other Hardwearing Materials
- If Damaged Repairing is Very Costly
- Occasional Resealing Required
Quartz Worktops
Quartz Worktops exude elegance and are by far the most durable worktop solution with each piece singularly cut from the rock, quartz worktops are unique and provide you with a worktop surface that will last for decades to come.
Pros of Quartz Worktops
- The Most Durable Worktop Material
- Each Piece is Unique
- Will Last for Decades
- Scratch, Stain & Heat Resistance
- Very Little Maintenance Required
- Can Increase the Value of Your Home
Cons of Quartz Worktops
- By Far The Most Expensive
- Not Easily Replaced
Laminate Worktops
Laminate worktops are by far the cheapest worktop solution. They will provide you with a beautiful surface that can come in a wide variety of colours and patterns. They are however easily stained and damaged not lasting you very long.
The Pros of Laminate Worktops
- Huge Selection of Design & Colours
- Very Affordable
- Can Mimic Other Materials Aesthetics’
- Cheap Enough to Replace if Damaged
The Cons of Laminate Worktops
- They Are the Least Durable Option
- Prone To Chips, Cracks, Pealing & Heat Damage
- Look Cheaper Than Natural Stone Alternatives
- Easily Scratched
- Will Require Yearly Sealing to Protect from Water
Requires Continual Maintenance
In Conclusion
When deciding upon your worktop you will without doubt find a choice that fits within your budget with Laminate being the cheapest and Quartz being the most expensive. With many homeowners across the UK the aesthetics of their kitchen will dictate their worktop choice. Be sure to consider how much your worktop will be used and what it will be used for prior to making your decision. Paramount Kitchens are always here to advise you further on any of your kitchen worktop questions. If you are considering a new kitchen then contact Paramount Kitchens today for a free no obligation consultation.
Kitchen Finance Available
Join the thousands of homeowners around Liverpool who are choosing finance options to renovate their kitchen. Competitive finance rates make it easier than ever to get a high-quality kitchen for affordable repayments. Paramount Kitchens offer a complete kitchen finance package, learn more about that here.