Our Simple, Easy Guide to Choosing Your Perfect Kitchen Worktop_
With a wide variety of kitchen worktops out there, we know how difficult it can be to choose the right material that will work best for your kitchen. You may have a family or limited space or budget, and the look and durability might also be important to you. This runs down the most popular worktop materials around at the moment, and it will help you choose what’s best for your kitchen design.
MARBLE
Marble is one of the most elegant and timeless materials out there, and right now it’s everywhere! What many people don’t realise is that marble may not the best option for their kitchen. This natural stone doesn’t really react well to stains unless sealed, and requires resealing every 3-6 months. It’s worth thinking about wear and tear too when it comes to mable, as annoying scratches can be easily repaired by a professional, but a crack might involve having to replace the entire slab. We definitely wouldn’t recommend marble for heavy duty kitchens as result.
In terms of style, marble does comes in a wide variety of incredible, jaw-dropping finishes though. As it’s natural, one marble slab will never be the same as the next one; which makes it a unique material. It might not be the easiest or cheapest material to maintain but it certainly is the most dramatic and eye-catching. We suggest looking into marble tile alternatives as some are so realistic, it’s hard to tell from the real thing.
GRANITE
Granite is beautiful natural stone and offers a more neutral selection when it comes to finishes, making it a popular choice in kitchens. Granite is porou like marble, so needs to be sealed upon installation. One advantage granite has over marble is that it’s less prone to scratching and cracking; and can withstand heat much better. It can be an expensive as other stones finishes, so be careful not to go crazy with it if you love the look of natural stone. Granite requires a lot less maintenance overall, and the ideal choice for high-traffic kitchens and those who want a dominant kitchen island in the centre of their room.
QUARTZ
This material is a great choice for those looking for a more durable yet just as sophisticated. It’s a man-made engineered stone created by using 90% ground quartz (a natural hard mineral) with 8-10% resins, polymers, and pigments. This makes it resistant to staining and scratching, though it can be much less heat-resistant than granite and marble. We highly recommend applying quartz worktops if you are a messy cook in the kitchen. Quartz the cheapest option if you are optiing for stone and comes in an unlimited variety of finishes, which is great if you are looking to get creative with your kitchen.
WOOD
Wood is warm and adds a natural beauty into any kitchen. A versatile material as it looks great in any traditional or contemporary kitchen. Wood does requires more maintenance than any other worktop material on the market, as it needs to be sealed and treated regularly with mineral oil and other protectants. Damage can occur if water sits on the surface too long, as it can seep into seams. It comes a huge variety of finishes depending on the type of wood, darker options include Mahogany, Teak and Walnut, with lighter versions from Ash, Pine and Oak. One thing is certain, wood will add lot of character to your kitchen and ensure the look of your interior design lasts for years, perhaps even decades.
CONCRETE
If you are looking for a truly unique material, concrete might be your best bet. Not a lot of people’s first choice but I guarantee it is absolutely stunning if used well, and it fast becoming a favourite at the moment. It’s no surprise, it is a very strong material, but it’s worth noting it’s not very water friendly. Concrete needs to be sealed upon installation and resealed every 1-3 years, and can end up being quite expensive. This can turn off some homeowners but if you have the budget why not opt for this contemporary, verstatil material which goes well with those going for Mid-Century, Industrial or Scandi looks to their home.
STAINLESS STEEL
Many of us think stainless steel countertops are associated with industrial heavy-duty kitchens in restaurants. The reason for this is that this countertop material is super strong, waterproof, heat and acid resistant. Stainless steel can be prone to scratching, so those with cats or dogs who like to jump up on counters with their sharp claws beware! This wear and tear over time can add to the worn-in look though, if that’s your thing. If you want to avoid potential scratches all together, go for a matt finish version. Stainless steel has made a jump from commercial to residential interiors over the last few years, especially with the rise of the Industrial trend, and is works well for those with galley style small kitchen spaces.
LAMINATE
Laminated countertops are the least expensive option and is the most versataile, as it can mimic the look of natural wood and stone, amongst other materials. Laminate is durable, highly resistant to scratching, staining and heat - perfect for busy family homes. One major advantage is that it can be installed without the help of a professional, saving you even more money. In terms of styles, laminated worktops offer a crazy amount styles option, so make sure you do your research before you buy. If you are looking for a more affordable kitchen this is the material for you.
Love Omar x
To contact us or find out more about Space Shack arrange your Design Discovery Call or follow us on Instagram and Facebook.