You can do nothing better to enhance the quality of life than with a great kitchen. It is not just a separate room for cooking, it is the heart of your home, and it helps you in your daily sustenance.
At kitchen-finder, we are a team of passionate industry professionals with over 50 years of combined experience in the kitchen and furniture industry. We recognize the importance of a personalized kitchen space, and we can provide ready-to-order designs based on your specific space, taste and requirements.
An extremely important element of a kitchen is its worktops. Kitchen worktops must hold several appliances, making them a primary component in every kitchen. Besides the aesthetic element, it must be strong and durable to carry them.
Though plenty of kitchen worktop materials are available, picking the right material for your kitchen is extremely important. This depends on several different factors.
Below, we list 10 materials you should consider when finding and finalizing your next kitchen:
1. Ceramic Tiles
This is an affordable, common, and excellent kitchen worktop option available to all prospective budgets. Ceramic tiles are produced from clay by shaping and firing at a high temperature. They are finished with a glaze that protects the tiles from water and stains, while also being resistant to heat. These are available in a multitude of design options to suit any kitchen theme.
2. Concrete
Concrete happens to be the right thing when you have a kitchen worktop with an unusual shape. It is because they are usually cast in shape in the kitchen itself. These are also quite heavy and create a great focal point in the kitchen. Concrete kitchen worktops are customizable, and can be designed with any stain and color. Thus, it can deliver a one-of-a-kind look to your kitchen. These heat and scratch-resistant countertops also add a sense of sophistication to your kitchen.
3. Granite Slabs
Among all-natural stones, granite is the most popular worktop material. It goes well with almost all kitchen styles. Being one of the hardest natural materials, they make durable worktops and deliver an elegant look. Thus, it increases the value of the home. It is also strong, durable, scratch-resistant, and impervious to heat. However, granite can be expensive and needs periodic sealing.
4. Laminates
Laminates are one of the most affordable kitchen worktop materials. These are plastic-coated synthetic materials with an easy-to-clean smooth surface. They are very flexible and are available in a wide range of colors and design options. It offers easy cleaning by using a cotton ball, cloth, or sponge with a mild soap or detergent. They are also resistant to heat. Laminate worktops are ideal for retro design and modern kitchens. DIY installation is also possible. Mimicking natural stone, these definitely make a good kitchen worktop if used in the right way.
5. Marble Slabs
Marble slabs have long meandering lines or veining, and it gives them an elegant and organic look. Moreover, no two marble slabs are alike. This unique look makes it a good worktop material for almost any kitchen. Though it is resistant to heat and water, it is vulnerable to scratches. It is why this expensive material is mostly used in kitchen islands or a part of the worktop. Like granite, modular marble and marble tiles are available. Marbles are compatible with all color options and add value and character to the kitchen.
6. Quartz
Quartz kitchen worktops are engineered products. These contain quartz particles bound by mixing with polymers, resins, and colors. They can be a cheaper alternative to natural w like granite and marble. Some quartz kitchen worktops are also available as convincing copies of marble worktops. These come with non-porous surfaces and require no maintenance and sealing. They come with inert surfaces like natural stones. There is also no issue with abrasive pads, hot pots, serrated knives, etc. These are also resistant to staining, but can be expensive.
Solid Surface
Solid-surface worktop materials are artificial stones. It is a blend of natural materials with acrylic bonding materials. Although it was considered as a premium alternative to natural stones when first introduced, it now belongs to the mid-tier. This moderately expensive option can resist staining. These can be sanded and re-polished to remove stains. One can also get them in a wide range of colors and patterns to suit a multitude of kitchen themes.
8. Stainless Steel
When it comes to kitchen worktop materials, stainless steel is one of the most sought-after options. It is versatile, extremely durable, and delivers a sleek modern look. Stainless steel is also resistant to stains and heat. Cleaning of stainless-steel worktops is easy, and can be done with only mild soap and water. Just wipe it dry after washing and it will have a glossy look. Although it is an expensive option, it creates a good contrast with the wooden cabinets and makes the kitchen look brighter.
9. Glass
Kitchen worktops take the most beating out of all home surfaces. We prepare food, park our hot accessories, and even toss random items like house keys, etc. on it every day. While a stone worktop can stand up to all those abuses, recycled glass countertops do not lag. They are attractive, durable, and offer easy cleaning. When you are looking to design an elegant European-style kitchen, using glass worktops is the perfect choice. Made of recycled glass, Portland cement, and non-toxic pigments, it is tough while also heat and scratch resistant. It is also an eco-friendly option as it reduces the amount of glass used in landfills.
10. Wood
Although slightly eclipsed by other materials, wood is a kitchen worktop material that will never go out of style. These are available in many options like Maple, Oak, Teak, Walnut, etc. Wooden kitchen worktops are soft and impart a timeless and classic look to the kitchen. It is gentle on dishware, and cleaning is also relatively easy. These budget-friendly worktops are easy to install, and refinishing is also possible. This expensive option also dampens the noise of a busy household. However, it requires care and attention to maintain.
For more information, please use the contact form on the website.