The main types of worktops are granite, quartz, Corian®, wood and laminate.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone worktop with many patterns and colours to choose from. As granite is a natural stone each piece is unique and therefore no two worktops will ever be identical. Granite is luxurious but also durable and functional.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Heat resistant
- Easy to clean and therefore hygienic
- Small scratches can be polished out
- Low maintenance
- Stain resistant
Cons
- They’re heavy and require full support from the cabinets after fitting.
- They’re porous and need to be sealed at least once in two years.
- Lack of choice in colour and pattern
- Expensive
- Needs a be professionally installed
Quartz
Quartz is a man-made stone with the durability of natural stone. As Quartz is man-made there are a wider range of products available and each worktop will be identical. Quartz contains waste material so choosing this option is eco-friendly
Pros
- Wide range of colours and textures available.
- Non-porous and therefore don’t require sealing
- Stain resistant
- Low maintenance
- Strong as granite but with more flexibility so less cracking and chipping
Cons
- Not heat resistant
- Expensive
- Needs a be professionally installed
- Not as natural looking as granite
Corian®
Corian® is a name often recognised when discussing solid surface worktops.
Due to the way the Corian® is produced you can have a worktop with no joints or seams. It is even possible to have a worktop run that includes a sink made from Corian® giving a streamlined finish.
Pros
- Highly flexible design attributes
- Non-porous
- Dirt and bacteria resistant
- No joints to trap germs
- Minor scratches and marks can be easily removed with regular cleaning products
- No maximum length
Cons
- Expensive compared to other solid surface worktops
- Not as heat resistant as quartz and granite
Wood
With many different types of wood available a solid wood worktop adds a natural beauty to both traditional and modern kitchens. Each wooden worktop is unique and overtime the environment changes the look to add character and aesthetic appeal.
Pros
- They can remain in good condition, with the correct maintenance
- Damage can be sanded away
- Resistant to germs and bacteria
Cons
- Need to be oiled regularly to avoid permanent damage caused by water.
- Not heat resistant
- Can leave watermarks
- Can’t cut directly on surface
Laminate
The most popular choice for kitchens is laminate (high density chipboard coated with laminate).
There are a huge range of laminates available in a variety of different colours, textures and sizes. There are also laminate worktops that give the illusion of other materials such as wood, marble and granite.
Pros
- Cheaper option of worktop
- Waterproof
- Do not need to be fitted by a professional
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Can be damaged by sharp or heavy objects
- No way to repair damaged laminates
- Not heat resistant
If you would like to update your kitchen with a change of worktop please get in touch with Connells Kitchens, Bathrooms & Bedrooms to get your free non-obligation quote.
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