Which Kitchen Worktop Is Right For You?

While fitted kitchens comprise many elements, all of which seem as important as the next, the often unsung hero in any new kitchen build are  the kitchen worktops. This essential part of every kitchen is indispensable, yet it often gets overlooked when people are eying an overhaul or rejuvenation, despite the fact it not only needs to be durable, but beautiful at the same time.

Previously, we’ve written about choosing the right kitchen worktops, and here are some of the pros and cons of each.

Here are the pros and cons of some of the different kitchen worktops out there:

Granite

People love granite because it looks the business. But it’s not without its cons.

Pros:

• Beautiful with unique patterns
• Extremely durable
• Easy to clean
• Low maintenance
• Heat resistant

Cons:

• Can be very expensive
• Specialist installation required (not a DIY job)
• Can stain if exposed to acid
• Very heavy

Quartz

Quartz kitchen worktops offer a nice alternative to granite.

Pros:

• Durable
• Non-porous
• Hygienic
• Variety of textures available
• Resilient to staining
• Easy to clean
• Thinner than granite

Cons:

• Expensive
• Heavy
• Needs to be professionally installed
• Sunlight can cause discolouration

Wood

Good old wood. People love it in their kitchens because of its warm feel, but it’s not all

Pros:

• Unique
• Wide-range of different woods available
• Carbon positive material
• Cheaper than quartz & granite

Cons:

• Requires regular oiling to keep it in good shape
• Can stain
• Easily scratched

Laminate

Laminate kitchen worktops are cheap and easy to install, making them a popular choice among many homeowners.

Pros:

• Very affordable
• Hygienic & easy to clean
• Easy to fit
• Wide-range of options & colours

Cons:

• Not very heat, stain or scratch resistant
• Can look cheap compared to alternatives
• Not as durable as some alternatives
• Joints are sometimes prone to damage

Stainless steel

While stainless steel is usually reserved for commercial kitchens, it’s not unheard of to see it in a family home.

Pros:

• Strong & durable
• Very hygienic
• Easy to clean
• Waterproof
• Heat & acid resistant

Cons:

• Looks rather industrial
• Can scratch easily

Glass

Glass worktops look chic and contemporary, making them popular in homes with a modern twist.

Pros:

• Tough & durable
• Heat & water resistant
• Reflective (can help make smaller kitchens appear bigger)

Cons:

• Can quickly look dirty (fingerprints, smudges, etc.)
• Expensive
• Easy to chip/scratch

Corian / Earthstone Worktops

Corian is actually a brand name used for a family of acrylic-based compounds that make popular kitchen worktops.

Pros:

• 100% stain resistant
• Hard-wearing
• Hygienic
• Low maintenance

Cons:

• Expensive
• Can suffer when exposed to heat

[Related reading: Cleaning kitchen worktops: our handy guide]