Picking out the best kitchen worktops is one of the key elements of your kitchen makeover. Should you start to search around, you’ll come across a mind-boggling array of colors, designs, and materials that can turn your counters into the focal point of your kitchen. You can go with natural stone, wood, or metal, or human-made options. Pick the countertop not just for its beautiful look and appeal, but also for the functionality you expect to get from it. Most importantly, you’ll get materials that are easy to maintain and will last you a lifetime. Ready to explore your options?
Natural Stone
Granite and Quartzite
If you would like to use natural stone for your kitchen worktop, you can go with the most popular and appealing option--granite. Once installed, you need not worry about cleaning, heat resistance, or the risk of damage because of scratching and staining. A quick wipe down with a soapy sponge and the counter is as good as new. The downsides? Like more natural stone varieties, granite is heavy and expensive. Also, you’ll have to get the stone sealed before installation. Quartzite is another type of natural stone that is similar to granite in terms of features and durability. And, looks great in the contemporary kitchen. When purchasing the stone, check with the supplier for soft quartzite and true quartzite, since the former will need sealing like granite, maybe, once in a decade.
Marble and Soapstone
Marble is a much-preferred material for kitchen worktops by architects. Marble lends a timeless appeal to any kitchen thanks to its attractive veins. The downside is that being a porous rock, it is high maintenance. Not only is marble prone to scratches and staining, but you’ll also have to get it resealed at least once a year. In contrast, soapstone is a much more durable material and resistant to staining. You can buy this gorgeous stone in different shades of grade that lend a touch of elegance to a modernistic design. Soapstone does require maintenance, though, since it changes color as it ages. You may have to treat it with oiling to ensure that it ages evenly and there are no watermarks.
Natural Wood
If you’re looking for affordable kitchen worktop materials that are easy to install, you could go with wood. Typically, smaller blocks or large planks of wood are joined together with bonding techniques. Wood adds a touch of rusticity to your kitchen ambiance, and your options include butcher’s block, reclaimed wood, end grain, full stave, and even bamboo. While going with wood is about personal choice, it is not exactly a popular choice. This material needs extensive sealing since it is highly porous and absorbs water and other liquids. Wood can warp if exposed to moisture over a long time and soak up stains, which are difficult to remove.
Metal - Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is the preferred choice of kitchen worktops usually for commercial places like diners, restaurants, and high-end hotels. Steel is also hygienic, low-maintenance, and resistant to heat and damage. On the flip side, steel scratches and dents easily, and over time, it can lose its polish and acquire a dull patina look.
Human-Made Quartz and Solid Surfacing
Several different kinds of kitchen worktops are now available made with composite components held together with a binding agent. Quartz is one of the most popular options available in a range of stunning colors and designs suitable for every kitchen. This material is made with crushed quartzite, granite, and marble bonded with a cement, resin, or polymeric agent. The end result is a hard surface that matches granite in aesthetics and functionality but is much more cost-effective. Both quartz and solid surfacing are versatile and can be cut to specifications.
Terrazzo, Solid Ceramic, and Glass
Terrazzos are again composite materials made by blending glass, ceramics, and marble and setting them in concrete. The more advanced versions available today, use epoxy resin instead of concrete which results in a far more durable and less porous kitchen worktop. Homeowners looking for exceptional aesthetics and not needing much functionality can go with this option. But, if you want a material that is very durable, capable of lasting really long, and suitable for cooking, you would go with solid ceramic. Not only is this material super resilient, but it matches natural stone in the incredible selection of finishes and colors.
Before we sign off, glass definitely deserves a mention on this list. Think a sheet of thermoformed or glass with LED backlighting adding the Wow factor to any contemporary kitchen. Recycled and white glass are other variations that are simply breathtaking.
Dynamic Plus clients often end up feeling spoiled for choice and unable to pick the one they like best. We understand that it could happen to you. How about visiting us or making an appointment at https://dynamicgroupplus.com/schedule-appointment/, and we’ll help you pick out kitchen worktops that suit your needs perfectly.