Six Types of Kitchen Worktops for Your Kitchen Remodel

Our countertops are one of the most used spaces in the home. We eat, open the mail, showcase flowers, check homework, store frequently used appliances and if you are a chef at heart, it may be the place where your creative juices begin to flow. With all that activity, this kitchen workspace must be durable and long lasting. In addition, kitchen worktops are often a huge focal point and can be complementary to the design as a whole. Therefore, weigh your options before making a purchase. The right worktop may look different for you than your neighbor, so take some time and choose which surface best fits your lifestyle.

Granite kitchen worktops

This style of kitchen worktop still holds the top rank of “most popular”. Some say granite is king! Granite truly is a beautiful style and can create a luxurious look to your kitchen design. This type of surface is highly durable and capable of withstanding a lot of wear and tear. It is heat-resistant and antibacterial, which makes it easy to clean. This igneous rock may be a great addition to your kitchen as it offers a natural, marbled look but there can be a few downfalls. If the stone is not properly sealed, it’s porous nature can be prone to staining. It is also very heavy and can be cumbersome to work with. Lastly, it’s a little higher on the pricing charts than quite a few other options but all cons aside, granite is an excellent choice for many of today’s kitchens.

Quartz countertops

This man-made style is a great alternative to granite. Quartz is a strong mineral that imitates natural stone, but is not porous; therefore, maintenance is a little easier. This hardwearing and durable worktop undergoes an industrial technique that fortifies the natural quartz with resin. This material is naturally resistant to stains and scratching which makes it great when you have a household full of small children. It is easy to clean and like granite, antibacterial. This type of worktop comes in all colors and designs so you could be sure to hit the color pallet of your choice. Like granite, quartz tends to be on the heavier side and can also be a bit pricey.

Wood kitchen counter surfaces

Hardwood is beautiful in either a contemporary or traditional design. It can become a timeless worktop as long as you are willing to put in the maintenance. This style is easy to install and has a variety of wood grains and colors to choose from. While less expensive than its stone counterparts, wood, can be damaged by heat, stains, and scratches so to prevent these mishaps, maintenance is a must. Choose a wood with a higher oil content which will naturally be more resistant to moisture. Be sure to treat the wood regularly, not only to protect it from the elements it will be exposed to but to retain its natural beauty. Wood really does get more beautiful with age.

Laminate kitchen worktops

Laminate is definitely a more cost-efficient style of kitchen worktop. This versatile material tends to be suitable for any style of kitchen and can be designed to look more luxurious and expensive. It is hardwearing, mostly scratch and heat-resistant, and doesn’t take much maintenance to keep clean. There are a few downfalls which go along with this less expensive option like peeling or the occasional burn and ultimately these worktops can become unhygienic in that you cannot use the higher quality abrasive cleansers for a truly thorough cleansing. If you decide to use laminate look for high quality and durability as there is a very large range of quality out there.

Glass countertops

Glass can make a bold statement in your kitchen and add a great element to your overall design. It adds shine and can create a very luxurious feel. This durable worktop is easily shaped and sized and comes in a wide array of colors. The sleek and stylish nature of this material is not only heat resistant but is impervious to water. Glass would be a beautiful choice for your kitchen but be aware that it requires a lot of maintenance to keep it clear of grimy fingerprints and food particles. It can also be one of the more expensive countertop options.

Stainless steel kitchen counters

This strong and durable style is long lasting and would make a grand statement in your kitchen. Its’ tough surface is heat and water-resistant and if you choose a matte or satin finish it is incredibly easy to keep clean. Stainless steel is also naturally antibacterial but it can be susceptible to scratches over time. Stainless steel is also a less expensive option than natural stone. A bold and beautiful kitchen worktop can make a huge difference in any kitchen transformation.

With so many options to choose from, you can certainly create a unique statement and while often a large investment, with proper care and maintenance, they will make a long-lasting impression!