Kitchen worktops can can completely transform the look and aesthetic of any home kitchen. There are a number of styles and materials to choose from, with their own set of pros and cons. Not only does installing kitchen worktops look good, but it also adds home value whish is particularly beneficial to those looking to sell their home in the future.
Here are some different kitchen worktop styles you can choose from:
Granite
Granite worktops make a bold and beautiful statement, especially if you choose a natural style with unique veining and colouring. They’re hardwearing and heat (up to 260C) resistant, and antibacterial. However, they’re a heavy choice that can be pricey.
Man-made styles such as quartz offer a durable, contemporary alternative. Natural quartz is fortified with resin to create a strong, hardwearing work surface that’s antibacterial and stain resistant. It’s available in a wide range of colours, from soothing earth tones to vibrant greens and blues.
Glass
One of the more eye-catching kitchen worktop styles is glass. A sleek, glossy surface, glass worktops can really help to make a design statement in any modern kitchen and they’re highly resistant to heat as well.
Using glass in your kitchen can also be super-functional as it adds an extra layer of safety to the countertop, protecting your family from burns and other accidents. Glass can be made in a variety of textures too. From ripples and waves to bubbles and dimples, textured glass can look absolutely gorgeous.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel worktops are often seen in professional kitchens but they’re also popular in homes. They have a sleek, industrial look and are heat-resistant, nonporous and highly hygienic. They are easy to clean and are good at resisting stains, although they can show scratches and dents quite easily, particularly with lower gauge stainless steel.
Depending on how you choose to style your kitchen, stainless steel can look cold and clinical and may not appeal to those who prefer warmer materials. However, steel reflects light which can make rooms appear larger and brighter.
Laminate
A cost-effective alternative to other worktop styles, laminate is a durable material that can be used for a range of kitchen design ideas. It’s created by pressing multiple layers of heavy-duty paper with a compound such as melamine or resin and then covering it with a decorative top coat. This process is incredibly versatile and allows manufacturers to print almost any pattern or texture onto the worktop surface.
Laminate kitchen worktops are water resistant and hygienic, and they’re also easy to wipe clean. They are ideal for busy family homes as they can stand up to a lot of wear and tear without showing any signs of damage or ageing. They’re also cheaper than other worktop styles and are a doddle for a professional kitchen fitter or DIY-er to install.
Solid Wood
Solid wood is another beautiful choice for a kitchen worktop that can be used in either a traditional or contemporary design. However, it does require regular maintenance and re-staining to keep it looking good as it can be damaged by heat or liquid spills.
