The kitchen is the heart of every home, and the worktop is one of the most important features of any kitchen. Whether preparing meals, hosting dinner parties, or enjoying coffee, your worktop is a central part of your daily routine. With so many kitchen worktop options available, choosing the best kitchen worktop for your home can be overwhelming. Here are five best kitchen worktops to help you choose the right material.
1. Granite
For good reason: Granite is one of the most popular choices for kitchen worktops. It is an extremely durable and heat-resistant natural stone, perfect for cooking and baking. Granite worktops are also scratch and stain-resistant, which means they will look good for years. Granite comes in various colours and patterns to choose the perfect look for your kitchen.
A granite kitchen worktop costs anywhere from £250 to £400 per square metre, making it one of the most expensive options. Granite is a durable material. However, it can still be prone to chipping if hard objects land on the surface and can be costly to repair.
2. Quartz
Quartz worktops are a great alternative to granite. They are made from a combination of natural quartz and resin, which makes them extremely durable and easy to maintain. Quartz is non-porous and resistant to stains, scratches, and bacteria. It is also heat resistant, making it perfect for cooking and baking. Quartz worktops come in various colours and patterns so that you can choose the perfect look for your kitchen.
On average, you should expect to pay around £200 to £500 per square metre, so it may not be suitable for anyone with a low budget. Quartz worktops are also susceptible to heat damage, so you must avoid placing hot pans or plates on the worktop surface.
3. Marble
Marble worktops are a classic choice for any kitchen. They are elegant and timeless, adding a touch of luxury to any space. Marble is a natural stone that is heat-resistant and durable. It also comes in various colours and patterns to choose the perfect look for your kitchen.
Marble worktops are normally priced at £300 to £400 per square metre, although rare rock types can be pricier. To avoid repair or replacement costs, It is important to clean up spills immediately to avoid any permanent damage, as marble absorbs spills easily. While marble is heat-resistant, you should avoid placing anything hot on the surface, which can cause discolouration.
4. Stainless Steel
Stainless steel worktops are a popular choice for commercial kitchens but are also becoming more common in residential kitchens. They are extremely durable and easy to clean, perfect for busy kitchens. Stainless steel is heat-resistant and non-porous, resistant to stains and bacteria. It also has a sleek and modern look that complements any kitchen design.
You should expect to pay around £250 to £400 for stainless steel countertops. If you have children, this option may not be the best choice for you, as stainless steel is prone to denting and requires expensive repairs.
5. Wood
Wooden worktops are a great choice for those who want a warm and natural look in their kitchen. They are available in various woods, including oak, maple, and cherry. Wooden worktops are durable and heat resistant but require more maintenance than other materials. Wood worktops are also among the most affordable options, typically priced at £50 to £150 per square metre.
It is important to oil wooden worktops regularly to keep them looking their best. They can also be prone to scratches and dents, so it is important to be careful when using knives and other sharp objects.