10 Best Worktop Materials For Your Kitchen: Pros and Cons

If you are building or renovating your kitchen, the worktop material you choose is one of the most important decisions you can make regarding your kitchen. There are many different types of worktops to consider, so in this article, we explain the 10 best worktop materials for your kitchen and the pros and cons of each of these materials.

 

1. Laminate Worktops

This kind of worktop is made from a wooden particleboard core with layers that are decorated and sealed to prevent water from reaching the core. Most laminates are durable and can withstand scratches, heat, and stains for an extended period. Once fitted, they do not need further maintenance and are easy to clean.

Pros

• They came in styles
• They are easy and quick to fit

Cons

• Easy to scratch
• Can warp if contacted with water
• Cannot be sanded down

 

2. Granite Worktops

A granite worktop is relatively expensive; it is a hard-wearing stone designed to resist heat, staining, water, and acids and is sealed on top to improve these properties. With Black Granite, each piece is different from one another, making it a natural and unique product. When made from granite, worktops are easy to polish and require little maintenance. Every piece of granite has inclusion, crystal, and veins of color that give it a beautiful and admirable outlook.

Stone Worktops made with granite add a unique aspect to your kitchen that no one else can copy, given every piece of stone is unique.

Pros

• It is a scratch-resistant
• It is durable

Cons

• Need a professional to fit
•  It should be sealed because it is a porous material

 

3. Corian Worktops

This kind of worktop is made from an engineered material similar to quartz. Still, it has been made from one-third of acrylic resin and two-thirds natural minerals, making it much different from that quartz. When Corian is heated, it becomes flexible and can form various shapes and designs. Corian worktops are costly and require minimal maintenance, while they are durable and resist stains.

Pros

• Has a pleasant appearance
• Can form different shapes

Cons

• Very expensive

 

4. Ceramic Worktops

Ceramic worktops have a hard and superior surface. During the manufacturing of ceramic worktops, a relatively high temperature is required to produce them, making them more rigid and impermeable than granite and quartz. It has versatility in color and style and is very costly, requires little maintenance, has been designed for stain resistance, and is a durable worktop.

Pros

• Resists stains
•  It came with style and color

Cons

• Need a specialist for fitting
• Keeping hot pans and pots away may cause cracking.

 

5. Glass Worktops

Glass worktops are designed and made with extraordinary strength and style, enabling them to be tough. They are found in various colors, providing a pleasant ambiance. Glass worktops are easy to maintain and scratch-resistant.

Pros

• Reduces heat cost
• Provides natural light
• Has the pleasant appearance

Cons

• It is expensive
•  Easy to break

 

6. Solid Wood Worktops

Solid wood is a highly hard-wearing worktop for perfect finishing touches. Wooden worktops can resist water, heat, and stains due to their natural antibacterial, which are first treated and regularly maintained using a Danish oil or worktop oil. They are relatively costly and easy to manage.

Pros

• They are durable
• Can be recycled

Cons

• Specialist installation and maintenance are required
• If not protected, they may warp
• Oiling is required for a week until it is matured

 

7. Sintered Stone Worktops

Sintered stone is manufactured from natural materials which are brought together using pressure and very high heat. They have antibacterial properties and resist heat and temperature.

Pros

• Stone oozes are timeless and, if well maintained, can last for a lifetime
• They are resistant to stains and scratches

Cons

• Natural stones are costly

 

8. Concrete worktops

Concrete is very versatile and has a porous nature. It needs to be sealed during installation and regular waxing to reduce the risk of staining. Hot pots and pans need to be kept away to avoid cracking.

Pros

• It increases durability as it cures over time

Cons

• Can crack
• It shows a stain
•  It takes 30 days to cure and should be installed by a specialist

 

9. Marble worktops

A marble worktop is very popular and ideal for making pastries and dough. Care must be taken to avoid staining because it is very porous.

Pros

• They have variable hues and veining
• It is durable
•  It creates a glamorous space

Cons

• It is soft
• They can’t handle hot pots and pans
• They will crack

 

10. Stainless steel worktops

This kind of kitchen worktop is non-porous and does not foster bacterial growth. It is durable, waterproof, and acidic resistant.

Pros

• Used in sinks, gas burners, and hobs
• Thickness can be customized and polished

Cons

• It can be scratched easily

 

Final Thoughts

There you have it! These are the best worktop materials for you to consider. The best worktop material for you will depend on your taste, your style, and how you use your kitchen every day. The information contained in this article gives you a brief overview of the different types and their pros and cons so you can narrow down the options and then explore the ones that take your interest in more depth.