Looking for the best kitchen worktop? This guide will help you choose the right one for you!
With so many different types of worktop on the market, choosing the right one for you can seem quite daunting. We have been installing kitchens for over 20 years and with our experience we can explain the pros and cons of the most popular choices available.
The best kitchen worktop will fit in with your design theme, functionality and most importantly, your budget.
Laminate
Laminate worktops are the most popular choice of worktop and it's easy to see why. They are quick to install, readily available, come in a wide range of colours, patterns, styles and thicknesses and most importantly.......they are relatively cheap. Laminate is highly resistant to staining and impact and extremely hygienic. When fitted correctly by experience kitchen installers the joints are seamless and water resistant. With new technology and manufacturing processes, laminate worktops have come a long way from their cheap, plastic looking imitations of the past. We have recently carried out installations and it's hard to tell the difference, especially on the 20mm thickness worktops.
The only major problem with laminate is water damage through being poorly fitted. If its not sealed correctly on all edges and cuts, over time water will penetrate through to the chipboard core, causing it to swell and delaminate.
Compact Laminate
Compact laminate worktops have no chipboard core. They are literally solid laminate with a decorative top surface. They are usually only 12mm thickness and look great if you are after a sleek, contemporary kitchen design. Having extremely high water resistance they can be used with undermount sinks and require no edging on cut outs. This product can even have draining grooves routed out for the sink!!
This type of worktop will require installation by an experienced kitchen fitter. At approx £350 per length this premium worktop comes at a price. If installing drawers below a hob, it is recommended to use pan drawers as the hob will sit lower, interfering with a standard drawer.
Solid Wood
Solid wood brings a warm, traditional feel to your kitchen worktop. It will really compliment a shaker style kitchen along with a Belfast style sink. Even a well maintained solid wood surface will begin to show characteristic knocks and blemishes over time, so if you like a clean modern look, this is not the worktop for you. Initially the countertop will require regular oiling to prevent water ingress.
Solid wood worktops are similar in cost to compact laminate, starting from approx £100 per linear metre. These tops should be oiled regularly for the first 6 weeks and then at least 3 to 4 times a year thereafter to prevent staining and water damage, especially around sink areas.
Quartz
Quartz worktops are made from engineered stone, formed by a combination of ground quartz, resins and polymers to create a very solid material. Its hardwearing and moisture-resistant qualities help keep it looking newer for longer, making it an investment feature for any space. They are clean and sharp in appearance and will compliment any style of kitchen. Being virtually maintenance free and highly water resistant they are the perfect companion for undermount and Belfast sinks.
Quartz worktops require specialist installation and will require professionally templating prior to manufacture. You should allow 7 to 10 days between templating and installation. In our opinion, it's worth the wait. You should expect to pay £375 upwards per metre for quartz worktop and installation.
Granite
Granite worktops are the real deal!! If it's within your budget, why use imitations!! They are scratch resistant, heat resistant, water resistant and if sealed correctly are highly stain resistant too.
As with quartz, these worktops will need specialist installation and manufacture. You should expect to pay £400 upwards per metre for granite worktop and installation.
Corian
Corian is perhaps the most well known brand of solid surface worktop on the market. Solid surface is made by mixing acrylic resin with bauxite filler & pigments to form a sheet of solid surface material. With specialist installation this product will seamlessly, continue around your kitchen. Even the sink can be formed as part of the worktop. If damaged it is fairly inexpensive to repair.
You should expect to pay £500 upwards per metre for a corian worktop and installation.
Our Recommendation
When it comes to value for money, design choice, and minimal maintenance, laminate worktops are a smart option and will suit a wide variety of kitchens. As laminate is more budget-friendly, buy the best you can afford - you really do get what you pay for.
For low maintenance coupled with plenty of design options, choose quartz composite worktops. Their durability, consistency, and variety mean you can create your dream kitchen knowing that it’ll stay looking great for years to come.
Before you select your worktops, be sure to request plenty of samples, and speak to different suppliers to ask for quotes so you can make the best choice.
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