There are a number of decisions to be made when you are renovating your kitchen from the style and look of the cupboards to the type of flooring you choose. However, one of the most important decisions is the choice of worktop and ensuring you get the right one for the style you’re going for. There are different materials, styles and finishes available, all of which have their benefits. So which one is right for your kitchen renovation?
Laminate
Mention laminate and most people think flooring but it is also a popular option for kitchen worktops. One of the biggest benefits of laminate is its ability to look like almost anything else from wood to stone. It can come in a wide range of colours and thicknesses and can be a good option for the budget. One of the biggest problems with it can be that it isn’t quite as hard wearing as real wood or stone and can be damaged while chopping or from hot pans being placed directly onto it. So pair up your worktops with pan trivets and chopping boards to give the laminate a touch of protection.
Granite
Granite is a very popular material for worktops at the moment for a number of reasons. It definitely tops the list in terms of low maintenance, high performance materials. It is very scratch resistant and is very easy to clean – even being relatively hygienic as most stains don’t seep into it. Watch out for acidic stains such as wine, vinegar or citrus as these can leech into the surface and make a mess. There are a range of colours from greys through to terracotta and blacks. Granite is more expensive than laminate for obvious reasons and does need a little extra support due to its weight.
Wood
Wood is a traditional material for worktops and adds a warm feel to the room. It pairs very well with wood or wood effect cupboards and other traditional features in a room and is a popular choice for period homes. Wood does need more care and attention than laminate or granite and when you buy wooden worktops, your supplier will explain what is needed for the particular wood in question. Protect it from those knives and hot pans like with laminate and stains should be mopped up quickly to avoid them leeching into the wood and becoming permanent.
New Developments
As with other parts of the house, there have been clever new developments in recent years that have created alternative options for worktop surfaces. One example is a worktop called Corian – a blend of natural minerals, pigments and acrylic polymer that has been around for about thirty years. It is very hygienic and the surface doesn’t allow stains to form on it. There is also a wide range of colours and finishes available so it’s a great choice for those specking out a new home.
Silestone is another new creation, the combination of 94% natural quartz with a special resin results in a worktop that feels warm to the touch. Created in Spain, the product has anti-bacterial properties built into the material and is also very resistant to stains.
Author Bio: Stuart Cooke is the Marketing Manager for SpecifiedBy, an online resource for specifiers, homeowners and architects to find the perfect materials for their projects.
Photo Credit: Chay Bewley/123rf.com
