The worktop in your kitchen is going to see a lot of use and you have to think about practicality when you are choosing a material that will be most suitable to your needs, but you also want to think about aesthetic appeal too, and that means picking a worktop that looks great and enhances the overall look and feel of your kitchen.
Whether you decide to fit a granite worktop supplied from World Stone Group, for example, or think that marble is the right way to go, here is a look at some of the key considerations to help you make the right choice.
Plenty of considerations
One of the first points to make is that it is not a simple binary choice of going for one type of worktop over another.
You may well have a clear preference for something like solid wood or granite, for instance, but there are a number of other factors that you need to consider.
How you answer those other questions and needs will point you in the direction of the right choice overall, something that has to be considered important when you think about how many hours each week you will be spending in your kitchen enjoying and using your new worktop,
Budget is a clear factor for many of us and there is no doubt that this is one aspect of your purchasing decision that is going to have a massive impact on your final choice of worktop.
Another vital consideration is practicality, as you need your worktop to perform and withstand what you are going to put it through, so think about what your kitchen routine is like and how keen you are on regular maintenance, as some surfaces require more looking after than others.
Appearance is also a dominant factor. The color and texture of your worktop matter to you and if you are seeking an ultra-modern look with a thin-edge profile or sweeping curves, these design desires will have a part to play in your final choice of material.
Finally, think about whether you prefer your worktop to blend in with and compliment your cabinets, or your preference is for something that creates contrast.
Once you have those preferences nailed down you can start to pick the type of worktop that manages to tick all the right boxes. Make sure you look for somewhere local to buy from, like a London based kitchen worktop supplier.
Don’t forget about templating
It is also worth mentioning at this point about templating, which is where your chosen worktop is cut to fit all the appliances and cabinets etc that you have in your kitchen.
Bear in mind that some materials can be cut to shape on site, but others will need to custom-cut at the factory, which could add a few weeks to your completion date.
It shouldn’t influence your decision as to which type of surface you choose, as a few weeks wait shouldn’t be too much of an inconvenience, but it should influence your plans for using your new kitchen because of a delay.
Now you are ready to decide on a worktop-
Strong and durable granite
Granite has a lot going for it and it’s understandable why it is such a popular choice amongst many homeowners.
Strength and durability are key attributes of a granite worktop and a big attraction with this material is that every piece of granite is unique, so you get a worktop like no one else.
If you enjoy your cooking and love spending time preparing food in your kitchen you will appreciate that the cold surface of granite is great for pastry rolling, and the look and feel of this material is a big winner for many people who want to add a touch of class to their kitchen.
You should also be aware that your granite worktop will need some regular care and attention to keep it in top shape, as it can be easy to scratch and stain.
It is not that difficult to avoid damage, however, as long as you use chopping boards and get the granite pre-sealed to protect the surface from hot pans.
A natural look with marble
If you are seeking a natural look with an element of beauty to it you might want to consider a marble worktop.
This is another surface that needs looking after but it will reward you with years of service and should look great in your kitchen if that’s the look you are going for.
Wood offers natural charm and character
Solid wood worktops deliver the goods on a number of levels and if you are looking for a material that offers a feeling of natural warmth and plenty of character you have plenty of options.
Whether you decide to choose solid oak, maple, beech, or a number of wood alternatives, this versatile material has the ability to look good regardless of whether you are creating a contemporary or classic kitchen look.
As you would expect with a natural material, wood does need looking after with regular maintenance and you need to be prepared to carry out regular oiling to keep it looking good, but when you consider what you are getting with a wooden worktop you will probably think it is worth the effort.
Quartz is on trend
If you like to follow trends then a quartz worktop might be the smart choice for your kitchen.
This is a man-made alternative to granite and it could be argued that this element offers some visual benefits because it comes in a very wide range of colors and you get the peace of mind that comes with built-in antibacterial protection.
You will also find that quartz is very stain, and scratch resistant because of its synthetic properties, and this material blends in seamlessly in a contemporary kitchen setting.
As you can see, there is plenty of food for thought when you are trying to decide which type of worktop you want in your kitchen, so take your time and think about all aspects before making a decision that you will be reminded of every time you use your beautiful new kitchen.
