This informal CPD article How to choose a kitchen worktop – the choices between Solid Surface, Marble, Granite, Quartz, Glass, Wood and Laminate was provided by BSF Solid Surfaces, a family run, award-winning, company, offering a friendly and honest approach to the business of Solid Surface Fabrication.
We all know that the kitchen is the heart of the home, therefore, it is not surprising that a lot of time, research and effort will be put into making the right choice of kitchen worktop. For most people, the kitchen worktops are the focal point of the kitchen. This is because they tend to be the most heavily used element, whilst also being the most visible and noticeable.
As kitchens themselves tend to be a big, costly investment, it is very important to be diligent when choosing a kitchen worktop to purchase, as for most, it is intended to last for a number of years. There is such a wide range of choice available on the market for kitchen worktops, it seemed a good idea to put together some pertinent information and comparisons about the more popular kitchen worktop choices, which will hopefully assist in making informed decisions.
How to choose a kitchen worktop
The intention of this article is to pull together the relevant points about each material, to assist in making these decisions.
In this article the focus will be on
Marble
Granite
Glass
Quartz
Laminate
Solid Surface
There are of course many other products to choose from.
Marble
The pros and cons of Marble worktops.
Pros
Marble is sourced directly from the earth and is a beautiful, unique material
It is long lasting
It is heat resistant
It looks and feels luxurious
Matching sinks can be provided
Cons
It is a porous material that does require sealing
It is very heavy
Cannot be joined together seamlessly
Granite
The pros and cons of Granite worktops.
Pros
Granite is directly sourced from the earth, therefore, it is always unique
No two stones are identical as it is a completely natural material
Beautiful and luxurious
Hard wearing and durable
Matching sinks can be provided
Cons
It should be sealed against damage and chemicals
Is an expensive product
It is a heavy product
Seams will be visible when joined together
Glass
The pros and cons of Glass worktops.
Pros
There is a very wide range of colours
Glass is resistant to chemicals and stains
Glass is long lasting and durable
Cons
It can be difficult and expensive to repair if it becomes damaged
Seams will be visible when joined together
Quartz
The pros and cons of Quartz worktops.
Pros
Quartz is man-made, composed of crushed stone and resin
Quartz is a very hard material, rarely chipping and is considered scratch resistant
Good colour choice available
Extremely hygienic and easy to maintain
Matching sinks can be provided
Cons
It is very heavy and care needs to be used when installing
If it should be damaged it can be repaired, however, this can prove costly
It can be cracked and damaged
Wood
The pros and cons of Wood worktops.
Pros
It is important to oil wood worktops to safeguard against damage
Wood is like a fine wine and will improve with age
A slab wood worktop will be solid throughout
Cons
Water and chemicals can damage wood worktops
These type of worktops are not chemical or stain resistant
Wood worktops cannot be seamed together without seams
Laminate
The pros and cons of Laminate worktops.
Pros
Laminate is considered low budget, with a wide range of colours available
Laminate is a lightweight product
It is easy to clean as it is a non-porous, as well as being chemical and stain resistant
Cons
It can be damaged easier than other worktop materials
Steam and heat can damage it
Laminate cannot be joined together without seams
Solid Surface
The pros and cons of Solid Surface worktops.
Pros
Solid Surface is a hard as stone
There are a number of brands of Solid Surface available, providing a wide variety of choice.
The reason the material was called Solid Surface is that, as it is man-made, providing a more uniform look throughout the material
It is entirely non-porous, stain resistant and germ repellent, therefore, there is nowhere for bacteria, dirt and germs to inhabit and lurk
It can be seamed together, with inconspicuous seams, enable “U” and “L” shaped shapes to be achieved with no obvious join line
Wide range of kitchen sinks and bathroom vanities available
It is heat resistant, although it is recommended to use trivets/ hot bars when using
It is extremely durable, however, should it become damaged, it can be repaired and renewed
Very easy to clean and maintain
Cons
It is not a load bearing material and does require a substrate support, however, once this is provided it is very strong
It can be damaged, however it can also be repaired and renewed
There are many different types of kitchen worktops to choose from, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. As an award winning Solid Surfaces fabrication company, the BSF professional preference is to use Solid Surfaces in kitchens. This is simply because Solid Surfaces come in a wide variety of choices, are stain resistant and germ repellent, heat resistant, and also are very easy to clean and maintain. Solid surfaces are strong and durable, making them a very suitable option for use within kitchens.
We hope this article on how to choose a kitchen worktop – the choices between Solid Surface, Marble, Granite, Quartz, Glass, Wood and Laminate was helpful. For more information from BSF Solid Surfaces, please visit their CPD Member Directory page. Alternatively please visit the CPD Industry Hubs for more CPD articles, courses and events relevant to your Continuing Professional Development requirements.
For more information from BSF Solid Surfaces, please visit their CPD Member Directory page. Alternatively please visit the CPD Industry Hubs for more CPD articles, courses and events relevant to your Continuing Professional Development requirements.