Types of Kitchen Worktops Available

Worktops come in loads of materials and there are obvious pros and cons of all of them, but there are also different looks and finishes, too. So if you’ve never considered whether you should purchase a laminate worktop or granite worktop, this quick guide will answer any questions you may have about the different types of kitchen worktops to help you to choose the best for your kitchen. 

1. Granite Worktops

Granite works are very popular worktop materials in the kitchen. Being robust, sturdy, and heat-resistant, they have become quite ideal for use in the area, since they do tend to see a lot of cooking or even entertaining. However, they have a beautiful nature, which really does have value to your home.

The name granite is given to a category of igneous rock which crystallizes much further down in the earth’s crust than most other igneous rocks are formed, over many millions of years. The slowly cooling magma contains large crystal formations that are developing when it forms. These processes produce a wide variety in colours and textures, offering virtually unlimited choices in style for granite.

2. Quartz Worktops

Quartz is one of the hardest minerals on earth, called by the same name. They comes blended with resins and coloured pigments so as to produce a very powerful worktop. It will be perfect to install into the kitchen without anti wear and heat transfer.

A good alternative to Granite worktops by far, Quartz worktops come in lots of colours and styles and are usually cheaper than Granite worktops. The other advantage is that the material is not porous and stains resist naturally which is very easy to clean up.

3. Silestone Worktops

Silestone worktops are, in short, an advanced version of quartz. They are made from about 93% quartz, making them very strong and durable. However, the added benefit of Silestone Worktops is that they are built with antibacterial protection. That is making them a very hygienic surface for kitchens or even bathrooms.

Also has a non-porous surface. Thus presenting great resistance to the pigmentation of everything from certain types of coffee to wine, lemon juice, or many other common spills and stains.

They can be so decorative; they come in a wide range of colours and styles, though they usually tend to be more costly than granite or quartz. Despite this fact, many believe they are well worth it since they will literally last a lifetime. They would be a terrific option for you if this is something that suits both your aesthetic tastes and budget. 

4. Caesarstone Worktops

Caesarstone worktops were 93% Quartz and 7% polyresin. Since they are non porous, cleaning them and making them stain resistant is incredibly easy. Additionally, they can resist heat, thanks to insulating properties when they do not suffer damage at high temperatures.

These worktops come in many different shades and styles. And also it will suit any type of kitchen. So, in terms broadly speaking there is plenty of choice here. Caesarstone worktops and sealed industrial standards carry a 15 year warranty. 

5. City Collection Quartz

Stone Connection has introduced its range of Quartz – The City Collection, which comprises 12 stunning colours to provide a broad spectrum of choices that will complement any kitchen or bathroom. 20mm and 30mm are available for purchase. 

City Collection Quartz is an artificial stone composed of 10% resins, polymers, and colours and 90% pulverised quartz. Combined together, these produce a very hard and beautiful granite-like surface. The appearance of the worktop depends on how the quartz is ground. Either coarsely or finely—which in turn may produce either a flecked look or a smooth appearance, respectively.
The City Collection Quartz is an excellent choice. Also it is extremely hard, durable stone of high gloss finish. It maintains its non-porous characteristic, hence impervious to stains and cracks. It comes in a broad colour palette, and cleaning needs simple soap and water and a cloth.

6. Dekton Worktops

The Dekton worktop by Cosentino is a specialty engineered stone that is a mix of components to manufacture glass, porcelain or quartz like surfaces for practical application. Despite being the least scratches prone of any work top that Dekton offers, it is still recommended to use a cutting board. It also makes great outdoor usage as they resist UV rays so they don’t fade or deteriorate with time. Where most worktops are considered “stain-resistant”. This is completely stain-proof due to its non-porous properties, making sure its surface repels liquids and hence is easy to clean.

Moreover, Dekton worktops resist high temperatures without burning, cracking, or scorching. This means that hot pans are placed right onto the surface of Dekton with no sort of damage. In addition, the Dekton worktops are extremely resistant to abrasion, and the surface does not require re-surfacing or refinishing.

7. Lapitec Worktops

With no resins, combining the hardness of porcelain with the natural minerals from stone come Lapitec Worktops.

Lapitec is a unique product; now it has been defined as Sintered Stone. In fact, it is an excellent example of building material that can develop years of research and advanced scientific manufacturing techniques.

Only by obtaining the most highly refined natural constituents. By controlling to a degree never possible the physical and chemical environment of aggregation and crystallisation, Lapitec Worktops are possible during the manufacturing process.

The constitution of Lapitec Worktops is made up of 100% minerals, sans resin or hydrocarbon-based binder elements. The mineralogy is not so different from those of granite, but with a tight, cryptocrystalline structure that appears more like porcelain. Lapitec is extremely tolerant of high temperatures and frost, in addition to being impervious to water.

Also, resistant to UV light, acids, alkalis, abrasions, and everyday wear and tear. All worktops come with biocare applied as standard.

8. Neolith Worktops

Neolith Worktops are fully loaded with benefits and features. Extremely compact, extremely durable Neolith works are perfectly suited for countertops and flooring but even as siding for interior or exterior walls.

The Neolith brand is an advanced, high-tech, ultra-compact slab. That turns even the most demanding architectural projects into something easy, reaching excellence in functionality and aesthetics.

Extremely rigid, with a high level of flexural strength coupled with lightweight properties leading to ease in installation. It is highly resistant to both scratches due to external projections and friction. It also provides wear and tear resistance, fire, and high temperatures. Additionally, it is waterproof with almost zero absorption, freeze-thaw resistant, while its surface is suitable for direct contact with food.

Finally, it is friendly to the environment since it is both 100% natural, 100% recyclable, and easy to clean.

9. Solid Hardwood Worktops

From natural warmth to a timeless sense of elegance, solid wood worktops make a statement in any kitchen. Renowned for their good looks and versatility. These worktops are manufactured from different hardwood specimens that include oak, walnut, and beech. The unique grain patterns of the solid wood and rich tones make each worktop one-of-a-kind and a centerpiece.

But besides their beautiful look, solid wood worktops are very hard-wearing and can easily be sanded and/or refinished for long-lasting top condition. They will require regular oiling to protect the wood from water and stains to make it really durable in the kitchen.

10. Laminate Worktops

Laminate worktops are a great solution that is economical and functional for the modern kitchen. Worktops in such a construction combine a chipboard or MDF core with plastic laminate. Therefore they are available in an enormous range of colours, patterns, and finishes. Many of which imitate natural materials like stone and wood with much realism. Laminate worktops are recognized for their durability, ease of maintenance, and resistance to stains, scratches, and heat.

Thus, they can easily fit into a busy home. Their non-porous face makes them hygienic to keep clean and adds positives to a healthy kitchen environment.

11. Commercial Settings

Natural stone and wooden worktops cannot be the best choice in some commercial settings, as they are mostly substituted by stainless steel worktops. Stainless steel worktops would be preferred instead of laminate worktops, composite worktops, and natural stone in restaurant and hotel kitchens.

While laminate kitchen worktops, marble countertops, and ceramic worktops crowd the market. There is absolutely no match to stainless steel worktops in commercial usage. No other material can offer strength, hygiene, and easy maintenance as stainless steel can boast of; add a modern appeal to it, the result is a worktop that no professional kitchen can really miss out on its path to blend functionality with style.

Comparison Table of Kitchen Worktop Materials

Conclusion

Hopefully, the above article helped to work out some of the benefits associated with the different types of worktop materials available. If you have any other questions or would like to come and see a sample of our worktops, please get in touch – we’re always happy to help.

FAQ’s

1. What are the main types of kitchen worktops available?

Kitchen worktop materials include granite, quartz, Silestone, Caesarstone, Dekton, Lapitec, Neolith, solid hardwood and quality laminate, stainless steel etc. There is something special in each variety which has some advantages and visual appeal. 

2. How do I choose the best worktop material for my kitchen?

Think about initial and recurring costs; turning the kitchen into a desired state, durability, upkeep and how the worktop will look in all this within your kitchen, all of which is important in choosing a material. Think of how you will use your kitchen and what will probably wear out your surface. 

3. Are laminate worktops a good option for busy kitchens?

Laminate worktops indeed make a wonderful fit in bustling kitchens. These are colorful and patterned, practical and fashionable, cost effective and long lasting, stain and scratch resistant.