Your options for worktops can be mind-bending 

The choice of colours is one issue but the choice of materials will present another range of options and your final selection will be guided by looks, feel and cost.  Practicality is important, but some people want a show kitchen which will not see much real use, while others will be cooking and working in the kitchen every day.  So when thinking about your worktop material you really need to consider the use your kitchen will be getting and your budget.  Worktop choice can make a huge difference to the cost of a kitchen. 

Presently there is so much choice out there a decision can be difficult to make.  Your specialist kitchen designer will be the best person to advise and guide you, but we have, with thanks to the Worktop Fabricators Federation, published a guide to the various material properties to help you understand how they compare, and below have listed the various options which are readily available.  Please note we use generic terms here to describe the materials as many manufacturers and fabricators give their own brand names to products which often are made from the same materials.

Click here for an interesting comparison chart on the properties of various worktop materials.

Listing of worktop materials:

Laminate

This type of worktop consists of a block-board or a high-density chipboard with a sheet of laminate bonded to the top.  The front edge is formed into a curve to provide a visually soft and safe edge profile.  Laminate worktops are sold in lengths, usually 3M, 3.6M or 4.2M and in depths of 600mm or sometimes 500mm.  The thickness is generally 30mm or 40mm, but recently a 25mm version with a flat front edge has been popular as it looks similar to a quartz or stone worktop.  For island and breakfast bar situations the laminate worktop is available in double postformed format, with two round edges, in 660mm and 900mm widths.

Laminate has undoubtedly been the most popular choice for many years.  The surface is reasonably tolerant of heat and stains (although not high temperature) and maintenance requirements are low.  Laminate is a hard wearing surface, easily cleaned and food-safe.  The worktops are easily cut and jointed on site at the fitting stage, and the flat or square edged variety can be shaped to allow for curved units and variations in the depth of the kitchen, however if the laminate does become chipped it requires a special repair kit.  Laminates are the entry price level for worktops, however there are differing qualities available and so prices vary accordingly.  The 30mm thick tends to be inexpensive, the 40mm and the 25mm square edged are generally higher quality and cost a bit more.

Wood

Worktops manufactured from natural timber always bring a lovely warmth to a kitchen.  Normally they come is slightly shorter lengths than the laminates, but in the same 600mm, 660mm and 900mm widths.  Typically the feature a flat front profile, although they can be machined to give a curve or a bullnose effect.  For stability in variable heat and humidity the timber tops are formed from smaller blocks which are glued and pressed together to make the full size worktop.

Timber worktops have a great look and feel, but on the practical side they do require a lot of maintenance.  They are not very tolerant of heat, can stain easily and are also easily scratched, although minor damages can usually be sorted without too much fuss.  Installation is reasonably simple and timber tops can be cut as required on site. Price is somewhat more that a laminate, although there is a range of qualities with a similar range in prices.

Glass

Glass kitchen worktops are made from toughened glass, making them incredibly durable and long lasting. As well as looking great, glass worktops are  easy to maintain because of the non-porous finish,  meaning they can be easily wiped clean.The glass worktops can be cut to size and made to measure, and will be available in a wide range of colours, allowing you to create an individual look.

Acrylic

Porcelain

Quartz

Marble

Granite

Sintered Stone