A proper and beautiful worktop adds to the aesthetics of any home. It is one of the most expensive features of the room and investing in the most suitable one is hence very essential. Given below is the ultimate guide for choosing the perfect kitchen worktops after knowing the key features, advantages, and disadvantages of each type.
You can categorize kitchen worktops available in London in several ways. Given below are the different types of worktops and their details.
Table of Contents
Laminate
Laminate countertops are the most popular and best-selling type of worktop. It dedicates this to the fact that no matter how much wear and tear you make it go through, it remains hardy. They also offer a variety of styles for you to choose from. All it asks from you is to clean it once a while. No other maintenance is required. This variety silently bears all your spillage accidents without complaints.
Advantages:
- Scratch-resistant
- Thermal resistant (up to 180℃)
- Self Install-able
- Cheap
- Versatility
- A huge palette of textures
Disadvantages:
- Poor durability
- Sensitive to deep scratches and chemicals
Solid Wood
An old-school, rustic, and earthy type of worktop. If you are a fan of natural decor or contemporary looks, this will be your best friend. Wooden worktops give a homely and warming look to the kitchen. The wooden worktop will eventually change color with time. You can also choose to paint it or carve it into any shape you feel is the best. Wood is sensitive to changing climatic conditions. You might have to put more effort into its maintenance. Oiling is essential to keep the worktop resistant to water and bacteria.
Advantages:
- Hygienic if maintained
- Easy to install
- Traditional in decor
Disadvantages:
- High maintenance
- Costly
- Prone to damages
- Sensitive to burns and stains
Glass
Glass worktops give a very professional and slick look to your kitchen. The mirror effect makes the room look brighter. Glass worktops are quite hardy. You can let your creativity flow and lighten up the glass surface from below to give a chic and classy look. You can relax in the maintenance part. All you need to clean this type of kitchen worktops is soap and paper. You can disinfect the surface with vinegar.
Advantages:
- Low maintenance
- Easy cleaning
- Thermal resistant (400℃)
- Hygienic and durable
Disadvantages:
- Fingerprints are easily visible
- Has to installed with professional help
Granite
The kind of kitchen worktop that never goes off the trend. Natural stone has a beauty like no other. Extremely hardy and reliable, granite worktops will never fail to impress you. No doubt, it would cost you a fortune to get one of these. A granite worktop speaks of luxury and sophistication, and its texture is almost unparalleled.
Advantages:
- Extremely durable and hardy
- Low maintenance
- A vast variety of colors, a luxury product
- UV protective and heat resistant
- 100% natural stone
Disadvantages:
- Requires professional fitters
- Expensive
- Sensitive to acidic and alkaline substances
Quartz
An alternative to marble and granite, quartz is an engineered stone with 93% of quartz content and 7% of polymer content. Hence, it is more sturdy and reliable than natural stone. It is also less expensive. Being an artificial stone, it offers you the broadest range of colors and textures. You can be your essential self with the natural pastel textures, or you can be a little extra with the bright shades.
Advantages:
- Scratch-resistant
- A wide palette of colors
- Heat resistant
- Easy cleaning
- Non-porous and hygienic
Disadvantages:
- Professional fitters required
- Not resistant to sunlight and chemical
Stainless Steel
Along with providing excellent design, steel worktops offer several benefits. This type of kitchen worktop available in London is perfect for your minimalist self. It is shiny, smooth to clean, and essential. Steel is a sturdy wearing material and hence super active. Jump on it, scratch it with knives, or vent your anger on it, it is simply unbreakable. It resists corrosion and adds a modern look to your kitchen.
Advantages:
- Heat resistant (1400℃)
- Hygienic for food preparation
- Unbreakable
Disadvantages:
- Not scratch resistant
- Not flexible
It all comes down to how much you are willing to spend. Based on your budget, you can choose the perfect kitchen worktops London for your humble abode.
