How to buy kitchen countertops

When it comes to designing your kitchen, choosing a countertop is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. It not only has to look good, it has to withstand heavy use. So before you buy, consider whether you’d be prepared to put in the effort to maintain its appearance, or if you’d rather have something more durable. Then think about aesthetics.

“Your choice largely depends on the style of your kitchen,” says Lizzie Beesley, concept designer for Second Nature Kitchens. “If you want to create impact with your units, you may want a subdued work surface, but if you have neutral doors, the countertop material can make a real statement.”

Work surfaces such as stone and stainless steel must be molded by the fabricator to fit your kitchen exactly, with cutouts for the sink and hob, and this will affect your budget.

But it may well be worth it. “The right choice is a good investment and can turn a modest kitchen into something special,” says Annette White of Chiltern Marble. So which surface is right for you? Read on to find out.

KITCHEN COUNTERTOP TRENDS

“The bias in countertop thickness remains an important direction: there is no middle ground, countertops need to be deep or shallow,” says Anjum Ahmed, director of marketing and products at Magnet. “The thin countertop sector is dominated by glass and compact laminate, while thicker countertops tend to appear in oak and dark wood or specialty materials.”

There is a big tendency to mix materials,” says Max de Winter, project designer at Poggenpohl. ‘It is not uncommon to find two, three or even four different surfaces in a kitchen. Since the kitchen and living room are now more integrated, one material throughout the space would feel too overwhelming. Instead, use a warm wood in a breakfast bar, for example, stainless steel in a prep area, and colored glass as a highlight.’

Borders, whether made of glass, wood or colored acrylics, are one of the main trends. “For a very modern look, style a standard laminate with a contrasting wood or stainless steel trim,” suggests Jude Keenan, kitchen planner at John Lewis. ‘This is possible on both square and curved edge lids.’

“A big trend right now is a 50mm worktop with a 30 degree beveled edge,” says Steven Salt of Boffi. “This can be any material, and the tapered edge means the surface appears to be floating above the units, giving it the ultimate minimalist look.”

The profile (i.e. edge) of your work surface can also make a difference to the overall feel. The rounded edges of the 1980s and 1990s are a thing of the past, and the latest surfaces have either a completely square edge, a round pencil (where the edge is slightly rounded), or a chamfer where only a bit of the corner is shaved off. off.

LAMINATE COUNTERTOPS

Modern laminate countertops are a world away from 1990s surfaces that tried (and more often than not failed) to mimic their natural counterparts.

“Laminates have come a long way, even in the last three years,” says Simon Wilde, director of marketing for Formica. ‘New textures, finishes and printing techniques have given them greater dimension and depth.’

Choose from hundreds of colors and finishes, including realistic wood grain, polished and matte stone, shimmering faux granite, concrete, high-gloss surfaces, and bright solid colors. Laminate is now also available in thicknesses up to 60mm.

PROS: Low maintenance and low cost. Laminate is one of the cheapest ways to get the budget look and can be a fraction of the price of the real McCoy. If you’re handy with your power tools, you can cut and fit it yourself.

CONS: Some laminates can burn and scratch if not cared for properly, and laminate surfaces can have visible seams. They are not repairable if damaged.

WOOD COUNTERTOPS

Hardwood countertops like oak, cherry, maple, walnut, teak, and mahogany are the best way to bring a rich, warm quality to a kitchen.

“Costs vary depending on the wood you choose,” says Lizzie Beesley. ‘A simple oak surface will cost much less than the exotic modern zebrano, wenge or walnut.’

Finger-carved wooden tops, where small planks are glued together, are a less expensive way to achieve the look. Remember to buy from a sustainable source.

“We’re even using reclaimed wood from mountain chalets,” says Steven Salt, Boffi’s showroom manager. “These surfaces have a chunky, rustic appearance, providing an amazing contrast in an otherwise clean, modern kitchen.”

Wipe down wood after preparing food, wipe up any spills right away to prevent stains, and avoid abrasive cleaners.

PROS: With inherent natural antibacterial properties, wood is a hygienic option. Relatively simple to install and repair, it can be sanded to remove blemishes. It can also be an inexpensive option, depending on the wood you choose.

CONS: Wood requires some effort to keep in good condition and needs to be oiled several times in the first week, then once or twice a year. “We recommend a hard wax oil to provide additional protection against water damage and to help maintain the wood,” says Peter Keane, MD of The Natural Wood Flooring Company. Less resistant than some materials, wood can burn, scratch and stain. It can also warp if it doesn’t fit properly, and it doesn’t cope well with prolonged exposure to water.

STONE COUNTERTOPS

Strong, natural and fresh, granite is the most popular stone used for work surfaces and can follow traditional or ultra-modern schemes.

“Granite differs in color, texture and crystal structure, producing a variety of colors and patterns,” says Annette White. “Black is always popular, but other colors include greens, blues, and browns.”

A polished surface is timeless, but try a polished finish for a modern alternative.

“Either combine a rough surface with a smooth edge, or vice versa,” suggests Lizzie Beesley.

Granite is porous so it needs to be sealed, which needs to be repeated annually. Costs vary greatly depending on the rarity of the stone.

Other stones, such as limestone and marble, also make beautiful work surfaces. Marble can add a real wow factor, but it’s much more delicate than granite and can be damaged by alcohol, sugar, and acids like lemon juice. It is prone to staining and scratching, so it requires a lot of TLC.

ADVANTAGES: Stone adds a sense of true quality to a kitchen. Granite is virtually indestructible and resistant to heat, mold and mildew.

CONS: If damaged, the stone cannot be repaired. It takes skill to fit together, and you’ll need quality casings to support the heavy slabs.

REPLACED STONE COUNTERTOP
Engineered or composite stone, such as Zodiaq and Silestone, is made from a high percentage of crushed quartz mixed with resin and is even stronger than real stone. Resistant to stains, chips and heat, it comes in a wide range of colors and textures.

PROS: The color is uniform, so it is easier to match than natural stone and does not require additional treatments, so it requires little maintenance.

CONS: Does not have the unique qualities found in natural materials. It comes in large sheets and needs professional adjustment.

COMPOSITE COUNTERTOPS
Contrary to popular belief, not all composites are created equal, although there is a tendency to lump solid man-made materials under the same term. This can be misleading, as their properties can vary considerably, depending on the materials they are made from (for example, whether they contain acrylic or polyester resin, or whether they have a high quartz content).

The most popular composite, Corian, is the second most popular type of work surface after stone, with more than 70 colors available, including modern bright and rich grain hues. Ice white is an enduring bestseller.

ADVANTAGES: Composites can be manufactured in virtually any shape or design, and can be joined in a way that forms invisible seams, creating a smooth, sleek overall appearance. Sinks, cooktops, and other features like countertops can be integrated and molded into what appears to be one piece. Composites are hygienic and easy to clean, and while they can get stained and scratched, you can buff out blemishes like you would a car, maintaining its appearance for years to come.

CONS: It’s essential to have an accurate template taken by a professional, so you can’t save money by installing it yourself.

STAINLESS STEEL COUNTERTOPS

Stainless steel is ideal for a high-tech look. Typically used in professional kitchens, worktops of virtually any shape and size can be produced as a single unit, and sinks, backsplashes and uprights can be integrated to provide a stylish surface. Choose from a polished or brushed satin finish.

PROS: Very resistant and robust, with excellent resistance to heat and stains. Stainless steel is hygienic, impervious to stains, and the only surface you can use bleach on.

CONS: Can be cold and noisy, and has scratches and grease marks, although over time the scratches will coalesce into an attractive patina.

GLASS COUNTERTOPS

Ideal for modern kitchens, the glass can be lit from below and its reflective surface helps to increase the feeling of space.

PROS: Ideal to use as a focal point. Very hygienic and waterproof.

CONS: Scratches and chips easily, seams are very visible, and it’s expensive.

CONCRETE COUNTERTOPS

Strong concrete is seamless and can be molded into any shape to flow around other items.

“We can make concrete in colors from antique white to red and black using natural pigments,” says Jonathan Reid, director of concrete surfacing company White & Reid. “It’s also a fantastic entry/exit material, so you can put a kitchen top in your outdoor space.”

PROS: Can be repaired if chipped and can be removed if stained.

CONS: Needs care and needs to be treated with a penetrating sealer. It is not cheap.