When it comes to designing your kitchen, choosing a countertop is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make. It doesn’t just have to look good, it has to withstand heavy use. So before you buy, consider whether you’d be prepared to go to some effort to maintain its appearance, or whether you’d rather have something more durable. So 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 an impact with your units, you might want a toned-down 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 manufacturer to fit your kitchen exactly, with cutouts for the sink and hob, and this will hit 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 polarization in the thickness of countertops remains an important direction: there is no middle ground, countertops should be deep or shallow,” says Anjum Ahmed, Magnet’s director of marketing and products. “The thin countertop sector is dominated by glass and compact laminate, while thicker countertops tend to come 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. As the kitchen and living room are now more integrated, one material in the entire space would feel too overwhelming. Instead, use a warm wood at a breakfast bar, for example, stainless steel in a prep area, and stained glass as a highlight.’
Borders, whether made of glass, wood or colored acrylic, are one of the main trends. “For a very modern look, style a standard laminate with a contrasting edge in wood or stainless steel,” 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 countertop with a 30 degree beveled edge,” says Boffi’s Steven Salt. “This can be made of 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 the work surface can also make a difference in the overall feel. The rounded edges of the 1980s and 1990s are a thing of the past, and the latest surfaces have either a full square edge, a pencil round (where the edge is slightly rounded), or a chamfer where only a little 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 imitate their natural counterparts.
“Laminates have come a long way, even in the last three years,” says Simon Wilde, Formica’s director of marketing. ‘New textures, finishes and printing techniques have given them greater dimension and depth.’
Choose from hundreds of colors and finishes, including realistic wood grain, honed and honed stone, gleaming 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 they are damaged.
WOODEN COUNTERTOPS
Hardwood countertops like oak, cherry, maple, walnut, teak, and mahogany are the best way to bring a warm, rich quality to a kitchen.
“Costs vary depending on the wood you choose,” says Lizzie Beesley. ‘A simple oak surface will cost much less than exotic modern zebrano, wenge or walnut.’
Finger-carved wood 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 rustic, chunky appearance, providing an amazing contrast in an otherwise clean modern kitchen.”
Clean wood after preparing food, blotting up any spills immediately to prevent stains, and avoiding abrasive cleaning products.
PROS: With inherent natural antibacterial properties, wood is a hygienic choice. 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 become misshapen if it doesn’t fit properly, and it doesn’t hold up well to prolonged exposure to water.
STONE COUNTERTOPS
Strong, natural and cool, granite is the most popular stone used for work surfaces and can follow traditional or ultra-modern schemes.
“Granite differs in color, texture, and crystalline 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 must be sealed, which must 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 gives a real quality feel 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 in, and you’ll need quality casings to withstand 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. Stain, chip and heat resistant, it comes in a wide range of colors and textures.
PROS: The color is uniform, so it’s easier to match than natural stone, and it doesn’t require additional treatments, so it’s low-maintenance.
CONS: Does not have the unique qualities found in natural materials. It comes in large sheets and needs professional fitting.
COMPOSITE COUNTERTOPS
Contrary to popular belief, not all compounds are created equal, although there is a tendency to lump solid man-made materials together under the same term. This can be tricky, as their properties can vary considerably, depending on the materials they are made of (for example, if they contain acrylic or polyester resin, or if they have a high quartz content).
The best-known composite, Corian, is the second most popular type of work surface after stone, with more than 70 colors available, including bright modern shades and rich grain. Ice white is an enduring bestseller.
ADVANTAGES: Composites can be made into virtually any shape or design, and can be joined in a way that forms invisible seams, creating a smooth and elegant overall appearance. Sinks, cooktops, and other features such as countertops can be integrated and molded into what appears to be one piece. The compounds are hygienic and easy to clean, and while they can stain and scratch, you can buff out blemishes just 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, countertops 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 between a satin polished or brushed finish.
PROS: Very strong and robust, with excellent resistance to heat and stains. Stainless steel is hygienic, impervious to stains, and the only surface that can be bleached on.
CONS: Can be cold and noisy with scratches and grease marks, although after a while the scratches will coalesce creating an attractive patina.
GLASS COUNTERTOPS
Ideal for modern kitchens, glass can be illuminated 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 highly visible, and expensive.
CONCRETE COUNTERTOPS
Strong concrete is seamless and can be molded into any shape to flow around other elements.
“We can make concrete in colors ranging 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 on your outdoor space.”
ADVANTAGES: it can be repaired if it is chipped and it can be removed if it is stained.
CONS: Needs TLC and must be treated with a penetrating sealer. It is not cheap.
