Choose the best worktop material that will suit the design of your kitchen and add style and sophistication, with these top tips from the experts
Rock solid
1 Perfect for a hardworking family kitchen, granite is one of the most durable worktop materials. The igneous rock is naturally heat-resistant and, so long as it is annually sealed, it is stain and scratch-resistant, too. The granite worktop featured is in a Martin Moore kitchen, priced from £45,000.
Best of both
2. Adaptability is key in the kitchen, so consider utilising several different worktop materials. In this space designed by Tom Howley, a Caesarstone quartz-topped island has been paired with a wooden-topped butcher’s block for utmost flexibility. Prices for Tom Howley kitchens start at £25,000.
Cutting edge
3. A solid surface, like Corian, is a budget-friendly alternative to stone. It is comprised of mineral dust, pigments and resin mixed with acrylic or polyester. Acrylic makes for a durable and mouldable surface, while polyester is more affordable and vibrant, although can be brittle. Both options are non-porous, don’t need sealing and are more hygienic than natural stone.
From the forest
4. Oozing with warmth, wood – especially reclaimed wood – offers a soft aesthetic. ‘Reclaimed wooden worktops should be engineered as this will prevent any unwanted twisting, shrinking and splitting,’ advises Alex Main, director at The Main Company. The Main Company kitchens start at £25,000.
Durable elegance
5. Quartz, made from pieces of natural quartz bonded together, features unique variations, colours and veining. This highly durable worktop is heat and scratch resistant, easy to clean, and doesn’t need sealing or treatment to retain its beauty. The engineered stone is more affordable than marble or granite.
Classical charm
6. There is more to marble than just its good looks. ‘Marble is cool to the touch so is perfect for baking. Plus, with regular sealing, it will last a lifetime and also add value to your home,’ says Simon Temprell, interior design lead at Neptune. Create a seamless look by continuing your worktop material onto the splashback. Neptune’s Henley design starts at £17,000
