When transforming a kitchen, your focus will likely be on the style of units, the large appliances and which type of dining table and chairs you want. However, it is also important to make the right selection regarding the kitchen worktops you buy.
There are so many different materials these can be made from, you may not realise just how much choice you have. From wood and granite to Corian and quartz, the type you go for will depend on your lifestyle, units and the decor of the rest of the room. You might also want to keep in mind the age of your property, as it can be nice to have a traditional kitchen in Georgian or Victorian homes, for example.
Below is a guide to the different types of kitchen worktops.
Wooden
Natural wood is a sturdy and beautiful material that can actually become more attractive as it ages, so long as you take the time to look after it. It can work in both modern and traditional homes, depending on which type of wood you choose. Wenge and bamboo look fresh and contemporary, especially if you have chosen dark glossy or matte units, as this will make the fine finish of the worktops stand out.
Cherry is another good option, especially as after several months it will darken in colour and become a bronze hue. If you have a painted kitchen or white units, maple and iroko will be high up your shopping list. Iroko is a heavy African timber that starts off as pale brown, but soon becomes a richer hue. Maple is a white wood that tends to have a uniform grain, so if it is a seamless look you are after, this timber is likely to be the best choice for your kitchen worktops. Other types of wood available for work surfaces include oak, walnut and beech.
Corian
Corian is one of the most popular materials for kitchen worktops due to its durability, attractiveness and choice of colours. It is also seamless, so looks fantastic in contemporary spaces where everything flows together, such as a stainless steel sink, oven, hob and fridge-freezer. Corian can also be used to create sinks, which means if you want an undermount basin that fits in with your worktops, you can use the material for both fittings.
Are you planning for your kitchen to have a pop of colour? Choose Corian in a bright hue for your breakfast bar, keeping the rest of the surfaces in a neutral shade as to not overpower the look. The material is therefore a flexible one, easy to clean, resistant to stains and long lasting.
Granite
If you want to make a statement when your friends and family walk into your kitchen, granite worktops are the answer. They are simply stunning and work in any type of property. Scratch-resistant, stain-resistant, waterproof and highly-polished, granite can withstand the daily activities of a kitchen, including hot pans. The material certainly adds a touch of luxury to any home and never goes out of style, so if you want a worktop that will not need replacing any time soon, this type of material will be best for you. Should the time come for you to sell your home, a granite kitchen will provide the wow factor and will set your property apart from those on the market without such a luxurious cooking space.
