One of the most important decisions our clients face when designing a new kitchen, is the worktop choice. This decision normally depends on budget, and how often the kitchen will be used. It is a good idea to gain a good understanding of how you use your kitchen before deciding, as this will determine the material most suitable for your kitchen. We have put together our top 5 materials most commonly used by our clients and the pros and cons for each.
1. PORCELAIN is our most popular worktop choice amongst our clients due to its fantastic durability and wide variety of finishes, plus the appealing 12mm thickness available. Porcelain provides great flexibility, due to the generously large 3×1.5m square slabs they come in. Not only is porcelain heat proof but it is also scratch proof, perfect for heavily used kitchens. One of the favourites finishes amongst our clients is the marble effect, a great imitation of the real thing, whilst providing greater durability. If you were thinking of using porcelain, be mindful, as it does come at a cost! This is probably the only snag but a well worth investment.
2. MARBLE will achieve utmost luxury, a timeless classic appeal and a style that enhances most schemes. It is a naturally cool stone, which means fairly heat resistant but not completely. It is possible to get some colour change or slight burn damage. Marble is porous and would need to be sealed. Depending on how often it will be used, we would recommend it to be sealed on a regular basis, making it less porous, although not completely.
3. If you love the look of real stone, but would rather something a bit more durable, GRANITE will be one to consider? With its rich quality, it is often a preferred choice. With a wide choice of colours, you are bound to find something to match your scheme. Durable, not easily scratched and heat resistant, Granite is perfect for someone with a range cooker. Although not easily stained it can be porous, therefore a well-sealed granite worktop is imperative to avoid permanent stains. Although quite durable, you must be careful with extra heavy objects as corners can be chipped. This is a very sought after material so of course it does come at a cost.
4. Achieve a minimal look in your kitchen with CORIAN. The wide range of colours, ability to create unique shapes and achieve a seamless, continuous look, sets Corian aside from most other materials. Although Corian does scratch and can also stain, any scratches can be easily repaired. If you do like to cook a regular curry, this might not be the best choice for you.
5. Easy to manage, rich in appearance with a wide selection of colours, COMPOSITE STONE is a great choice. If you are keen to achieve a look of stone with a softer feel and a minimal appeal, composite stone can be a deciding factor, plus it doesn’t crack or chip easily.
We hope this has given you greater insight into the various options for your kitchen worktop, and if you are planning your own kitchen renovation then we would love to hear from you, here Amberth. To stay updated with regular posts, sent direct to your mailbox, then click here Amberth and sign up on the right-hand column. Thank you for reading.