Choosing the right Kitchen surfaces is as important as choosing the colour of your Kitchen Design, Its not just worktop surfaces to consider the material now typically extends through upstands, splashbacks, over large island units and to the floor via waterfall ends. When you think about it, your worktop will be the hardest working tool in your kitchen, having daily exposure to multiple foodstuffs and liquid spills as well as receiving countless knocks from a number of utensils. So kitchen surfaces need to be resilient, and giving this exposure choosing an easy cleaning workshop is also an important consideration.
What must you consider when choosing your new Kitchen worktop?
There are many things to consider including the finish, colour and ultimately the budget you have in mind. Surface worktops range from Marble, Granite, Quartz, Limestone, Slate, Neolith and pyrolave. There are various colour options available in each material. Choosing your worktop colours comes down to preference but as designers we are here to help make these choices easier. For example, if you’re choosing a wood finish door you may consider a deeper surface colour, such as grey or black or if you decided on a light colour kitchen, a composite lookalike colour can tie the scheme together.
Image: Daniel Geogre Kitchen Display Worktops from LamontStone
Marble
While predominantly known for being white, marble is also available in greens, greys and blacks, while patterns range from high-contrast prominent veins to far more subtle tonal patterns.
Marble makes for a beautiful high-end look to your overall Kitchen and is real opulence to interior design schemes however it is relatively soft making it susceptible to scratching, chipping and cracks following heavier impacts. Marble is also porous, which makes staining an issue. Red wine, lemon juice and turmeric are all everyday items that may cause problems for your marble tops and even some harsher cleaning products do more harm than good.
Pros:
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Aesthetically pleasing: Marble is a natural stone with unique veining and patterns that give it a distinct and attractive appearance. It comes in a variety of colors and can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any space.
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Heat resistant: Marble is naturally heat resistant, making it ideal for use in the kitchen around hot pots and pans.
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Durable: Marble is a durable material that can withstand the wear and tear of daily use. It is also resistant to scratches and chips.
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Adds value: Installing a marble worktop can increase the value of your home and make it more attractive to potential buyers.
Cons:
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Porous: Marble is a porous material, which means that it can absorb liquids and stains. This makes it susceptible to damage from acidic substances like vinegar or lemon juice.
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Requires maintenance: To keep marble looking its best, it requires regular maintenance, such as sealing and polishing. Failure to maintain a marble worktop can lead to dulling, staining, or etching.
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Cost: Marble can be an expensive option for a worktop, especially if you choose high-end varieties or require a large amount of material.
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Prone to scratching: While marble is a durable material, it is still prone to scratching from sharp objects like knives or utensils. This can be a concern if you plan to use the worktop for food preparation.
Overall, marble worktops are a beautiful and durable choice for kitchen and bathroom countertops. However, they do require some maintenance and can be more expensive than other options. Consider your lifestyle and budget when deciding if a marble worktop is right for you.
See our beautiful Calacatte Verde Polished Marble in the Lincoln Kitchen display here.
Granite
Generally, marble worktops and granite countertops are durable and can handle heat up to a certain temperature. But granite is harder than marble which makes it more resistant to scratches and chipping work. It is a natural product quarried from the earth. Each slab is unique and can vary in appearance. The us a vast range of colours and patterns that can be found in granite worktops and it is one of the best selling worktops on the market.
Pros:
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Durable: Granite is a natural stone that is incredibly durable and resistant to scratches, chips, and heat damage. It can withstand the wear and tear of daily use and is less likely to be damaged than other worktop materials.
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Heat resistant: Granite is naturally heat resistant, making it ideal for use in the kitchen around hot pots and pans.
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Aesthetically pleasing: Granite comes in a variety of colors and patterns, allowing you to choose a unique and attractive worktop for your kitchen design. It can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any space.
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Adds value: Installing a granite worktop can increase the value of your home and make it more attractive to potential buyers.
Cons:
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While granite is less porous than other natural stones, it can still absorb liquids and stains if not properly sealed. This can lead to dulling or staining over time. So ensure it is sealed properly to avoid this.
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Requires maintenance: To keep granite looking its best, it requires regular maintenance, such as sealing and polishing. Failure to maintain a granite worktop can lead to dulling or staining.
Quartz
High-quality surfaces use around 93 per cent natural quartz, one of nature’s hardest materials, which makes the finished countertop extremely durable. Not only is it scratch resistant but it is also virtually non-porous. Therefore staining issues associated with natural granite, marble and concrete tops are not an issue. Daily cleaning requires little more than a mild detergent and a clean damp cloth. Its non-porous properties mean that it never needs sealing and it remains one of the most hygienic surfaces available for kitchen spaces.
Quartz surfaces are available in a vast array of colours and patterns with high-end brands designing surfaces that are indistinguishable from natural marble and granite. Advances in quartz technology have also seen the development of finishes with unique textural movement and patinas capturing the look and feel of surfaces such as poured plasters or raw concretes, idea for industrial or urban-themed interiors.
See our newest Utility Room Design in our showroom which features a Victoria Grey Quartz workstop.
Pros
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Low maintenance: Quartz is a non-porous material, meaning it does not require sealing and is resistant to stains, scratches, and bacteria. This makes it easy to clean and maintain.
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Durable: Quartz is a tough and durable material that is resistant to chips, cracks, and heat damage. It can withstand the wear and tear of daily use and is less likely to be damaged than other worktop materials.
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Aesthetically pleasing: Quartz comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns, allowing you to choose a unique and attractive worktop for your kitchen design. It can also be engineered to mimic the look of other natural stones.
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Versatile: Quartz can be used in a variety of kitchen designs, from modern to traditional, and can be customized to fit any space.
Cons:
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Cost: Quartz worktops can be more expensive than other materials, especially if you choose high-end varieties or require a large amount of material.
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Heat resistance: While quartz is heat resistant, it is not heat-proof. Direct exposure to high heat can cause discoloration or damage to the surface.
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Susceptible to chipping: Quartz can chip or crack if exposed to high impact or pressure, which can be a concern if you plan to use the worktop for food preparation.
Limestone
Limestone is aesthetically pleasing and works well with other natural materials, making it great choice for your surfaces in your home, as it is a luxurious and hardwearing natural stone with lots of charm, which stand up to all sorts of bumps and bangs for many, many years.
Being a relatively soft stone, it can be easily shaped and cut, making it a popular choice for architects, interior designers and homeowners alike to create unique shapes and forms. It is also heat-resistant — so hot pots and pans shouldn’t pose a problem – is mould an UV resistant and hygienic if treated and sealed properly.
Pros:
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Unique appearance: Limestone is a natural stone that has a unique, organic look. It comes in a variety of colors and patterns that can add an elegant and distinctive touch to your kitchen design.
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Heat resistance: Limestone is a heat-resistant material, making it ideal for use around stovetops and ovens.
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Relatively affordable: Limestone is generally less expensive than other natural stones, such as granite or marble, making it an affordable option for those on a budget.
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Naturally cool: Limestone is a naturally cool material, which can be beneficial for keeping your kitchen work surface comfortable to the touch.
Cons:
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Porous: Limestone is a porous material, which means it can absorb liquids and stains if not properly sealed. This can lead to dulling or staining over time.
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Requires maintenance: Limestone requires regular maintenance, such as sealing and polishing, to keep it looking its best. Failure to maintain a limestone worktop can lead to dulling or staining.
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Soft and scratch-prone: Limestone is a relatively soft material, which makes it prone to scratching and chipping. It can also be damaged by acidic substances, such as vinegar or lemon juice.
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Limited durability: Limestone is a softer material than granite or quartz, which means it is more prone to wear and tear over time. It may not be the best option for high-traffic kitchens or for those who frequently use their worktop for food preparation.
Overall, limestone worktops can add a unique and elegant touch to your kitchen design. They are heat resistant and relatively affordable, but they also require regular maintenance and are prone to scratching and chipping.
Slate
Slate is perfect for a kitchen worktop as it does not stain and is easy to clean. Each slate surface has a different natural pattern so your worktop will always be unique.
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Unique appearance: Slate has a unique, rustic appearance that can add character and warmth to your kitchen design. It comes in a range of colors, including shades of grey, green, and black.
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Durable: Slate is a dense and durable material that can withstand the wear and tear of daily use. It is resistant to scratches, stains, and heat damage.
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Non-porous: Slate is a non-porous material, meaning it does not absorb liquids or stains. This makes it hygienic and easy to clean.
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Natural: As a natural stone, slate is an environmentally friendly option for your kitchen worktop.
Cons:
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High maintenance: Slate requires regular sealing and maintenance to keep it looking its best. Failure to maintain a slate worktop can lead to staining, dulling, and damage.
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Susceptible to chipping: While slate is durable, it is also brittle and can be prone to chipping or cracking if subjected to high impact or pressure.
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Limited color options: While slate comes in a range of colors, the options are more limited than other worktop materials, such as quartz or granite.
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Uneven surface: Slate can have an uneven surface, which can make it difficult to use as a worktop for food preparation or to place objects on it without wobbling.
Neolith
The neolith worktops range offers one of the world’s most aesthetically pleasing yet durable collections of kitchen worktops. Neolith is part of a revolutionary new option for a man-made stone called Ultra Sintered Technology and is a versatile application for around the home or a commercial building.
Neolith contains minerals from granite, glass and silica including natural oxides which makes it one of the highly scratch-resistant and impact-resistant materials. It can withstand very high temperatures, you can even place a pan directly from the hob straight onto your work surface.
It is non-porous so will not stain and is extremely resistant to bacteria, making it easy to clean and maintain.
Pros:
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Durable: Neolith is a highly durable material that is resistant to scratches, stains, and heat damage. It is also resistant to UV light and weathering, making it ideal for use in outdoor kitchens.
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Non-porous: Neolith is a non-porous material, meaning it does not absorb liquids or stains. This makes it hygienic and easy to clean.
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Versatile: Neolith comes in a wide range of colors, patterns, and textures, making it a versatile option for any kitchen design.
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Eco-friendly: Neolith is made from natural materials and is 100% recyclable, making it an environmentally friendly choice.
Cons:
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Cost: Neolith worktops can be more expensive than other man-made materials, such as quartz.
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Limited availability: Neolith is a relatively new material and may not be readily available in all areas. We recommend making an appointment with specialist Lamont Stone.
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Brittle: While Neolith is durable, it can be prone to chipping or cracking if subjected to high impact or pressure.
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Difficult to install: Neolith is a heavy material that requires professional installation, which can add to the cost.
Overall, Neolith worktops are a durable and versatile option for any kitchen design. They are non-porous and eco-friendly, but they can be more expensive than other man-made materials
Get in touch to find out more about the different price ranges available. A Kitchen Showroom visit will allow you to sample each material and choose which feels best for your kitchen and fits your budget. A designer will help you choose a worktop within your budget and show you examples of what will complement your kitchen style and colour scheme. Book an appointment here
