Kitchen Worktop and Countertops Selection Criteria

A worktop, or a countertop is not only necessary for a kitchen, it is also an integral part of your kitchen's design. Over time, your home food preparation can deliver a significant amount of wear and tear to the countertop's surface, which is the reason why it is important to select your new countertop wisely so that you can enjoy yourself in the kitchen, and have a countertop that will work for you, rather than having the one you cannot stand! Lets take a good look at popular material options you can use for your countertop, and lets discuss some of the important reasons for choosing a particular type of material for a cuntertop in your kitchen.

Factors You need to consider when selecting your new countertop material option:

If the time has come to replace your old unsightly kitchen worktop with a new one, you will want to consider your new replacement's countertop durability, hygiene, material and installation cost, and the increase in the value of your property.

Pros and Cons of Laminate, Granite, Stainless Steel, Quartz, Corian, and Avonite worktops:

Laminate Worktops

This inexpensive option is a popular choice for kitchen countertops, and it comes in a variety of colors and textures. It can easily get scratched, or burned, and gets dirty very easily. It is not durable by any means, but it can last for a long time if used with proper care.

If you do choose to have a laminate countertop installed in your kitchen in order to save money, you can protect the laminate surface with trivets and chopping boards.

Advantages

Laminate worktop is fairly inexpensive in comparison to a granite countertop. It is available in a wide range of colors and patterns to choose from.
It is quite easy to apply fancy edges to it.
It is Stain resistant.

Disadvantages

You can neither use it as a cutting surface, nor can you place any hot pans upon it. The Laminate counter top cannot be easily repaired when it becomes damaged. If your laminate top does get damaged, you will have to either re coat using a countertop re coating system, which can be more trouble than it is worth, or just replace it with a new one. Older laminate tops tend to have noticeable seams because of a dark backing sheet. This is most apparent with the older worktops of lighter colors.

Finally, if you plan on selling your house, a laminate worktop will cheapen the look of your kitchen, which will make it less desirable to a potential home buyer.

Granite Worktops

Granite is the most common type of stone used for a countertop construction. Granite is quarried worldwide, with colors and patterns that reveal the region and the geological conditions that created it. Each slab is unique, with random and inconsistent patterns for a great character and look. It is highly durable, it doesn't scratch or burn, and it keeps its color. Unfortunately Granite is a very expensive material though the finished look is often well worth the cost.

Advantages

A variety of colours of natural stone.
Extremely durable.
Heat resistant and hard to scratch.

Disadvantages

Expensive To prevent staining it will need to be resealed.

Stainless Steel Worktops

Often associated with professional kitchens, stainless steel is stylish and contemporary. Steel is highly durable and can be shaped in many ways to fit your kitchen. The back splash and the sink can be made out of the same piece of steel, ensuring that there are no awkward corners or gaps for food to get lost in. Stainless steel is hygienic and is the only surface that can be safely bleached.

Advantages

The only surface that can be safely bleached.
Corrosion proof.
Very durable.
Sinks, draining boards and backsplashes can all be fabricated into the counter top.
Heat proof.
All the joints can be polished for a seamless effect (may cost extra).

Disadvantages

Can scratch and dent (though newer designs can include textured finishes that can hide the scratches). A high maintenance option. Expensive.

Wood and Butcher Block Worktops

Wood will always give a great look and add character to your kitchen. On the countertop, however, it is highly susceptible to scratching and cutting. Hot pans will burn it or leave marks, and it can be unhygienic if meat or poultry is prepared on it. However, it is one of the only surfaces that will not damage your knives. Oak, maple, cherry, red beech, walnut, teak, and mahogany are all hardwoods favored for countertop applications.

Advantages

Ideal for cutting on.
Only surface that will not damage your knives.
Very attractive.

Disadvantages

Deep cuts will show but can be sanded out. Hot pans will burn it or leave marks. High maintenance. Use mineral oil to renew surface.

Quartz Surfaces: Zodiaq, Cambria and Silestone Worktops

Quartz delivers a great natural look to any kitchen. It is highly durable being resistant to scratches, stains and heat. However this flexibility comes at a price and you can sometimes encounter prices up to 10% higher than that of granite. Quartz surfaces are hygienic because the material is non-porous and so bacteria and mould have nowhere to hide. Three brands to note of are Zodiaq, Cambria and Silestone. Zodiaq comes in 26 colors and has a 10-year warranty. Cambria is made in the USA and is available in 34 colors which are all the same price. Silestone is made by the Spanish company Consentino and is available in 46 colors.

Advantages

Scratch resistant.
Stain resistant.
Heat Resistant.
Looks great.
Does not need to be resealed every few years (unlike granite).

Disadvantages

Expensive (about 10% more than granite). Set on backsplashes only.

Corian, Avonite and Other Solid Surfaces Worktops

A countertop that consists of a solid plastic all the way through is said to be a solid surface countertop (as opposed to those built up in layers i.e. laminate). They are similar to quartz in that they?re also hard wearing. They are resistant to scratches, scorching and heat. If you do manage to do damage to the countertop you can easily repair it. You can expect to spend about three times more than you would for laminate, and twice as much for wood. A wide range of colors and styles are available to choose from and most suppliers will give you a good guarantee. Corian is the most famous brand (has been around for 30 years) Avonite has unique color choices.

Advantages

Large variety of colors and edge styles.
You can create your own design on the deck.
Backsplashes can be any height and curved to deck for a very clean look.
Seams are virtually invisible.
The material is renewable and repairable.
Most all brands offer a full, transferable, 10-year warranty.

Disadvantages

The cost is quite high when all available options are used.