There are a plethora of things which we fail to consider as renters which hit us square in the face as homeowners.
From understanding the minutiae of electrics and plumbing, to noticing and worrying endlessly about subtle cracks in the walls, to realising that renovations cost wildly more than you could’ve possibly imagined; upgrading your home is an arduous task which certainly is not for the faint-hearted.
One of the most gruelling decisions you’ll make is all about kitchen worktop materials. With the kitchen being the heart of the home, choosing the correct option which combines aesthetics and durability is of the utmost importance.
What are the different materials commonly used for kitchen worktops and which material is right for me?
- Laminate: a popular, value-for-money option that is bonded with plastic and protective resins, laminate is surprisingly durable. It’s antibacterial and can be made to resemble more expensive materials. However, poor-quality laminate is prone to peeling and bubbling if hot pans are placed directly on it.
- Solid wood/bamboo: though they usually require oiling and sealing for an aesthetically pleasing and protective countertop, solid wood and bamboo counters are beloved for their effortlessly rustic feel, especially when aged. Cheaper than most solid stone options, they nevertheless require oodles of maintenance (bi-annually) and are quick to scratch and stain.
- Solid surface composite: for the look and feel of a solid wood countertop without maintenance, you’ll have to invest in a solid surface composite. This is when solid surface substrates such as wood and granite are coated in a glossy acrylic resin to make it heat, scratch and stain-resistant. Popular options include Corian, Maia and Encore.
- Granite: granite is a coarse or medium-grained igneous rock which is rich in quartz and feldspar. It’s an incredibly popular and stylish option in contemporary households, especially iterations with intricate marbling. It’s hard-wearing, heat-resistant, anti-bacterial and easy to clean, but it’s also very heavy and quite expensive. When granite is sealed properly, it doesn’t require any maintenance.
- Quartz: these countertops are a man-made alternative to pricey granite. Though the main compound is naturally occurring quartz, it’s often combined with other manmade components including glass and metallic flecks before being fortified with resin. Relatively customisable, hard-wearing, and easy to clean, it’s still a heavier option and on the pricier end of the spectrum. It’s also less heat-resistant than pure granite.
- Marble: pure, solid marble has long been associated with the height of luxury. It’s by far the most expensive kind of kitchen countertop and is available in a variety of highly unique finishes which will make your home one-of-a-kind.
- Stainless steel: typically associated with industrial kitchens, some households opt for stainless steel countertops for a stylish statement. From a practicality standpoint, it’s strong, durable, naturally antibacterial, heat and acid resistant, lightweight and a breeze to clean.
We’ve curated a selection of the best kitchen worktops for your home. Keep scrolling for a range of different materials at affordable prices.
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Wickes Laminate Marble Effect Worktop - Marmo Grigio 600mm x 28mm x 3m
- Material: laminate
- Size: 600mm x 28mm x 3m
Wallet-friendly and remarkably similar to marble, this laminate worktop offers a bright and cheerful kitchen aesthetic with high-performance credentials to boot. It contains responsibly sourced timber, has a matt finish, a lightly rounded edge design and a smooth, marble-effect surface texture.
Buy now £117.00, Wickes
Wickes Solid Wood Worktop - Thermo Beech 600 x 38mm x 3m
- Material: thermos-treated solid beech wood
- Size: 600 x 38mm x 3m
This brilliant pre-treated solid wood worktop takes a considerable amount of stress out of caring for your wooden kitchen countertop. Thermo treatment transforms the beech wood into a deep, chocolatey brown hue which creates a more stable structure which is more moisture resistant. The surface is also pre-oiled to further protect against water damage, though it’ll still require bi-annual treatment.
Buy now £576.00, Wickes
Washed Oak Worktop - 300 x 60 x 3.8cm (Square Edge)
- Material: laminate
- Size: 300 x 60 x 3.8cm
A laminate, washed oak worktop which is impressively realistic, this 38mm thick kitchen worktop is finished with a contemporary square-edge design. It’s incredibly easy to fit, clean and maintain and has been finished with water-resistant glue for better resistance to drips and spills.
Buy now £230.00, Homebase
Caramel Bamboo Wooden Worktops
- Material: solid bamboo
- Size: 2m x 635 x 40mm, 3m x 635 x 40mm, 3m x 960 x 40mm, 4m x 635 x 40mm
We adore the rich, caramel tones of this bamboo countertop by Worktop Express. Crafted from a wonderfully sustainable material, you can make your home look good while feeling good about the environment.
Buy now £179.00, Worktop Express
American Walnut Wooden Worktops
- Material: solid American walnut wood
- Size: 2m x 635 x 40mm, 2m x 960 x 40mm, 3m x 635 x 40mm, 3m x 960 x 40mm, 4m x 635 x 40mm
Striking and oh-so-American, dark walnut kitchen worktops instantly evoke a wonderfully cosy and welcoming environment. Though definitely on the pricier side, it’s well worth the investment for a home straight out of a romantic Hollywood film.
Buy now £432.00, Worktop Express
Verde Comodoro Solid FENIX NTM Worktops
- Material: FENIX NTM
- Size: 3m x 645 x 12mm, 3m x 900 x 12mm, 4.1m x 645 x 12mm
FENIX is a next-generation acrylic material which has a supremely matt finish. Crafted with acrylic resins and hardened through an electron beam curing process, it’s a surprisingly soft material which doesn’t leave any fingerprints.
What’s more, superficial scratches can be fixed with innovative thermal healing which can be achieved at home with a damp paper towel and a household iron. We’re particularly partial to this deep, forest-green hue, though it’s available in a range of colours to suit your personal aesthetic.
Buy now £432.00, Worktop Express
Canella Solid Surface Worktops
Material: acrylic
Size: 2m x 960 x 20mm, 3m x 650 x 20mm
Designed to look like a blend of industrial-style concrete and chic marble, canella solid surface worktops are gently freckled with greys and blacks to mimic natural stone. Extremely durable and requiring little maintenance, canella acrylic worktops are a no-brainer.
Buy now £695.00, Worktop Express
SKOGSÅ Oak/Veneer Worktop
Material: oak veneer
Size: 186 x 3.8cm, 246 x 3.8cm
Who would’ve banked on Ikea producing one of the most affordable yet unique veneer kitchen worktops on the market? Edging strips are included in your purchase should you decide to trim the wood and the worktop comes with an impressive 25-year guarantee. It’s also pre-treated with hard wax oil for a speedy installation and offers a charming, end-grain design.
Buy now £249.00, Ikea
Maia Calcite Worktop 3600mm X 600mm X 28mm
Material: composite
Size: 3600mm x 600mm x 28mm
Stylish, durable and complete with square edges, this matt-finish calcite composite by Maia is a fantastic choice for minimalist kitchens. Pre-fabricated and ready to fit, we love how it offers seamless, inconspicuous joints when used for L-shaped kitchens, as well as the ultra-smooth finish.
Buy now £734.00, Screwfix
