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Kitchen Worktop Materials

Worktops can be made from a range of materials with many different finishes, colours and effects. Kitchen worktop materials all have their advantages and disadvantages, varely hugely in price and differ in their resistance to heat etc.

See our table below for detailed information about the qualities of the most commonly used worktop materials (scroll left/right to see the full range).

Glass

Granite

Engineered Stone/Quartz

Stainless Steel

Solid Surfaces (e.g. Corian, Wharf)

Laminate

Porcelain

Resistant to temperature up to 400°C without damageResistant to temperature up to 200°C without damageResistant to temperature up to 200°C without damageHeat ResistantResistant to temperature up to 100°C without damageResistant to temperature up to 180°C without damage?
Never stainsCan stain, especially if light colouredCan slightly stainCan stainCan stainCan stain?
Non-porousPorousSlightly porousNon-porousNon-porousSlightly porous?
Can span 2.5 metres without supportCan only span short lengthsCan only span short lengthsCan span long lengthsCan only span short lengthsCan span long lengths?
Highly impact resistantSome colours can be fragileModerately impact resistantCan dentHighly impact resistantModerately impact resistant?
Scratches can be polished out if neededDoes not scratch easily – forgiving of any scratches due to surface patternsDoes not scratch easily – forgiving of any scratches due to surface patternsScratches are prominent - can be polished out if neededScratches easily but can be polished out if neededDoes not scratch easily (except high gloss finishes)?
Chips can be repairedChips can sometimes be repairedChips can sometimes be repairedCannot be repairedChips can be repairedCannot be repaired?
Unlimited colours/patternsLimited coloursLimited coloursOnly one colourLimited coloursLimited colours?
Very durable surfaceDurable surfaceDurable surfaceDurable surfaceVery durable surfaceDurable surface?
Resistant to all domestic chemicalsCan be damaged by acidic liquids such as lemon and vinegarResistant to some chemicalsResistant to almost all chemicalsResistant to some chemicalsResistant to some chemicals?
ExpensiveModerately expensiveModerately expensiveVery expensiveModerately expensive (highly dependent on brand)Very inexpensive?
Modern appearanceNatural appearanceGranular appearanceIndustrial appearanceModern appearanceVarious appearance?
Cold to touch Cold to touchCan be cold to touchCold to touch Cold to touch Warm to touch?
Very hygienicModerately hygienicHygienicVery hygienicVery hygienicNot very hygienic?
Minimal maintenanceMinimal maintenanceMinimal maintenanceNeed to polish out scratchesMinimal maintenanceMinimal maintenance?
9mm-19mm thick 20mm or 30mm thick20mm or 30mm thickVarious thicknessesVarious thicknesses30mm and 40mm?
Highly light reflectiveSlightly reflectiveNot very reflectiveReflective until scratchedNon reflectiveNon reflective (except gloss)?

If you have any questions about these materials or would like to discuss which might be suitable for you, please do not hesitate to get in touch.