Choosing a kitchen worktop should be a careful decision based on practicality, esthetics, and budget. You need to factor in how durable the worktops need to be. If you intend to use the kitchen intensively you should consider how hardwearing your worktops will need to be. Read on to find out what the 4 most popular kitchen worktop options are, to help you choose the right one based on your needs.
1. Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is waterproof, heat-resistant, highly durable kitchen worktop option. Stainless steel is also extremely hygienic and has an anti-bacterial quality making it a popular choice in professional kitchens. The down-side is that it can be prone to scratch marks and scores, which for some may take away some of the esthetic appeal of stainless steel. However, scratches and scores do not affect the hygienic, anti-bacterial property of the steel. Stainless steel also shows up print marks such as hand prints, so probably not the best choice for a family home, as you will be forever buffering the stainless steel in order to keep it looking good.
2. Hardwood
Hardwood is a visually attractive option for kitchen countertops. It comes in a variety of grain patterns and tones and contains natural anti-bacterial properties. Once cut to size and placed within your kitchen all that is required to keep it maintained is a thin coating of oil a couple of times a year. This will prevent the wood from drying out. If the wood shows signs of staining or any burn marks, an occasional sandpapering will fix the problem. Hardwood also helps provide a "homely" feel to a kitchen, making it a good option for a more family orientated kitchen.
3. Marble and Granite
Marble and granite countertops are extremely hardwearing and are stain and heat resistant. They come in a variety of colors and styles and can be polished for a glossy finish, or honed for a matt finish. Granite and marble are costly worktop options; however they can withstand almost anything, making them excellent long term worktop options. Granite and marble countertops are particularly good choices for kitchens that get a lot of use.
4. Laminate
Laminate is a more budget orientated kitchen worktop option. It is low cost, making it good for those who cannot afford the outlay of granite, marble, natural wood or stainless steel. Laminate worktops come in a variety of colors and mimics many other materials such as wood and granite so will look good. The downside is that laminate is not resistant to heat or steam, which can destroy the surface. If your kitchen is very active, laminate may not be a practical long term choice.
The key to great looking countertops, whether you are on a tight budget or not, is to make sure the worktops are the right choice for your needs, and that they are professionally fitted. Badly fitted worktops not only look unattractive, they can allow food debris to slip down into unreachable areas, which is an invitation for bacteria and pests.
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