When it comes to choosing the right worktop for your kitchen it comes as a big decision. They are used more than you think being one of the hardest working components that the kitchen has.
You want it to be the finishing touch to your kitchen, and with the many designs, styles and colours available there are many to match cabinets, flooring and high-end appliances.
Below we look at some factors to consider when choosing the best kitchen worktop.
Have you got a budget?
A general rule of thumb when it comes to budgeting for your kitchen is to allocate between 20-30 per cent of your budget to the worktop. The worktop acts as a significant element to the design both visually and functionally, and you want to make sure you get it right.
The scale of worktop materials goes from laminate to bespoke options such as poured concrete. In the middle of the spectrum materials like granite and quartz lay with hard-wearing and durable properties.
Quartz worktops are extremely durable, providing a non-porous surface that is resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions – perfect for a kitchen counter where the majority of cooking and chopping will be done.
Granite’s timeless quality makes it the perfect addition to any kitchen, providing a durable and easy to maintain base from which you can cook, clean, and socialise without worrying about scratches and stains. What’s more, the range of colour options we provide guarantee that whatever style decor you envisage for your kitchen, we’ll have a suitable choice for you.
For classic marble surfaces to add a beautiful finish to your home, look no further than the specialist services we offer here at Cawdor Stone Gallery. As one of the most popular stones for use around the home, marble provides a stunning addition to any room.
Here at Cawdor Stone we are one of the UK’s Leading natural Stone suppliers and are able to provide you with the widest range of stone & Quartz products at the best possible prices.
What style of kitchen are you after?
The worktop completes the kitchen and overall look of the design. Marble is a popular choice for the kitchen area and delivers a timeless look and works well in both traditional and contemporary kitchens. In recent years the industrial style has been hitting design trends all over the world. Surfaces such as quartz can provide you with a concrete-like worktop that will fit right into the industrial theme. You could combine two different materials to complete your look?
How much worktop space do you require?
When planning your kitchen you will need to know how much worktop space you require and will it be enough. If you are the host of most parties, extra worktop space will allow you to prepare and entertain. Your kitchen may be large enough to feature an island in the centre, this will gain more worktop space and be the perfect place for your guests to collect and share a bottle of bubbly.
Do you have a lot of appliances that sit on the top? For example a toaster, microwave, Nespresso Machine? Making sure there is plenty of worktop space will help you to find a place for those appliances, or even building in more storage to house these appliances is a great idea.
What will the kitchen be used for?
Are you a baker? Bakers will love marble, granite or quartz due to their properties. Quartz is renowned for its less porous anti-bacterial properties, as well as boasting qualities such as stain-resistant, making it a perfect practical surface. Are you an aspiring cook? Aspiring cooks move many heavy pots and pans, sharp knives and sometimes the pestle and mortar. With a durable stone such as granite or quartz, they can withstand knocks, drops and scratches.
Cleaning the material
Have you got time to clean the stone? One of the major factors to consider when choosing your worktops is how much time you are willing to put towards the cleaning, maintaining and the general upkeep. Marble can require some time and money to look after it and keep it looking nice. Sometimes the finish like a high gloss surface can show up marks and smudges more than a matte finish.
What stone will you go for?
Every worktop material has its own pros and cons. When it comes down to the decision, it’s really going to depend on your budget, usage and personal taste.
Our commitment to supplying only the highest quality materials, paired with a professional and efficient installation service, has allowed us to be involved in award-winning projects across the world, including projects such as Hong Kong Airport, Cardinal Place, and Bishops Square in London. Contact us today, or visit us at our award-winning showroom in Hertfordshire – we look forward to hearing from you.
