For many, the kitchen is the heart of their home, which is why your kitchen worktop must be both aesthetically pleasing and practical. Finding the right balance is a difficult task, and with so many options on the market, the choices are endless. Minimal options like style and colour are simple decisions that depend entirely on looks, but the determining the original material is much more important. The material chosen for your worktop lays the base for the entire look and feel of your kitchen. As industry experts in the fabrication of solid surface materials, we have put together a quick summary of what’s on offer, to help guide you in choosing the right kitchen material.
Solid Surface Materials
A solid surface worktop is made from man-made acrylic and polyester resin materials and is a modern alternative to traditional worktop materials. Solid surface materials are ideal in all kitchens, offering an extremely high-end look without the cost. Thanks to their artificial nature, they can come in a variety of styles and vibrant colours, allowing you to create any look you please. They can be formed using heat and joined seamlessly with the next piece, meaning unique shapes are easily made and installed. Solid surface worktops are also extremely practical for a kitchen as they are impermeable, ensuring staining is a non-issue, and the growth of bacteria and mould is eliminated.
Wooden Worktops
Wooden worktops, whilst offering an appealing warmth and charm to any kitchen, are the hardest to maintain. There is no doubt that the grain of wood creates a unique and homely feel to any kitchen, with the grain and colour deepening over time. However, wood requires constant attention, needing to be resealed every 6 months. If not done correctly or frequently enough, wood is susceptible to staining and water damage, which can cause swelling. Wood is also fairly soft as a countertop and is much more likely to be scratched or worn.
Stone Surfaces
Natural stone worktops look the part, providing a modern and contemporary feel to any kitchen. With each piece having unique colours, lines, and patterns, a stone worktop creates a truly bespoke feel for your kitchen. These types of worktops are durable and difficult to scratch, making them practical in a busy kitchen. The luxurious nature of natural stone however comes with a hefty price tag, which can be difficult to justify when there are equally as good-looking alternatives on the market.
Laminate
Laminate is the most affordable option on the market. Laminate worktops are durable, and due to their manmade nature, they are available in a large range of styles and colours, giving you the freedom to design your kitchen as you please. Laminate is durable and heat and scratch resistant, proving a practical option. It is also extremely hygienic due to the artificial seal. However, the laminate must be treated with care as it is extremely susceptible to water damage to the chipboard, which will result in a misshapen worktop.
Your kitchen worktops can make or break your kitchen, so it is important to consider your options carefully. As fabricators of solid surface materials, including from leading brands Corian and Durat, at Ideal Surfaces, we are experienced in providing unique solutions for each customer. To discuss your solid surface requirements or order a colour sample, get in touch on 01455 619114 or email us at [email protected]. Alternatively, you can fill in our online enquiry form.
contact usview surfaces