Kitchen Worktops: Which Is Right For You?

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Kitchen Worktops: Which Is Right For You?
When choosing which kitchen worktop is right for you it is important to balance aesthetic and practical considerations. Fortunately, the sheer range of stunning worktops available allows home owners to personalise their kitchens to combine style and utility. Each kitchen worktop has a unique set of features which you should consider carefully before making an informed decision as to which is most suitable.

Timber Worktops

Kitchens with timber worktops combine natural beauty with a warm richness of colour. Available in a diverse range of wood types, timber worktops can be customised to match the existing kitchen colour scheme. Suitable for the quality classic kitchen and contemporary style decor, timber worktops are naturally strong, durable and antibacterial, but must be regularly seasoned with Hab or Danish oil to prevent water absorption and require sanding to remove surface markings. Many see this as a small price to pay for the undeniable character of timber worktops, but ...
... the extra maintenance is an important factor to consider, particularly if your kitchen area is subject to heavy use and has high humidity levels.

Granite Worktops

If you require a low maintenance worktop for a very busy kitchen then granite could be the most practical option. Granite is incredibly hard wearing, boasting formidable resistance to heat and water. Although susceptible to acidic substances such as fruit juice, vinegar and strong detergents, granite should regain its polished sheen with a modest buffing and will only need resealing every three years. The aesthetic qualities of granite should not be overlooked and the natural shine and various mottled patterns enable the right colour and tone to be found to complement your current decor. However, if price is a factor, granite worktops are considerably more expensive than timber.

Quartz Worktops

An increasingly popular alternative to granite varieties, quartz worktops are ideal for contemporary kitchen interiors, combining low maintenance durability with a dazzling colour range. Although more resistant to acidic substances than granite, quartz has less heat resistance and can be marked if hot cooking utensils are placed directly on its surface. It is vital that the professional hired to install the quartz worktop first conducts a structural evaluation of your existing kitchen fittings, otherwise the significant weight of quartz can cause serious issues later on. Quartz worktops are comparable in price to granite worktops.

Naturally, you will have your own personal considerations to make regarding style, utility and budget, but following these basic guidelines will help you make an informed decision as to which kitchen worktop is right for you.