Worksurfaces
Worktops - Page One
Deciding on a worktop material can be as important as choosing the design of your cabinets. You may be limited by your budget, but its worth considering all the options. Practicality is a key consideration as worksurfaces get rough treatment from pans, cutlery, heat and spills, but colour and texture are also important as worktops play a big part in the overall look of your kitchen.
Hardwood Worktops
Hardwoods are a popular choice as they blend in well with country-style kitchens and add a natural element to high-tech designs. Choose from solid hardwoods like oak, cherry, maple, iroko, teak or beech, which can be stained in various shades.
For: Hard-wearing and long-lasting - in fact, they can even improve with age. Stains watermarks and signs of wear and tear can be sanded out and will usually disappear when the surface is re-oiled.
Against: Spills should be kept to a minimum- some stains show significantly on lighter woods and water can cause damage. Oiled finishes need to be renewed periodically.
Upkeep: - Wipe up spills instantly to prevent staining. Once established, seal with Danish or linseed oil quarterly to stop drying out. Scratches can be sanded out with fine wire wool.
Sealing Required?: - Hardwoods require an initial programme of sealing using oil. Apply a coat once a day for the first week, then once a week for the next month, then once a month for a year.
Durability: - If hardwoods are properly sealed and maintained they will last for a long time, but don't use the worktop as a chopping board, or place hot pans directly onto the wood, as it can scorch.
Composite/Acrylic Worktops
Composites are man-made materials created using acrylic resins and natural minerals. Probably the best-known brand name is Corian®. Available in a range of colours, it can be virtually any shape and can be moulded to incorporate sinks and drainers; upstands can also be included in the design. Also, its hard-wearing, hygienic and stylish.
For: Little specialist care needed. Stains and scratches can be sanded out. Seamless joins means there nowhere for bacteria to hide. It has a smooth, tactile surface.
Against: Dearer than most top's. Will require professional installation.
Upkeep: - Wipe up spills to prevent marks. Keep clean with a soft, damp cloth and a mild detergent.
Durability: - Composite is very tough and more durable than many natural stones. As the colour runs right the way through the material, any scratches can be sanded out.
Granite Worktops
For: - Any area of the kitchen, including around the sink and next to the hob or oven. A large expanse of glossy granite makes a striking island worktop.
Best Look: - Granite is a luxury material that never falls out of fashion and suits traditional and modern styles. Choose from a classic polished finish, or a honed matt for a more contemporary look.
Upkeep: - Very low maintenance. Clean using a damp cloth and a mild detergent.
Durability: - The best of all the natural materials, it can withstand high temperatures, is water resistant and impervious to most stains, but wine and citric acids must be cleaned up at once.