More than just a kitchen
Over the years, the humble kitchen worktop has had an almost impossible job to fill, it has had to be resilient enough to cope with almost constant use, whilst at the same time looking impeccable. Even those who use their kitchen sparingly, are still aware that it is expressing a part of their character, observed and evaluated by family and friends alike. This is a long-term decision, the importance of quality, aesthetically-pleasing kitchen worktop cannot be underestimated.
Opt for a durable, easy to clean quartz worktop such as this Cosmopolitan White surface, if you plan on substantial food preparation at home
Over the years, the humble kitchen worktop has had an almost impossible job to fill, it has had to be resilient enough to cope with almost constant use, whilst at the same time looking impeccable. Even those who use their kitchen sparingly, are still aware that it is expressing a part of their character, observed and evaluated by family and friends alike. This is a long-term decision, the importance of a quality, aesthetically-pleasing kitchen worktop cannot be underestimated.
So many considerations
Buying a kitchen worktop has been a lifestyle choice for decades now, but choosing one is as unique a decision as the person buying it; there are a multitude of considerations. The first question for many people is what should the look and feel be? Should it be a laminate kitchen worktop, a beautiful wood finish, or classic high quality stone, quartz or marble surface?
With the busy lives many of us have today, balancing career and home, how much effort should be put into a kitchen’s upkeep? A number of surfaces are low maintenance like marble, copper, laminate and quartz worktops. However, those with a preference for wood, granite, stainless steel or even a concrete finish, prepare to seal, oil or sand when appropriate.
This kitchen features a striking combination of a classic Calacatta Nuvo marble finish, with modern, contemporary lines.
What is the overall look that is being adopted in UK kitchens at the moment? The answer is difficult with no single answer; British kitchens are varied in aesthetic and growing ever more diverse. There is the option of a naturally aged or even industrial look, or in contrast it could be something smooth and contemporary, available in a variety of kitchen colours. With at least a dozen different types of surfaces to choose from, kitchen designers can make the kitchen work for the individual, whether it’s for regular entertaining or simply cooking an evening meal for two.
What’s the material value?
The biggest problem when selecting a kitchen worktop material is narrowing down the vast array of choice, weighing up the pros and cons.
Laminate is relatively easy to maintain but is not durable and the joins can be noticeable. Conversely, wood is beautiful and immensely tactile but requires continuous maintenance, as well as being highly susceptible to water damage.
Copper and stainless steel have an attractive, industrial feel, but these soft metal kitchen worktops are easily dented and their reaction to certain substances can cause an unwanted patina.
Granite is tough, yet beautiful, but its porosity means it needs to be sealed and maintained regularly, as it can house bacteria. Concrete can be difficult to install, has a problem with weight and intrinsic value but does get stronger over time, and has an industrial look that is in vogue.
Use our visualiser to try out new kitchen design ideas >>
However opulent marble is, providing clean-looking, white kitchen worktops, it is very susceptible to chips or breaks. Despite a variety of colours, liquids can leave immoveable stains, and it’s easily scratched.
Quartz surfaces such as this Statuario Maximus design, perfectly capture the marble aesthetic without the drawbacks of natural stone.
The rich, aesthetic beauty and variety of colours and patterns seen in quartz worktops sets them apart from other materials, by having the added benefits of being immensely durable and low maintenance. This engineered stone is non-porous, stain and chip resistant, and long-lasting, making premium quartz brands as beautiful as marble and granite counterparts but without the drawbacks.
Award-winning developments in quartz worktops have seen the emergence of concrete finishes, such as 4033 Rugged Concrete from Caesarstone.
Additionally, recent innovations in quartz technology has seen the development of worktops in concrete finishes, capturing a rugged aesthetic that is as easy to install and maintain as other quartz surfaces.
Add some colour
Quartz, marble, glass and ceramic finishes, as well as wood, provide a variety of kitchen colours, fulfilling a myriad design ideas. Materials like copper, stainless steel and concrete are more one-dimensional with their appearance but whatever kitchen colour you prefer, with these materials, you are bound to find something to suit your style.
The final cut
So what’s the best choice? Kitchen design ideas are all about personal preference and individual needs. To summarise, the most sought-after material for any design is quartz, the look of natural stones or poured concrete has been captured by premier quartz brands. Take a look at this article on quartz in Houzz and see why it has quickly become the most popular worktop material in the UK.
Make your choice easier by using our interactive Caesarstone catalogue. Every Caesarstone worktop is featured within this very simple and easy-to-use browsing tool, giving you the chance to see how a premium quartz surface may fit effortlessly in your kitchen whether it be for worktops, floors, walls, islands or splash backs.
