Do not rule out mixing two ingredients -. Marble slab with wooden worktops, for example, or a stainless steel island with wooden breakfast bar attached. Different materials can serve a different culinary purposes, and can also be used for visual book your kitchen. 'Mixing ingredients is an effective way to determine the zone of the kitchen, "said Julia Sugden from the Roundhouse.
There are pros and cons for each ingredient. Your choice will come down to how strong you need worktop you to be, how much you are prepared to keep it, and how you want to look in the scheme of your kitchen. Check out this guide to 10 types of locks on the work surface, plus new materials on the block, to help you decide
professional advice of :.
Tim Wood Tim Wood Limited
Steve Dempsey of Ebstone kitchen
Julia Sugden from the Roundhouse
Emma James of Deco Glaze
Alice Paice of Tipfords
Chris Hambrook of Increation
Jeremy Friendship Studio 3 kitchen
Roundhouse
solid surface
man-made, usually from a mixture of mineral and resin, solid surface worktops offers smooth, durable surface in a huge range of colors. Make including Corian, Hi-Macs and Ikea Personlig acrylic.
'solid surface has a soft, satin look, "said Chris Hambrook of Increation." It comes in a huge range of colors and, thanks to glue different-colored, the seams are almost invisible, so it's great for worktops length, or L or U shape. If you scratch it, something like Vim will polish it again, so it's quite easy to maintain. '
Pro Very strong, hygienic and easy maintenance. It can be formed into any shape, including drowning and upstands. Color goes all the way through, so it is possible to carve out a draining board.
Cons Some dark colors are not recommended for kitchens as scratches appeared too much. The area around the sink can change the color or crack over time. This can not take a hot pot, although the round bar can be set to the surface to act as a trivet.
man-made, usually from a mixture of mineral and resin, solid surface worktops offers smooth, durable surface in a huge range of colors. Make including Corian, Hi-Macs and Ikea Personlig acrylic.
'solid surface has a soft, satin look, "said Chris Hambrook of Increation." It comes in a huge range of colors and, thanks to glue different-colored, the seams are almost invisible, so it's great for worktops length, or L or U shape. If you scratch it, something like Vim will polish it again, so it's quite easy to maintain. '
Pro Very strong, hygienic and easy maintenance. It can be formed into any shape, including drowning and upstands. Color goes all the way through, so it is possible to carve out a draining board.
Cons Some dark colors are not recommended for kitchens as scratches appeared too much. The area around the sink can change the color or crack over time. This can not take a hot pot, although the round bar can be set to the surface to act as a trivet.
Vuong Interior Design
timber
with everything from oak and maple to walnut and iroko bringing warmth and texture to the kitchen, natural wood justifiably popular.
'Wood is beautiful, enduring and forgiving, "said Tim Wood Tim Wood Limited." I would suggest iroko for kitchen worktop - grained closed, an oiliness inherent and dark enough to show no sign. "
While in theory the sign can be sanded out, Tim advised not to do this. 'Unless it's brand new, sanding patch to fresh wood will make it look like a Dalmation a. If it really marked, more either use a cabinet scraper to refresh the entire surface. "
Finger-preventing surface, where small boards are glued together, is a cost-effective way to have wood.
Pro Wood is naturally antibacterial, relatively simple to install and easy to repair. If you are willing to oil frequently, it can be strong and beautiful.
Cons Before oiling a few times a year. "I would suggest teak or teak oil-like applied in a very thin layer," said Tim. It's quite easy scorched, scratched and stained, and not great with water.
Find tons of ideas for wooden kitchen worktops in our photo section.
with everything from oak and maple to walnut and iroko bringing warmth and texture to the kitchen, natural wood justifiably popular.
'Wood is beautiful, enduring and forgiving, "said Tim Wood Tim Wood Limited." I would suggest iroko for kitchen worktop - grained closed, an oiliness inherent and dark enough to show no sign. "
While in theory the sign can be sanded out, Tim advised not to do this. 'Unless it's brand new, sanding patch to fresh wood will make it look like a Dalmation a. If it really marked, more either use a cabinet scraper to refresh the entire surface. "
Finger-preventing surface, where small boards are glued together, is a cost-effective way to have wood.
Pro Wood is naturally antibacterial, relatively simple to install and easy to repair. If you are willing to oil frequently, it can be strong and beautiful.
Cons Before oiling a few times a year. "I would suggest teak or teak oil-like applied in a very thin layer," said Tim. It's quite easy scorched, scratched and stained, and not great with water.
Find tons of ideas for wooden kitchen worktops in our photo section.
Concrete
Concrete has the aesthetics of the most industrialized of all worktop material. 'Surface work Concrete is very present and very tactile - people are drawn to touch them, "said Chris Hambrook.
There is a surprising range of the colors available outside the classic gray, and can be set up to run around pillars or forms sink, for example.
However, it is not strong, and not smooth, such as expansion joints need to be included. "the main reason for choosing concrete is aesthetic," said Jeremy Friendship of Studio 3 kitchen.
Pro Nothing quite beats to add edge to a 'safe' scheme. It can be formed into any shape, and can be repaired or stripped back to remove stains. It gets harder with age, and made in / out great material if you want to continue your worktop out onto the terrace.
Cons If you opt for concrete worktop, your kitchen will be absent for a while. worktops concrete tends poured in situ (although simple shapes can be made off-site), and it takes several weeks for it to be ready for use. It stains easily and needs to be treated with a sealant penetrative every six to eight months.
Concrete has the aesthetics of the most industrialized of all worktop material. 'Surface work Concrete is very present and very tactile - people are drawn to touch them, "said Chris Hambrook.
There is a surprising range of the colors available outside the classic gray, and can be set up to run around pillars or forms sink, for example.
However, it is not strong, and not smooth, such as expansion joints need to be included. "the main reason for choosing concrete is aesthetic," said Jeremy Friendship of Studio 3 kitchen.
Pro Nothing quite beats to add edge to a 'safe' scheme. It can be formed into any shape, and can be repaired or stripped back to remove stains. It gets harder with age, and made in / out great material if you want to continue your worktop out onto the terrace.
Cons If you opt for concrete worktop, your kitchen will be absent for a while. worktops concrete tends poured in situ (although simple shapes can be made off-site), and it takes several weeks for it to be ready for use. It stains easily and needs to be treated with a sealant penetrative every six to eight months.
Llama Group
Granite
Granite is the most popular stone worktops and offers a quality feel kitchen. The variety of colors and patterns available means every surface was unique, and there is a perfect choice for modern and traditional kitchens alike. If a bit of sparkle and shine please your eyes, granite is a good choice. 'As it was natural stones, each shelf is an individual, "said Tim Wood
Both surfaces polished and honed available -. Or top polished with an edge honed, for example." For those who like slate, which too soft for the work table, it is possible to hone dark granite look like it, but with the result that much harder, "said Tim.
Pro It's very hard, and resistant to heat and mold. "It's often cheaper than engineered stone and composites," added Tim
Cons It is porous, so it needs to be sealed -. Ideally, every six months. This is heavy, so we need to sit in the closet either. If it is damaged, it can not be repaired.
If you are going for granite, look at all the photos of this granite kitchen worktop.
Granite is the most popular stone worktops and offers a quality feel kitchen. The variety of colors and patterns available means every surface was unique, and there is a perfect choice for modern and traditional kitchens alike. If a bit of sparkle and shine please your eyes, granite is a good choice. 'As it was natural stones, each shelf is an individual, "said Tim Wood
Both surfaces polished and honed available -. Or top polished with an edge honed, for example." For those who like slate, which too soft for the work table, it is possible to hone dark granite look like it, but with the result that much harder, "said Tim.
Pro It's very hard, and resistant to heat and mold. "It's often cheaper than engineered stone and composites," added Tim
Cons It is porous, so it needs to be sealed -. Ideally, every six months. This is heavy, so we need to sit in the closet either. If it is damaged, it can not be repaired.
If you are going for granite, look at all the photos of this granite kitchen worktop.
Blakes London
marble
Whatever the pros and cons, marble has the wow factor and, for some, there is nothing like a unique beauty.
This is fine, though, with more than a grain open from granite, and can therefore work best as part of the worktop in different materials, either to introduce a bit of luxury and as an aid to the preparation of food.
'Marble is a cold surface, so it is very useful in cooking. If you make a lot of cakes, marble worktop will stop it sticking, ' said Julia Sugden . "Lining your kitchen drawers with marble will also help keep your fruits and vegetables c ool. '
Pro The undeniable wow factor. It comes in a large variety of patterns and colors and each piece is unique
Cons This fine -. Watch out for the red wine or orange juice. This is easily scratched and unrepairable.
Whatever the pros and cons, marble has the wow factor and, for some, there is nothing like a unique beauty.
This is fine, though, with more than a grain open from granite, and can therefore work best as part of the worktop in different materials, either to introduce a bit of luxury and as an aid to the preparation of food.
'Marble is a cold surface, so it is very useful in cooking. If you make a lot of cakes, marble worktop will stop it sticking, ' said Julia Sugden . "Lining your kitchen drawers with marble will also help keep your fruits and vegetables c ool. '
Pro The undeniable wow factor. It comes in a large variety of patterns and colors and each piece is unique
Cons This fine -. Watch out for the red wine or orange juice. This is easily scratched and unrepairable.
Blakes London
Engineered stone
Engineered stone is made from a high percentage of crushed quartz - usually 96% - mixed with resin. Brands include Cimstone (shown here) Silestone and Caesarstone. It is available in 100 colors and a large number of finishes, from shiny to matt, plain to blotchy or sparkly -. And even those who mimic the concrete
The color is more even and consistent than granite, so it's good for a long time on the worktop.
'Black is less popular than it has, "said Steve Dempsey of Ebstone kitchen." A lot of people are going for the gray to tie with wooden flooring gray for the display industry. "
Pro 'It's up to five times harder than granite and non -porous, so there is no danger of mold,' said Steve. This low maintenance, and stain-and chip-resistant.
Cons "As there is a small amount of resin in there, it best not to put hot pans on it, "said Steve. If it is burned or damaged in any way, it was unrepairable.
Engineered stone is made from a high percentage of crushed quartz - usually 96% - mixed with resin. Brands include Cimstone (shown here) Silestone and Caesarstone. It is available in 100 colors and a large number of finishes, from shiny to matt, plain to blotchy or sparkly -. And even those who mimic the concrete
The color is more even and consistent than granite, so it's good for a long time on the worktop.
'Black is less popular than it has, "said Steve Dempsey of Ebstone kitchen." A lot of people are going for the gray to tie with wooden flooring gray for the display industry. "
Pro 'It's up to five times harder than granite and non -porous, so there is no danger of mold,' said Steve. This low maintenance, and stain-and chip-resistant.
Cons "As there is a small amount of resin in there, it best not to put hot pans on it, "said Steve. If it is burned or damaged in any way, it was unrepairable.
Element Studios
stainless steel
stainless steel has become increasingly popular recently, thanks to a surge in industrial cooking and interior trends. "Stainless steel is so strong," said Julia Sugden, but be warned that it can not be destroyed. "That's life, it is not the beginning and become patinated, but it often looks better for it."
Pro "it has a modern look, very strong, and very clean - it will not stain," said Tim Wood. it can be formed into any shape and size of desks, with a sink integrated and splashbacks.
Cons this is a lot of work to keep it clean, because it shows the oil and fingermarks and scratches fairly easily, although signs of light can be polished out. It can dent, although the substrate ( often plywood) tend to limit this.
stainless steel has become increasingly popular recently, thanks to a surge in industrial cooking and interior trends. "Stainless steel is so strong," said Julia Sugden, but be warned that it can not be destroyed. "That's life, it is not the beginning and become patinated, but it often looks better for it."
Pro "it has a modern look, very strong, and very clean - it will not stain," said Tim Wood. it can be formed into any shape and size of desks, with a sink integrated and splashbacks.
Cons this is a lot of work to keep it clean, because it shows the oil and fingermarks and scratches fairly easily, although signs of light can be polished out. It can dent, although the substrate ( often plywood) tend to limit this.
Tipfords
Copper
Copper is a wonderful choice, slick space heating or give traditional schemes edge cool. 'worktops Copper has largely been used in restaurants in the UK, but they began to appear at home, too, "Alice said Paice of Tipfords.
" Copper has the warmth of wood, but with no sign of the ring - you can put hot pans directly on it, "said Alice 'Water will cause oxidize ,. but this can be removed with a damp cloth.'
it was spotted from time to time, though , so it's not for everyone. "It's a living material, so it will naturally react to substances and develop a patina. I could see our family history on us, "he added.
Pro It is naturally antibacterial and easy to clean. 'I would recommend a wash with soapy water and fans with baby oil to make it sparkle, "said Alice. The lemon juice will give you super clean, but it can wear away the antibacterial properties over time. It's possible to have a great run - up to 20m -. Without joining
Cons If it is pale, penny-bright copper finish you are interested in, which will be difficult to maintain. soft metal, so it can be dented, despite the plywood substrate tends to limit this. It is not currently available in the UK on the sheets deeper than 95cm, so it will not work for the islands seamless.
Copper is a wonderful choice, slick space heating or give traditional schemes edge cool. 'worktops Copper has largely been used in restaurants in the UK, but they began to appear at home, too, "Alice said Paice of Tipfords.
" Copper has the warmth of wood, but with no sign of the ring - you can put hot pans directly on it, "said Alice 'Water will cause oxidize ,. but this can be removed with a damp cloth.'
it was spotted from time to time, though , so it's not for everyone. "It's a living material, so it will naturally react to substances and develop a patina. I could see our family history on us, "he added.
Pro It is naturally antibacterial and easy to clean. 'I would recommend a wash with soapy water and fans with baby oil to make it sparkle, "said Alice. The lemon juice will give you super clean, but it can wear away the antibacterial properties over time. It's possible to have a great run - up to 20m -. Without joining
Cons If it is pale, penny-bright copper finish you are interested in, which will be difficult to maintain. soft metal, so it can be dented, despite the plywood substrate tends to limit this. It is not currently available in the UK on the sheets deeper than 95cm, so it will not work for the islands seamless.
Caroline Browne Interior Design
Glass
Glass is a suitable choice for the super-slick contemporary kitchen. 'More and more people are choosing a glass to their desks because they realize how powerful and easy to maintain it. It takes a lot to break even now popular 10mm worktops, ' says Emma James of Deco Glaze.
If the scratches are a problem for you, consider etched glass. 'Many people choose to surface acid-etched because they are quite early-proof, "said Emma.' Unlike sandblasting, this method does not create a hole, so it's still super-easy to clean."
And the best way to clean glass worktop? 'Vinegar and newspaper brought it treats without involving harsh chemicals, "said Emma.
Pro comes in a variety of unlimited quite a lot of colors. It can be lit from below to the effect special. Chips can be repaired by most companies windshield repair. Maintenance is easy because the pores are not holding the stain, and it was not affected by the water. There is no need sealing and resistant to 400C heat, light scratches can be buffed out.
Cons by worktops chunky, color changes slightly with the thickness of the glass. fingermarks may arise, especially in dark colors. Polished peak early and joined seen.
Glass is a suitable choice for the super-slick contemporary kitchen. 'More and more people are choosing a glass to their desks because they realize how powerful and easy to maintain it. It takes a lot to break even now popular 10mm worktops, ' says Emma James of Deco Glaze.
If the scratches are a problem for you, consider etched glass. 'Many people choose to surface acid-etched because they are quite early-proof, "said Emma.' Unlike sandblasting, this method does not create a hole, so it's still super-easy to clean."
And the best way to clean glass worktop? 'Vinegar and newspaper brought it treats without involving harsh chemicals, "said Emma.
Pro comes in a variety of unlimited quite a lot of colors. It can be lit from below to the effect special. Chips can be repaired by most companies windshield repair. Maintenance is easy because the pores are not holding the stain, and it was not affected by the water. There is no need sealing and resistant to 400C heat, light scratches can be buffed out.
Cons by worktops chunky, color changes slightly with the thickness of the glass. fingermarks may arise, especially in dark colors. Polished peak early and joined seen.
Chantel Elshout Design Consulting
Laminate
Laminates have come a long way in 20 years or more. Now they can realistically mimic other materials, including wood and granite.
This is also the most cost-effective option. 'Laminate may not swish, but it would still be a "safe" choice in the market. Go for a matt finish instead of gloss -. It looks much better, "said Jeremy Friendship
A top of the laminate can be styled with excellence in stainless steel or wood, for example.
Pro This is a relatively low cost, and is perfect for light use kitchen. the large range of finishes means it is easy to create the exact look you are after
Cons No surface most durable -. it is flammable and scratched - and it was unrepairable if damaged. Join seen.
Laminates have come a long way in 20 years or more. Now they can realistically mimic other materials, including wood and granite.
This is also the most cost-effective option. 'Laminate may not swish, but it would still be a "safe" choice in the market. Go for a matt finish instead of gloss -. It looks much better, "said Jeremy Friendship
A top of the laminate can be styled with excellence in stainless steel or wood, for example.
Pro This is a relatively low cost, and is perfect for light use kitchen. the large range of finishes means it is easy to create the exact look you are after
Cons No surface most durable -. it is flammable and scratched - and it was unrepairable if damaged. Join seen.
Roundhouse
new material
Dekton , seen here in a rich brown Keranium from Tech collection, is a new super -durable surface. "It's a mixture of raw materials used to manufacture the latest glass and porcelain as well as high-quality quartz work surface," said Julia Sugden. It's pretty much impervious to everything, from UV to scratches and heat.
Ceramics worktops are also making progress in the market. They can withstand heat up to 1000 ยบ C and anti-scratch. 'Worktops Ceramics comes in a variety of colors, many of them matt, and can mimic the surfaces such as copper and concrete, "said Steve Dempsey. But because ceramics are very thin - just 12mm -. You can not have a drain groove board carved into it
SAY ...
What is your favorite worktop material? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Dekton , seen here in a rich brown Keranium from Tech collection, is a new super -durable surface. "It's a mixture of raw materials used to manufacture the latest glass and porcelain as well as high-quality quartz work surface," said Julia Sugden. It's pretty much impervious to everything, from UV to scratches and heat.
Ceramics worktops are also making progress in the market. They can withstand heat up to 1000 ยบ C and anti-scratch. 'Worktops Ceramics comes in a variety of colors, many of them matt, and can mimic the surfaces such as copper and concrete, "said Steve Dempsey. But because ceramics are very thin - just 12mm -. You can not have a drain groove board carved into it
SAY ...
What is your favorite worktop material? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
