Kitchen worktop, the advantages and disadvantages of different materials

When selecting material for your kitchen worktop you will want to consider factors such as the durability of the material, the maintenance requirements, appearance and price. A kitchen worktop will most likely receive a considerable amount of use. Because of this, you should choose the highest quality, most durable counter top that your budget allows. If at some point in time you decide to sell your home, the appearance and functionality of your kitchen will play a major role is attracting buyers to your home.

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On the upper end of the price scale, you have worktop options such as granite, engineered stone, and quartz. Of the three, quartz is the only material that does not require sealing. Any of these three surfaces will add beauty and elegance to your kitchen. A potential buyer would be impressed with a kitchen containing these materials. Each specific high end counter top has some pros and cons. The granite can tolerate heat and comes in a variety of colours. However, it requires careful installation to avoid cracking and must be sealed regularly. The engineered stone resists stains and scratches and is easy to clean. Just like granite, it requires sealing. Quartz is low maintenance, attractive, and durable. It does not require sealing. Quartz is a heavy product and, like granite, requires careful installation.

Ceramic tile is a less expensive worktop material option. You have an extensive variety of color, pattern, and texture to select from. It is durable and easy to maintain. However, tiles can chip and crack. Also, the grout may crumble or become discolored. Most potential buyers are not impressed with ceramic tile kitchen work surfaces.

Wood or butcher block kitchen worktops are quite popular. They can successfully be incorporated into a variety of kitchen designs. You have various wood types and a choice of stains to select from. This type of surface is durable and easy to clean. Wooden surfaces need to be sealed to protect the wood and help them retain their beauty. Fortunately, if the surface becomes stained or discolored, it is easy to reseal, re-oil, and restore it to its original beauty.

Stainless steel is sometime chosen as a work top surface for modern designed kitchens. This material is heat resistant and easy to clean. Stainless steel is durable but is subject to denting and scratching. It is an expensive material option. One drawback of a stainless steel worktop that is different from any other surface is the noise level you experience when using it. This is a factor that you might not think about until you begin using the work surface.

At the lower end of the work surface material option price scale, there is laminate. The pros for laminates are that they are inexpensive, easy to install, and come in a wide variety of color options. While laminates are relatively durable, scratches are practically impossible to repair. Potential buyers will most likely frown upon a laminate covered work surface.