Choosing a kitchen worktop can be a daunting task, but don't worry - we've got you covered. Worktops must not only look good, but they must also work hard, so choose from natural, contemporary, and innovative worktop material, either alone or mixed and matched for additional style and performance.
Your kitchen work surface is the most important accessory in your kitchen design, and it's important to make sure that you choose the right one. With so many choices and styles, it's not always easy to choose.
Our comprehensive guide will help you in making the right choice for durability and the most resistant materials and help you answer all those questions such as; Is there a difference between granite and quartz?, What are the unique aspects of quartz?, What makes solid surface countertops so durable?, How long will a laminate worktop last compared to natural stone?:
MineralX Quartz | MineralX Quartz Ultra HD | Gemini Solid Surface | Sintered (Dekton) | Granite | Laminate | Wood | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Uses | Kitchen + Bathroom | Kitchen + Bathroom | Kitchen + Bathroom | Kitchen + Bathroom | Kitchen | Kitchen + Bathroom | Kitchen |
Available Finishes | Polished, Textured | Polished | Silk | Polished, Matt | Polished, Textured | Matt, Textured | Textured |
Natural Imperfections Within Material | No | No | No | No | Yes | No | Yes |
Heat Resistance | Good | Good | Average | Excellent | Good | Poor | Poor |
Stain & Scratch Resistance | Good | Good | Average | Polished finish = Average, Matt finish = Good | Good | Average | Poor |
Chip & Crack Resistance | Good | Good | Good | Average | Good | Good | Poor |
Chemical, Acid & Solvent Resistance | Good | Good | Good | Excellent | Good | Average | Poor |
Hygiene Level | High | High | High | High | High | Medium | Low |
Maintenance Level | Low | Low | Medium | Low | Low | Low | High |
Full Bodied Material (does the surface pattern + colour run through edges) | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes |
Maximum Length Without Joins | 3200mm | 3200mm | No maximum: inconspicuous joins | 3200mm | 2800mm | 4100mm | 4000mm |
Sink Options | AXIX, Belfast, Undermount, Inset | AXIX, Belfast, Undermount, Inset | AXIX, Solid Surface, Belfast, Undermount, Overmount | AXIX, Belfast, Undermount, Inset | AXIX, Belfast, Undermount, Inset | Inset | Inset (recommended), Belfast, Undermount (not recommended) |