Where to begin: Setting your worktop budget

How much should you spend on worktops?
 

Kitchen worktops not only need to look the part, often used to create a real focal point in the room, but they also need to be practical and stand the test of time against all domestic chores and activities that take place in a kitchen.

For this reason, we see more renovators choosing to invest in stone worktops such as quartz, as not only are they naturally beautiful, they’re also high performing and extremely durable, resistant against heat, stains, and scratches. When purchasing a stone worktop, it’s likely that up to 20%-30% of your overall kitchen budget will need to be allocated to surfaces.
 

Are stone worktops worth the investment?

Natural stones, including marble and granite, have always been the most expensive worktop materials and their unique beauty can justify this. However, engineered stones such as quartz have collections that replicate the beauty of marble, are much more resistant to heat, scratch, staining and impact and now start at a far more affordable price; Minerox Quartz prices start from £169/m2 inc VAT.

We’ve put together a useful guide to compare different kitchen sizes and how much to budget when choosing Minerox Quartz.

Price examples for Minerox Quartz worktops

As an alternative to stone worktops, renovators often choose laminate worktops. Laminate worktops are typically made from a plastic coating adhered to a chipboard subframe and range between £50- 150/SQM.

With some laminates approaching the same price point as an engineered stone such as quartz (which in comparison will bring far more beauty and last over 5x’s as long) it’s always worth investing as much as you can to obtain the highest quality, most durable material that doesn’t need replacing time and time again.

Top tips for saving money on your kitchen worktops

When purchasing your worktops from Gemini you’re buying direct from the people who make it. We’re the only company in the UK that sources stone, creates surfaces and sells them direct, meaning we are in a unique position to offer value to our customers. Other ways to save:

• Speak to a worktop specialist – they’ll be sure to ensure you’re receiving maximum value and avoid costly mistakes that could occur later down the journey.
• Choose a 20mm quartz worktop thickness – this design choice is becoming more and more popular for a modern, sleek finish.
  
• Opt for a more subtle design or colour – plain or simple patterns tend to be more affordable, they’re also more timeless and will mean reduce the desire to change as trends change.
  
• Add a splashback instead of tiling – though your quartz quote will increase, our installation fee does not, this means you’re saving on hiring another trades person.
• Check the small print – though at Gemini we’re completely transparent with our prices, within the industry there’s often hidden charges and unexpected costs, especially after template.