How To Choose The Best Kitchen Work Surface Material

The kitchen worktop is usually the staple of the kitchen. They come in many different colors, materials, and finishes, making each worktop completely unique. Above all, kitchen work surface material needs to be durable enough to withstand constant use with hot pans, spillages, and even direct cutting and dicing on the surface.

It is important to not only ensure your worktop is hardwearing enough to handle all the use you will put it through, but it also needs to fit your needs and your kitchen’s aesthetic.

If you’ve decided what countertop you want for your next kitchen remodel based on your family’s lifestyle, but are still unsure of what material is best, we’ve compiled a list of the most popular kitchen worktop materials so you can find the best one for your needs.

Granite

Granite worktops are made from natural stone and have excellent durability. Alongside this, they are available in a wide range of light and dark colors and can have many different flecks of color throughout.

One positive of granite is that it is completely heat resistant, meaning you can place hot pots and pans directly onto the surface.

It is also very easy to clean, only requiring some soap and warm water to keep it spotless. However, it may need periodic sealing to maintain.

It is also recommended to not cut and dice directly on the surface as it can dull knives since granite is so hard!

Marble

Marble worktops are the staple of high-end kitchens; a sparkling white or grey marble worktop is very aesthetically pleasing to the eye. Marble countertops are also available in a wide range of colors, such as white, grey, taupe, brown, and even green.

Marble is a softer material than granite so cutting directly onto a marble worktop will leave scratches on the surface.

Marble also stains easier than other surfaces, so stains need to be cleaned up as soon as possible to ensure the marble is not damaged.

One positive of marble worktops is that they can be more affordable than you think. While it is true that marble can be very expensive, some types of marble can be more affordable, so you can get the look you desire within your budget.

Slate

Slate worktops are available in a number of different shades, such as black, grey, brown, green, and red. Slate can make for an excellent worktop as it is non-porous, so doesn’t harbor stains, and can be cleaned easily.

Slate is also heat resistant, meaning that hot pans can be placed directly onto the surface, and it doesn’t chip easily, so you don’t need to worry about being gentle with it.

Luckily, slate can be one of the more affordable work surfaces. Compared to granite and marble, it is the most affordable of the three.

Quartz

Quartz worktops can be a great addition to any kitchen. These countertops are incredibly durable, so spending money on new quartz worktops can be a very good long-term investment for your home.

Quartz worktops are man-made from a mixture of quartz and resin binder. The fact that they are man-made means that they are very hard and will never need resealing.

Quartz countertops are non-porous and do not stain easily, so can be a great addition to your kitchen if you want the look of natural stone with the durability of a man-made worktop.

Stainless steel

Stainless steel has always been a staple of industrial kitchens, but it is now transitioning into domestic homes as well; a stainless steel worktop can give a lovely industrial feel to your home.

If you’re thinking of getting a stainless steel worktop, you will need to consider the amount of cleaning they need to maintain a spotless shine. These countertops show fingerprints and water stains easily, so may not be the best choice for larger families.

Stainless steel worktops can be very easy to maintain if you clean stains quickly, with it only requiring soap and water. It is entirely non-porous, but it can dent and scratch easier than other work surfaces.

Butcher Block

Butcher block countertops are made from wood, and many types of wood can be used, including oak, maple, and walnut. They are created by bonding slabs of wood together into large pieces.

This worktop is the only one that can be recommended to cut and dice directly on as it is, essentially, one larger cutting board. However, if you decide to get the worktop sealed, then it is no longer able to be used for cutting or dicing.

Unsealed butcher blocks will need to be oiled twice a year. These worktops are porous so it is important to clean spills as soon as possible to prevent staining.