When it comes to kitchen renovations cabinetry may feel like the main style decision, but worktop choice is just as important &#; if not more so. Because in addition to looking good a kitchen worktop idea has to be fit for the job. It&#;s vital to make the right decision so your kitchen idea is able to withstand the elements of everyday usage &#; from food spills and water marks to heat damage.

With competitive price and timely delivery, Leading Diamond Tools sincerely hope to be your supplier and partner.

Worktop materials have changed quite radically in the last few years, offering a vast choice across all budgets. Technology has given us super tough materials that are virtually indestructible options for the busiest of family homes. Meanwhile, the trend for open-plan kitchen layouts and living room style in kitchens has led to the introduction of luxe materials for those able to provide them a little TLC.

What is the best kitchen worktop material?

(Image credit: future PLC/Rachèl Reeve)

The most popular materials for kitchen worktops &#; laminate, granite, solid wood, Quartz, glass, composite stone and stainless steel &#; have different advantages. So it's important to look at all the factors involved, to ensure you tailor your worktop to your needs.

'Investing in your worktop is essential, as it&#;s one of the most hardwearing areas in your kitchen space, so it can be difficult to choose between style and practicality' says Wren Kitchens Design Director, Darren Watts.

'A solid timber worktop looks organic and is durable. However, if you&#;re looking for something with a bit of sparkle that will stand the test of time, our Xena Quartz worktops are both easy to clean, and stain and scratch resistant.'

Worktops are available at a variety of price points, a major factor when it comes to decision making for most households. From cheaper laminates to expensive granites, what you choose is often be driven by how much you have to spend.

Many of the made-to-measure worktops &#; marble, concrete, Corian &#; are pretty costly and can prove unrealistic if you're on a budget. Try opting for a quality look-alike instead. Pre-cut laminate worktops still provide gorgeous surface design and durability without the hefty price tag.

Kitchen worktop materials

1. Add warmth with natural hardwood 

(Image credit: future PLC/Lizzie Orme)

What is a hardwood worktop? A traditional favourite for its natural warmth and the character that comes as it ages, hardwood is preferred over 'soft' woods like pine for its strength. Popular choices of hardwood include oak, walnut and iroko. Always choose a sustainable hardwood, preferably from an FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) accredited source.

Hardwood worktops suit all kitchen styles. Hardwood can be incorporated into a contemporary scheme using glass or stainless steel to add a warm feel.

• Price: From approx £150 per linear metre.
• Best used for: Food preparation and dining areas, for example, islands and breakfast bars. Iroko and teak are ideal for using around the sink as they have a high oil content and are water resistant.
• How durable is a wood worktop? If hardwoods are properly sealed and maintained they will last for a long time, but don't use the worktop as a chopping board, or place hot pans directly onto the wood, as it can scorch.
• Flexibility and fitting Wood is very easy to cut, and is suitable for use in most situations.
• Do hardwoods require any initial treatments? Hardwoods require an initial programme of sealing using oil. Apply a coat once a day for the first week, then once a week for the next month, then once a month for a year.
• How do I look after a wood worktop? Wood does need a certain amount of upkeep. Avoid direct exposure to heat and prolonged soaking, especially by the sink and tap area, where you may prefer to install a wall-mounted tap.

2. Go for durability with composite worktops

(Image credit: future PLC/Nicholas Yarsley)

What is a composite worktop? Made from about 90 per cent natural quartz crystals mixed with a small percentage of binders, and referred to as both &#;quartz composite&#; and &#;engineered stone&#;, this material is very tough, virtually non-porous and resistant to scratches, stains, heat damage and impact, and often comes with a long warranty.

It also offers consistent composition, so unlike natural stone, there won&#;t be variation in veining and colour shading. Dramatic colours such as dark grey and blue look fabulous in modern and contemporary kitchens. If your kitchen design idea is quite traditional, stick to neutrals such as cream.

• Price: From approx £300 per linear metre
• Best used for: This very practical and beautiful choice can be used anywhere, including next to hobs and around the sink.
• How durable is a composite worktop? Composite is very tough and more durable than many natural stones. As the colour runs right the way through the material, any scratches can be sanded out. In the very unlikely case that your composite surface is scratched, chipped or stained it can often be repaired by a specialist. However, it is easier to achieve perfect restoration with acrylic composites as scratches can be sanded out, while quartz is more likely to be filled and any polishing can leave a dull area.
• Flexibility and fitting: This worksurface can be thermoformed into different shapes without joints to create streamlined, seamless worktop runs. Fabrication is done by specialists and usually arranged by your kitchen supplier. Templates will be taken once the base units are in place and it can be one to two weeks before the worktops are ready to install.
• Do composites require any initial treatment? No
• Looking after a composite worktop: Wipe up spills to prevent marks. Keep clean with a soft, damp cloth and a mild detergent.

3. Choose granite worktops for luxury

(Image credit: future PLC/Emma Lee)

What is a granite worktop? For some, nothing beats the beauty of natural stone, its veining and colouring unique to each slab. Marbles are classically beautiful and luxurious, tend to be rarer and therefore more expensive.

Granite worktops are a luxury material that never falls out of fashion and suits traditional and modern styles. Choose from a classic polished finish, or a honed matt for a more contemporary look.

• Price: From approx £200 per square metre
• Best used: For any area of the kitchen, including around the sink and next to the hob or oven. A large expanse of glossy granite makes a striking island worktop
• How durable is a composite worktop? Granite is hard and resistant to heat and scratches, but it must be treated with respect to prevent damage. The best of all the natural materials, it can withstand high temperatures, is water resistant and impervious to most stains, but wine and citric acids must be cleaned up at once to avoid damaging the stone. and will usually need to be protected by a special sealant.
• Flexibility and fitting: With advances in modern technology, granite can be cut into a variety of shapes and sizes, although it is very heavy to transport and difficult to manoeuvre.
• Does granite require any initial treatment? Granite requires an initial sealing, and then another about 10 years later.
• How do I look after a granite worktop? One great thing about granite is that it's very low maintenance. You can clean it using a damp cloth and a mild detergent.

4. Get the look with laminate worktops

(Image credit: future PLC/David Giles)

What is a laminate worktop? Long-considered the best budget option, laminates are non-porous, offer easy maintenance and come in lots of design and colour choices. Made by fusing multiple layers of impregnated paper under high pressure temperature, bonded to a substrate, they are resistant to impact, scratching and moisture.

Can accurately mimic other worktop materials, including granite, slate and wood, so will suit modern and traditional schemes.

• Price: From £30 per linear metre
• Best used: General usage, including food preparation areas, sink runs and around hobs and cookers.
• How durable is a laminate worktop? Resistant to most stains and chemicals, but not to heat or steam. Not suitable as a cutting surface. Choose a thicker, high-pressure worktop for greater durability.
• Flexibility and fitting: Laminate is one of the few materials that can be cut and fitted by a DIY enthusiast rather than a kitchen professional.
• Do laminates require any initial treatment? No
• How do I look after a laminate worktop? Laminate is very low maintenance. Clean with a cloth and mild detergent.

5. Consider quartz for antibacterial qualities

(Image credit: future PLC/Tom Howley)

'Homeowners are increasingly using antimicrobial materials and surfaces such as quartz' explains Tom Howley, Design Director at Tom Howley bespoke kitchens. 'Quartz looks fantastic and its resilience makes it a popular choice for a kitchen worktop.'

'Quartz is perfect for kitchens as its non-porous texture doesn&#;t allow bacteria to grow. It&#;s easy to clean, making it less susceptible to staining and as well as being durable, quartz comes in a range of beautiful colours.'

• Price: From approx £200 per square metre
• Best used: On any surfaces where you prepare or store food, ideal choice for those looking for antibacterial qualities from a work surface
• How durable is a quartz worktop? Quartz is easy to clean and hardwearing.
• How do I look after a quartz worktop? Quartz is super low maintenance. Keep it clean using a damp cloth and a mild detergent.

6. Go organic with natural stone

(Image credit: Lundhs Real Stone)

A natural stone worktop is one of the most practical surface choice you can make, thanks to its high density and non-porous surface making it highly-durable to withstand any kitchen task. 'Lundhs Real Stone worktops are durable and distinctive.'

'Remaining in its complete natural state from quarry to kitchen, the material boasts high heat, water, scratch and UV and stain resistance as well as being incredibly easy to maintain' advises Hege Lundh.

'One of the key considerations to take into account when choosing a real stone surface for your kitchen is that each piece is unique and therefore can vary in its appearance. Whilst this is part of the beauty of opting for a 100 per cent real stone surface, it&#;s important to ensure you&#;re happy with the exact piece of stone your worktops will be made out of.'

• Price: From £200 per linear m.
• Best used: Around heat sources, such as hobs and ovens, thanks to its heat resistant qualities. From splashbacks to waterfall islands, there are a lot of ways to be creative with natural stone in the kitchen.
• Flexibility and fitting advice: Where you wish to use a stone worktop will affect how it is cut and installed. Being a 100 per cent natural stone that is completely resistant to water, natural stone can be used as an integrated sink, creating a seamless look. Other options include undermount or top mount.
• Does natural stone require any initial treatment? No

Hege recommends visiting a stone yard or stone merchants to make your choice. 'Not only will you be able to select the exact piece of stone that your worktop will be made out of but you will also be provided with the knowledge and expertise of the team to ensure you are selecting the best material and finish for your home.'

7. Streamline surfaces with glass worktops

(Image credit: future PLC/Darren Chung)

What is a glass worktop? Glass has long been a favourite with interior designers for the light touch it brings to a scheme as well as its reflective sheen that really helps boost light levels. Glass is a non-porous material that can withstand moisture and spills and splashes are easily wiped clean, making it a beautiful &#; and practical &#; solution for the kitchen.

• Price: From approx £300 per linear metre for a standard 15mm-deep surface.
• Best used: Around the sink or for focal-point breakfast bars. As it is a very reflective surface it is useful as a feature worktop in small kitchens to increase the feeling of space.
• How durable is a glass worktop? Glass for work surfaces is toughened to increase durability. Heat, acid and water resistant. Can be prone to scratches, but these can be polished smooth.
• Flexibility and fitting: Worktops can be cut to most shapes and can include cut outs for hobs and sinks.
• Does glass require any initial treatment? No
• How do I look after a laminate worktop? Needs frequent wiping to prevent water-marking, but is very hygienic due to the lack of joints and resulting dirt traps. Keep sparkling with a glass cleaner.

8. Corian and solid-surface worktops

(Image credit: future PLC/David Still)

What is a Corian or solid-surface worktop? Made from a blend of acrylic resins, minerals and colourings, solid surfaces are warm to the touch with a natural lustre; they can be totally seamless too with one- piece, moulded sinks and splashbacks.

Suits most schemes. Available in a variety of colours - choose bright hues for modern kitchens, white for architectural, and any pale shades for traditional rooms.

Designs are often pioneering and the material can be thermoformed into fabulous, organic curves, slick, cantilevered breakfast bars and seamless wrap-around surfaces on islands. The material can be engraved, back-lit with LEDs and even fitted with built-in wireless charging for smart phones.

Corian is a particular brand and make-up of solid surface, meaning not all solid surfaces are Corian. Just like not all vacuum cleaners are Hoovers!

• Price: From approx £300 per linear m.
• Best used: In wet areas. Perfect for a seamless integrated sink and worktop run.
• How durable is a Corian worktop? Solid surfaces are stain and water resistant. They're also heat-resistant to 250°C, but it's still best to use a trivet. As it is a solid surface material, like hardwood, scratches can be sanded out.
• Flexibility and fitting Can be formed into any shape without the need for ugly or unhygienic joints.
• Does Corian require any initial treatment? NoHow do I care for a Corian worktop? Solid-surfaces are another low-maintenance option. Clean with a soft cloth and mild detergent.

9. Seek a professional surface with stainless-steel worktops

Contact us to discuss your requirements of worktop with drainer grooves supplier. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

(Image credit: future PLC/Dawie Verway)

What is a stainless steel worktop?Durable, heat resistant, hygienic and impervious to water, stainless steel is an alloy of iron. The addition of chromium makes it resistant to rusting. Stainless steel is the restaurant kitchen favourite, ideal for creating the industrial aesthetic in your home. It works best in contemporary schemes, but you can team it with other materials to soften the look.

• Price: From approx £250 per linear metre.
• Best used :Around the sink, by the hob and in all food preparation areas.
• How durable is a stainless-steel worktop? Very strong, waterproof, heat and acid resistant. It is prone to scratching, but some say this adds to its well-worn appeal, and this won't affect its anti-bacterial qualities.
• Flexibility and fitting: Sinks can be incorporated into a stainless-steel run. Simple designs can be cut from a single sheet, avoiding the need for joints.
• Does stainless steel require any initial treatment? No
• How do I care for a stainless-steel worktop? Easily the choice of commercial kitchens because of its hygienic properties. It is very easy to keep clean with stainless-steel cleaner. Use baby oil to keep it looking at its shiny best.

10. Choose contemporary concrete worktops

(Image credit: future PLC/Colin Poole)

What is a concrete worktop? The industrial look of concrete makes it a current choice. It&#;s also designed to withstand plenty of heavy duty use, and comes in a range of standard concrete mix colours (from white to grey) and can be mixed with pigments for stronger colours. Polished concrete worktops are flat and smooth, but concrete is porous and can stain, and it is heavy so extra reinforcement may be required.

• Price: From approx £500 per linear m.
• Best used: General use, but always use chopping boards for food prep.
• Upkeep: If food is left on for a long period of time, it can cause staining. You may need a touch-up kit to minimise the appearance if this happens.
• Sealing required: You will need to use food-grade sealer or finishing wax to prevent water and stain absorption.
• Durability: Concrete is an incredibly durable material, but is also prone to scratching.
• Flexibility and fitting: Concrete is handmade and hand-finished, exhibiting natural beauty. It can be trimmed and moulded to suit most kitchens. It also works well for outdoor kitchens.

A new worktop is a big investment so don't be afraid to take your time choosing, visit showrooms and get a feel for each of the listed materials to see what best suits your needs. The kitchen is the heart of the home, therefore it's got to be right.

Choosing a worktop: Assess your budget

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Rachèl Reeve)

Worktops are available at a variety of price points &#; from cheaper laminates to expensive granites &#; and what you choose usually be driven by how much you have to spend. Cheaper options can be good idea but may not last as long more durable stones or composites.

If budgets are tight, try mixing and matching your worktops. Place panels of more expensive stone in harder working areas such as by the cooker or sink and wood or laminate everywhere. Combining worktops is on trend, too, so your kitchen will look very up-to-date.

Factor in any added costs. Usually stone composites, granite and some woods will need templating by an expert. Every cut-out you have, for a hob or under-mounted sink for instance, will cost around £80-100. Drainer grooves cut into stone by the sink will also cost extra.

'The best thing to do in your planning stages is to order lots of worktop samples' advises Hege Lundh at  . 'Natural stone in particular can change in appearance depending on the lighting and you need to get a real-life impression of the stone to make your decision.'

Choose your profile

(Image credit: Future PLC/ David Giles)

Your kitchen layout will help determine what worktop is best for you. For instance straight runs are cheaper and easier to fit, while seamless materials such as composites make sense if you have lots of corners.

The depth of worktop you choose can also alter the look of a kitchen. Thinner profiles of 10 or 20mm are still popular but thicker edges, created by adding a strip of the composite or stone to the front of the work surface creating edges of 50mm, are also having a resurgence. The standard thickness is 30mm.

Never underestimate the impact your worktop choice will have on the overall kitchen scheme. Along with the flooring, it sits on a horizontal plane, making it highly prominent, so it&#;s important to give it due consideration and not to view it as an after-thought.

How to Choose a Kitchen Worktop

 

If you&#;re lucky enough to be in a position where you&#;re designing a brand new kitchen, you&#;re probably already questioning which kind of worktop will work best, according to you and your family&#;s needs. Kitchen worktops come in a plethora of different materials and styles to suit any taste, use and budget. So, which worktop material &#; wood or stone, concrete, composite or metal &#; will suit not just the look of your new kitchen, but how you will use it, too? The options may seem endless, but it&#;s worth taking the time to get this hardworking surface a hundred percent right. Think about how your individual household will use a kitchen surface: do you love to cook, or are you the type of host with Deliveroo bookmarked and ready to go? These sorts of initial questions will help you narrow down the options available, and stand you in good stead when it comes to decide.

Kitchen worktops are used for preparing, serving and, potentially, dining and entertaining too and will need to withstand regular, intensive cleaning. They&#;re a natural focal point in your kitchen, complementing cabinets and flooring and often lit by overhead pendant lighting. No longer an afterthought, kitchen worktops have become a key part of the design process. A worktop is used multiple times a day, in various capacities and should last you a very long time. With this in mind, it is important to choose a worktop material that is not only durable and in keeping with your overall aesthetic vision, but one that will suit your individual lifestyle.

Modern Kitchen Worktops to Suit All Budgets

These days, worktops are available at a huge variety of price points. If you have a tight budget, why not consider mixing and matching your worktop by using more expensive panels of natural stone in harder working areas such as around and sink, and utilise something inexpensive, such as wood, in other areas. Bear in mind too, that straight runs of worktop are easier to fit, while seamless materials such as composite make sense if you have a lot of curves and corners in your kitchen design. Usually, these will require tempering by an expert, so don&#;t forget to factor that cost into your budget. Drainer grooves by the sink are hugely effective, and really add to a kitchen design &#; but, of course, they don&#;t come for free. You can also save by considering the depth of your worktop and perhaps opting for a thinner profile, though thicker edges will certainly give your kitchen that luxe edge.

Kitchen Worktop Options

G R A N I T E
A naturally occurring stone, granite&#;s unique selling point is its unparalleled variety and beauty, making it one of the most popular choices for kitchen worktops that exude luxury. Granite is the result of cooling pressured magma over millions of years resulting in a rock that is both heat and scratch resistant. When sealed properly it is completely stain resistant and, once installed, requires no further maintenance.

Pros
Durable and will absorb most scratches and knocks
Extremely heat resistant
Excellent stain resistance, if correctly sealed
Antibacterial
Easy to Clean
A luxury material that never goes out of fashion
Suits traditional and modern styles
Each surface is unique
Long-lasting and won&#;t depreciate in value

Cons
Very heavy and will requires full support from cabinets after fitting
Expensive
Requires re-sealing every few years
Can&#;t be repaired if damaged
Not an eco-friendly choice owing to the effect of extensive mining in remote locations and transportation requirements

M A R B L E
A hard crystalline form of limestone, historically used in classical architecture and sculpture, marble will definitely be on your radar if you are looking for a luxury, statement kitchen. Visually striking due to the naturally occurring streaking in the stone, marble is is one of the most popular worktop materials in luxury kitchens, both traditional and contemporary. Marble can be practical too; owing to its poor heat conduction meaning it remains cold to the touch, even in hot steamy kitchens. Marble worktop are visually striking and truly unique, but they are vulnerable to staining and scratching, so may not be the best choice in a busy family kitchen.

Pros
Completely unique in terms of graining and colour
Classic, timeless look with a white brightness not available in granite
Luxury look and feel
Heat resistant
Cost effective &#; depending on the type of marble you choose
Naturally cool &#; perfect for working with pastry
Develops a worn-in feel over the years
Doesn&#;t depreciate in value and can even add to the overall value of your home

Cons
Incredibly heavy
Prone to cracking and chipping
Porous, easily stained by acidic foods, wine etc.
Scratches relatively easily
Prone to watermarks
Degrades over time

Q U A R T Z
Quartz has become the industry-standard for kitchen worktops, owing to its unbeatable practicality and myriad design options, including fortification with mirrors, glass or metal to achieve various visual effects. A durable, man-made alternative to natural stone, quartz worktops are created using industrial techniques to reinforce natural quartz with resin to create a truly hard-wearing and customisable worktop. This means that quartz mirrors the complexity and nuance of natural stone, whilst delivering superior quality and durability. Quartz is naturally resistant to staining and scratching, but is less heat-resistant than granite.

Pros
Hard-wearing
Extremely resistant to staining
A reasonable level of heat resistance
Antibacterial
Non-porous and water resistant &#; requires no sealing whatsoever
Easy to clean with simple soap and water
Unrestricted range of colour and textures, including polished, matte and natural stone
Generally available in larger slabs than granite, meaning less visible joints

Cons
Lacks the natural depth and beauty of granite and marble
Very heavy
Expensive
Needs professional installation
Can discolour following excessive direct sunlight exposure
If resin is damaged by heat, it is irreparable and very noticeable

C O R I A N  /  S O L I D  S U R F A C E  /  E N G I N E E R E D  S T O N E
Solid surface worktops, or Corian, are made by applying an acrylic resin to the top of a wooden substrate material. This creates a seamless, glossy worktop that fits perfectly into a contemporary design, great for modern kitchens. Made from approximately 90% natural quartz crystals mixed with a small percentage of binders, and referred to as both quartz composite and engineered stone, solid surface is very tough, virtually non-porous, resistant to scratches, stains, heat damage and impact, and often comes with a long warranty. Solid surface can be moulded and thermo-fitted into the most awkward of spaces, making it a popular choice for contemporary kitchens due to its seamless integration into the space, and lack of need for fittings. It can also be engraved, back-lit and even fitted with built-in wireless charging for smartphones.

Pros
Suits most kitchens
Available in a wide variety of colours and finishes
Can easily be formed into any shape without joints
Scratches can be sanded out
Non-porous and professionally fitted without joints, making it hygienic and antibacterial
Low maintenance
Lighter and easier to install than granite or quartz
Consistent composition so, unlike natural store, there won&#;t be any variation in colour shading or veining
In the unlikely event or it chipping or staining, can be repaired by a specialist

Cons
Less heat resistant than granite and quartz
Scratches fairly easily
Relatively expensive &#; particularly in large quantities
Extreme exposure to direct sunlight will discolour over time
Although the resin exterior is waterproof, if water does get into the wooden substrate it can cause irreparable damage

C O N C R E T E
The industrial look of concrete, coupled with its unrivalled durability makes it a very popular current choice, particularly in a polished smooth finish. By nature, concrete is designed to withstand plenty of heavy-duty use, comes in a range of standard concrete mix colours (from white to grey) and can be mixed with pigments for stronger colours. Although hardwearing, concrete worktops are porous and can stain easily, and are very heavy, so extra reinforcement may be required. The benefit of a concrete worktop is that it is created in-situ, meaning the worktops can be produced seamlessly, without the need for joints.

Pros
Incredibly durable
On-trend industrial look and feel
Created in-situ, meaning worktops can be produced seamlessly without joints
Handmade and hand finished
Can be trimmed and moulted to any shape

Cons
Only suits contemporary or industrial schemes
Expensive prone to scratching
Porous and easily stained by food

L A M I N A T E
Laminate is an extremely cost-effective and versatile worktop solution. Long considered the best budget option; laminates are non-porous, offer easy maintenance and come in a limitless range of design and colour choices &#; including imitation stone and wood. Made by fusing multiple layers of impregnated paper under high pressure temperature, bonded to a substrate, they are resistant to impact, scratching and moisture. Laminate used to be the default selection for worktops, due to its cheap manufacture and installation costs, but laminate worktops are not without fault. Cheaper options will damage easily and will not have the durability of either natural stone or composites. There is a huge variation in quality when it comes to laminates, so it pays to do your research.

Pros
By far the cheapest worktop available
Many colours and finishes available
Low maintenance
Easy to clean
Resistant to fluids and chemicals
Suits any style of kitchen, from contemporary to classic
Can be easily installed without the help of a professional

Cons
Can peel and chip over time
Looks cheaper than the alternatives
Will burn or even melt &#; not heat or steam resistant
Easily scratched and can become unhygienic
Don&#;t work well with Belfast or under-mounted sinks

S T A I N L E S S  S T E E L
Stainless steel is the go-to worktop material in the commercial kitchen sector, and is perfect for an industrial-style kitchen. Stainless steel is still not very popular in homes because it can become overwhelming when used in large areas. However, there is no reason you couldn&#;t use it to make a statement and take advantage of its benefits on a kitchen island or in a small workspace.

Pros
Strong and durable
Naturally antibacterial
Easy to install and clean
Completely waterproof
Heat and acid resistant
Very light Resistant to rust

Cons
Can appear cold and clinical
Prone to scratching
Fairly easy to dent
Noisy
Difficult to integrate into larger areas
Doesn&#;t suit more traditional kitchens

H A R D W O O D
Whether you are after a contemporary or traditional kitchen, hardwood is a great solution &#; as long as you are willing to put the work into its maintenance. The drawback with wood compared to other worktop materials is that it requires regular oiling to keep away stains and damage. However, hardwood worktops will naturally age over time, gaining a beautiful patina. Popular choices of hardwood include oak and walnut.  Wooden worktops lends themselves fondly to those concerned with sustainability, due to it being a renewable, carbon positive material. If purchased from an FSC-Certified source, it is an incredibly environmentally-friendly choice. An adaptable finish, which can be used for cooking and prep areas, in addition to islands, breakfast bars or end-grain chopping boards.

Pros
Sustainable option when sourced from FSC approved sources
Carbon positive material
Cheaper than stone options
Variety of wood grains and colours available
Antibacterial if maintained
Looks great with age &#; if properly sealed and maintained will last a long time
Can be sanded and re-oiled to restore it to its original quality
Very easy to cut and fit

Cons
Requires regular maintenance
Can become stained
Scratches easily
Hot pans will scorch its surface
Not suitable for areas with harsh direct sunlight, as they will discolour

G L A S S
Glass has only recently been introduced to the worksurface market. It is stylish, versatile and works perfectly in a contemporary design. Glass has long been a favourite with interior designers for the light touch it brings to a scheme as well as its reflective sheen that really helps boost light levels. Glass is a non-porous material that can withstand moisture, spills and splashes and can easily be wiped clean, making it a practical solution in a modern kitchen.

Pros
Can be made into any style or shape
Easy to clean
Extremely durable
Very hygienic owing to the lack of joints and dirt traps
Scratches can be polished out
Heat resistant
Limitless range of colours
Looks modern, stylish and sleek

Cons
Expensive
Surface can be damaged by acidic foods or harsh cleaning agents
Can look smeary if not cleaned efficiently
Shows water marks
Will look out of place in a more traditional kitchen

 

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