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SELF BUILD
Self Build: Kitchen Worktops
Stone Age
Whether you choose state-of-the-art units or cheaper buys, your worktop will undoubtedly be the making of your kitchen. But which material to go for? We’ve got the latest information on the best buys for your kitchen and lifestyle.
How Will Your Worktop Be Used?
Looks may score highly when choosing a kitchen worktop, but think about the type of use it’s going to get, and whether the material is up to the job. Ideally, it needs to be stain and heat-resistant, easy to clean, extremely durable and reasonably priced – and that’s just for starters. You won’t find a worktop that ticks all these boxes, so consider what your priorities are, and what you’re prepared to compromise on. Our round-up of the most common materials will help you to make up your mind.
Wood Warm and mellow, wood is your most eco-friendly option and is available in a variety of grain patterns and tones, ranging from pale beech through to black walnut. It’s very hygienic as it contains natural anti-bacterial properties, and is easy to repair.
How To Look After It
Apply a thin coating of oil twice a year to prevent it drying out – you can tell when this is needed as water droplets will lie flat rather than bead on the surface. Remove burn marks by sanding (with the grain) then oiling the affected area.
Pros:
Easy to clean and usually well-priced. Cons:
Prone to rust stains, and may blacken due to contact with moisture if fitted close to the sink. Also prone to scratching and score marks.
Stone Age
Granite Granite has an attractive mottled appearance, comes in a wide range of colours, and it incredibly hardwearing. It is very resistant to heat, stains and water damage, and can be pre-cut to include sink inserts and draining grooves. It’s usually supplied polished and very glossy, but you can opt for a honed matt finish.
Limestone and marble – actually a form of crystallised limestone – also make stunning worktops, but their porosity makes them prone to staining, even when sealed.
How To Look After It
Clean with a mild washing up liquid solution, Don’t use abrasive cleaners, or ones containing lemon, vinegar or other acids, as these will dull the surface.
Pros: Virtually indestructible, and the cool surface is perfect for making pastry and dough. Cons: Very expensive and heavy, so units underneath may require reinforcement. Red wine, tea and coffee may all leave stains.
Stainless Steel It's not without good reason that top chefs opt for stainless steel worktops in their state of the art kitchens, as it’s very hygienic, waterproof and heat resistant. In polished, matt and sandblasted finishes, it’s perfect for giving your kitchen a streamlined, industrial look. Better still, it won’t break the bank.
How To Look After It
Wash with mild detergent solution and buff to a shine with a soft cloth. Don’t use abrasives which will scratch.
Pros: Very strong and durable. Cons: Marks easily and you can’t cut on it.
Composite Stone Also known as engineered stone or quartz, this is a manufactured material made from natural quartz bound with resin. Like stone, it’s very strong, heat and stain-resistant. Common brands include Silestone and Zodiaq.
How To Look After It
It’s non-porous, so doesn’t need sealing. Just wipe clean and avoid putting very hot pans directly on the surface.
Pros: Available in many colours and finishes, and different looks such as imitation granite and marble – but is cheaper. Very easy to look after. Cons: Very heavy and seams are visible – but hardly if it is installed well.
