Kitchen Planning: How to choose the perfect Worktop - wood or concrete? Natural stone or engineering? stainless steel or marble? The work plan you choose will have a huge impact on both the appearance and functionality of your kitchen. So before you buy, ask yourself some key questions. What do you want to achieve? You are keen on a smooth, elegant finish, or is more your style patina? What kind of cook are you? Do you have everything and strewn around, or do you clean and tidy as you go? Do you have a large family, busy, or lots of dinner parties, or preparing meals for one or two? This will impact on the scale and robustness of your work plan should be
Do not exclude mixing of two materials -. A marble plaque with wooden worktop, for example, or a stainless steel island with a small wooden bar attached. Various materials can serve various culinary purposes, and can also be used to visually control your kitchen. "Mixture of materials is an effective way to define kitchen areas, said Julia Sugden Roundhouse.
There are advantages and disadvantages to each material. Your choice will come in the way you need your robust work plan to be, how much you are willing to take care of, and how you want it to look in your kitchen system. Check out this guide to the top 10 types of work surface and new materials on the block, to help you decide
Professional advice from :.
Tim Wood Tim Wood Limited
Steve Dempsey Ebstone Kitchen
Julia Sugden Roundhouse
Emma James Deco Glaze
Alice Paice Tipfords
Chris Hambrook of Increation
Jeremy Friendship studio 3 Kitchens
Roundhouse
solid surface
Manmade, usually from a mixture of minerals and resin, solid surface countertops offer a smooth, durable in a wide range of colors. Done include Corian, Hi-Macs acrylic Personlig and Ikea.
solid surface has a satin soft look, said Chris Hambrook of Increation. "It comes in a wide range of colors and with different color glues, seams are virtually invisible, so it is ideal for long worktops, or L or U shapes If you scratch, something like Vim polish again, so it is quite easy to maintain. "
more Extremely robust, hygienic and easy to maintain. It can be formed into any shape, including wells and statements. The color is all the way through, so it is possible to carve drainers.
Cons Some darker colors are not recommended for kitchens that streaks too. The area around the sink can discolor or crack over time. He can not take hot pans, though round bar can be set in the area to act as a stand.
Manmade, usually from a mixture of minerals and resin, solid surface countertops offer a smooth, durable in a wide range of colors. Done include Corian, Hi-Macs acrylic Personlig and Ikea.
solid surface has a satin soft look, said Chris Hambrook of Increation. "It comes in a wide range of colors and with different color glues, seams are virtually invisible, so it is ideal for long worktops, or L or U shapes If you scratch, something like Vim polish again, so it is quite easy to maintain. "
more Extremely robust, hygienic and easy to maintain. It can be formed into any shape, including wells and statements. The color is all the way through, so it is possible to carve drainers.
Cons Some darker colors are not recommended for kitchens that streaks too. The area around the sink can discolor or crack over time. He can not take hot pans, though round bar can be set in the area to act as a stand.
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Vuong Interior design
wood
with all of oak and maple iroko and walnut to bringing warmth and texture in kitchens, natural wood is deservedly popular.
'Wood is beautiful, timeless and indulgent, "says Tim Wood Tim Wood Limited. "I advise iroko for a kitchen worktop - it has a close grain, inherent lubricity and is dark enough not to show the marks.
Although in theory the marks can be sanded over, Tim advises not to do that. "Unless it is brand new, sanding patches down to fresh wood will look like a Dalmatian. If it is really marked, it is preferable to use a scraper of the cabinet to cool the surface.
Finger-fluke surfaces where small boards are glued together, are a cost effective way to have wood.
more Wood is naturally antibacterial, relatively simple to install and easy to repair. If you are ready to oil frequently, it can be tough and beautiful.
Cons must lubricate a couple of times a year. "I suggest a teak or teak oil as applied in a very thin layer," Tim said. It is easily burned, scratched and stained, and are not very well with water.
Find tons of ideas for worktops wooden kitchen in our picture section.
with all of oak and maple iroko and walnut to bringing warmth and texture in kitchens, natural wood is deservedly popular.
'Wood is beautiful, timeless and indulgent, "says Tim Wood Tim Wood Limited. "I advise iroko for a kitchen worktop - it has a close grain, inherent lubricity and is dark enough not to show the marks.
Although in theory the marks can be sanded over, Tim advises not to do that. "Unless it is brand new, sanding patches down to fresh wood will look like a Dalmatian. If it is really marked, it is preferable to use a scraper of the cabinet to cool the surface.
Finger-fluke surfaces where small boards are glued together, are a cost effective way to have wood.
more Wood is naturally antibacterial, relatively simple to install and easy to repair. If you are ready to oil frequently, it can be tough and beautiful.
Cons must lubricate a couple of times a year. "I suggest a teak or teak oil as applied in a very thin layer," Tim said. It is easily burned, scratched and stained, and are not very well with water.
Find tons of ideas for worktops wooden kitchen in our picture section.
concrete
concrete has the aesthetics most industrial of all the materials of the work plan. "Concrete Work surfaces are very present and very tactile - people are drawn to touch them," said Chris Hambrook.
There are a surprisingly large range of colors available beyond classic gray, and can be formatted to run around pillars or form wells, for example.
However, it is robust, and it is transparent, as the expansion joints must be incorporated. "The main reason for choosing concrete is aesthetic, 'said Jeremy Friendship Studio 3 kitchens.
more Nothing quite beats the edge to add to a "safe" diet. It can be formed into any shape, and can be repaired or stripped to remove stains. It becomes more difficult as it ages, and makes a great in / out material if you want your work plan to continue on a patio.
Cons If you opt for a concrete work plan, your kitchen will be out of action for some time. worktops concrete tend to be cast in situ (although simple shapes can be made off-site), and it takes a few weeks to be ready for use. It easily colored and must be treated with a sealant penetrative every six to eight months.
concrete has the aesthetics most industrial of all the materials of the work plan. "Concrete Work surfaces are very present and very tactile - people are drawn to touch them," said Chris Hambrook.
There are a surprisingly large range of colors available beyond classic gray, and can be formatted to run around pillars or form wells, for example.
However, it is robust, and it is transparent, as the expansion joints must be incorporated. "The main reason for choosing concrete is aesthetic, 'said Jeremy Friendship Studio 3 kitchens.
more Nothing quite beats the edge to add to a "safe" diet. It can be formed into any shape, and can be repaired or stripped to remove stains. It becomes more difficult as it ages, and makes a great in / out material if you want your work plan to continue on a patio.
Cons If you opt for a concrete work plan, your kitchen will be out of action for some time. worktops concrete tend to be cast in situ (although simple shapes can be made off-site), and it takes a few weeks to be ready for use. It easily colored and must be treated with a sealant penetrative every six to eight months.
Llama Property Developments
granite
granite is the most popular stone for countertops and gives a feeling of quality to the kitchen. The wide range of shades and patterns available means each area is unique, and there are perfect choice for modern and traditional kitchens alike. If a bit of sparkle and shine please your eye, granite is a good choice. "Since it is natural stone, each is individual work plan, said Tim Wood
Both polished and honed available -. Or a top with a shiny polished edge, for example. "For those who like slate, which is too soft for a work plan, it is possible to perfect the dark granite to look just like her, but with a much more robust result, Tim said.
more It's very hard, and resistant to heat and mold. "It is often less expensive than stone engineering and composites," says Tim
Cons is porous, so be sealed -. Ideally every six months. It is heavy, so should sit on good cabinets. If damaged, it can not be repaired.
If you go for granite, take a look at these pictures kitchen worktop granite.
granite is the most popular stone for countertops and gives a feeling of quality to the kitchen. The wide range of shades and patterns available means each area is unique, and there are perfect choice for modern and traditional kitchens alike. If a bit of sparkle and shine please your eye, granite is a good choice. "Since it is natural stone, each is individual work plan, said Tim Wood
Both polished and honed available -. Or a top with a shiny polished edge, for example. "For those who like slate, which is too soft for a work plan, it is possible to perfect the dark granite to look just like her, but with a much more robust result, Tim said.
more It's very hard, and resistant to heat and mold. "It is often less expensive than stone engineering and composites," says Tim
Cons is porous, so be sealed -. Ideally every six months. It is heavy, so should sit on good cabinets. If damaged, it can not be repaired.
If you go for granite, take a look at these pictures kitchen worktop granite.
Blakes London
marble
Whatever the pros and cons, marble has the wow factor and, for some, there is nothing like its unique beauty.
it is difficult, though, with a more open grain than granite, and as such, it may work better as a section of a work plan of a different material, to both to introduce a bit of luxury and as an aid in the preparation of food.
"marble is a cold surface, so it is very useful in the kitchen. If you do a lot of baking, a marble worktop will stop paste, said Julia Sugden . "Lining your pantry drawers with marble will also help keep your fruits and vegetables c ool '.
more The undeniable wow factor. It comes in a wide range of models and colors and each piece is unique
Cons It is tricky -. Caution with red wine or citrus juices. It is easily scratched and repaired.
Whatever the pros and cons, marble has the wow factor and, for some, there is nothing like its unique beauty.
it is difficult, though, with a more open grain than granite, and as such, it may work better as a section of a work plan of a different material, to both to introduce a bit of luxury and as an aid in the preparation of food.
"marble is a cold surface, so it is very useful in the kitchen. If you do a lot of baking, a marble worktop will stop paste, said Julia Sugden . "Lining your pantry drawers with marble will also help keep your fruits and vegetables c ool '.
more The undeniable wow factor. It comes in a wide range of models and colors and each piece is unique
Cons It is tricky -. Caution with red wine or citrus juices. It is easily scratched and repaired.
Blakes London
reconstituted stone
reconstituted stone is made from a high percentage of ground quartz - usually 96% - mixed with of the resin. Brands include Cimstone (shown here) Silestone and Caesarstone. It is available in 100 colors and a wide range of finishes, from shiny to dull, united with brilliant speckled or -. And even those that mimic the concrete
The color is more uniform and consistent than granite, it is so good for long stretches of work plan.
'Black is less popular than it was, "said Steve Dempsey Ebstone Kitchen." Many people go to the gray tie with gray wood floors for an industrial look.
more 'it is five times harder than granite and not -porous, so there is no danger of mold said Steve. It is low maintenance, and stain and chip resistant.
Cons "As there is a small amount of resin there, it is best not to put hot pans on it, 'said Steve. If it burns or is damaged in any way, it is irreparable.
reconstituted stone is made from a high percentage of ground quartz - usually 96% - mixed with of the resin. Brands include Cimstone (shown here) Silestone and Caesarstone. It is available in 100 colors and a wide range of finishes, from shiny to dull, united with brilliant speckled or -. And even those that mimic the concrete
The color is more uniform and consistent than granite, it is so good for long stretches of work plan.
'Black is less popular than it was, "said Steve Dempsey Ebstone Kitchen." Many people go to the gray tie with gray wood floors for an industrial look.
more 'it is five times harder than granite and not -porous, so there is no danger of mold said Steve. It is low maintenance, and stain and chip resistant.
Cons "As there is a small amount of resin there, it is best not to put hot pans on it, 'said Steve. If it burns or is damaged in any way, it is irreparable.
Element studios
stainless steel
stainless steel is increasingly popular lately, thanks to a sharp increase in cooking and trend of industrial interiors. "Stainless steel is so strong, says Julia Sugden, but warns that it is not indestructible. "It door, it makes zero and become weathered, but it often seems even better."
more 'It has a modern look, is very robust and very clean - it does not stain, said Tim Wood. It can be formed into any shape and size of the work surface, with sinks and integrated credenzas.
Cons There is much work to keep it clean as it shows grease and fingerprints, and scratches quite easily, although the spots can be lapped on. It can tooth, although the substrate (often plywood) tends to limit it.
stainless steel is increasingly popular lately, thanks to a sharp increase in cooking and trend of industrial interiors. "Stainless steel is so strong, says Julia Sugden, but warns that it is not indestructible. "It door, it makes zero and become weathered, but it often seems even better."
more 'It has a modern look, is very robust and very clean - it does not stain, said Tim Wood. It can be formed into any shape and size of the work surface, with sinks and integrated credenzas.
Cons There is much work to keep it clean as it shows grease and fingerprints, and scratches quite easily, although the spots can be lapped on. It can tooth, although the substrate (often plywood) tends to limit it.
Tipfords
copper
copper is a choice, a smooth space warm or giving a traditional pattern of a cool edge. copper worktops were mainly used in restaurants in the UK, but they are starting to appear in homes, too, 'said Alice Paice Tipfords.
"Copper has the warmth of wood, but without the ring marks - you can put hot pans directly on it, " Alice "The water will cause it to oxidize ,. but it can be wiped with a damp cloth.
he marbling over time, however, it is not for everyone. "It is a living material, so it will naturally react to substances and develop a patina. I can see the history of our family into ours, "she adds.
more It is naturally antibacterial and easy to clean. 'I recommend a cloth with soapy water and buff with baby oil to make it shine, said Alice. The lemon juice will give him a super clean, but it can wear away the antibacterial properties over time. It is possible to have huge runs - up to 20m -. Without join
Cons If it is pale, finished copper penny-bright, you are attracted, it would be difficult to maintain. The metal is flexible, so it can be bumpy, although the plywood against substrate tends to limit this. It is currently available in the UK in deeper than 95cm leaves, it will not work for seamless islands.
copper is a choice, a smooth space warm or giving a traditional pattern of a cool edge. copper worktops were mainly used in restaurants in the UK, but they are starting to appear in homes, too, 'said Alice Paice Tipfords.
"Copper has the warmth of wood, but without the ring marks - you can put hot pans directly on it, " Alice "The water will cause it to oxidize ,. but it can be wiped with a damp cloth.
he marbling over time, however, it is not for everyone. "It is a living material, so it will naturally react to substances and develop a patina. I can see the history of our family into ours, "she adds.
more It is naturally antibacterial and easy to clean. 'I recommend a cloth with soapy water and buff with baby oil to make it shine, said Alice. The lemon juice will give him a super clean, but it can wear away the antibacterial properties over time. It is possible to have huge runs - up to 20m -. Without join
Cons If it is pale, finished copper penny-bright, you are attracted, it would be difficult to maintain. The metal is flexible, so it can be bumpy, although the plywood against substrate tends to limit this. It is currently available in the UK in deeper than 95cm leaves, it will not work for seamless islands.
Caroline Browne Interior Design
glass
glass is a super-slick choice suited to contemporary kitchens. "More and more people are choosing to drink for their work plan as they realize how solid and is easy to maintain. It takes a lot to break even today's most popular 10mm worktops, said Emma James Deco Glaze.
If the scratches are a problem for you, consider frosted glass. "Many people are opting for frosted surfaces with acid as they are fairly scratch resistant, said Emma. "Unlike sand, this method does not create holes, so it is still very easy to clean."
And the best way to clean a glass worktop? "Vinegar and newspaper makes it a treat without involving aggressive chemicals, said Emma.
more It comes in a range almost unlimited colors. It may be on the bottom for a special effect. Chips can be repaired by the most repair windshield businesses. Maintenance is easy as the pores do not fit on the spots, and it is insensitive to water. It does not need sealing and is heat resistant 400C. Small scratches can be polished out.
Cons With worktops chunky, color is slightly modified by the thickness of the glass. Fingerprints can appear, especially on darker colors. Poli zero and joins tops are visible.
glass is a super-slick choice suited to contemporary kitchens. "More and more people are choosing to drink for their work plan as they realize how solid and is easy to maintain. It takes a lot to break even today's most popular 10mm worktops, said Emma James Deco Glaze.
If the scratches are a problem for you, consider frosted glass. "Many people are opting for frosted surfaces with acid as they are fairly scratch resistant, said Emma. "Unlike sand, this method does not create holes, so it is still very easy to clean."
And the best way to clean a glass worktop? "Vinegar and newspaper makes it a treat without involving aggressive chemicals, said Emma.
more It comes in a range almost unlimited colors. It may be on the bottom for a special effect. Chips can be repaired by the most repair windshield businesses. Maintenance is easy as the pores do not fit on the spots, and it is insensitive to water. It does not need sealing and is heat resistant 400C. Small scratches can be polished out.
Cons With worktops chunky, color is slightly modified by the thickness of the glass. Fingerprints can appear, especially on darker colors. Poli zero and joins tops are visible.
Chantel Elshout Design Consultancy
float
Laminates have come a long way in the last 20 years. Now they can reasonably mimic other materials, including wood and granite.
It is also the most profitable choice. "Floating may not be swish, but it is definitely still the" safest option "on the market. Go for a matte finish instead of gloss -. It looks a lot better, "said Jeremy Friendship
A laminate top can be styled with an edge in stainless steel or wood, for example.
more It is relatively low cost, light and perfect for use kitchens. The wide range of finishes means it's easy to create exactly the look you are after
Cons Not the most durable surface -. It is easily scratched and burned - and is irreparable if it is damaged. The joins are visible.
Laminates have come a long way in the last 20 years. Now they can reasonably mimic other materials, including wood and granite.
It is also the most profitable choice. "Floating may not be swish, but it is definitely still the" safest option "on the market. Go for a matte finish instead of gloss -. It looks a lot better, "said Jeremy Friendship
A laminate top can be styled with an edge in stainless steel or wood, for example.
more It is relatively low cost, light and perfect for use kitchens. The wide range of finishes means it's easy to create exactly the look you are after
Cons Not the most durable surface -. It is easily scratched and burned - and is irreparable if it is damaged. The joins are visible.
Roundhouse
new materials
Dekton , seen here in rich brown Keranium of the Tech collection, is a new super -Durable surface. "It is a mixture of raw materials used to produce the last glass and porcelain, as well as high quality quartz work surfaces," says Julia Sugden. It is resistant to nearly all, against UV rays striped and heat.
Ceramics worktops are also making progress in the market. They can withstand heat up to 1000 ยบ C and are scratch resistant. Ceramic worktops come in numerous colors, many of them dull, and can mimic surfaces such as copper and concrete, "said Steve Dempsey. But because the ceramic is so thin - just 12mm -. You can not have drainage edge grooves carved in it
Tell us ...
What is your favorite material worktop? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Dekton , seen here in rich brown Keranium of the Tech collection, is a new super -Durable surface. "It is a mixture of raw materials used to produce the last glass and porcelain, as well as high quality quartz work surfaces," says Julia Sugden. It is resistant to nearly all, against UV rays striped and heat.
Ceramics worktops are also making progress in the market. They can withstand heat up to 1000 ยบ C and are scratch resistant. Ceramic worktops come in numerous colors, many of them dull, and can mimic surfaces such as copper and concrete, "said Steve Dempsey. But because the ceramic is so thin - just 12mm -. You can not have drainage edge grooves carved in it
Tell us ...
What is your favorite material worktop? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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