The worktop is a crucial part of any kitchen. It needs to match your design theme and be both durable and practical.

If you’re a keen cook, then heat and stain resistant materials are a must, as is a surface that’s easy to wipe down. You will have the option of many styles, colours, and materials to choose from. Grey kitchen worktops have been a popular option for many customers in recent years.

Hardwood

Wooden worktops add a natural element to your kitchen and are available in a wide variety of colours, textures and grain patterns. Homely oak, rich walnut or even iroko (African teak) can all be crafted into durable and beautiful wood surfaces.

In terms of design, wooden worktops are versatile and fit into any kitchen style from traditional to contemporary. Wooden worktops can also be paired with many different types of kitchen sinks.

Wood worktops are warm and natural, and they’re kinder on crockery than harder materials. They’re also eco-friendly, but you’ll need to invest in a high quality FSC-certified timber. Oak, iroko and walnut are popular choices, but maple and ash can also look great.

Granite

Granite worktops have always been a popular choice for kitchen surfaces because of their unbeatable durability. The material is also available in a range of colours which mean that it can suit a wide variety of kitchen styles.

Brown and black granites add warmth to a room while green creates a calm, soothing effect. Red is an option for those who want a dramatic look.

A granite countertop is non-porous if it’s sealed properly, meaning that liquids and air can’t soak through the surface and cause stains. This makes it hygienic and helps to prevent the growth of pathogens.

Quartz

Whether you’re looking to make a bold style statement or dial up the luxury, kitchen worktops are one of the key elements that can really transform the look of your room. They’re also a practical element that performs a crucial role, with most households preparing food on them on a daily basis.

Choosing the right kitchen worktop material is an important decision. Natural stone and wood are stunning but require regular maintenance and sealing, while man-made composites are more durable and low maintenance.

Marble

Marble tops add a touch of luxury to a kitchen and can create a beautiful contrast with dark cabinets. However, it is softer and more porous than granite and quartz, so you need to be extra careful about cleaning and the substances you expose it to (acidic cleaners, red wine etc.).

Luckily, different marbles have differing rates of absorption, so you can choose a stone that will resist staining more than others.