The countertop is one of the three main areas in the kitchen for preparing meals. Functional and decorative, it is chosen according to your kitchen lifestyle, the size of the kitchen, and your budget. Materials, dimensions, decorative rendering, here is the guide to choosing the plan of your dreams ...
The Worktop should be durable, resistant to stains and shocks, easy to maintain… These are some characteristics that you are surely looking for in the materials of your kitchen and in particular that of the worktop. Today, different solutions are available to you to combine practical and aesthetic aspects. Wood, stainless steel, stone, concrete or other? To help you choose, here's a quick overview of the main materials for kitchen worktops.
Option 1: The natural stone worktop
Whether it is granite, marble, quartz, or slate, be sure of the decorative effect on your worktop. Natural stone adapts perfectly to kitchen uses. It benefits from a long lifespan and good resistance to shocks and heat. Be careful, however, because violent thermal shocks can damage your stone worktop.
Certain types of natural stone, such as marble or slate, are also more susceptible to scratches. Finally, if you opt for a limestone (marble for example), know that it will not appreciate acid projections such as lemon juice or vinegar. For a worktop, it is better to start on granite, which does not contain limestone.
If you don't have the budget for natural stone, a reconstituted stone worktop is an interesting alternative. This is also the preferred option if you want marble or burgundy stone but risk adding lemon drops or other acidic condiments. On the budget side, you will find quartz worktops.
Option 2: The glass worktop
With its reflections of light and its transparent effect, tempered glass brings elegance and lightness to your room. The glass is easy to maintain, it is not afraid of stains, fats, and acids. Another advantage of tempered glass: it tolerates detergents and other kitchen cleaning products quite well. Note, however, that a tempered glass worktop is very easily scratched. So take precautions when handling pressure cookers, frying pans, and other pots and pans. For a guaranteed decorative effect, opt for colored glass! You have the option of a glossy or matte finish.
Option 3: The wooden worktop
Natural and authentic, solid wood makes a room warmer. Contrary to popular belief, it is not the prerogative of the rustic style and is readily available in modern kitchens. In addition, it combines easily with other materials. We can quite imagine having a wooden worktop and white furniture for a very design and Scandinavian rendering. Robust, wood does not fear shocks. However, it does require regular maintenance. To keep its strengths over time, it is treated with linseed oil: you can, for example, oil it every 6 months or so. As for its use, keep in mind that wood fears heat, which is why it is advisable not to put hot dishes directly on your wooden worktop.
Option 4: The ceramic worktop
Thanks to the “large slab” formats which limit the number of joints, ceramics are enjoying some success in kitchens. With its matt and modern appearance, this material adapts to all atmospheres. The ceramic worktop has the advantage of being ultra-resistant and hygienic. It is absolutely not afraid of scratches or high temperatures. If its price is very high, it stands out as a safe and sustainable value.
Option 5: The resin worktop
Its foolproof robustness has made it a staple in the kitchen: the resin worktop is appreciated as much for its aesthetics as for its durability. Indeed, if this non-porous material has no visible seal, it also offers excellent resistance to stains and scratches and is heat resistant up to 180 °. The resin is ideal for intensive use. In addition, it is a repairable material. Made to measure, the resin worktop can also be matched with a resin under counter tank. Thus, you will benefit from the velvety touch of the resin right up to your sink and will benefit from a perfectly continuous line between your sink and your worktop. Design effect guaranteed!
Option 6: The worktop to be tiled
Although it is becoming increasingly rare in our kitchens, the tiled worktop is appreciated for its resistance and for its unique design. If this is not ideal in terms of maintenance - the presence of porous joints promotes the appearance of stains - the tiled worktop offers the advantage of customization. At this price you must add that of the chosen tiling, the joints and its implementation because it requires the intervention of a professional. Although it is becoming increasingly rare in our kitchens, the tiled worktop is appreciated for its resistance and for its unique design. If this is not ideal in terms of maintenance - the presence of porous joints promotes the appearance of stains - the tiled worktop offers the advantage of customization.
Option 7: The compact worktop
Still little known, the compact worktop nevertheless has many advantages! If the compact worktop is nothing more than a thinner and denser laminate worktop, it nevertheless offers better resistance to scratches, shocks, and heat than a standard laminate. In addition to its manufacturing technique which makes it an ultra-resistant material, the compact worktop impresses with its finesse and very light design. The compact worktop perfectly mimics natural stone and wood, which is why it is usually found in gray or cream tones.
While some place it directly on their kitchen furniture like a traditional worktop, others prefer to install it on an extension to highlight it: this gives it an airy effect.
