Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect Kitchen Worktops for Your Kitchen Makeover

Are you thinking of remodelling your kitchen cabinetry? 

The most vital element during a kitchen renovation is choosing the correct worktop to fit your lifestyle. 

With the ability to add a wow factor to the simplest of kitchens, your choice of worktop has to be the best fit for you – right?!

This is because, once installed, worktops will not be replaced often. Considering the investment in doing so, we have created this handy guide to help you choose the perfect kitchen worktops for your kitchen project.

Before you plan to shop for the perfect kitchen worktops, you can choose to consult kitchen designers or go through this handy guide to learn about factors to consider before you start searching for the best kitchen fitters in Leicestershire and plan your investment accordingly.

Here are seven factors to consider before deciding on the right kitchen worktops for your project.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Kitchen Worktops

Budget

When it comes to kitchen worktops, you will find various options, from affordable laminates to luxury granite. Depending on your budget, let’s have a look at the worktops on a price scale.

• Higher Investment – If you are looking for long-lasting and premium quality materials, Granite or Quartz worktop are a worthwhile investment.

• Budget-friendly – Laminate worktops are one of the easiest kitchen fittings. 

Additional Costs 

One of the most critical factors that most of us forget to consider while choosing kitchen worktops is the extra cost you may have to bear during the installation. When you choose wood, granite, or stone composites, you need to pay for cutting grooves within your worktop to make space for a kitchen hob or kitchen sink. So, while planning your budget with kitchen planners, this is worth bearing in mind.

Existing Kitchen Layout

Not all decisions are budget-dependent. 

Inexpensive fitted kitchens do not make sense if the shape of the kitchen is a challenging one.

Aesthetics, storage optimisation and ergonomics all play a crucial part in a well-planned kitchen layout.

Worktop Space

There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to worktops. What works for one family may not work for another.

For example, you might have your heart set on a kitchen island but in a smaller kitchen space, perhaps it might be more practical to consider having a breakfast bar instead.

Check Worktop Profiles

Many homeowners do not consider the depth of their worktop, and ignoring this can change the overall look of the kitchen. 

We have a wide variety of profiles for you to choose from, ranging from 10-20mm to 50mm.

Worktop Material 

There are many materials available for kitchen worktops, including granite, laminate, solid wood and stainless steel.

Each worktop comes with its own set of benefits, depending on your usage, and you can make a decision based on different parameters such as durability, price and lifestyle practicality.

Are you ready?

This question may seem irrelevant, but consider this. 

The whole process of kitchen interiors can be a stressful and time-consuming affair. 

Our advice is to plan your kitchen during a period where you do not feel rushed to make important decisions.

New kitchen projects often coincide with building works, and in a space where things will be replaced and installed, it is wise to opt for renovation and not fitted kitchens. This will allow you to integrate the kitchen fittings with existing appliances.

Exploring Worktop Material Options

Once you consider the above factors, the next thing that plays a crucial role before you install kitchen worktops is the material. You can explore different materials to assess them based on different parameters like durability, price, installation, etc

Laminate Worktop

Laminate worktops are one of the preferred worktops that are available in many affordable different styles. Benefits of these worktops include;

• Easy installation makes it a popular choice for DIY projects.
• Durability and resistance to wear and tear: Ideal for busy kitchens and workspaces
• Affordable: Perfect if you are looking for a cost-effective solution or on a tight budget. 
• Versatility: Laminate worktops can be easily customised to fit any space or design.

Solid Wood

If you want to add a traditional and rustic appearance to your kitchen, then a solid wood worktop is the one for you. Most kitchen designers suggest solid wood for contemporary kitchens as they give your kitchen a homely and warm feeling.

• Solid wood worktops offer a timeless and natural beauty, adding warmth and character
• Easy to repair by sanding out scratches or refinishing the surface
• Versatility: They can be cut, sanded and joined to create unique designs and layouts
• Wood is a natural insulator and provides a warm and comfortable surface that feels pleasant to touch in the winter months

Granite 

Granite is always a trending material due to its unique styles, toughness, and natural feel. Certainly, it is a luxury material and suits both modern and traditional kitchens.

• Natural beauty: Granite is a natural stone known for its unique patterns
• Heat resistant (up to 200°C)
• Longevity: With proper care and maintenance, a granite worktop can last a lifetime
• Easy to clean
• Luxury feature that can be enjoyed for its elegance for years together after installation.

Quartz 

It is an amazing material that offers an elegant look and feel for your kitchen. Quartz can be the perfect budget-friendly, with a wide variety of patterns and colours.

• Extremely durable and quite resistant to scratches, chips and cracks
• A non-porous surface makes it highly resistant to stains in areas prone to spills and splashes.
• Customisable edge profiles, allowing you to personalise the look and feel of your worktop
• They are expensive as compared to laminate, but their durability and long lifespan make them a cost-effective investment in the long run.

Stainless Steel Worktops

Stainless steel worktops have gained popularity in recent years for domestic kitchens with a lot of benefits. 

• Heat and fire-resistant 
• Highly resistant to dents and scratches and can withstand heavy daily usage
• Stainless steel is non-porous, making it easy to sanitise and clean.
• Eco-friendly: It can be recycled, reducing waste and minimising the impact on the environment

Conclusion

There are multiple worktop types but you will find the main ones covered here in this guide. 

The worktop you choose solely depends on your lifestyle, budget, and kitchen style. 

Also, remember to consider the maintenance part as it is not just the aesthetics that matter but also important that the worktop comes with manageable maintenance.

If you are unsure which worktop to choose for your kitchen, you can visit the kitchen interior showroom to connect with our Team, who will help you choose the right worktop.

Contact Interiors By Design, Leicester and we will take care of everything else – from helping you choose the right kitchen worktop as reliable kitchen suppliers and allowing you to enter an incredible kitchen space.

Investing in kitchen worktops is one of the most expensive things in your kitchen, so ensure that your investment is worthwhile.