Worktops

Photo: Round House Design

When it comes to kitchens, we tend to focus more on the colour scheme or the cupboards’ style. But kitchen worktops should get equal attention. Kitchen worktops are available in a wide range of alternatives and are built of many materials, each of which has advantages and disadvantages of its own. Knowing the benefits and drawbacks of each countertop material before you shop can help you choose the one that best suits your needs and keep you from making expensive mistakes. In this blog, we examine some of the most popular worktop options and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each decision.

Granite Worktops

Granite is mostly made of feldspar and natural quartz, with small amounts of mica, amphiboles, and other organic minerals. The unique mineral composition gives each form of granite its colour and pattern.

Pros: Cons:

+ Hard-wearing - Very heavy

+ Heat-resistant - Expensive

+ Antibacterial

+ Easy to clean

How to Choose:

Is your kitchen small or big? When choosing the ideal granite slab and its design, your kitchen's size is crucial. For a tiny kitchen, go with a lighter hue that will make your kitchen look spacious. By using granite that is light in hue, you could reverse this impact and for this reason, they will also work. For a large kitchen, dare to experiment with dark hues.

Also, consider the size of your kitchen when choosing the patterns. The three main designs are marbled, speckled, and solid. Great material for compact kitchens is solid granite. For granite counters, industry standards normally range somewhere between 3 and 6cm.

Installation:

Granite countertops are bulky and require specialized installation equipment.

Also, you might need to cut the material on site because the maximum length of a granite slab that is delivered is often up to 2.8m.

Durability:

According to the Mohs scale of hardness, granite is more durable than steel. Due to its extreme hardness, granite is one of the greatest materials for countertops since it can withstand damage from hot pans, scratching, chipping, staining, and other factors.

Maintenance:

Daily maintenance is simple when your granite countertop is properly sealed. Just clean the surface with a soft cloth, or with some light soap or water. Use a pH-neutral stone cleanser made specifically if your countertop requires extra cleaning. Never use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.

The downside with granite is that, once they get damaged it can’t be repaired, and since they are porous and need to be sealed at least once in two years. For instance, lighter granite will require more frequent resealing because it is often more porous. The good news is sealing granite is an easy DIY project. Keep in mind that, they frequently need additional structural support because of their weight, particularly in spans and cantilevers.

Health and Safety:

Most granite countertops are safe and barely raise the radon levels in a home. Experts say it depends on the type of rock used and advises homeowners concerned about radon to have their countertops checked.

Photo: Cardiff Marble

Quartz Worktops

A popular option with numerous beneficial qualities is quartz worktops. Finding a good solution for your kitchen, whether it is a traditional or modern setting, should be an easy effort because quartz is offered in a variety of forms and