When it comes to renovating or designing your kitchen worktops, style isn’t the only consideration — practicality and durability are also very important factors. Your kitchen worktops need to be able to withstand the demands of daily use while also fitting in with the rest of the kitchen.

Thankfully, the materials and technologies available to us have evolved to meet the need for style and substance.

In this article, we look at some of the most beautiful and practical materials that are ideal for kitchen worktops.

 

What are the most popular materials for kitchen worktops?

 

Every household and family has different needs, and there is a huge variety of materials available to suit every style and budget. The most common ones include:

• Granite
• Marble
• Quartz
• Neolith (sintered stone)
• Composite stone
• Laminate
• Solid wood
• Glass
• Stainless steel

Each material has its pros and cons, so the decision really comes down to personal preference based on three main factors: How it looks, how it performs, and how much it costs!

Here are four of our top picks:

 

 

Granite Kitchen Worktops

 

For those who want a striking and extremely durable option

Granite is an aesthetically striking, hard-wearing material that will stand the test of time. It suits both modern and traditional style kitchens, and it comes in a range of finishes (including polished/glossy or matte).

There are several benefits to using granite as it is:

• Resistant to scratching and chipping
• High resistance to staining, heat, and water
• Easy to clean
• Eco-friendly, sustainable, and non-toxic
• Family-friendly
• Highly affordable

 

Marble Kitchen Worktops

 

For those who want a timeless and luxurious option

Marble is an elegant and luxurious natural stone that is known for its striking veining and decorative patterns. Extremely hard-wearing, and breathtakingly beautiful, marble is a popular choice for backsplashes, kitchen worktops, facades, and decorative wall cladding.

Marble brings many advantageous aspects to your kitchen:

• A luxurious appearance
• The ability to retain cool temperatures
• Reliable durability
• Adaptability through shaping and cutting
• Reusability

It is also important to note that wine and citric acids can damage marble, so these substances must be cleaned immediately if spilt.

 

Quartz Kitchen Worktops

 

For those who want a practical and anti-bacterial option

Using materials with antimicrobial properties makes a lot of sense for kitchen worktops where food is prepared daily. Not only does quartz look beautiful, but it is also highly resilient and hard-wearing too.

Quartz offers many benefits, including:

• A non-porous texture inhibits bacterial growth
• Low maintenance and easy upkeep
• Availability in a wide range of colours
• Affordability

 

Neolith Kitchen Worktops

 

For those who want to combine style and functionality with zero compromise

Neolith is a sintered stone made from entirely natural and recyclable products and created during a process that uses intense pressure. The result is a lightweight surface material that combines superior strength with exquisite style.

Neolith is also:

• Incredibly durable against chemicals, heat, and scratching
• Waterproof and virtually maintenance-free
• Ultra-hygienic
• Environmentally and family-friendly

 

Other popular choices for kitchen worktops

 

• Laminate — low-maintenance and budget-friendly
• Solid wood — gives a rustic, warm feel and medium durability
• Glass — beautiful, reflective surface that is easy to clean
• Composite stone — tough, non-porous and resistant to heat and scratches
• Stainless steel — hygienic, durable, and suits industrial/contemporary styles

 

Your kitchen worktop supplier

 

Here at The Stone Gallery, we offer a wide range of high-quality kitchen worktops to suit every style and budget.

Some of our customer favourites include:

Granite (natural stone) — aesthetically striking and extremely durable

Marble (natural stone) — elegant, luxurious and timeless

Quartz (engineered stone) — strong, versatile and beautiful

Neolith (sintered stone) — stunning, strong and lightweight

Quartzite (natural stone) – combine immense beauty with tough durability

See and feel each material for yourself by visiting our indoor viewing gallery, open seven days a week for your convenience.

We can provide you with a full service from design through to installation, so get in touch today to start your kitchen design or renovation dreams.

Also, make sure to check out our blog and resources pages to keep up to date with the latest news, trends and inspiration.