Kitchen Worktop Reviews: My Special Piece

This has certainly been on my mind for a while now, in my little community of interior enthusiasts, there has been arguments about what is the best worktop to use, what’s more durable and which lasts longer. This has been deliberated on extensively and I am going to give my best opinion on this. First of all, these are my own views, You do not necessarily have to agree with me. I feel that whatever decision you make should depend on the project, cost and the advice you gave or briefs from your clientele.

Granite is like the Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson of worktops—tough, reliable, and practically indestructible.
Heat Resistance: Feel free to plop down that scalding hot pot of spaghetti sauce without a worry. Granite can take the heat.
Aesthetic Appeal: Each slab is unique, boasting natural beauty that can turn your kitchen into a geological wonderland.
Stylish : It’s a natural antibacterial stain resistant material and its very easy to maintain

Granite Features;

Downsides
Cost; For me, i feel like whatever that is worth doing at all is worth doing well but some people tend to look at the high cost of this material there by putting them off purchasing it

Weight: Granite is heavy, so make sure your cabinets are up to the task, or you might end up with a very expensive floor decoration. On the lighter side of things.
Be warned though, granite is very heavy, making it difficult to handle for installation. It can also be expensive.

GRANITE

Quartz

Quartz  worktops are available in different unrestricted ranges of colors. They can have a range of finishes from shiny to a matte leather look, so can fit in with any style of kitchen.

 Features:

Durability: Quartz is like granite’s well-behaved cousin—super durable and resilient to scratches and stains.

Low Maintenance: No need to seal or pamper. Quartz is as easy going as your favorite pair of jeans.

Variety: Available in a wide range of colors and patterns, so you can match your worktop to your personality (or your fridge magnet collection).

Downsides:

Cost: While not as expensive as granite, quartz can still make your bank account whimper.

Heat Sensitivity: It’s not as heat-resistant as granite, so no impromptu stovetop-to-counter transfers unless you like melted countertops. Weight: Like granite, quartz is also heavy. Your cabinets need to be strong enough to handle this fabulous addition

QUARTZ

Laminate: The Undercover Agent

Cost-Effective: Laminate is the budget-friendly hero we all need. It’s like finding a designer jacket on a clearance rack.

Variety: Comes in a dizzying array of colors and patterns, from faux marble to funky abstract designs. You can change it up as often as your favorite Netflix series.

Easy to Install: DIY enthusiasts, rejoice! Laminate is light and easy to install, saving you money on both materials and installation.

Downsides:

Durability: It’s not as tough as granite or quartz. Think of it as the Clark Kent of worktops—great for everyday use, but not so super under pressure.

Heat and Scratch Sensitivity: Easily damaged by hot pans and sharp knives, so keep those trivets and cutting boards handy.

Longevity: Laminate might not last as long as its stone counterparts. It’s more of a short-term fling than a lifelong commitment.

 Laminate countertops are like the sensible, budget-conscious friend who’s always up for a good time. They’re fun, versatile, and won’t break the bank. Just don’t invite them to any knife-throwing competitions or hot pot parties.

Dekton Worktops

Before we jump into the pros and cons, let’s get acquainted with Dekton. Dekton is an ultra-compact surface made from a blend of raw materials used to produce glass, porcelain, and quartz surfaces. It’s manufactured through a process called sintered particle technology, which sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie but essentially means it’s incredibly durable and versatile. It has been newly introduced to the market and clients are loving it. This seems to be my favourite of them all

Features

 Superhero-Level Durability

Advantage: Dekton is like the Superman of worktops. It’s incredibly resistant to scratches, stains, and heat. You could practically throw a kitchen sink at it, and it would remain unscathed. Imagine your clumsiest friend moving in with you and still managing not to destroy your kitchen. That’s Dekton. It’s the worktop you need when your kitchen’s sworn enemy is everyday life.

 UV Resistance

Advantage: Unlike many other worktop materials, Dekton is resistant to UV rays. This means it won’t fade or discolor, even if your kitchen is flooded with natural sunlight.: It’s like Dekton lathers on SPF 100 sunscreen every morning. Bring on the sun—Dekton got its shades on and is ready to bask in the glow!

 Low Maintenance

 Dekton doesn’t need sealing or special cleaning products. A quick wipe with a damp cloth, and it’s good to go. Dekton is like the low-maintenance friend who’s always up for anything, never complains, and looks fabulous doing it. It’s the Beyoncé of worktops.

 Versatility in Design

 Dekton comes in a wide range of colors and finishes, mimicking the look of natural stone, wood, and even concrete. You can achieve just about any aesthetic you desire. It’s like having a chameleon as a pet. One minute it’s granite, the next it’s marble—whatever fits your mood or your Instagram feed.

Downsides

 Pricey Investment

 Dekton doesn’t come cheap. It’s an investment, often costing much more than high-end granite and quartz.: Think of Dekton as the luxury sports car of worktops. Sure, it’s amazing, but your bank account might need a moment to catch its breath.

 Brittleness

 Despite its toughness, Dekton can be prone to chipping or cracking if heavy objects are dropped on it, particularly along the edges.It’s like Superman, but with a kryptonite vulnerability. Be careful not to drop any anvils (or heavy pots) on it!

 Installation Complexity

 Dekton requires professional installation due to its weight and the precision needed to cut and fit it correctly. Installing Dekton is not a DIY weekend project. Think of it more like building the Eiffel Tower—you’re going to need some experts for this one

DEKTON

Stainless Steel: The Gleaming Contender

Features

 Durability of a Superhero:Stainless steel is practically indestructible. It’s resistant to heat, stains, and water, making it perfect for the chaos of a busy kitchen. Imagine your worktop is a superhero, like Captain America’s shield—able to withstand everything from boiling pots to clumsy cooks dropping cast iron pans.

 Hygienic and Easy to Clean; Stainless steel is non-porous, which means it doesn’t harbor bacteria or germs. Cleaning is a breeze; a quick wipe, and it’s as good as new.It’s like having a neat freak as a roommate. Your kitchen might get messy, but the worktop stays pristine and ready for action, no matter how many times you spill the marinara.

Sleek, Modern LookStainless steel gives your kitchen a contemporary, professional look. It’s the go-to choice for restaurant kitchens for a reason.Stainless steel is like the James Bond of worktops—sleek, stylish, and always ready to impress. Just add a martini (shaken, not stirred) for full effect.

Heat Resistance; Place hot pots and pans directly on the surface without worrying about damage. It’s like having an oven mitt built into your worktop. Go ahead, set down that scalding hot pot—it can handle the heat without breaking a sweat.

Downsides

 Prone to Scratches and Dents: While tough, stainless steel can scratch and dent easily. Over time, it might develop a “patina” of imperfections. Think of it as the Indiana Jones of worktops—adventurous and tough, but it picks up a few battle scars along the way. Each scratch tells a story (mostly about your knife-wielding skills).

 Fingerprints and Smudges: Stainless steel shows every fingerprint, smudge, and streak. Be prepared to wipe it down frequently to keep it looking its best. It’s like a mirror that reflects all your kitchen mishaps. You’ll be polishing it more than a magician’s assistant polishes their top hat.

Industrial Aesthetic :The sleek, modern look might not suit every kitchen style. If you’re going for a cozy, rustic vibe, stainless steel might clash with your décor. Stainless steel is the high-tech gadget nerd in a room full of country bumpkins. It looks great in a modern setting but might feel out of place next to your grandma’s vintage cookie jar collection.

 Noise Factor Stainless steel can be noisy. Pots, pans, and utensils clanging against it can sound like a heavy metal concert: Your kitchen will sound like a rock band practicing. If you love peace and quiet, you might need earplugs—or a quieter worktop.

STAINLESS STEEL

What is Corian?

Before we jump into the nitty-gritty, let’s get to know Corian. Developed by DuPont, Corian is a solid surface material made from a blend of acrylic polymer and alumina trihydrate. It’s designed to mimic the look of stone but with added benefits. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s see!

Features

 Seamless Beauty

Corian worktops can be joined seamlessly, creating a smooth, continuous surface without visible seams or joints. Imagine your kitchen worktop is a magic carpet—smooth, seamless, and ready to whisk you away to a world of culinary delights. No more crumbs getting stuck in annoying cracks!

 Easy to Repair Minor scratches and burns can be sanded out, making Corian relatively easy to maintain and repair.Corian is like your favorite pair of jeans—if they get a little scuffed up, a quick fix, and they’re good as new. No one needs to know about that spaghetti sauce incident!

 Non-Porous Surface

 Corian is non-porous, which means it doesn’t harbor bacteria or stains. It’s super hygienic and easy to clean.Corian is like the germaphobe friend who always has hand sanitizer. Your kitchen stays clean and bacteria-free, even after your most experimental cooking attempts.

Customizable

 Available in a wide range of colors and patterns, Corian can be customized to fit any kitchen design. You can even create integrated sinks and backsplashes for a cohesive look.Corian is the chameleon of worktops. Whether you want it to blend in or stand out, it’s got you covered. It’s like having a wardrobe full of outfits for every occasion!

 Warm and Soft to the Touch

 Unlike stone, Corian has a warmer feel and isn’t as hard, making it more forgiving on dropped dishes. Think of Corian as your kitchen’s cozy blanket. It’s soft, warm, and ready to cushion the blow when you accidentally drop your favorite coffee mug (we’ve all been there).

Downsides

 Prone to Scratching and Heat Damage

 Corian can scratch and scorch if you’re not careful. Always use cutting boards and trivets to protect the surface. Corian is like that friend who’s great at parties but a bit of a lightweight. Handle with care, or you’ll end up with some regrettable marks.

Cost

 While not as expensive as high-end granite or quartz, Corian isn’t exactly cheap. It’s a mid-to-high-range option. Think of Corian as the fancy dinner out. It’s not going to break the bank, but you might have to skip a few lattes to save up for it.

 Requires Professional Installation

 Corian needs to be installed by professionals to ensure those seamless joints and perfect finishes. DIY enthusiasts might need to sit this one out.Installing Corian is like assembling IKEA furniture—you could try it yourself, but you’re better off leaving it to the experts unless you enjoy a challenge (and possibly some frustration).

Limited Heat Resistance

 Corian isn’t as heat-resistant as stone, so you’ll need to be cautious with hot pots and pans. Corian is like your stylish but slightly delicate friend. Looks great, but don’t expect them to handle the heat of the kitchen without some extra protection.

CORIAN

My Humble Verdict

Choosing the right kitchen worktop is like choosing the right partner—each comes with its own set of quirks and benefits. Granite and Dekton are the strongest, silent type; quartz is the dependable and stylish one;Corian is in between, and laminate is the fun, affordable friend who’s always ready for a makeover. So, whether you’re cooking up a storm or just microwaving last night’s leftovers, pick a worktop that suits your style, budget, and level of commitment to kitchen maintenance.

Remember, no matter what you choose, your kitchen will be the heart of your home—where meals are made, stories are shared, and the occasional baking disaster is met with laughter. Happy countertop hunting, and may your kitchen always be a place of culinary creativity and joy!

By Ian Brentwood