When you think about it, worktops make a kitchen.
These surfaces need to be strong enough to withstand the rigours of regular chopping while coordinating with each element of your kitchen design. It’s a functional consideration closely linked to budgets and aesthetics, and with such a big decision comes questions.
For example, are you choosing a worktop solely based on how it complements your current kitchen design? If there’s a chance it may look out of place when you want to redecorate, it’s better to keep your options open.
Or, are your shortlisted materials durable enough? Do you intend to renovate in the future, or are you planning for the long run? You’ll want to put a lot of thought behind this, as worktops aren’t the kind of off-the-cuff purchase you can just return.
That’s why we’re bringing details of the big hitters you’ll see in UK kitchens – laminate, wood, quartz and marble. You’ll learn how they differ in durability, day-to-day care, and design flexibility. Each of our best kitchen worktop materials has also been assigned a budget scale so that homeowners have a better idea of the costs they’ll need to set aside:
- Budget
- Mid-range
- Premium
- Luxury/Premium-plus
Marble worktops
Marble has been an architectural marvel as far back as Ancient Greece. As a natural stone (mostly calcite), it’s heat-resistant and comes with a natural veining that you just can’t fake with laminates or prints.
Its beauty does come with responsibilities: because calcite reacts with acids and the stone is more porous than many alternatives, marble requires sensible daily care. It’s one of the best kitchen worktops for lovers of classic, Grecian style.
How much do marble worktops cost?
BUDGET SCALE: Luxury/premium plus
Without getting into exact figures, marble typically sits at the upper end of the worktop price spectrum, especially when considering material and installation costs. However, it’s an investment that many homeowners find lucrative in the long run.
How do I maintain marble?
As we’ve mentioned, fans of marble need to be aware that this material is more high-maintenance than other worktops. You’ll want to avoid vinegar, lemon, citrus-based sprays and descalers.
If accidents happen, wipe promptly to avoid etching or staining. Use warm water and a pH-neutral stone cleaner or mild, non-abrasive soap, and gently clean with a soft cloth. Dry with a microfibre cloth.
What are the benefits of marble worktops?
- Long-lasting (with the right care): Marble is the best worktop material for long-term use, especially when properly maintained. Properly sealed marble can even develop a patina as it ages.
- Natural beauty: Each slab of marble is distinct. Classic marbles like Carrara and Calacatta have veins and tones that can’t be found anywhere else.
- Cool and heat-tolerant: It’s ideal for pastry work and everyday cooking, with trivets recommended for hot pans.
- Premium resale appeal: Planning to sell your home in the future? Marble’s heritage association makes it a sought-after finish.
Quartz worktops
Quartz is an engineered stone made of ground natural quartz, bound with resins and pigments. It’s one of the best kitchen worktops because it is a dense, non-porous surface that’s highly consistent in colour and pattern.
Day-to-day, quartz worktops are excellent for hard-working kitchens because they’re stain-resistant and easy to live with – provided you protect them from direct high temperatures.
How much do quartz worktops cost?
BUDGET SCALE: Premium
Quartz typically falls within the premium bracket overall. But, as with any worktop, the total project cost reflects slab thickness, edge profiles, cut-outs and professional templating/installation, which, for quartz, are more specialised than for laminate or wood.
How do I maintain quartz?
To keep one of the best worktop materials in optimal condition, use a soft cloth to wipe with warm water and a mild, pH-neutral detergent for daily cleaning. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
Quartz does not need to be sealed, and although quartz is heat-resistant, the resin component can be damaged by sudden or extreme heat. We recommend always using trivets or mats under hot pans and small appliances.
What are the benefits of quartz worktops?
- Hygienic, non-porous: Resists staining and doesn’t readily harbour moisture or bacteria: ideal for cooking.
- Generally low-maintenance: Routine wipe-downs keep quartz looking fresh, with no periodic sealing like many natural stones: the best kitchen worktop materials for busy homes!
- Durable: Engineered for scratch and impact resistance under typical kitchen use (for best results, pair with boards and trivets).
- Reliable patterning: Wide, reliable palette including uniform colours and realistic marble-look veining.
Laminate worktops
Laminate has come a long way. Today’s high-pressure laminate (HPL) worktops are made by fusing multiple layers of paper with resin, resulting in a decorative layer that’s durable, non-porous, and available in a vast range of designs.
If you’re budget-savvy, laminate is the best kitchen worktop for an easy cleaning, no-sealing regime.
How much do laminate worktops cost?
BUDGET SCALE: Budget
Laminate sits at the budget end, below solid wood and most composites in mid-range, and well below engineered quartz, granite and porcelain in premium and luxury tiers. It’s also cheaper to fabricate and fit than stone, which can keep project costs down.
How do I maintain laminate?
Laminate, like many of our other materials, is very forgiving. Spillages can be cleaned with warm water and a mild, pH-neutral detergent. For stubborn marks like tea or coffee, use a non-abrasive cream cleaner with a soft-bristle brush.
What are the benefits of laminate worktops?
- Value for money without looking ‘budget’: Despite being one of the best kitchen worktop materials in the lower budget bracket, laminate prints can very convincingly mimic stone and wood.
- Wide range of designs: It’s easy to coordinate across large kitchens or rental portfolios thanks to consistent, repeatable finishes.
- Quick installation: Laminate is more economical to swap if you fancy a refresh later.
- Family-friendly: Reasonably resistant to knocks and scrapes for busy homes.
Wood worktops
Last, but certainly not least, is the best worktop material for creating warmth: wood!
It’s tactile, and unlike many alternatives, it can be renewed rather than replaced. Any light scratches, scorch marks, or worn areas can usually be sanded back and re-oiled to look fresh again.
When kept sealed with oil, timber worktops can last a lifetime.
How much do wood worktops cost?
BUDGET SCALE: Mid-range
Most often, wood falls between budget and mid-range – it costs more than laminates, but below most stone, quartz and porcelain surfaces. However, it’s essential to note that exotic species or thick, end-grain blocks push wood towards the upper end.
How do I maintain wood?
Mop up spills straight away: standing water, especially around sinks and joints, is the enemy to wood worktops. So, avoid soaking the surface and always dry it afterwards. Be sure to protect from heat with trivets and from cuts with chopping boards, and re-oil periodically.
What are the benefits of wood worktops?
- Warm, natural materials: Wood worktops only look better with age.
- Antimicrobial: According to research, wood has antimicrobial properties when properly maintained.
- Repairable: Speaking of repairs, scratches, scorch marks, and stains can usually be sanded out of wood and the top re-oiled to near-new condition.
- Sustainable (when responsibly sourced): Homeowners who choose FSC-certified timber are supporting better forestry practices.
