Kitchen worktops are a key component of kitchen design, but with so many options on the market, it can be difficult to narrow down a choice.
How to choose the right kitchen worktop?
Well, we’ve put together a post on comparing kitchen worktop materials, listing their pros and cons. So, here, we’ve provided a guide on practical tips and solutions that will help you narrow down a choice for the right worktop material for your home.
We provide details on choosing the right material based on budget, maintenance, durability and more.
If you’re lost in a sea of marble, quartz, granite, wood, and more, then looking at the big factors that we’ve listed below could help you be more mindful of your choice and pick the best material for your home and family.
Maintenance
The upkeep of a kitchen worktop refers to how much work you have to put into keeping it looking new and fresh. Some materials, like laminate, require very little upkeep and can be cleaned with most products. However, some kitchen worktop materials need to be properly maintained and require specialist products to ensure they look their best. Marble, for instance, requires regular sealing, and many cleaners can’t be used on the surface.
Low-maintenance kitchen worktop materials:
- Laminate
- Quartz
- Solid surface. e.g. Corian
Durability
The durability of a kitchen worktop takes into account how well the material will withstand daily use. If your kitchen is a high-traffic area within the home, then you’ll want to choose a worktop that can be regularly used, touched, and bashed into.
Durable worktop materials:
- Granite
- Quartz
- Stainless steel


Budget
Another factor to consider when choosing the right kitchen worktop is budget. How much will the worktop and installation cost, and how much will it cost to repair or replace it? Costs can vary significantly depending on the material and installation complexity.
Natural stone options are on the higher end of the price scale and typically cost more in installation, repairs, or replacements. Laminate is the budget-friendly choice for a kitchen worktop. Price guide on kitchen worktop materials, from cheapest to most expensive:
- Laminate
- Wood
- Solid surface like Corian
- Quartz
- Granite
- Marble
Heat resistance
If you regularly place hot pans or baking trays on your kitchen surface, heat resistance should be considered when choosing the right kitchen worktop. Materials like granite and stainless steel can handle high temperatures, while laminate and wood will be damaged, and you’re left with a mark that will last a lifetime.
Heat-resistant worktop materials:
- Granite
- Quartz
- Stainless steel
Stain resistant
For avid cooks and families with young children, stain resistance is key.
Marble is a highly porous material, so while it gives off a luxurious and timeless look, if you’re prone to spills, it might not be the most practical option. Wood is another surface that can be stained, and without regular sealing, it can be quite problematic. Materials like quartz and stainless steel are non-porous and resistant to staining.
Stain-resistant worktop materials:
- Quartz
- Stainless steel
- Solid surface
Scratch and chip-resistant
Whilst products like chopping boards and trivets are designed to protect a kitchen work surface, it’s still comforting to know that if you drop a knife, dish, or anything else heavy, you won’t cause a scratch or chip in your worktop. Granite and quartz worktops are the most scratch-resistant materials. But it’s important to note that they’re not completely scratch-roof.
Scratch and chip-resistant worktops:
- Granite
- Quartz
- Concrete
Appearance
Finally, when it comes to choosing the right kitchen worktop, consider the appearance. The right kitchen worktop will elevate your design and complement the overall style of your kitchen choice. Whether you prefer the classic elegance of marble, the natural warmth of wood or the sleek modernity of quartz, there’s a worktop to suit every home.
Worktop materials by style:
- Modern kitchens: Quartz, stainless steel, or solid surface.
- Traditional kitchens: Wood, marble or granite.
- Industrial kitchens: Concrete or stainless steel.