Kitchen Worktops
Introduction
Your countertops will be the most heavily used part of your kitchen, and will have a significant impact on the overall look of the room. They can cost from tens of pounds to hundreds of pounds per linear metre, so making the right choice is imperative.
Types of Worktop
Advances in technology now offer us numerous different materials from which our worktop can be cut or manufactured, and often these go by a variety of trademarks and proprietary brand names. It is therefore important to understand the pros and cons of each of these so you can choose the material that best suits your needs, budget and design scheme.
- Worktop materials such as solid granite, Corian® and concrete, are very heavy. If installing these anywhere other than on a solid ground floor level, you may need to reinforce the floor to take the weight. If in doubt check with your worktop supplier or fitter.
Laminate worktops
Laminate worktops are all constructed from a high-density particleboard core, onto which a sheet of paper carrying the pattern is heat-bonded using resin adhesives. This forms a waterproof laminate across the surface of the worktop that can create a finish ranging from matt, through satin to gloss.
Natural solid worktops
Natural Solid worktops can add a stylish and organic element to a kitchen.
Synthetic Worktops
Synthetic, or composite, solid worktops are usually manufactured to specifically fit an individual kitchen, which can make them somewhat expensive.
Contemporary Worktops
Designers are constantly using existing materials for new purposes and these are becoming increasingly available to the public for domestic use. Materials such as Glass and Stainless Steel can create a truly contemporary look in any kitchen.
Worktop dimensions
A standard worktop is 600mm (2ft) deep, and usually available in lengths as small as 1.5m (4ft 10in), but most commonly in pieces 3m (9ft 9in) or 4m (13ft) long. They can of course be cut or made to size to accommodate the layout of your kitchen.
Worktops are mostly supplied in thicknesses of 40mm (1⅝in), but can be found in thicknesses down to 26mm (1in). Regardless of the thickness, a worktop should be supported by a vertical support every 600mm (2ft) along its length.
Most worktops will have an unfinished back edge as this would usually be positioned against the wall, however some surfaces are also made with two or more good edges to cover the tops of breakfast bars and islands, where all sides can be seen. These worktops are often made in depths of up to 900mm (3ft).
Worktop edge profile
There are a few standard edge profiles that most types of worktop are manufactured with, as illustrated below.
The more expensive made-to-measure materials are often available with several more profile options to match or complement your kitchen style.
Fitting a kitchen worktop
Most laminate and hardwood worktops can be installed by any kitchen fitter or a fairly confident DIYer. Specialist worktops, such as Granite and Corian®, should only be installed by the supplier and these require specialist knowledge and equipment to fit.
Further information and useful links
- Find a Kitchen Worktop supplier near you
- Find a Kitchen Planner near you
- Find a Kitchen Sinks & Taps supplier near you
- Find a Kitchen Fitter near you
- Find a Carpenter near you
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