5 Alternatives for your Kitchen Countertop

The choice of kitchen work tops seems to be overwhelming, but it's worth taking some time to get the right surface for your kitchen. Here are some pros and cons of the main materials available in market.

Laminate: A laminate worktop is probably the cheapest option available, but unfortunately there can be reasons for that. Though laminates for kitchen surfaces come in an array of designs, the quality can also vary greatly. Some laminates are heat resistant and completely waterproof, while the cheaper ones will mark easily and can look cheap within months. Always choose a laminate carefully and get it professionally fitted to make it last longer and look better.

Wood: Wood is easy to cut and fit. It can be damaged by heat and can be vulnerable to moisture problems. However, wood can be rubbed down if burnt and repaired if damaged. Wood is an excellent choice for kitchen worktop and is not difficult to maintain.

Glass: Glass being heat resistant and impervious to water is a great choice for kitchen surface. It can add a lot of style to your kitchen, but it requires a great deal of cleaning to remove all the finger marks and can look very bad if scratched. There is a great variety of colors and finishes available to suit most color schemes and tastes.

Natural Stone: Marble, slate and granite are the mostly used natural stones. Slate and granite are hard wearing and highly water resistant, while marble requires regular treating to prolong its life. Marble needs to be protected from thinks like alcohol and lemon juice. Natural stones are expensive and should be fitted by professionals.

Composite: Composites are more expensive than marble. There is a great selection of colors to choose from and are highly resistant to heat and water. They are as hard wearing as the stone mixed with resin, but can still be scratched and damaged depending on the base material.

Stainless Steel: Stainless steel is a really good option for kitchen surfaces. It is resistant to heat and water. Satin and matte finished stainless are easy options to keep clean, but you will have to be careful about the scratches that can build up over time. If you are looking something that is not too expensive and can last for a longer time, stainless steel is the best choice.

I personally prefer using lamintes for kitchen. There is a wide range of designer and decorative laminates available in the market.