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Kitchen Worktops - Most Popular Kitchen Countertop Materials

Worktops can transform a kitchen, but there are so many options – choosing the perfect material, shade and texture to complement your design and suit your lifestyle is mind-boggling.

Trends also come and go – remember only a few years ago when stainless steel or glass were on everyone's wish list? Above all, it's worth remembering that kitchen worktops are the most tactile of all elements. You'll use a worktop daily, clean it regularly and touch it more than you imagine.

'Don't underestimate the importance of selecting the right texture and tone for your worktop,' says Wayne Dance, managing director of kitchen design specialists InHouse Inspired Room Design. 'If we have learned one thing about our homes this year, it is almost certainly that they should create a calm and comforting retreat from the world, with the kitchen at the centre.'

Laminate kitchen worktops

Laminate comes in an amazing range of colours, textures, patterns and thicknesses. It's considered the low budget, cost effective choice, starting from less than £40 for a matt white 2.4m length at B&Q.

However, Kam Bharadwa, sales and operations manager at Kutchenhaus, says: 'If you get the style and design right, your kitchen will look incredible. Laminate is a cheaper alternative to stone, but still very striking. There are so many design options to choose from, you will be spoilt for choice.'

Hugely versatile, laminate can look like wood, stone, granite, quartz or tile, at a fraction of the cost. The latest compact laminate worktops are super-versatile, says Hayley Simmons, head of merchandising for Magnet kitchens. 'These slim, sleek cutting-edge worktops are as thin as 12.5mm and provide great design flexibility. They can be double-sided to create features such as waterfall breakfast bars or statement splashback features.'

Homebase

Homebase

Alternatively, to maximise the impact of a laminate kitchen worktop, choose the deepest thickness you can – usually up to 40mm. This trick mimics the appeal of chunky wood or stone.

Best suited for: Hardworking kitchens and family life.

Proceed with caution: Cheaper laminate will scuff and mark easily. Avoid putting hot pans directly on the surface or prolonged exposure to moisture, as this will cause the layers to peel.

Wooden kitchen worktops

Worktop Express

If you're looking for a natural texture and like to invest in timeless classics, solid wood will deliver your dream, says Kam: 'Solid wood worktops are popular as they give a real homely feel to a kitchen, something more modern kitchen styles and designs can lack.'

Opt for a hardwood such as walnut, iroko or oak, rather than a softwood like pine, as they are longer lasting and will not warp or bend. Solid wood can be surprisingly affordable; Worktop Express has oak worktops starting from £135 for a 2m length (22mm thickness). Solid wood is also easy to fit, so it shouldn't be difficult to find a tradesperson. If you're a competent DIYer you might even be able to fit it yourself.

You can also find reclaimed solid wood worktops, says Alex Main, director at bespoke kitchen designers, The Main Company: 'Reclaimed wood worktops create a new lease of life for the original material and are therefore the ideal choice if you're considering an environmentally-friendly solution in your kitchen.'

Best suited for: Rustic kitchens. Also, if you like changing your look regularly, you can use different oils to alter the shade.

Proceed with caution: Wooden worktops are quite high maintenance. They need oiling regularly, around every six months, to keep them water-resistant and hygienic. Check with the supplier which oil to use.

Kitchen worktop paint

'Most people don't think of painting kitchen worktops, although it can be done,' says Rob Green, co-founder and paint expert at Coat Paints. 'But normal paint like flat matt or eggshell emulsion won't work here – neither will bond with existing worktops or be hardy enough.'

Amazon

If you choose to paint worktops, says Rob, use a multi-purpose paint designed for melamine, MDF or wood – or alternatively, a specialist product labelled as 'worktop paint' – for example, the Giania Granite Countertop Paint from Amazon.

'Our own eggshell paint is ideal for painting worktops,' Rob adds. 'Our formula is created so that it flattens and levels on flat surfaces like worktops. Once dried and cured you can spray and scrub it down, no problem.' Coat Paints offers an inspiring range of modern neutrals, including Sweatpants (soft grey) and Home Grown (sage).

Best suited for: Changing colours without breaking the budget.

Proceed with caution: You might struggle to successfully cover laminate or MDF. Unsuitable for a kitchen which receives a lot of wear and tear.

Marble kitchen worktops

Marble has been used in kitchens for generations; it's cool and easy to keep clean. In recent years, it's graduated from chopping boards to work surfaces. 'These are mainly Carrara marbles such as Statuary, Calacatta, Arabescato and Carrara itself,' says Oliver Webb, director of sales and marketing at Culliford's Stone Suppliers. 'But this doesn't mean that there aren't other good marbles out there. Marble comes in a wide variety of colours and patterns.'

Some marbles are harder than others. However, when it comes to durability, all marble will develop a patina from small scratches and possible staining – fans say this adds to the character. Marble is sealed before use, but any stains that do appear can be removed with a poultice and it can be re-polished in situ if needed. Marble costs from around £300 per sqm, but you can also find less expensive porcelain 'marble-look' tiles. For example, Stone & Ceramic Warehouse have 3mm thick Coliseum Statuario Venato porcelain slab tiles for £144 per sqm.

Best suited for: A classic kitchen or glamorous urban pad where work surfaces are respected with care.

Proceed with caution: In a family kitchen, damage can be expensive to fix.

Quartz kitchen worktops

Tom Howley, design director of Tom Howley kitchen design company, says that in his industry, quartz, an engineered stone, is taking over from granite as a leading choice for worktops: 'Quartz is both aesthetically and functionally superior. It is non-porous, consistent in colour and very durable. It's easy to clean, making it less susceptible to staining and comes in a range of beautiful colours.'

Quartz is a big financial investment however. For example, CRL Quartz from CRL Stone is scratch, heat and stain-resistant, and costs from £400 to £650 per sqm.

It's easy to confuse quartz with sintered stone. Both materials are known for their durability; just remember, quartz is an engineered product and sintered stone is made from natural minerals which undergo a compressing process.

Best suited for: Any setting really, quartz is pretty bomb-proof.

Proceed with caution: It's expensive, and mistakes cost. So choose a reputable supply and fit company.

Granite kitchen worktops

Granite is a natural, tough and hardwearing stone. Its own unique patterns are what makes each worktop different. No two pieces are ever the same, says Kam.

Granite worktops usually come sealed when installed. It is recommended to have them resealed every year as this is a porous material. These days, granite doesn't have to be black – or shiny. Granite can be high-polished, but it also now available in contemporary matt finishes and a wide range of shades. It's also very easy to keep clean with warm water and mild detergent.

Best suited for: Keen cooks. Granite has extremely high heat resistance being a natural stone, but you should also use some form of protection. It is also highly scratch-resistant.

Proceed with caution: Avoid direct contact with citrus-based or acidic foods and liquids which may be solvent based as these can cause marks.

Kitchen worktop wrap

For a cost-effective option, existing kitchen worktops can be overlaid with vinyl wraps, which you can do yourself using Fablon, around £7 for a 2m roll, from DIY and hardware stores.

Alternatively, find a professional company to wrap your worktop with an acrylic solid surface. Both options avoid the upheaval and expense of a full kitchen replacement, and work miracles on your carbon footprint too. Your old worktops won't end up in landfill.

Amazon

Solid colours, natural stone effects and on-trend patterns are all available, so you can switch up your look easily. 'Our Seamless Makeover® is the new eco-alternative when compared to more mainstream worktop solutions,' says Rob Bullen, managing director at solid surface wrap specialists Wharf Worktops. 'We use the latest software to design your new worktops so that they are tailored to fit exactly over your existing surfaces so your old tops don't end up in landfill and there is minimum disruption to your kitchen and life.'

Windowsills and up-stands can be included to complete the transformation. Prices start from £135 per sqm. Two home visits are involved, to measure up and fit, and the process takes around a fortnight in total.

Best suited for: Busy people who don't want the disruption of removing and fitting replacement worktops.

Proceed with caution: Wrap colours and textures may be limited and if you're looking for a brand-new look for your kitchen, you'll have to upgrade cupboard fronts and appliances too. Wraps will not be as hard-wearing as new worktops.

Concrete kitchen worktops

Foxys_forest_manufactureGetty Images

Concrete surfaces are key to the industrial look and kitchens are no exception. 'Concrete touches around the home are becoming increasingly popular and worktops in particular are a very contemporary take on a neutral colour,' says Hayley.

Concrete is hardwearing, durable and will gradually weather with age. Mixing concrete and wood worktops creates a bespoke look; perhaps a concrete-topped island unit and wood worktops on other surfaces.

There are two ways to seal concrete worktops for durability and to preserve the surface. Polyurethane sealer gives a high level of protection in a standard matt finish. Impregnating sealer, with the additional application of a wax, creates a polished patina on the surface over time.

Look for a specialist supplier such as Haus Concrete Surfaces, which does concrete worktops in eight standard colour tones from white to black. Expect to pay £350-£400 plus VAT for a linear metre.

Best suited for: Industrial interiors and awkward kitchen spaces; adaptable concrete can be poured to fit. It's available in 40-100mm thicknesses so good for making a chunky statement.

Proceed with caution: Concrete is heavy. Check your kitchen cupboards are strong enough to bear the weight. They may require extra packing underneath.

Solid surface kitchen worktops

There are a number of 'solid surface' worktops now available with brand names including Corian and Staron. These are typically made from a blend of natural minerals and thermostatic acrylic polymers. Staron is a great option for eliminating the risk of bacteria growth in cracks or crevices, says marketing associate Doveon Kim: 'Solid surfaces are easy to clean and maintain, ensuring a hygienic cooking space.'

'Corian is durable and can be shaped without joints, working well for kitchens with a unique shape or lots of corners,' says Hayley. 'It will fit well into curves or splashbacks which can be smoothly blended into the worktop to create a seamless flow.' At around £145 per sqm, according to cost comparison site Checkatrade, it's now becoming a relatively inexpensive choice.

Best suited for: Ambitious kitchen designs because it can be shaped seamlessly to fit around awkward areas, such as sinks.

Proceed with caution: Damage can be caused by direct heat and sharp objects.

Terrazzo kitchen worktops

YKvisionGetty Images

Made from chips of marble, granite, quartz, glass, shell or other suitable materials bound together in a cement or epoxy mixture, terrazzo is one of the most ancient of surface materials. It became popular in Renaissance Venice, when stonemasons would gather together scraps of marble and fashion them into useful building materials for surfaces and floors.

Wayne is noticing an increasing demand: 'Terrazzo worktops are the antithesis of minimal concrete slabs and natural wood effects. The colourful patterns brighten up any room to bring in a touch of playfulness and vibrancy to the kitchen.' Expect to pay from around £40 sqm – Boutique Stone has Eccitare terrazzo in Earth (black, caramel, white, silver) for £59. 95 sqm.

Best suited for: Vintage-inspired schemes or to create visual interest in sleek, ultra-modern kitchens.

Proceed with caution: In a smaller kitchen, as the pattern could be rather busy and overwhelming.

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Best kitchen worktops – a guide to choosing the right material

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Finding the best kitchen worktops is something you should think about early on in a kitchen redesign. You may already have your other decorative kitchen ideas in place, your wall colours picked out, cabinets designed and an idea of the finish you want from your kitchen worktop, and so which type of countertop material you choose is vital to bring it all to life. 

Whether it's wood or stone, concrete, composite or metal that you like the look of, finding a surface that will not only suit the look of your new kitchen, but serve its purpose well also is important. Your kitchen worktop has to practically suit your needs too – there's no use using a delicate material if it will quickly scuff at the first use of your best kettle, or best air fryer.

From useable and cost-efficient countertop materials like laminate, to stylish solid wood, marble and more pricey options, we can help you make the right call on this hardworking surface. Keep scrolling to choose this vital element of your kitchen design, and get your kitchen into perfect shape.

How to choose the best kitchen worktops

(Image credit: Cuisinart )

When you first come to select a kitchen countertop, think about how you will be using them to better understand how hardwearing and easy to maintain they need to be. 

If you prepare and cook food from scratch everyday, which requires lots of cleaning and chopping, this means you will need something resilient, which will keep its quality with regular use of cleaning products. Or, if you tend to entertain more and use the surface less vigorously, you can probably afford to go with something likely a little cheaper but still aesthetically pleasing. 

Your kitchen worktops are a natural focal point in your kitchen, so consider the following to help you choose the most practical choice of worktop material that will complement your kitchen cabinets, flooring and other elements in your space too.

Picking the best kitchen worktop for you

The primary factor to consider when looking at the best kitchen worktops is material. The most common options are stone, wood, man-made composite and laminate, and each have their own unique properties.

Natural stone and wood, with their varied colours and markings, look stunning in a traditional kitchen, but can scratch and stain, requiring sealing and regular maintenance. 

A fuss-free alternative is a man-made composite material, such as quartz or Corian, which blend natural minerals with resin to create highly durable surfaces that are non-porous and easy to clean. However, these can be costly and require specialist fitting.

If you’re on a budget, laminates are the best choice. Comprising a plastic overlay and design layer bonded to man-made board, they can mimic hundreds of finishes, from weathered wood to veined marble, at a fraction of the price, while also being water resistant. 

Alternatively, zinc, stainless steel and concrete are becoming increasingly popular as a way to achieve an on-trend industrial look.

Read on to see the pros, cons and pricing of each choice.

(Image credit: Conran)

Granite kitchen worktops

Granite is stylish, beautiful and is associated with luxurious kitchen design schemes

Specifications

Average price per sqm: £270

Maintenance : Easy – wipe over with warm water and a micro-fibre cloth

Reasons to buy

+

Hard-wearing

+

Heat resistant

+

Antibacterial

+

Easy to clean

Reasons to avoid

-

Very heavy

-

Expensive

Today's best Granite worktops deals

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What is granite? 

‘Granite is the result of cooling pressurised magma over millions of years resulting in a rock that is both heat and scratch resistant. When sealed properly it is also stain resistant and, once installed, requires no more maintenance,’ says Jon Brewer, managing director and founder of Purple Granite.

How good is it as a kitchen worktop?

Granite is probably the most popular type of kitchen worktop. It is by far the most low-maintenance choice, so sturdy that it's unlikely to chip or scratch, and only needs to be resealed once a decade. Supremely heat-resistant, granite can easily withstand all your hot pans placed on top of it.  

Ease of maintenance?

It's easy to keep clean too – it just needs a wipe with a soft microfibre cloth, warm water and a mild soap or specialised granite spray . Avoid any harsh or abrasive cleaners and sponges.

Downsides?

The only thing to be mindful of is that you'll be that little bit more limited in your choice of a splashback: you can't have a coved backsplash in granite, so typically you'll need to go for a full-height panel splashback instead.  

Plus you need to consider that this is a pretty pricey choice of kitchen worktop material. The price per square metre for a granite worktop is on average £270, although high-end granites may cost as much as £450 per square metre. But also bear in mind that stone lasts, and if you look after and maintain it, it should last a lifetime (or at least your kitchen's lifetime).

(Image credit: Georgia Burns)

Quartz kitchen worktops

A hardwearing, easy to clean kitchen worktop that has plenty of colour options to choose from

Specifications

Average price per sqm: £500

Maintenance : Easy – wipe over with a cloth and warm soapy water

Reasons to buy

+

Hard-wearing

+

Antibacterial

+

Easy to clean

+

Unrestricted range of colours

Reasons to avoid

-

Very heavy

-

Expensive

Today's best quartz kitchen worktop deals

No price information

Check Amazon

What is quartz?

A man-made alternative to materials such as granite and marble, industrial techniques are used to fortify natural quartz with resin to create a truly hard-wearing and customisable worktop.

‘Quartz has become ever more popular over the years and offers a more uniform, contemporary stone work-surface. It is naturally resistant to staining and scratching, but is less heat-resistant than granite, ‘ adds Jon Brewer of Purple Granite.

How good is it as a kitchen worktop? 

One of the most attractive features of a quartz kitchen worktop is the combination of a natural stone look and feel with the low-maintenance properties that are usually expected from synthetic materials. Quartz is actually even more durable than granite, in the sense that it is even less prone to chipping and requires only occasional resealing. However unlike granite, it's not great with heat, so it won't be suitable to place hot pans or trays on. 

Ease of maintenance

As with granite though, quartz surfaces are pretty easy to clean and maintain; for every day cleaning all you will need is a cloth and warm soapy water. 

Downsides?

The biggest downside of a quartz kitchen worktop is the cost; expect to pay around £500 per square metre, and that's before installation costs. There may be a way around this though, as some companies, such as Granite Tranformations , offer 'topper' worktops made from granite or quartz. The 10mm-thick worktop simply fits on top of the existing worktop. 

(Image credit: Kasia Fiszer)

Hard wood kitchen worktops

A great type of kitchen worktop, as long as you are willing to put the work into its maintenance

Specifications

Average price per sqm: £120

Maintenance : Tricky – wipe up spills immediately and avoid chemicals

Reasons to buy

+

Cheaper than stone options

+

Variety of wood grains and colours

+

Antibacterial if maintained

+

Looks great with age

Reasons to avoid

-

Requires bi-annual maintenance

-

Can become stained

-

Can scratch

Today's best solid wood kitchen worktop deals

No price information

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What is a hard wood worktop made from?

For achieving a traditional look, maple, oak and beech work well. For a slightly more exotic feel, Wenge, bamboo or iroko are good options. Just make sure you always choose a sustainable hardwood, preferably from an FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) accredited source. It's one of the best kitchen worktops for country kitchens, giving that authentic rustic feel.

How good is it as a kitchen worktop?

In terms of price, wooden worktops can be pretty budget friendly, starting from around £120 per metre, depending on what type of wood you choose. If hardwoods are properly sealed and maintained they can last for ages, but the wood will change subtly over time, fading in bright sunlight in some cases or becoming deeper and richer with oiling. However, you may see this as a benefit, as the worktop will gain a beautiful patina and character. Plus, when it does come to scratches and stains, you can sand them away, which is not an option with other worktop surfaces. 

Ease of maintenance

Wood can be trickier to maintain that granite and quartz. Make sure you wipe you any spills straight away and don't let the worktops come into contact with water for too long. Clean your wooden worktops with warm water, washing-up liquid and a soft cloth. Avoid using any abrasive and chemical-filled cleaning products and any harsh or wire scouring pads. See our guide to cleaning and maintaining wooden worktops for more on this.

The downsides?

The drawback with wood compared to stone or composite options is that it requires biannual oiling to keep away stains and damage. And, of course, you can't use the worktop as a chopping board, or place any hot pans directly onto the wood, as it can scorch. 

(Image credit: Jemma Watts)

Laminate kitchen worktops

A cost-effective and versatile type of kitchen worktop which has become the most popular option on the market

Specifications

Price per sqm: £120

Maintenance : Easy – wipe down surfaces and avoid scratches

Reasons to buy

+

Affordable

+

Antibacterial

+

Can be made to look like more expensive materials

+

Easy to maintain

+

Easy to clean

+

Hard-wearing, scratch and heat-resistant

+

Suits any style of kitchen, from contemporary to classic

Reasons to avoid

-

May peel

-

Can burn or even melt

-

May scratch and become unhygienic

Today's best laminate kitchen worktop deals

3 Amazon customer reviews

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£228. 50

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What is laminate? 

Laminate is made by bonding a stiff sheet (which might have the appearance of wood, stone or manmade materials) on to a wooden particleboard core. 

How good is it as a kitchen worktop?

Laminate worktops start from as little as £35 per metre, so if you are doing up a kitchen on a budget they are a great option. The upsides are that they're pretty resilient to stains and come in a vast range of finishes and colours, too. A big plus of laminate worktops? You can fit them yourself, even if you aren't a DIY expert. 

Ease of maintenance

They can be wiped clean with most cleaning products, but be careful with knives, because once a laminate surface has a scratch, there is no easy way of getting it out.

The downsides?

Just be aware that laminate worktops may look good on paper, but you get what you pay for. They can be particularly prone to peeling or burns, so you need to be extra careful around them. Cheaper options will damage easily, too, so make sure you shop sensibly.

(Image credit: Kitchen Makers)

Glass kitchen worktops

Stylish, versatile and works perfectly in a modern kitchen.

Specifications

Average price per sqm: £300

Maintenance : Easy – wipe down with warm water regularly

Reasons to buy

+

Can be made in any size or shape

+

Easy to clean and hygienic

+

Extremely durable

+

Heat resistant

+

Limitless range of colours

+

Looks modern, stylish and sleek

Reasons to avoid

-

Expensive

-

Needs frequent cleaning

What are glass worktops made from?

Glass used for kitchen surfaces is toughened, making it a very durable kitchen worktop. They are non-porous, and are available in a variety of colours and finishes including ‘crackled’ or opaque. Recycled glass is also an option that mimics the look and feel of quartz, because of the reflections and refractions from coloured glass chips. 

How good is it as a kitchen worktop?

We've already said that it's non-porous – in other words it won't stain. Glass also withstands moisture and spills and splashes can easily be wiped clean, making it a beautiful – and practical – kitchen worktop material. Most glass worktops are heat-resistant, too for your hot pots and pans. In terms of price, glass is a pretty pricey kitchen worktop material. You'll pay from around £300 per linear metre. 

Ease of maintenance

Your glass worktops will need wiping down regularly to prevent any water marks (and get rid of the fingerprints), but they are incredibly hygienic as there are no joints or texture to allow anything unpleasant to build up.  

Downsides?

Glass worktops can be prone to scratches and show off fingerprints; the latter can of course quickly be polished smooth.

(Image credit: Kitchen Makers)

Marble kitchen worktops

One of the most popular types of kitchen worktop in luxury kitchens, both traditional and contemporary.

Specifications

Average price per sqm: £315

Maintenance : Tricky – it stains and reacts to lots of liquids, use a soft cloth and warm water

Reasons to buy

+

Luxury look and feel

+

Heat resistant 

+

Cost-effective, depending on the type of marble you choose

Reasons to avoid

-

Porous, so can stain

-

Scratches relatively easily

Today's best Marble kitchen worktops deals

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£169

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What is marble?

Marble is a hard crystalline form of limestone, historically used in architecture and sculpture, hence its associations with classical elegance and luxury.  Injecting a little marble into your space is one of the easiest ways to nod to luxury kitchen ideas without going all out. One of the best kitchen worktops for a super high-end finish.

How good is it as a kitchen worktop?

Marble looks incredibly elegant, and should be on your radar if you want a luxury, statement kitchen. This material is also always cool to the touch (due to its poor heat conducting properties) – a valuable functional trait in a hot, steamy kitchen. It's also pretty dense and durable. Marble worktops cost £315 per square metre on average, so they are a pretty expensive option, but they will last. 

Ease of maintenance

The main problem with marble is that it is a high-maintenance material, vulnerable to staining and scratching, so may not be the best choice in a busy family kitchen. Plus it reacts to acid, so an acidic kitchen liquid like lemon juice or vinegar will etch marble, leaving a dull, whitish mark where it has slightly eaten away the surface, even after the marble has been sealed. To clean marble countertops, use a mild, non-abrasive, pH neutral (non-acidic) soap mixed with water and a soft cloth. You could also get a specialist marble worktop cleaner . 

The downsides?

You need to be careful when cooking with acidic foods and choose cleaning products wisely.

(Image credit: deVOL)

Solid surface composite kitchen worktops

A seamless, glossy worktop that fits perfectly into a contemporary design.

Specifications

Average price per sqm: £300

Maintenance : Easy – wipe with a cloth and warm water

Reasons to buy

+

Heat and scratch resistant

+

Seamless

+

Stain resistant

+

Can be moulded into any shape

Reasons to avoid

-

Expensive

Today's best Solid surface composite kitchen worktops deals

No price information

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What are solid surface composite worktops? 

These are made by applying an acrylic resin to the top of a substrate material like wood.  

How good are they as kitchen worktops?

These solid surface materials are great for modern kitchens. Made from a blend of acrylic resins, minerals and colours, solid surfaces and Corian can be totally seamless, too, with one-piece runs, moulded sinks and splashbacks all possible. They are heat and scratch resistant to a point, but can’t compete with solid stone or quartz. They’re non-porous, making them hygienic and dirt/bacteria resistant – but bear in mind that although the resin exterior is waterproof, if any water gets within the substrate material, it can cause irreparable damage. This, however, is unlikely. Solid worktops start from approx £300 per linear metre. 

Ease of maintenance

They are pretty low maintenance in terms or cleaning, requiring no initial treatment; you just clean with a soft cloth and mild detergent.

The downsides?

Although it's hard to damage them, once damaged, they're not easy to repair.

(Image credit: Malcolm Menzies)

Stainless steel kitchen worktops

The go-to worktop material in the commercial kitchen sector, and is perfect for industrial-style kitchens.

Specifications

Price per sqm: £150

Maintenance : Easy – just wipe down with a stainless steel cleaner

Reasons to buy

+

Strong and durable

+

Naturally antibacterial

+

Easy to clean

+

Waterproof

+

Heat and acid resistant

+

Very light

Reasons to avoid

-

Cold

-

Clinical

-

Difficult to integrate into large areas

Today's best stainless steel worktop deals

No price information

Check Amazon

Why a stainless steel worktop?

Stainless steel is becoming an increasingly popular kitchen worktop material with the rise of the industrial trend, and it's one of the best kitchen worktops for a home where lots of cooking happens. You might think it's a bit much over every surface but why not use it to make a statement and take advantage of its benefits on a kitchen island or in a small workspace? Have a look at our gallery of inspiring industrial style kitchens for ideas.

How good is it as a kitchen worktop? 

Stainless steel is super strong, waterproof, heat and acid resistant. It is prone to scratching, but we reckon this just adds to the worn in look, plus ageing won’t affect its anti-bacterial qualities. If you would prefer for the scratches not to be as obvious, go for a slightly matte finish. 

Ease of cleaning

It is very easy to keep clean with stainless-steel cleaner. And a great cleaning hack to get rid of inevitable fingerprints is to use a touch of baby oil to keep it looking at its shiny best. Get more tips on how to clean stainless steel in our expert guide.  

The downsides?

The scratches do show up, but if you can live with that as part of the look, you're home dry.  For some, this material will be too clinical for a family home – but if it works for you, it can be a really lovely and functional option.

(Image credit: Chris Snook)

Ceramic kitchen worktops

A great alternative to real marble, ceramic worktops with a marble-inspired finish make a luxurious addition to a kitchen

Specifications

Average price per sqm: £350

Maintenance : Easy – though clean up spills quickly and avoid bleach

Reasons to buy

+

Highly durable and heat/moisture-resistant

+

Easy to maintain

+

Less costly alternative to marble

Reasons to avoid

-

Prone to scratches

-

They can crack 

Today's best Ceramic kitchen worktops deals

No price information

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What's ceramic like as a kitchen worktop material?

Ceramic worktops are popular because they’re versatile and super hygienic. It's an extremely hard-wearing and durable surface which is resistant to water, mildew, mould and bacteria. Prices start from £350 per square metre. 

Ease of cleaning

Make sure you clean away any spills straight away to prevent staining. Use a damp cloth and warm water for cleaning and if needed, use a mild acidic detergent. Avoid anything that contains bleach. 

The downsides?

Ceramic can be prone to scratches, so you'll need to be careful not to mark it when cooking. For this reason, it's likely not the best option for busy family homes.

Best kitchen worktop for DIY fitting

If you’re sufficiently handy and confident in your skills, you could fit a wood or laminate kitchen worktop yourself to save money. Stone, quartz and solid surfaces will require you to get someone in for a professional installation. Bear in mind that a stone like granite is heavy, so cabinets must offer sufficient support.

Ideal for revamping your kitchen yourself, the Skogså oak worktop from Ikea (below) can be cut to length and the edges covered with the strips included, so you can easily size it to fit. Its top layer of oak gives it interesting individual grain and colour variations. Particleboard beneath the timber makes the design less sensitive to kitchen humidity. It costs £200 for L246cm.

Where to buy the best kitchen worktops

Specialist natural stone and composite worktops are usually included as part of a bespoke fitted kitchen and supplied by the cabinetmaker. However non-specialist laminates and some timber worktops can be bought in standard sizes or by the metre, then cut to size and fitted by a tradesperson or you, if you are fitting your own kitchen.

Maintaining and cleaning kitchen worktops

Copper kitchen worktops

Copper worktops also work well as a kitchen worktop material as they are naturally antibacterial and antimicrobial. Bear in mind, however, that they can discolour and develop a patina. Although for some people this could create more of an appeal, it depends entirely on the look you are going for. 

The best kitchen worktops are big investments so, once installed, make sure you know how to care for them – the kitchen supplier will usually advise, and you can see our recommendations above. For impenetrable man-made composites and laminates, soap and water or a mild detergent is all that’s required, but wooden worktops, which are easily damaged, will need oiling at least once a year. 

Lucy is Global Editor-in-Chief of Homes & Gardens having worked on numerous interiors and property titles. She was founding Editor of Channel 4’s 4Homes magazine, was Associate Editor at Ideal Home, before becoming Editor-in-Chief of Realhomes.com in 2018 then moving to Homes & Gardens in 2021. She has also written for Huffington Post, AOL, UKTV, MSN, House Beautiful, Good Homes, and many women’s titles. Find her writing about everything from buying and selling property, self build, DIY, design and consumer issues to gardening.

Joiner's shop - stairs, countertops, window sills.

In order to create a unique and unique interior in the kitchen, designers try to choose the best and most environmentally friendly materials. Natural wood is ideal for making countertops under the sink, various shelves and racks. Modern varnishes allow you to protect the wood of the countertop for many years. In order to find out what kind of wood is better to make a countertop for the kitchen or place an order for its production, just call us at 8 (495) 780-04-94 or 8 (929) 653-80-89


Which tree to choose?

Oak

Density - high
Paint - uniform
Price - high

Ash

Density - high
Paint - uniform
Price - medium


Larch

Density - medium
Paint - uniform
Price - low

Pine

Density - low
Paint - uneven
Price - low

If we compare the data in the table, we can conclude that solid ash is an ideal material for a kitchen worktop. It is not inferior to oak in density and beauty, has an affordable price and surpasses larch and pine in quality. But of course, if you have the opportunity to order a countertop made of oak, do not miss this opportunity.

BEVEL OPTIONS:

PAINTING AND FINISHING OPTIONS

See all colors

Important! The color and pattern of the wood may vary, as wood is a natural material with different textures and grain patterns.

To protect the wood from above, all countertops are covered with 2 layers of oil-wax, which protects the wood from water and dirt. Oil-wax is environmentally friendly and has a food contact permit (this oil is also coated with children's toys and utensils)

If you want to cover the top yourself, you can simply cut to size and sand.


Price list for countertops

We manufacture countertops in ANY SIZE AND FORM in the range:
width up to 2000 mm, length up to 4000 mm. Below is a table of sizes of wooden countertops for the kitchen and the price when coated with a colorless varnish.

Our equipment allows us to produce wooden kitchen worktops of almost any size and shape. At the request of the customer, tabletops can be either solid-lamellar or jointed in length. The standard thickness of wooden worktops is 40 mm, but it is possible to manufacture worktops with a thickness of 20 and 50 mm. The average production time is from 15 working days from the date of sending the order for production (sending for production is carried out 2 times a week).

Work order:

1) Departure of the master measurer, measurements (If necessary).
2) Conclusion of the contract.
3) Prepayment by the customer 70% of the order value.
4) Production of the order within the agreed time.
5) Acceptance of the product at the contractor's warehouse.
6) Surcharge by the customer 30% of the order value.
7) Delivery of the finished product to the object (If necessary).
8) Installation / installation of the product (If necessary).
9) Payment by the customer of the cost of installation (when ordering installation).

We are ready to produce for you a wooden worktop that can be installed in the kitchen. In order for us to tell you the cost of your countertop, we need to know its features. To do this, you can call our master for measurement, tell him all the details, he will take the necessary measurements and tell you the cost of the product. You can also send us this data to [email protected] or call 8 (929) 653-80-89.

Useful information for the customer

Opening hours:

Monday - Friday 9:00 - 18:00
Saturday 10:00 - 16:00
Sunday Closed

Contacts:

Production, warehouse, office
Phone: 8 (499) 110-00-73
Phone: 8 (92) 653-80-89
E-mail: [email protected]

Examples of work:

For product prices, please contact the manager by phone 8 (495) 780-04-94

Count of kitchen

CHASTROTH FROM LUCK

LUCKING ACTIVIC


000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 from Enitop

Let's expand the possibilities of your kitchen with the help of stone worktops.

We will complete the order on time, bring it to your home, install it and issue a guarantee.

Learn more

We will help you navigate the collection and choose the right shade of stone. Let's pay special attention to natural stone textures and their location on the surface of the countertop.

Take a look at the photos of interiors with our work. We can beautifully complement any space with stone.

Compare different shades and patterns, choose a stone for your interior, and we will tell you how much it will cost.

See collection

We check stocks of stone in warehouses daily, so only colors in stock are included in the collection. We also work with stones to order, but they will have to wait.

Our collection includes 14 options for processing stone edges of different thicknesses and shapes. Which edge do you like?

Select Edge

Edges, stone models and other details of the order will be clearly stated in the contract. In a separate line, we fix the production time of 15 working days and our warranty obligations for 24 months.

All houses with Enitop's stone products are marked on the map of Moscow and the region.

Check the address: what if your neighbors have already become our customers?

Check address

Over twelve years of work, we have completed 4871 projects in Moscow, the Moscow Region and the central part of Russia. Every month we add fifty more to our portfolio.

Reviews of Enitop kitchen worktops

07/05/2015 | Radianz, Enitop kitchen worktop reviews

In the process of finishing her new apartment in Krasnogorsk, Lyudmila G. needed a kitchen worktop. Enitop came to the rescue and made Lyudmila an offer she could not refuse. The quality of our work can be judged by this short but informative review.

07/01/2015 | Plazastone, Reviews of Enitop kitchen worktops

Tatyana chose Enitop for a comprehensive kitchen finishing in her apartment on Yakimanka. We made a countertop and wall panels for it. Tatyana left a warm review about Enitop's specialists.

06/30/2015 | Technistone, Enitop Kitchen Worktop Reviews

Enitop's team made an excellent kitchen worktop made of Czech Technistone stone for Rasim. Rasim was very pleased with the cooperation with Enitop and wrote a review about us.

Read all reviews of Enitop countertops

We professionally work with all types of natural stone materials, but we chose quartz stone as the basis of our collection.

This is a stone material made from naturally occurring quartz. Surfaces are made from it: countertops, window sills or steps.

Interior designers around the world are appreciating the benefits of quartz stone and using it in their kitchen projects. Let's give them the floor.

Designers' opinion about quartz in kitchen interiors

Stone for all kitchens

Colors and patterns are ideal for modern, rustic, classic and transitional kitchens. His image will stand the test of time. Interior designer Chad Esslinger

Rugged and beautiful

I use quartz very often, and almost always for kitchen countertops. I like their durability - especially now that there are options that look like natural stone. Architect Anzhi Cho

Quartz ahead of granite

Few things compare to quartz countertops! Only quartz has unique physical and aesthetic characteristics. In recent years, quartz has surpassed granite in popularity. Architect Charles Black

New materials about kitchen countertops in the Enitop blog

05/16/2022 | Design, Marble

The Australian designer has built a kitchen interior based on simple shapes and a spectacular combination of tones. And with the help of stone countertops, he placed accents and focused the attention of the audience.

05/10/2022 | Design, Marble

Canadian studio Vives St-Laurent has found a balance between contemporary minimalism and Victorian décor in a kitchen interior. The designers added a couple of touches to the luxurious marble countertops and got a magical interior.

Learn more