How to choose a kitchen worktop

Warm, tactile and naturally antibacterial with countless grains and tones to choose from, a wooden surface makes for a seamless visual transition between the functional space of a kitchen and the rest of the home. Bear in mind, you get what you pay for: cheap timber will deteriorate quickly and the same goes for a poorly finished worktop. Fit and seal it properly and a wooden worktop will last for years requiring minimal upkeep. Always choose FSC-certified wood and avoid using it in wet areas like around sinks. Oil regularly, wipe up spills quickly and, if the worktop starts to look tired, just sand it back. Advances in nano coating technology now also offer a more protective coating than traditional oil.

NAMES TO KNOW: Naked Kitchens, nakedkitchens.com, Dinesen dinesen.com, Ikea, ikea.com.

Porcelain is an affordable option that’s also extremely hard wearing and food-safe. It’s scratch and stain-resistant, so you can chop directly onto the surface, and it can withstand high temperatures so pans and hot oven trays can be placed directly onto the worktop. Porcelain is also non-porous, making it easy to keep clean and resistant to staining from notoriously tricky ingredients like turmeric. Opt for a matt finish over a highly polished one; polished porcelain can become marked over time, although it still offers more stain resistance than marble or concrete.

NAMES TO KNOW: Stone and Ceramic Warehouse, stoneandceramicwarehouse.co.uk, Florim, florim.com, SapienStone, sapienstone.com.

Quartz worktops are engineered from minerals which are moulded with resins and pigments to make a resilient surface that’s stronger than marble, granite and other stones. This super-tough, solid slab can be designed to imitate those natural stones, and comes in a variety of speckled and flat colours, as well as different finishes, from polished to antiqued. A quartz worktop will be tough, non-porous and resistant to cracks, scratches and stains. It doesn’t need sealing and can be easily cleaned with soap and water.

NAMES TO KNOW: Caesarstone, caesarstone.co.uk, Cosentino, cosentino.com.

With its slightly reflective surface, copper looks rare and precious but also has amazing antibacterial properties. It can be cut to any size, fitting around appliances for a bespoke finish. Copper is used in hospitals to prevent the spread of germs making it a fantastically safe option – ideal for families with kids and messy recipes. Bear in mind that this natural material will acquire a patina over time which we think is part of its charm, but if you want a flawless, unchanging finish, this might not be the right material for you.

NAMES TO KNOW: Devol, devolkitchens.co.uk.

Volcanic lava stone is a tremendously versatile option for a worktop; durable and able to withstand extreme temperatures, it is easy to maintain and ages beautifully. Granites and basalts are also good options, being both tough and hardwearing. Those looking for a luxurious finish may gravitate towards limestone and marble, but be aware that they are less forgiving and will stain if they come into contact with acidic liquids. Stone, whatever variety you choose, needs to be handled by an experienced installer and it’s heavy – worth remembering when fitting.

NAMES TO KNOW: Made a Mano, madeamano.com, Lundhs, lundhsrealstone.com, Antolini, antolini.com

With hundreds of colours and speckle combinations to choose from to create its distinctive ‘terrazzo’ effect, a recycled plastic counter can make a bold statement in a kitchen scheme. It’s designed to be hygienic, non-porous and durable, with a seamless, silky feel. Most products currently contain about 30% recycled material, which manufacturers are seeking to increase. This is not the cheapest option, but the price reflects the quality of the product and its longevity. It tends to come in heavy, semi-finished sheets which need to be templated and installed by a joiner or kitchen fitter.

NAMES TO KNOW: Durat, durat.com.

Given that ceramic is one of the oldest man-made materials, known for its durability and creative potential, its growing popularity as a worktop surface makes perfect sense. Worktops are made from modified clay that is engineered to resemble a solid stone such as granite or marble. Sleek, contemporary and low-maintenance, ceramic is a relatively luxurious choice but it’s worth the investment as the non-porous surface is resistant to scratches, stains, heat and mould. It is easy to clean and doesn’t need to be sealed, but it can be slightly more prone to chipping than quartz.

NAMES TO KNOW: Marazzi, marazzigroup.com

The most affordable option of all, laminate can emulate the aesthetic of any other material, from wood to marble, as well as coming in a huge range of plain colours. Edges are post-formed, so there are no seams where dirt can gather. Easy to clean, laminate is also resistant to impact, heat and scratches. A laminate worktop will be comparatively easy to move and cut and can be fitted as part of a regular kitchen installation, saving on time and cost.

NAMES TO KNOW: Formica, formica.com, Fenix, fenixforinteriors.com, Bushboard, bushboard.co.uk.