Comparing the Pros & Cons for 6 Popular Materials for Kitchen Worktops

When it comes to renovating your kitchen, there is much to think about. Of course, first, you need to think about how much money you’re going to be able to set aside for it; how long the process is going to take from start to finish (and accounting the time in between without a functioning kitchen for cooking in); and which kitchen installation company to roll with. These are just a few of many important decisions which you must consider, but don’t panic! It’s not going to be as difficult or as cumbersome as you might think.

Provided that you take your time, do your research and shop around, – you shouldn’t have too much trouble. It’s all about finding the best materials for your kitchen; the handiest tradespeople to assist you on those tricky tasks that you’re unable to ‘DIY’; and the cheapest deals! 

In this article, we’re going to offer you a variety of wood, steel & Stone Solutions, – exploring 6 kitchen benchtop materials and their pros & cons. This information should hopefully enable you to make an informed decision as to which material will be best for you and your needs. 

Granite 

Pros:

• Durable
• Heat Resistant 
• Easy to Keep Clean
• Antibacterial 

Cons

• Costly
• Dense & Heavy 

Quartz

Pros

• Durable
• Available in a Wide Variety of Colours 
• Easy to Keep Clean
• Antibacterial 

Cons

• Costly
• Dense & Heavy 

Hardwood

Pros

• Significantly Cheaper than Stone Options
• A Wide Variety of Grains & Colours
• Ages Well
• Antibacterial if Well-Maintained with Varnish 

Cons

• Prone to Staining
• Prone to Scratching
• Requires Regular Up-Keep 

Laminate 

Pros

• Affordable 
• Easy to Clean & Maintain
• Scratch Resistant 
• Hard-Wearing
• Antibacterial 

Cons

• Prone to Peeling
• Can Burn & Melt if Not Handled with Care
• If Scratched, Antibacterial Properties go out the Window 

Glass

Pros

• Easily Cut to Size 
• Easy to Clean & Maintain 
• Durable 
•  A Vast Range of Colours 
• Modern and Stylish Aesthetic 

Cons

• Costly 
• Requires Regular Cleaning (smudges & fingerprints ruin the aesthetic) 

Solid Composite (Acrylic Resin) 

Pros

• Easy to Cut & Mould to Size
• Scratch & Heat Resistant 
• Stain Resistant 

Cons

• Costly 

Stainless Steel 

Pros

• Durable & Tough 
• Easy to Keep Clean 
• Lightweight 
• Water, Heat & Acid Resistance 
• Antibacterial Properties

Cons

• Cold to the Touch
• Appears Very Clinical (as are Restaurant kitchens) 

Our Recommendation 

Our recommendation would be to roll with engineered stone. This gives you the benefit of a cost-effective worktop, whilst also being able to enjoy the benefits of a durable, hard-wearing and aesthetically stunning material. Should you decide that you want to go for a stone worktop for your new kitchen renovation, then you should consider choosing an edge for your benchtop as well. 

Again, take your time, do your research, weigh up the pros and cons and then make an informed decision before rushing into anything. If you take extra care, you’ll make the right decision the first time around, ultimately saving you a lot of time, effort and money in the long run!