Do you want to renovate your kitchen ? We’re sure that questions keep popping into your head. What colour should you pick for the façade on your kitchen cabinets ? What finishes will bring a beautiful feeling of harmony ? What appliances do you need for a well-equipped kitchen ? So many legitimate questions that our experts can advise you on. In order to help you, we have decided to take a look at one of these questions today : how do you choose your worktop ?
Step one : choosing the material for your kitchen worktop
Of the various criteria for making your choice, clearly the first relates to aesthetics. The choice of your new worktop will obviously depend on personal taste. Whether your kitchen is more contemporary or rustic, this will naturally influence your choice.
But these are not the only criteria you should consider. You also have to consider the price, durability and ease of maintenance. Allow us to explain.
Laminate
Are you working with a limited budget? Laminate is a very cost-effective material, with an appealing quality-to-cost ratio. The many possible finishes (you can choose between many shades and even opt for a very pretty wood effect) and the ease of maintenance are key to its popularity. Though it may be somewhat less durable than some other materials, there is a very sturdy alternative : XTRA laminate.
Fenix and ceramic
Fenix is THE material of the moment. Made from next-generation acrylic resin, it is resistant to marks, easy to maintain and very pleasant to the touch, thanks to its silky feel.
Ceramic is less familiar but also interesting, thanks to its ability to withstand thermal shock and impacts. It also has the advantage of an affordable price. Maintenance requires a little effort though, in order to maintain the shininess of the material.
Natural stone
Are you looking for an elegant and stately kitchen? You’re bound to love a natural stone worktop (such as granite or blue stone). This high-end material is highly resistant to both scratches and high temperatures, something that naturally has an effect on its price. Another small point to consider: in order to avoid staining, you will need to regularly maintain it, while being sure to avoid using abrasive products.
Composite quartz
Do you like stone but want a more affordable solution? Quartz is perfect for you. It is a mixture of resin and natural stone, which offers a very stylish and contemporary look. Furthermore, it is also highly hard-wearing and easy to clean. Since it is not as porous as stone, washing with soapy water or even clean water on a daily basis is sufficient.
Solid wood
Natural wood and its warm effect are always very popular and therefore timeless. It also has many advantages: it fits into any style, resists high temperatures, and so forth. Maintaining it, on the other hand, requires a lot of commitment: grime can build up in the grooves and veins, so it is important to wash it regularly. It is also necessary to use a special maintenance oil to nourish the wood several times per year.
Step two : the thickness and dimensions of your worktop
While we manufacture bespoke worktops, some tips might be useful when deciding on the thickness and dimensions of your new worktop.
How thick ?
Several factors can explain why you might opt for a certain thickness.
- Depending on the material: the standard thickness of a worktop is between 28 and 38 millimetres. Of course, you can also choose larger measurements or, conversely, a ‘slimline’ effect. For the latter, composite quartz is preferred, since its thickness can be reduced to as little as 12 to 13 millimetres.
- Depending on your hob and your sink, a thicker worktop (38 millimetres minimum) might needed to house your equipment and your sink.
What size ?
Here are some interesting figures regarding optimal comfort :
- Height : your worktop should ideally be 85–90 centimetres high. This will allow you to make delicious meals without hunching over.
- Depth : the standard size is 60–65 centimetres. On the other hand, if you have a large kitchen with deep wall units, the depth of your worktop will need be even greater, to ensure that you don’t bump your head.
