There are many options when it comes to kitchen worktop materials: granite, marble, laminate… And each of them has advantages in terms of how the work surface will be used.
Indeed, there’s not just one type of worktop. In order to provide guidance on the best choice for each project, eba works with numerous brands to offer bespoke kitchen worktops to suit every need.
As a guide, the following are the most commonly used materials in the manufacture of worktops and their respective features.
Quartz worktop: solid and durable
Quartz worktops are a wonderful blend of aesthetics and functionality as they’re quite resistant to bumps and scratches They’re made of fine materials: a mixture of 90% quartz and between 8% and 10% of acrylic resin. Nevertheless, this durability comes at a cost, which is why quartz is one of the most expensive materials on the market.
Another great advantage of quartz is that it’s non-porous, that is, the worktops will not absorb any liquid (coffee, water, wine) that might get spilled onto them. This property means that there’s no need to use corrosive and toxic cleaning products for daily maintenance, as a simple mixture of soap and water will suffice.
Granite worktops: unique and popular
Granite is the perfect material for contemporary kitchens, and its advantages are testament to this. It’s held in high regard for the natural feel of the stone and the elegance of its shine. It’s also resistant to heat, blows, wear and tear and moisture, as well as abrasive and corrosive products. What’s more, each granite worktop is one-of-a-kind, which makes it even more exclusive in a personalised kitchen.
Marble worktops: bright and sophisticated
Just like granite, marble is a natural material that’s perfect for contemporary kitchens. These worktops are extremely well-regarded for their resistance to heat and high temperatures. They do not require a lot of maintenance
From an aesthetic point of view, a marble worktop guarantees a bright kitchen with a contemporary design that’s elegant and timeless at the same time.
Resin worktops: resistant and adaptable
Resin worktops are a new generation of solid surfaces that bring together the high resistance of natural minerals and that of plastic resins, which are highly adaptable.
This material is usually chosen for its resistance and adaptability, as resin can mimic the appearance of granite, marble, stone or other natural materials.
One of the greatest selling points of resin worktops is the fact that they can be fitted with no visible joints. This prevents the appearance of mould or damp and keeps germs from being trapped in these small gaps, so the kitchen stays very clean.
Stainless-steel worktops: design and brightness
The use of stainless steel in kitchen worktops is associated with greatest chefs. What’s more, the industrial and minimalist look of this material turns it into a stylish detail that never fails to impress.
Despite their resistance to wear and tear, stainless-steel worktops come with several drawbacks. Maintenance is a bit trickier, as stainless steel is vulnerable to scratches and limescale. They should be cleaned with soap and using abrasive scourers is strongly discouraged to keep them smooth and shiny.
Ceramic worktops: resistant and compact
In terms of high-end materials, ceramic worktops and worktop-mounted bars are the latest additions, with manufacturing processes that are relatively new.
Their complex manufacturing process is completed by firing them up to 1200 ºC, which bestows these surfaces with unusual properties. They have almost null porosity and very high resistance to heat, sunlight, scratches and even water. They’re easy to maintain, although this material is more vulnerable to blows than other worktops.
Laminate worktops: versatile and affordable
Once relegated to the realm of prefabricated kitchens, a new generation of materials have enabled laminate to make a comeback among high-end kitchens.
Laminate is particularly versatile. It’s available in a wide variety of colours and textures, as the latest breakthroughs in its manufacture make it possible to look almost exactly like wood or natural stone. Another of its advantages is how easy maintenance is compared with a worktop made of the original natural material.
In summary, the perfect worktop is the one that best adapts to the needs of the project and pace in the kitchen. To choose the right material, eba’s team of experts is more than happy to help you.
