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Kitchen Worktops: Which Worktop Should you Choose?

Posted on July 22nd, 2021 Categories Kitchens, Latest News

Kitchen worktops have become a standout feature of modern kitchen design. A high-quality worktop can help you create a practical, clean and stunning kitchen space.

But as one of the most important features of a contemporary kitchen, it can also be one of the most expensive. For this reason, it’s important you make the right decision when shopping for kitchen worktops.

With so many materials, designs and price-points on the market, deciding on the right worktop can seem tricky. To help you, we’ll be taking a quick look at the different kinds of worktops on the market. We’ll break down the pros and cons, as well as the cost, of a range of worktop materials.

Three Kinds of Kitchen Worktops

Firstly, there’s granite, a timeless and ever popular material. Granites natural, diverse patterns deliver a unique quality finish that works in all kinds of classic and modern spaces. On top of the look, granite has unrivalled toughness. Heat resistant up to 200°C, resistant to scratching, and simple to clean. It’s no wonder this material is so popular. However, this worktop will require specialist fitting, and is one of the most expensive worktop materials.

Marble is another popular material, with its unmistakable light colour and grain. Its porous nature keeps it cool and resistant to heat. However, this also means marble can stain and scratch easier than granite. But over time, marble will develop a unique patina. Combine this with the choice of a honed matte, or glossy finish, and marble is a good choice for those after a clean, beautiful finish.

Of course, your worktop doesn’t have to be made of stone. Solid wood is a great choice for a kitchen in a traditional or rustic style. The material is also now being used in contemporary kitchen thanks to its homely, inviting feel. Wood is also easy to shape, making it suitable for kitchens of all sizes. One down side is its weaker resistance to heat and scratches compared to stone. You’ll also need to be ready to tackle spills to prevent staining. But as a natural, cheaper option, solid wood is unbeatable.

Finally, there’s quartz. Quartz has fairly good heat resistance, up to 160°C. Similarly, it doesn’t scratch easily. But unlike granite, you’ll find that quartz worktops have a lower price tag. As quartz isn’t a fully natural product, you’ll be able to find the material in a range of patterns and colours. Your quartz worktop will need to be shaped and installed by professionals, but remains easy to keep clean and free from stain.

By Design: Bringing Quality Materials to the Heart of Your Kitchen

Deciding on a worktop is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when planning a new kitchen. Fortunately, at By Design, we have all the advice, designs and materials anyone could need when planning kitchens.

Visit our website to view the vast range of kitchen designs perfect for your home, or pop in to our Newmarket or Cambridge kitchen showrooms.

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 17 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
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   Billy Lucas 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Denis and the team were incredibly helpful through the whole process of our kitchen refurbishment. From the initial discussions and call out with Denis, his particular eye for design came through and he made some great suggestions for opening up the space in terms of removing the chimney breast and partitioning out existing pantry which have transformed our kitchen area. Denis was there every step of the way, coming in an checking on the trades, liaising with them while we weren't in the property and project managing it to a very high standard.

The team they used were equally as thoughtful, providing great suggestions and design, with the new flooring throughout the downstairs, it feels like we live in a different house. We would highly recommend By Design to design and spec your kitchen.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Martin Seed 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our son & daughter-in-law suggested we contact Denis at By Design for our new kitchen, after their successful installation 3 years ago. We are pleased we did, as we are delighted with the result. German manufacture, with lots of neat innovations to make best use of our fairly limited space, and which didn’t stretch our budget. Denis has a wealth of knowledge, guiding us through the design process to a quality kitchen. We are pleased to recommend By Design. Mary & Martin South Cambridge.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Ian Hirsch 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. By Design recently designed, supplied and installed our new bathroom. Throughout the entire process, the service we received couldn't have been better. The main reason we chose By Design was the fantastic support we received from Denis. He was with us every step of the way, from exploring various design options to regularly checking in on the fitting progress.

The team responsible for the fitting was extremely courteous and consistently went out of their way to ensure everything was being carried out as expected. They also made a special effort to minimize any disruption to our daily routines.

Thank you for providing such excellent service and for making our bathroom renovation a smooth and pleasant experience.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Lee Robertson 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had By design completely redo our Kitchen and all bathrooms, both processes were slick and informative, project managed by Denis and or Mark, great set of trades who had pride in their work, 100% satisfaction with both jobs and results would 100 % recommend them for any Kitchens or bathroom projects.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Brandi Leach 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I'm thrilled with our new bathroom from By Design. The entire experience from the initial design through to completion was excellent. It was so reassuring having Denis managing the project. He'd stop in most days to make sure everything was on track and up to his high standards and to deal with any small issues that cropped up. All of the contractors they worked with were also excellent. The entire project ran smoothly and on time. And the finished room is beautiful! Just what we wanted. We'd definitely use By Design again.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Anthony Butterworth 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Completely superb job on our bathroom, accomplished in spite of a number of hesitations and changes of mind on our part.  Please would you compliment and thank both your own staff and also your various subcontractors?  They were thoroughly professional, expert and speedy: and they were also extraordinarily courteous, considerate and careful in their work.  Completely beyond our expectations.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Jonathan de Groot 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. An amazing customer service with the most varied collection in a relative small area.
They offered much lower prices than Cambridge worktops. Would highly recommend.

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