Kitchen Worksurfaces

The kitchen worksurface is an important element of your kitchen design. Being such a visible element the worksurface helps create the overall kitchen finish effect, but consideration also needs to be taken as to which material will be appropriate and practical for your kitchens use; such as ease of maintenance and durability. Also will it complement your kitchen flooring ? Inevitably there are many variations in material, colour and finish. Your choice will also be determined by your budget.

There is no reason why you cannot mix worksurface material types, e.g. placing a granite worksurface in the food preparation area and where you may set down hot pans; with maybe a complementary wood or laminate surface for the other areas.

The main kitchen worksurface options are:

	Laminated In recent years the finish and quality of laminated worksurfaces has greatly improved. Laminate worktops are a very cost effective way of creating an attractive finish to a kitchen whilst also retaining a durable surface. Colours and patterns available vary greatly, more common finishes tend to be based on natural material. Ideal fro creating any look from the ultra modern to traditional.  Maintenance wise, most marks are easily removed with a damp sponge and dried with a cloth. More resistant marks can be removed with a little washing up liquid or clean soapy water.
	Hardwood Real hardwood worktops provide a long lasting, hard wearing working surface.Being custom made they tend to improve with age as the timber mellows and seasons. Hard woods typically used are oak, cherry, iroko, maple , beech, walnut and mahogany. Real wood worktops do require regular but simple maintenance. Solid oiled wood is particularly sensitive to excessive heat, spilt water left to stand , bleach and solvents. Common sense however and re-oiling helps maintain the beauty and water resistance of the wood.
	Marble, Granite or Stone. A custom marble, granite or stone worksurface will provide years of durable use, adding an elegant finish. As being available in a variety of natural hues and as a custom order you are assured an unique finish to your kitchen. Granite and marble is both waterproof and generally stain resistant - with specific notable exception of acidic juices, wine and oils. Hot pans tend to pose few issues however either stone will chip or crack if exposed to excessive cold or heat. Cleaning is easily done with a damp cloth. Granite worksurfaces can be supplied as either natural or sealed ( a sealed surface reduces the natural porosity of the stone).
	Stainless Steel A stainless steel worksurface has eminent durability and hygienic qualities. Although often considered more for an industrial kitchen, stainless steel is also ideal for domestic installation. Stainless steel can be cut into any shape and can include features such as splashbacks, integrated sinks and waterfall edging.. A stainless steel worksurface is easy to clean - using a special cloth systems - and tends to provide a consistent smear-free modern finish.
	Corian Corian is a synthetic product made by Dupont from natural minerals blended with acrylic resin to form a solid durable material, which can be moulded to any design requirement. Once installed the finish is seamless and can include design and functionality features pre-moulded into the surface (such as an integrated sink). Minimal care is required to maintain its finish and is generally covered by a long term warrantee as standard.
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