Guide: Choosing The Right Worktop For Your New Kitchen

How to Choose the Right Kitchen Worktop

Whether you’re remodelling your kitchen or building a new one from scratch, you’ll want to make sure you choose the right type of countertop. Some are more durable than others, and some are better suited to certain tasks than others. With the help of this guide, you can choose the best countertop for your needs and enjoy a new kitchen for years to come.

Set Your Budget

Setting a budget is the first and most crucial step when choosing the perfect kitchen worktop. It’s essential to determine how much you can realistically afford to spend without compromising on quality or style.

To get the best value for your money, prioritise the features that matter most to you. Consider the durability and longevity of the material, as well as its appearance and maintenance requirements. Some materials, like granite or quartz, may have a higher upfront cost but can last for decades with proper care. Others, like laminate or wood, may be more affordable but require more frequent replacement.

Once you have a clear idea of your priorities, start exploring worktop options within your budget range. Don’t hesitate to shop around and compare prices from different suppliers. Keep in mind that factors like the size of your kitchen, the complexity of the installation, and any additional features (like built-in sinks or edge treatments) can also affect the final cost.

If you find that your dream worktop is outside your current budget, consider making trade-offs in other areas of your kitchen renovation. You might opt for less expensive cabinetry or appliances to allocate more funds towards your worktop. Alternatively, you could explore financing options or plan to upgrade your worktop in phases over time.

Investing in a high-quality, durable worktop can pay off eventually by increasing the value and functionality of your kitchen.

As a worktop fabricator, we understand the importance of finding the perfect balance between budget, style, and durability. Our team is here to help you navigate the selection process, offering expert guidance on materials, pricing, and installation. 

Work Out Your Coverage Area

The size and layout of your kitchen play a significant role in determining the best worktop material for your needs. It’s essential to consider the dimensions of your countertops, as well as any unique features or requirements, such as seamless joins or custom shapes.

Most worktop materials have maximum length and width limitations. Some materials, like granite or quartz, allow for very long and wide installations, providing a sleek and seamless look. However, other materials, such as laminate or stainless steel, may be restricted to shorter and narrower options, requiring more visible joins for larger countertops.

If you prefer a worktop that appears to be a single, continuous piece with minimal visible joins, it’s crucial to choose a material that can accommodate your kitchen’s dimensions. For example, if you have a large, open-plan kitchen with an island or peninsula, you may want to opt for a material that allows for longer, wider slabs to maintain a cohesive look.

In cases where you want the joins to be hidden, such as at corners or around appliances, certain materials may be more suitable than others. Our team of experts can help you assess your kitchen’s unique layout and recommend the best worktop options to achieve your desired look and functionality.

We specialise in providing custom solutions for kitchens of all sizes and shapes. Our state-of-the-art technology and skilled craftsmen enable us to create seamless, precision-fitted worktops that make the most of your space. 

Consider Tiles and Other Decor

When planning your kitchen renovation, it’s worth considering whether you want to create a cohesive, unified look by incorporating matching tiles for your walls and floors. Selecting a worktop material that offers corresponding tiles can help you achieve a seamless, well-coordinated design.

Some worktop materials, such as Dekton and porcelain, come with a range of matching tiles, allowing you to extend the colour, pattern, and texture of your countertop to your backsplash, feature walls, or even flooring. This can create a striking, continuous look that ties your kitchen together and makes a stunning visual impact.

Opting for matching tiles can also simplify the design process, as you won’t need to worry about finding complementary colours or patterns for your walls and floors. This can be particularly helpful if you have a specific aesthetic in mind or want to showcase a bold, statement-making worktop material.

However, it’s important to note that not all worktop materials offer matching tiles. If you have your heart set on a particular material that doesn’t have corresponding tiles, you can still create a cohesive look by carefully selecting complementary colours and textures for your walls and floors.

It’s worth noting that we offer a wide range of materials, including those with matching tile options. Our experienced design team can help you explore the possibilities and create a kitchen that showcases your personal style while maintaining a harmonious, well-coordinated appearance.

Combining Indoor and Outdoor Spaces?

In modern kitchen design, there’s a growing trend towards creating seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor living spaces. This approach can create a sense of continuity and flow, expanding your entertaining areas and allowing you to enjoy your kitchen in a whole new way. However, when combining indoor and outdoor spaces, it’s crucial to consider the implications for your worktop material.

Not all worktop materials are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Some materials may deteriorate or lose their aesthetic appeal when exposed to the elements, while others are specifically designed to withstand the challenges of outdoor environments. Here’s what you need to know when selecting a worktop material for a combined indoor-outdoor design:

1. UV resistance:
   • If your worktop will be exposed to direct sunlight, it’s essential to choose a material that is UV resistant.
   • Some materials, like natural stone, porcelain, Dekton and Neolith, can withstand UV exposure without fading or discolouration, making them suitable for outdoor use.
   • Other materials, such as laminate or wood, may fade or degrade over time when exposed to sunlight, limiting their suitability for outdoor applications.
2. Temperature and weather resistance:
   • Outdoor worktops must be able to withstand temperature fluctuations and various weather conditions, including rain, snow, and extreme heat or cold.
   • Materials like granite, porcelain and Dekton are known for their durability and resistance to temperature changes, making them popular choices for outdoor kitchens.
   • Laminate, wood, and some solid surface materials may warp, crack, or become damaged when exposed to extreme temperatures or moisture, making them less suitable for outdoor use.
3. Maintenance and cleaning:
   • Outdoor worktops may require more frequent cleaning and maintenance due to their exposure to the elements and potential for staining from outdoor cooking and entertaining.
   • Consider materials that are easy to clean and maintain, such as engineered quartz or stainless steel, which can be wiped down easily and resist staining.
   • Natural stone materials like granite may require periodic sealing to maintain their resistance to stains and moisture, while materials like wood may need regular oiling or treatment to prevent cracking or splitting.
4. Design continuity:
   • When combining indoor and outdoor spaces, it’s important to consider how your worktop material will contribute to the overall design continuity.
   • Choosing a material that can be used both indoors and outdoors can create a seamless, cohesive look that ties the spaces together visually.
   • If using different materials for indoor and outdoor worktops, consider selecting colours, patterns, or textures that complement each other to maintain a sense of harmony between the spaces.

By taking these factors into account and selecting a worktop material that is well-suited to both indoor and outdoor use, you can create a stunning, functional space that seamlessly combines your interior and exterior living areas.

At MGD, our experienced team can guide you through the process of selecting the perfect worktop material for your combined indoor-outdoor design. We offer a wide range of UV-resistant and weatherproof materials, ensuring that your worktop will maintain its beauty and performance in any environment.

Take Samples Home

When choosing a new worktop material, it’s essential to see how it looks in your home before making a final decision. While a particular material may look stunning in a showroom or online, it can appear quite different when placed in your kitchen, depending on factors such as lighting, cabinetry, and surrounding decor.

To ensure you make the best choice for your space, we highly recommend taking samples of your preferred worktop materials home with you. This allows you to evaluate the colours, patterns, and textures in the context of your kitchen, helping you determine which option best complements your design vision.

When assessing samples at home, consider the following:

1. Natural lighting: View the samples at different times of day to see how they look under varying natural light conditions.
2. Artificial lighting: Turn on your kitchen lights to evaluate how the materials appear under your specific lighting setup.
3. Cabinetry and appliances: Place the samples next to your cabinets, appliances, and any other fixed elements in your kitchen to ensure a cohesive look.
4. Flooring and wall colours: Compare the samples against your existing or planned flooring and wall colours to create a harmonious palette.
5. Surrounding decor: If your kitchen is open to other living spaces, consider how the worktop material will look alongside your overall home decor.

Our knowledgeable staff can guide you through the process, providing expert advice and recommendations based on your specific needs and preferences. We want you to feel confident in your choice, knowing that your new worktop will be a beautiful, functional addition to your kitchen for years to come.

Go and See the Slabs

When investing in a high-quality stone worktop, such as granite or quartz, it’s important to remember that each slab is unique. While samples can give you a general idea of the colour, pattern, and texture of a particular material, viewing the full slabs in person allows you to appreciate the natural variations and select the specific piece that will become your dream worktop.

We’re proud to work with the leading stone suppliers in the UK. Our strong partnerships grant our customers exclusive access to their extensive inventories, ensuring you have the widest possible range of premium materials to choose from.

We believe that visiting suppliers and viewing slabs in person is a crucial step in the worktop selection process. By seeing the full slabs, you can:

1. Appreciate the natural beauty: Stone worktops showcase the unique characteristics of natural materials, with each slab featuring its own distinctive veining, colouring, and patterning.
2. Select the perfect slab: Viewing slabs in person allows you to hand-pick the specific piece that best suits your design vision and aesthetic preferences.
3. Assess the quality: You can closely examine the slabs to ensure they meet your expectations for quality and craftsmanship.
4. Visualise the finished product: Seeing the full slab helps you better understand how the worktop will look in your kitchen, considering factors such as seam placement and edge profile.

Our team is dedicated to ensuring you have the best possible experience when selecting your stone worktop. We will work closely with you to arrange appointments with our trusted suppliers, accompanying you to view their stocks and provide expert guidance throughout the process. Our goal is to help you find the perfect slab that will transform your kitchen into a stunning, one-of-a-kind space.

By choosing to work with us, you’ll benefit from our extensive industry knowledge, supplier relationships, and commitment to customer satisfaction. We’ll be with you every step of the way, from the initial consultation to the final installation.

The Kitchen Worktop Quotation Process: What to Expect

When you’re ready to move forward with your kitchen renovation and invest in a new worktop, understanding the quotation process can help you navigate the journey with confidence. Here’s a detailed look at what you can expect when seeking an exact quote for your kitchen worktop:

1. Gathering your kitchen plans and requirements:
   • Measure your kitchen space accurately, including the dimensions of your cabinets, the location of appliances, and any other relevant details.
   • If you have architectural drawings or CAD plans, these can provide a more precise representation of your kitchen layout.
   • Make a note of your preferred worktop material, thickness, edge profile, and any custom features you desire, such as sink cutouts, drainage grooves, or pop-up sockets.
2. Submitting your information to a worktop provider:
   • Research and identify reputable worktop providers in your area, considering factors such as their experience, product range, and customer reviews.
   • Contact your chosen provider to inquire about their quotation process and how to submit your kitchen plans and requirements.
   • Many providers offer online quotation forms or email submissions, allowing you to easily send your information and any supporting documents.
3. Site visit and measurement verification (if necessary):
   • In some cases, the worktop provider may recommend a site visit to take precise measurements and assess any unique challenges or opportunities presented by your kitchen space.
   • During this visit, a professional will verify your measurements, check for any discrepancies, and gather any additional information needed to create an accurate quote.
   • The provider will work with you to arrange a convenient time for this visit, taking into account your schedule and availability.
4. Receiving and reviewing your detailed quote:
   • Based on the information you provide and any insights gained from a site visit, the worktop provider will prepare a comprehensive, itemised quote for your kitchen worktop.
   • This quote will typically include a breakdown of the costs for materials, fabrication, installation, and any additional services required to complete your project.
   • Take the time to review your quote carefully, ensuring that all the details align with your expectations and requirements.
5. Discussing your quote and making adjustments:
   • If you have any questions or concerns about your quote, don’t hesitate to reach out to the worktop provider for clarification.
   • Their knowledgeable staff should be happy to discuss the details of your project, provide expert advice, and explore any potential adjustments or optimisations to ensure your worktop meets your needs and budget.
   • This conversation can also be an opportunity to discuss any additional factors that may impact your project, such as timelines, access requirements, or special considerations for your kitchen space.
6. Finalising your order and moving forward:
   • Once you’re satisfied with your quote and have confirmed all the details of your worktop, you can proceed with finalising your order.
   • This typically involves signing a contract or agreement that outlines the scope of work, pricing, and any other relevant terms and conditions.
   • The worktop provider will also work with you to schedule a convenient time for template creation and installation, ensuring a smooth and efficient process from start to finish.

By understanding the quotation process and what to expect at each stage, you can approach your kitchen worktop project with confidence and clarity. Remember, a reputable worktop provider will be transparent, communicative, and dedicated to helping you achieve your dream kitchen.

From our point-of-view, we pride ourselves on offering a comprehensive, customer-focused quotation process. Our experienced team is committed to providing expert guidance, precise measurements, and competitive pricing to ensure your kitchen worktop exceeds your expectations.

Customisation Options for Various Worktop Materials

While stone worktops offer the greatest versatility in terms of customisation, other worktop materials can also be modified to suit your specific needs and preferences. However, it’s important to note that the level of customisation and the final appearance may vary depending on the material you choose.

Let’s explore the customisation options available for different worktop materials:

Customising Laminate Worktops

• • Laminate worktops can be cut to size and shaped to fit your kitchen layout.
  • Sink cutouts and tap holes can be created, but the edges may be more noticeable than with stone worktops.
  • Edge profiles are limited, usually to simple designs like square or bullnose edges.
  • Drainage grooves are not typically available for laminate worktops.

Wooden Worktops Customisation

• • Wooden worktops can be cut to size and shaped to fit your kitchen layout.
  • Sink cutouts and tap holes can be created, but the exposed edges will require careful sealing to prevent water damage.
  • Edge profiles can be more varied than laminate, with options like chamfered, bullnose, or square edges.
  • Drainage grooves can be incorporated, but they may be less precise and more prone to wear than those in stone worktops.

Customising Stainless Steel Worktops

• • Stainless steel worktops can be cut to size and shaped to fit your kitchen layout.
  • Sink cutouts and tap holes can be created, with a seamless, integrated look.
  • Edge profiles are typically limited to simple designs like square or rounded edges.
  • Drainage grooves can be incorporated, but they may be less common than in stone worktops.

Customising Composite Worktops (e.g., Corian)

• • Composite worktops can be cut to size and shaped to fit your kitchen layout.
  • Sink cutouts and tap holes can be created, with a smooth, seamless finish.
  • Edge profiles can be more varied than laminate or stainless steel, with options like bullnose, chamfered, or ogee edges.
  • Drainage grooves can be incorporated, with a similar appearance to those in stone worktops.

Customised Stone Worktops:

• • Sink cutouts: We can create precise cutouts for your chosen sink style, whether you prefer an undermount, overmount, or flush-mounted design. Our team will work with you to determine the optimal placement and size of your sink cutout, ensuring a seamless integration with your worktop.
  • Drainage grooves: Custom drainage grooves can be cut into your stone worktop to help direct water away from your sink area, keeping your countertop dry and hygienic. These grooves can be straight, curved, or patterned to suit your aesthetic preferences and practical needs.
  • Tap holes: We can drill tap holes to accommodate your desired faucet style and configuration, whether you opt for a single hole, a widespread design, or a bridge mixer. Our precise drilling ensures a clean, neat finish that perfectly fits your chosen fixtures.
  • Waste holes: For a clutter-free look, we can create discreet waste holes in your stone worktop to accommodate your sink’s waste disposal system. Our expert fabricators will position these holes for optimal functionality and ease of use.
  • Pop-up sockets: Integrate convenient power access into your stone worktop with pop-up sockets. These clever units remain hidden when not in use, maintaining the sleek, uninterrupted surface of your countertop. When needed, they rise from the surface to provide easily accessible outlets for your small appliances and devices.
  • Edge profiles: Choose from a variety of edge profiles to give your stone worktop a unique, personalised look. From classic bullnose and chamfered edges to more intricate ogee and triple pencil profiles, our skilled craftsmen can create the perfect finish to complement your kitchen design.

While these customisation options are available for various worktop materials, it’s essential to consider the limitations and potential trade-offs in terms of appearance, durability, and functionality.

Stone worktops remain the most versatile and visually appealing option for those seeking a high level of customisation.

Professional Installation vs. DIY

When it comes to installing your new kitchen worktop, you may be considering whether to tackle the project yourself or hire a professional. While DIY installation can be tempting as a way to save money, it’s essential to consider the complexity of the project and the potential risks involved.

For laminate and wooden worktops, DIY installation can be a viable option if you have some experience with home improvement projects and are confident in your ability to measure, cut, and fit the material accurately. These materials are generally more forgiving and easier to work with than stone, making them more suitable for DIY enthusiasts.

However, when it comes to stone worktops like granite or quartz, we strongly recommend professional installation. Here’s why:

1. Expertise and experience: Professional worktop installers have the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to handle heavy, delicate stone slabs safely and efficiently. They can navigate complex layouts, make precise cuts, and ensure a flawless, seamless finish.
2. Specialised tools and equipment: Installing stone worktops requires specialised tools and equipment, such as heavy-duty saws, polishers, and suction cups for handling large slabs. Professional installers have access to these tools and know how to use them effectively.
3. Safety: Stone slabs can weigh hundreds of pounds, and mishandling them can lead to serious injury or damage to your cabinetry and flooring. Professional installers are trained in safe handling techniques and have the necessary equipment to manoeuvre slabs without risk.
4. Precision and accuracy: Stone worktops require precise measurements and cuts to ensure a perfect fit, particularly around sinks, appliances, and corners. Even minor errors can result in unsightly gaps or an uneven surface. Professional installers use advanced templating technology to create a precise model of your kitchen layout, ensuring an accurate, custom fit.
5. Warranty and aftercare: When you choose professional installation, your worktop is typically covered by a warranty that protects against defects in materials and workmanship. DIY installation may void the manufacturer’s warranty, leaving you responsible for any issues that arise.

As a professional worktop fabricator, we understand the importance of proper installation for the longevity and performance of your stone worktop. Our team of skilled installers has years of experience working with a wide range of materials and kitchen layouts, ensuring a flawless, stress-free installation process.

When you choose to work with us, you can rest assured that your new worktop will be installed to the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship. We take pride in our attention to detail and commitment to customer satisfaction, and we’ll be with you every step of the way to ensure your kitchen renovation is a success.

Planning Your Installation

Plan ahead for the installation. Planning is key to getting it right. Especially if you have a tight schedule and a small window in which to fit the kitchen worktops installation into.

If you’re hiring a worktop installer, make sure you give them enough time to schedule the job but be certain of the date and make sure everything is prepped and ready when they arrive, to avoid disruption later.

Your kitchen cabinets should all be positioned, levelled and ready to take the weight of whatever material you’ve specified. Installers don’t want to turn up to an unprepared site and you’ll get the best results if you line everything up first.

Discuss with your installer what they need to be able to work most efficiently and keep costs down for you.

If you’re doing it yourself, take a similar line. You don’t want installation-ready worktops kicking around for too long before or arriving too long after everything has been set up ready to take them.

If you’re working with us, we’ll prompt you at key stages to ensure your job site is on-track for our agreed installation date and make sure if there are any last minute changes that we do our best to accommodate your needs.

Granite Pros & Cons

Granite worktops are the most durable and desirable when it comes to natural materials. Granite countertops are rough in texture but smooth to the touch thanks to modern finishing techniques and come in a variety of colours and earthy tones. Granite worktops are a popular choice.

Silestone Pros & Cons

Due to their composition of >90% natural quartz, Silestone worktops are both durable and beautiful. They make excellent worktops for kitchens and bathroom surfaces with a minimum of joints. With lots of different colours to choose from, Silestone will fit into any modern interior environment.

Dekton Pros & Cons

Dekton is a large format, ultra-compact solid surface by Cosentino. Dekton employs exclusive Sinterized Particle Technology, a high-tech process which represents an accelerated version of the metamorphic change that natural stone undergoes when subjected to high temperatures and pressure over thousands of years.

Quartz Pros & Cons

Another equally popular worktop material is quartz. Maintenance of quartz worktops is easy and the material too is strain resistant. Both granite and quartz are favourited by individuals looking for worktops in kitchens. The only problem is these are costly in comparison to other types.

Porcelain Pros & Cons

Porcelain worktops are high-quality surfaces created from a mixture of raw materials to produce a bacteria-resistant, scratch-resistant, and heat-resistant product. Because of its non-porous, simple-to-clean surface, it creates a hygienic kitchen countertop.

Porcelain countertops offer several benefits over traditional natural stone and engineered materials such as quartz kitchen worktops for use as kitchen worktops.

Recyclable, easy to clean, hygienic, heat-resistant, low maintenance, UV resistant.

Neolith Pros & Cons

Neolith makes countertops that are scratch-resistant, heat-resistant, chemical- and UV-resistant, as well as stain-resistant. Its porosity is nearly 0%, which means it absorbs almost nothing.

It is also resistant to thermal shocks, both hot and cold, thanks to its resin-free mix of recycled and natural materials.

Marble Pros & Cons

Marble has been used for centuries as a surface construction material because of its durability and beauty. It is a natural stone that is one of the hardest wearing materials available, although comparatively soft when compared with granite.

There is no location in a residential or commercial building where natural marble slabs cannot improve the atmosphere. Not only does it look fantastic, it is also durable, making it suitable for floors, walls, and (with care) marble worktops.

Laminate Pros & Cons

If you want something cheap and cheerful, you can’t go wrong with a laminate worktop, but if you’re looking to make a statement and create a luxurious feel with a real wow factor, laminate worktops are not the best option. Laminate worktops are popular for their good looks and reasonable pricing. Unfortunately, laminate worktops in kitchens tend to wear out after a few years and are not so resistant to scratches.

Wood Pros & Cons

Wooden kitchen worktops are usually constructed from hardwood such as oak and can come in various types. You can buy an artisan wood worktop that has been custom-cut from a single piece of wood along each length, or you can buy cheaper ones that are made up of lots of batons glued together.

Whilst wood can look great it doesn’t come without its share of problems, chiefly from water ingress and scratch damage. Wood tops can be treated with oil to prolong their life but are fairly high maintenance as they need to be re-sanded and re-oiled fairly regularly.

Stainless Steel Pros & Cons

Because of its durability, low maintenance, and hygienic nature, stainless steel is a popular choice for commercial kitchens. The stainless steel look is not everyone’s cup of tea but it has seen somewhat of a revival in recent years, especially in loft-style apartments, where it combines well with other industrial textures to form a modern look.

Glass Pros & Cons

Perhaps the biggest draw of glass worktops is that they create an illusion of space with their light-reflective surface and are available in a variety of colours. Perfectly suited to a one-person home but not so hot if you’ve got a busy kitchen as they don’t take wear and tear as well as other materials.

Epoxy Resin Pros & Cons

Homeowners can finish an installation or rejuvenate their existing kitchen or bathroom surfaces with higher quality finish by using epoxy countertops. You can transform the look of a wood or laminate worktop by applying the product directly to it and coating it.

You can make a space usable without having to replace or refinish the entire section by using this option. DIY application is very risky as prone to costly errors that are time-consuming to put right.

Concluding Our Guide to Choosing Worktop Materials

After weighing up the pros and cons of the various worktop materials, you should be a lot more able to decide on which one is the right kitchen worktop for you.

There is no ‘best’ option; it all comes down to what you need from your worktop, and what you are willing to compromise on. Go with the option that best suits your needs and situation, and you will not be disappointed with your kitchen worktops.

Why We Recommend Stone Worktops

Naturally, we’d recommend a stone worktop because that’s what we make. We also firmly believe after years of experience with a lot of different materials, particularly today, that a stone worktop represents the best investment for your home.

Natural Stone worktops such as granite have proven over the years to be longer-lasting, more desirable and better performing than many of their alternative and often cheaper counterparts.

Quartz worktops from brands such as Silestone, Caesarstone, Unistone, Silkstone and Technistone amongst others have been able to combine the beauty of natural stones such as marble, with the durability of quartz to provide a whole category of cost-effective, largely maintenance-free and reliable options.

In recent years with the development of sintered stone materials like Dekton and Neolith, alongside the development of porcelain countertops from brands such as Atlas Plan, it is now possible to have a luxurious stone theme throughout the whole house, with tiles, paving and even cabinet doors or furniture to match your worktop theme.

Whilst other materials may be cheaper, there isn’t anything that comes close to matching the beauty, durability and versatility of stone, in our view.

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