It pays to think carefully about kitchen worktops
They are essential, everyday features of every home and most commercial or industrial buildings – but that does not mean that kitchen worktops should be taken for granted. Care taken in the choice of material for these vital surfaces can reap long-lasting benefits in many ways.
Aesthetics are obviously highly prominent in domestic kitchens, and to a lesser degree in other sectors, but the look of a worktop is not the only thing to consider. Arguably even more important features are how hygienic and durable the material used is. It goes without saying that food preparation areas need to be easy to clean, with a smooth surface. Being scratch resistant is also a valuable consideration. Cuts not only spoil the look of the worktop, they are hiding places for bacteria. Replacing kitchen components causes a great deal of upheaval in homes, restaurants, public buildings and any premises with large numbers of staff, so it is worth paying extra for a worktop surface that will last for many years.
With today’s emphasis on sustainability, many architects, home owners and contractors and are also specifying work surface materials that have minimal impact on the environment.
Where to buy kitchen worktops
- Round Wood of Mayfield - Newick Lane, Mayfield, East Sussex, TN20 6RG, 01435 867072
- John Lewis of Hungerford - Grove Technology Park, Downsview Road, Wantage, Oxfordshire, OX12 9FA, 0700 278 4726
- Rock Revelations Ltd - 19A High Street, Broughton, Kettering, Nottinghamshire, NN14 1NF, 01536 511157
- Snowdonia Slate and Stone - Cwmbowydd Road, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Gwynedd, LL41 3ED, 01766 832525
- Reginox UK LTD - Radnor park trading estate, Back lane, Congleton, Cheshire, CW12 4XJ, 01260 280033
- La Cornue - Capricorn House, 88 Wigmore Street, London, Greater London, W1U 3RB, 0207 5910110
- Stone Circle - Kingsclere Road, Wootton St. Lawrence, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG23 8TH, 01256 850380
- Foster Refrigerator - 62 Spixworth Road, Old Catton, Norwich, Norfolk, NR6 7NF, 01603 417722
- DIY Splashbacks - Unit 4, East Belfast Enterprise Park, 308 Albertbridge Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT5 4GX, 08455 44 27 88
- North East Sheets and Panels Limited - Pinnacle House, Harelaw Industrial Estate, Annfield Plain, Stanley, County Durham, DH9 8UJ, 0845 634 9700
- The Marble Workshop Ltd - Manor Farm, Church End, Haddenham, Buckinghamshire, HP17 8AH, 01844 296096
- Glassact - 54 Hellesdon Park Industrial Estate, Norwich, Norfolk, NR6 5DR, 01603 258248