Make it work for you
Like the look of Suzanne’s sleek composite worksurfaces? Here’s everything you need to know before you shell out…
It’s easy to be overwhelmed with choice when it comes to choosing a worktop, but for a surface that’s hard wearing and low maintenance, composite designs tick all the right boxes. There are two main types, quartz composite and acrylic composite.
Q How are they similar?
Both are man-made with hard-wearing qualities, although it’s wise to use chopping boards and trivets to prevent scratching and heat damage. Quartz composite is predominantly made from quartz, resin and pigment, while acrylic composite is made from stone and mineral dust, acrylic, resin and pigments.
Q So, what’s the difference?
Acrylic based composites are more flexible and can be seamlessly moulded to create curves and shapes, like integrated sinks with invisible joints that won’t harbour germs. Quartzbased composites can be joined inconspicuously, but the connection between the two won’t be invisible.
Q Is damage easily repaired?
In the very unlikely case that your composite surface is scratched, chipped or stained it can often be repaired by a specialist. However, it is easier to achieve perfect restoration with acrylic composites as scratches can be sanded out, while quartz is more likely to be filled and any polishing can leave a dull area.
Q Are they expensive?
Yes, compared to laminates and wood. In some cases, composites can prove pricier than natural stone. Some brands are more expensive than others, often based on the quality of materials and manufacturing techniques. You can also bump up costs further by choosing fancy curves, outsized runs and multiple cut-outs for sinks and hobs.
Q Who will fit them?
Fabrication is done by specialists and usually arranged by your kitchen supplier. Templates will be taken once the base units are in place and it can be one to two weeks before the worktops are ready to install. “It pays to seek out a skilled installer – even the most expensive composite worktops will look cheap if they are badly fitted” Jonathan Stanley, VP Marketing, Caesarstone Uk