LAMINATE

An affordable option, laminate is a dense surface formed using compressed layers of paper and resin bonded to a chipboard core. ‘Designs have really evolved, and there is now a huge selection of contemporary plain, patterned and realistic finishes such as wood, concrete and stone that give the appearance of the material without the maintenance issues,’ says Caroline Elliott, head of product at Worktops UK. Edges are post-formed, meaning there are no seams where dirt can accumulate. Easy to clean, laminate is also resistant to impact, heat and scratches.

HOW TO USE

Laminate worktops are easier to move and cut than most other materials and can be fitted as part of a regular kitchen installation, saving on time and cost. Most brands offer matching upstands and splashbacks to create a sense of cohesion.

BRANDS TO KNOW

Formica has been producing laminate for over 100 years. Its range spans hundreds of colours and effects including new abstract patterns, plaster-look and ultra-matte finishes (from £190 for a complete worktop; formica.com). A contemporary option, Fenix offers soft touch, anti-fingerprint and metalliceffect surfaces with very low light reflectivity (price on application; fenixforinteriors.com). Bushboard’s range boasts added antibacterial protection that destroys 99.9 per cent of bacteria within 24 hours (price on application; bushboard.co.uk).

The possibilities of laminate design have improved immensely: Bushboard’s ‘Omega’ surface in ‘Taros Gris’ is used here on a worktop and splashback Formica’s ‘Concrete Formwood’ laminate could pass for the real thing The ‘Unit’ kitchen by Design by Garcia Cumini for Cesar uses Fenix’s ‘NTM’ in ‘Jaipur Red’ to striking effect