WORDS OF WISDOM

Your kitchen worktops are one of the hardest working surfaces in your home. Alex Main, director at The Main Company, discusses the best options

The inherent beauty of wood makes it a great choice for worktops – oak and walnut are particularly popular. Each piece of timber has its own unique character and can be sanded back and stained or sealed to retain its charm. Reclaimed wood is also worth considering, due to its sustainability and beautiful aged patina.

Natural stone makes the perfect complement to wooden cabinetry in a classic kitchen. With its unique variation and inherent detail, stone can help to add texture and depth to the space. It is also extremely durable, will retain its value, and can be easily wiped down in the event of spills.

Granite is a popular stone worktop material and is ideal for creating a visual statement. Durable and offering heat resistance, it is great for use in all hardworking areas. However, avoid shiny black granite, as this shade will show marks and fingerprints, creating endless work to keep it streak free.

Marble is the ultimate choice if you’re dreaming of a high-end look. However, it needs a lot of maintenance to keep it looking its best. You also need to be mindful of spills and cooking with acidic foods, as they can stain or corrode this luxury surface.

If you want to channel an industrialinspired aesthetic, go for a stainlesssteel worktop. Metal worktops are very flexible and a great option for adventurous designs. However, they can scratch easily and sometimes discolour, so will require more care than some of the other alternatives.

In terms of composite worktops, there are two types: quartz-based resin and solid surface composites. Both types of composite are extremely hardwearing and require very little maintenance. Resin is more easily chipped and may experience scorching or discolouration, but luckily it is easy to repair and the work surface will be looking its best again in no time.