How to Change Your Kitchen Worktops?

Changing a kitchen worktop is a major decision and cannot be taken randomly. You need to take a lot of things into consideration – from checking your budget to measuring the worktop area – before starting any kitchen refurbishment project.

In order to replace or change your kitchen worktops, you need to estimate what type of material will work out best for your cooking space. Now, comes the question on how to decide the best time for replacing your kitchen countertop?

Usually, it can be noticed when the surfaces begin to look odd and worn out. And they start mismatching the interior or the kitchen theme. Sometimes old worktops are difficult to maintain, and they may damage beyond your measure. In addition, damaged kitchen worktops may lack the hygiene required in food preparation.

Here are important things to consider when reviewing your kitchen worktop requirements:

Replace or Repair?

If you have natural stone worktops, think about repairing your existing kitchen surfaces. At this point, you can think of polishing surfaces to reduce the appearance of stains or scratches. The repair process is inexpensive and time-saving as well. You can call in a reliable marble worktop supplier or granite expert who can assist with remedial works.

If you have a decent budget at hand, replacing your kitchen worktops is a good idea. Upgrading existing laminate or wooden worktops helps in raising the value of your kitchen. Quartz worktops, porcelain surfaces and marble are great options as they are durable material that will last for a lifetime.

If you have decided on changing the kitchen worktop, here’s what you need to do:

Precisely Measure

Make a sketch of the worktop placement in your kitchen and then measure the area precisely. Mark off the sections of sink countertops, continuous countertops, island countertops, and peninsula countertops. You need to measure the length and depth of each section on the sketch. Divide each measurement by 144 for determining each area’s square footage to choose the right materials suitable for your project.

Other Considerations

After all this, you need to think what material must be used for changing the kitchen countertop. Decide whether you want to go for a natural stone or Quartz worktops (Silestone, Terrazzo, Caesarstone, Compac and CRL quartz) that offer extra durability and resistance.

Moreover, let the fabricator check your cabinets for supporting weightier countertops, as well as standard factory cabinets like base, sides, back and top. When comparing different countertop materials, you must keep their maintenance requirements and other attributes in mind.

Natural stones look great and only require resealing every 18 to 24 months. The sealants can be purchased online and are easy to apply, helping it to remain protected from stains and marks. Similarly, regular cleaning is a must to ensure your kitchen surfaces remain hygienic. Many interior designers as well as architects are specifying porcelain and quartz over natural materials due to their ability to withstand heat, stains and scratches. This is because sintered tones and engineered quartz don’t need sealants for providing resistance against these mentioned elements. And whereas in the past man-made stones such as quartz or porcelain used to look fake, nowadays they can resemble marble, granite, concrete and other traditional and natural materials in a flawless fashion.

Which countertop material to choose for replacing the kitchen worktop?

1. Quartz Kitchen Countertop

Quartz is available under different brand names, such as Silestone, Terrazzo, Caesarstone, Compac and CRL quartz. These brands have quartz as the main component, which is the durability winner in all the worktops available in the market. Crushed quartz stone is mixed with pigments and resin to make countertops, which range from solid colours to mimic natural stone patterns.

Quartz is considered almost indestructible under usual kitchen preparation conditions. It is a non-porous surface that doesn’t need sealing for preventing stains and bacteria resistance, as well as to prevent cuts or scratches on the surface.

2. Granite

Granite worktops are still considered one of the top kitchen countertop materials, as people adore it for its eye-popping beauty and unique patterns. It is also resistant to scratches, cracks and chips, as well as heat impacts. However, it needs annual resealing to stand against stains.

3. Marble

Marble worktops are timeless natural stone surfaces for slabs for ages. People love them due to their aesthetic appeal and versatility of being available in endless natural patterns, depending on their geographical conditions. It is resistant to chips and scratches under normal kitchen prep conditions. But due to its non-porous nature, it cannot resist stains, unless protected by a sealant annually. Moreover, it needs regular maintenance and cleaning.

4. Ceramics & Porcelain (Dekton, Neolith), Quartzite Worktops

Both Ceramics & Porcelain worktops are also stunning choices for a modern kitchen, as these are available in various colours and glossy appearance. Some of the brands that are gaining popularity are Neolith, Dekton, Laminam and Ceralsio amongst others. These companies produce extra-large, lightweight sintered stones that can recreate literally any other decoration and building product.

Porcelain is harder compared to ceramics, but both these materials are not strong to withstand cracks and higher impacts. However, these materials can prevent stains due to their extra glossy surfaces. Cleaning these worktops is also easier using a mild soap/detergent and water, with a clean cotton cloth or soft sponge.

5. Quartzite Worktops

Unlike quartz, quartzite worktops are a naturally occurring material. The stone is formed from Sandstone that is exposed to extremely high temperatures over thousands and sometimes millions of years.

Quartzite is harder compared to granite worktops. On a scale of hardness ability, it is somewhere between 7-8 more than granite that measures 6-6.5. Natural quartzite worktops are amongst the most resilient materials that you will come across. It very tough and dense, which implies expertise from an experienced supplier in working with this type of material.

High-quality quartzite is available in many different colours. It is popular in white or grey backgrounds with faint veins or blemishes running all over its surface. Some popular quartzites are Bianco Eclipse worktops and splashbacks which provide striking looks to any space. Similarly, Calacatta quartzite is known for its bold grey veins on a unique glossy white backdrop. White Macaubas quartzite is another popular choice of the exotic stone from Brazil. There are also other popular quartzites also come in faint red or rosy colours due to iron oxide content.

Published by Jesus Alberto Mouzo on March 25, 2019