In this guide, you’ll find practical tips on choosing a kitchen worktop. We compare popular worktop materials such as natural stone, stainless steel, composite, ceramic stone, terrazzo, and wood, helping you decide which option might be the best kitchen worktop for your needs and lifestyle.
See more inspiration for kitchen worktops.
Find a kitchen worktop that combines durability, style, and everyday practicality. See more inspiration for kitchen worktops.
Learn more about how to care for and maintain kitchen worktops.
3 things to consider when choosing a kitchen worktop
Choosing the right kitchen worktop is about more than just appearance. The material you choose affects both the look and feel of your kitchen, as well as how well it functions in everyday use. Here are three key things to consider when selecting the right worktop for your kitchen:
1. Function and Maintenance
Think about how you use your kitchen and which properties your worktop needs to have. Should it be easy to clean, heat-resistant, or resistant to stains? Also consider how much maintenance you’re willing to commit to—natural stone and wood generally require more care than ceramic or composite worktops.
2. Style and Aesthetic
Different worktops create different expressions and add character to the kitchen. Consider which style you prefer and how the worktop complements the other materials in your kitchen. A Carrara marble worktop, for example, can add a classic and elegant feel, while stainless steel creates a more modern, industrial look.
3. Price and Budget
Finally, consider how much of your kitchen budget you want to allocate to the worktop. The price is influenced by the material, size, and the amount of work required for installation.
Natural stone – a timeless and unique kitchen worktop
Natural stone is one of the most popular materials when choosing a kitchen worktop. Thanks to its natural origin, stone comes in a wide variety of colors, veins, and patterns – from softly elegant to dramatically striking. Whether you choose a marble, limestone, granite, or quartzite worktop, you’ll have a surface that is completely unique in pattern and character. To protect your worktop, it should be sealed, as natural stone is sensitive to acids and can stain. Learn more about preventing stains and care tips for your worktop.
Choosing a natural stone worktop is a great option if you want a natural, elegant, and timeless kitchen with long-lasting durability and genuine character.
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The most common natural stones used for worktops are granite, marble, quartzite, and limestone. Each differs in appearance, hardness, and maintenance requirements.
Granite – A very hard and durable stone that resists heat and scratches well. Available in a wide range of colours and patterns, granite is a popular choice for kitchen worktops. Light-coloured granite is generally more sensitive than dark granite.
Marble – Known for its elegant, luxurious look with distinctive veining. Marble is slightly softer than granite and can be sensitive to acids and stains, making proper care essential.
Quartzite – Similar in appearance to marble but much harder and more resistant to wear and heat. Ideal for those who want the marble look without compromising on durability.
Limestone – A softer, more porous stone with warm, natural tones. Limestone provides an elegant, earthy feel but requires regular maintenance and sealing, as it is sensitive to scratches, stains, and acids.
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The price of a natural stone worktop varies depending on the type of stone, its quality, thickness, finishing, and installation. You get a worktop with a unique character shaped over thousands of years.
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Natural stone is durable but can be sensitive to acids and stains, especially marble and limestone. Sealing is important to protect the surface. Learn more about how to prevent stains and care for your worktop.
Stainless steel worktop – durable, hygienic, and low-maintenance
A stainless steel worktop gives your kitchen a modern and clean appearance. It can be made in various thicknesses and create a seamless surface without visible joints. Stainless steel is a hygienic and durable material that handles heat well, making it especially popular for kitchens where functionality is a priority.
One of the biggest advantages of a stainless steel worktop is that it is virtually maintenance-free. In everyday use, simply wiping the surface with a damp cloth is enough to keep it clean and fresh. If you want a durable, hygienic, and almost entirely maintenance-free kitchen, a stainless steel worktop is an excellent choice.
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Stainless steel is durable, heat-resistant, hygienic, and almost maintenance-free. The surface is easy to clean with a damp cloth.
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The price of a stainless steel worktop depends on the size of the surface, whether it needs to be custom-made, and the quality and finish you choose.
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Yes, stainless steel works well in most kitchen styles, but it is especially well-suited for modern, industrial, or minimalist kitchens. It can also be combined with wood, natural stone, or colorful materials to create contrast and balance.
Composite worktop – elegant and low-maintenance
A composite worktop is a popular choice for those who want a durable, almost maintenance-free kitchen. The material has an elegant appearance similar to natural stone, but with a calmer and more even pattern that is also resistant to stains and scratches. Its dense surface makes it easier to keep clean and more hygienic than natural stone.
A composite worktop is perfect for anyone looking for a long-lasting, low-maintenance worktop that works equally well for both modern and everyday kitchens.
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A composite worktop is made from natural minerals and binders, creating a durable, hygienic, and almost maintenance-free surface with an elegant appearance that resembles natural stone.
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Composite is resistant to stains and scratches. A composite worktop is almost maintenance-free, requiring only regular wiping with a damp cloth to keep the surface clean and hygienic.
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Composite worktops are often in the higher price range, but their advantage is that they can be manufactured in large formats, giving your kitchen a smooth, seamless surface.
Ceramic stone worktop – durable and modern
A ceramic stone worktop is a modern and highly durable choice for the kitchen. Made from pressed ceramic with natural minerals, it offers the elegant look of natural stone while providing even greater resistance to scratches, stains, and heat. Ceramic stone is also hygienic and easy to clean, making it ideal for kitchens where functionality and low maintenance are important. Worktops can be produced in large, seamless formats, creating a smooth, seamless surface
Ceramic stone is perfect for anyone looking for a modern, durable, and low-maintenance kitchen worktop with a timeless, stone-like appearance.
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A ceramic stone worktop is made from pressed ceramic combined with natural minerals, creating a durable, elegant surface that looks like natural stone.
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Ceramic stone is highly resistant to scratches, stains, and heat, making it hygienic and easy to clean. It can also be produced in large, seamless formats for a smooth and elegant surface.
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The price is often comparable to natural stone, but thanks to the material’s long lifespan and minimal maintenance, it becomes a cost-effective and durable investment over time.
Terrazzo – colourful and unique worktop
A terrazzo worktop is made from a mix of stone pieces of varying sizes set in cement. The result is a durable, long-lasting surface that resembles natural stone but can be produced in almost any colour combination and size. By combining different types of stone—and sometimes glass or mirror pieces—with pigments and cement, you can create a truly unique and personal look for your kitchen.
A terrazzo worktop is an excellent choice for anyone looking to add a colourful, individual touch to their kitchen while enjoying a surface that evokes the beauty of natural stone.
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Terrazzo is durable, resilient, and can be produced in nearly any colour combination and size, allowing you to create a personalized and unique worktop.
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No, terrazzo is relatively low-maintenance. Regular cleaning is enough to keep the surface looking good, though sealing can be recommended to protect against stains.
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Terrazzo is generally more affordable than natural stone, offering a durable and truly unique choice that provides great value for your kitchen.
Wood – naturally durable worktop
A wood worktop is a beautiful natural material that brings warmth and character to the kitchen. With proper care, wood is also highly durable and can last for many years.
A wood worktop is perfect for anyone looking to create a classic, cozy kitchen with natural charm. Keep in mind that wood should be protected from direct contact with hot pots or baking trays, and the surface may show wear over time with heavy use.
Learn more about how to prevent stains and care for your worktop.
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Wood is a durable and long-lasting material that, with proper care, can last for many years. It adds warmth and character to the kitchen and works particularly well in classic and country-style kitchens.
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Yes, especially if you want a classic, warm, and inviting kitchen. With proper care, a wooden worktop can last for many years, but it does require regular maintenance. The surface should be oiled or treated to protect against stains, moisture, and wear.
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The price varies depending on the type of wood, but generally, wood is a cost-effective investment that can last for many years with proper care.
Frequently asked questions about kitchen worktops
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Consider how you use your kitchen, the atmosphere you want to create, and your budget. The choice of material affects both the look and the practicality of the worktop in everyday use.
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The most popular kitchen worktop varies depending on style, functionality, and budget. Some prefer natural materials like marble or limestone for their unique appearance and feel, while others choose modern materials such as composite or ceramic stone for their durability and low-maintenance surface. When designing a kitchen with us, we help you find the worktop that best suits your kitchen and lifestyle.
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Choose a colour and pattern that harmonize with the other materials and style of your kitchen. Light tones can make the space feel more open, while dark tones add contrast and character. Match your worktop with cabinets, flooring, and walls for a balanced and cohesive look.
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It can be a good idea to think about the overall style of your home when selecting a kitchen worktop. By matching the colour, material, and style with your kitchen and other rooms, you create a harmonious and balanced impression that feels thoughtful and cohesive. At the same time, you can of course choose to give different rooms their own unique expression and character.
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The price of a kitchen worktop is influenced by several factors, including the material, size, and installation costs.
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How you maintain your kitchen worktop depends on the material you’ve chosen. Some materials require more care than others, but with the right routine, your worktop can stay looking great for years. Learn more about how to prevent stains and how to take care of your worktop in the best possible way.
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