Solid Worktops

Many of today's homeowners currently have laminate worktops. This was often a cost saving means for the builder or when the home was refurbished. However, as time goes on, the laminate can become increasingly difficult to care for. There are several problems that occur with this type of worktop and not with solid worktops.

Delamination

This is probably the most common problem with laminated worktops. The top surface of the worktop begins to separate from the rest of the material. This can cause unsightly areas and unless you grab a bottle of glue, it will continue to get work. A solid worktop does not have this problem, simply because there is nothing to separate.

Repair Issues

Unfortunately, there is no way to really repair a laminate worktop like there are with solid worktops. If an area is scratched, stained, or there are visible wear spots, the worktop must be replaced in order to get rid of them. Preparing food, such as cutting or dicing on the laminate is not advised because a laminate will show the cuts quite easily. Solid worktops are less likely to scratch and many of the newest kinds can be repaired without replacing the entire worktop.

Low Heat Resistance

If you've every set a hot skillet on a laminate worktop, you may have quickly realized you should have used a trivet. You can quickly mar the surface with hot items and it can cause discolouration and cracking. Most solid worktops are completely heat resistant, so you don't have to worry about this problem.

The Advantages of Laminate

For many people, the low cost of laminate is the ultimate draw. The problem is that most laminate worktops are simply not up to the standards of solid worktops. There are far too many other issues to consider besides price. You don't want to replace the worktop again because the laminate didn't last. That doesn't make for much of a bargain.

There are several things you need to consider before you purchase the new solid worktops for your home. Many factors can come into play to help you decide which will work the best. Sometimes, you only need to speak with a professional at a kitchen worktops UK company. They can best explain the special features of each material and help you come to the right decision. Consider the following

There are basically for types of solid worktops for your kitchen. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. The materials are granite, wood, quartz, and acrylic polymer. Any of these choices will be good in some homes, but not all of them will work well in any home.

Wood worktops are strong and durable. They are also beautiful and preferred in many kitchen designs. Many can scratch and stain rather easily, however. It's also difficult to repair a damaged area without replacing the entire worktop. There are many different types of wood used to create these worktops, including oak, beech, and maple.

Granite worktops are beautiful, strong, and durable. They are relatively difficult to scratch or stain. However, you'll have a very expensive repair bill if you need to repair a damaged area, just as you would with wood. Granite is also expensive, but the finished look is really something to behold.

Acrylic polymer worktops, such as Corian worktops are very strong, durable, and come in as many as 100 choices of colours. These are extremely popular because they can resemble granite, but are available in more colour choices and are less expensive. A strong selling point is that a damaged area can be repaired without having to replace the entire worktop.

Quartz worktops are made from one of the hardest materials on earth. These worktops contain between 93 and 97 percent quartz, as well as a resin bonding agent. They are hard to scratch or stain, and will look beautiful year after year.

These are the four common types of solid worktops and some of the advantages and disadvantages of each. If you have more questions, you can speak with a service representative at a kitchen worktops company to find out more.

kitchensfitted.co.uk is one of the best sources for Quartz worktops and Corian worktops. You can request a free quote and they also honour competitors pricing for the same product. Take a few moments and browse through their selection of kitchen worktops. You'll be pleasantly surprised at the choices that are now available.