How to choose a kitchen worktop

Selecting the perfect kitchen worktop is one of the most exciting parts of any new kitchen project. More than just a surface for chopping and prepping, worktops are the visual and functional anchor of the entire space. Whether you’re drawn to the timeless elegance of marble worktops, the sleek durability of quartz stone worktops, or the natural beauty of oak worktop, your surfaces can seriously steal the show. With so many stunning materials to choose from, let’s explore how to select the dreamiest kitchen worktop and create a true masterpiece.

Quartz worktops – sleek, durable and low-stress

Composite quartz worktops, also known as engineered quartz, are formed from a manmade mix of natural quartz crystals, pigments and resins. Around 90-95% of the surface is natural quartz, one of the toughest minerals on earth, which makes it a durable, non-porous material that’s low-maintenance and a popular choice in busy homes.

Many Roundhouse kitchens feature  Caesarstone’s composite quartz, which comes in a diverse menu of colours and patterns, and a lifetime warranty. We love the industrial-inspired look of this kitchen from our Studio Collection. Topped in Caesarstone’s Rugged Concrete, the kitchen worksurfaces convincingly mimic the rugged textural beauty of poured concrete but without the need for regular waxing or sealing. 

Porcelain worktops – heat resistant and strong

In recent years, porcelain worktops have emerged as a strong surface trend, and with good reason. Made from natural clay and other materials fired at extreme temperatures, Porcelain is non-porous, lightweight and comes is some really credible stone and metal-look designs.

The key differences between quartz and porcelain kitchen worktops lie in heat resistance (porcelain can withstand higher temperatures and direct contact with hot pans), and installation (porcelain is lighter and therefore easier to transport and install). The Hosting Kitchen (above) was made for Domus’ Battersea showroom and features Domus’ Florim Yamuna for the worktops and wall cladding. This porcelain worktop mimicks natural Taj Mahal stone and was the perfect choice for a space that’s designed for entertaining large gatherings.

Natural stone worktops – unrivalled beauty

The demand in natural stone worktops, like granite worktops, marble and quartzite worktops, never wavers – there will always be purists for whom only the real deal will do. No two slabs of natural stone are the same, so if it’s unique you seek, natural stone could be the answer.

Marble worktops are especially timeless and are imbued with the most incredible veining. When beautifully bookmatched, marble can create a bespoke luxury kitchen to die for – artfully clad in the finest Arabescato Corchia marble, our Kensington kitchen (above) is proof. Quartzite worktops, as seen in our Avenue project, boast similar qualities to marble but it’s a harder, more durable stone that offers greater resistance to heat, scratches and stains. It’s generally more expensive than marble, due to its superior strength and composition.

Granite worktops have been less popular in recent years but we’re starting to see more interest in this robust and affordable natural stone. Our Morriss project demonstrates how, when treated with a matt honed finish, granite can look much more modern and stylish than the heavily polished granites that have long fallen from grace.

Timber worktops – classic warmth

If you’re drawn to a more organic, cosier aesthetic, put timber worktops on your radar. Hardwoods like walnut and oak worktops are both strong choices and are brilliant for injecting a touch of warmth and charm. Wood worktops require regular maintenance to keep them looking their best, and don’t fare well around the sink or as prep spaces. Thus, we often recommend using timber in smaller areas, away from the main cooking action. A breakfast bar, like this one in our Stephens project, is an ideal use of wood in contemporary kitchen designs. The switch in materials creates an extra layer of interest, and wood is also much kinder on elbows, crockery and wine glasses!

How can I choose the right kitchen worktops for my home?

When selecting your kitchen worktops, it’s always worth working with a kitchen designer to help narrow down the options and lean into his or her expertise. You’ll need to consider both the aesthetic and practical needs of your kitchen design – often this involves deciding which is your priority. For example, if looks are everything, marble could be perfect, but it won’t work if you’re not the kind of person who cannot handle acidic marks or annual re-sealing. Quartz worktops offer a sleek, contemporary look with stress-free maintenance, while an oak worktop can add warmth and timeless charm. For a more luxurious option, marble, granite and quartzite worktops deliver striking beauty and unique appeal.

For more inspiration head to our blog here or visit one of our beautiful showrooms.