When designing your new kitchen, choosing aspects such as the layout, appliances and the overall look of your kitchen are extremely important. However, before you start to buy elements for your kitchen, you may want to consider the type of kitchen worktop you want. This can influence other elements such as the decor and colour of the appliance and kitchen cupboards you choose.
There are a huge number of materials and finishes to choose from, so where do you start?
You might already have a look in mind which will give you an idea of the material you’re looking for. But, budget constraints may mean that you’re unable to afford that lavish luxury granite or marble worktop you’re looking for.
Laminate kitchen worktops are the most popular material for worktops among homeowners in the UK. So, why should you choose this material over any other? We’ll take a look in this guide.
How are laminate worktops made?
Laminate worktops are made up of sheets of kraft paper which are mixed with a resin to create a stiff, brittle sheet (lamination). The laminate sheet that is created is bonded to a chipboard substrate in order to create a laminate worktop.
Benefits of choosing a laminate worktop for your kitchen
Laminate worktops provide a range of benefits for your kitchen, which is what makes them such a popular choice.
1. Cost
Whether you’re completely redesigning your kitchen or you just want to complete a quick makeover, it’s likely you’ll have a budget in mind.
Laminate is one of the best work surfaces you can buy in terms of value for money, with 1.8m lengths starting as little as £62. Our lowest cost laminate worktop comes in at just £62.95 so there is something to suit every budget.
Compared to solid surface worktops (such as granite and quartz worktops) and wooden worktops, laminate is the most cost effective option. Whilst it’s important not to skimp on quality, most laminate worktops are designed to be durable and hard wearing so you don’t have to worry too much about them being too cheap, as long as you buy from a reputable supplier.
2. Easier to repair and replace
As well as being cheaper to buy in the first place than other types of worktop, they’re also cheaper to repair or replace if anything happens to it. Whether you leave a hot pan on the side or spill something on it and stain it, it won’t cost you a huge amount to replace the whole worktop or a piece of it.
3. Durability
For busy family kitchens where you spend a lot of time preparing food, laminate is the perfect worktop. It’s extremely durable, highly resistant to scratches, cracks and stains and it’s hygienic too! It will withstand the wear and tear of a busy kitchen extremely well. Although it’s scratch resistant, it’s still recommended you use a chopping board when preparing food to minimise the chances of scratching your worktop.
Modern laminate worktops are also highly heat resistant so will withstand high temperatures. That means if you place a hot pan directly on the surface by accident, it won’t burn straight away. Despite its heat resistance, it’s still recommended you place hot pans onto something rather than the surface of your worktop to prevent discolouration.
And, as we have already mentioned, if anything does happen to your worktop, it can be replaced cheaply.
4. Hygienic
Compared to other worktop materials, laminate is one of the most hygienic kitchen worktops available. Wooden worktops have natural grains on the surface which, if left uncleaned, can harbour germs and allow bacteria to spread.
A study has revealed that 32% of kitchen worktops in the UK were heavily contaminated with coliform bacteria – a family of bacteria that includes e coli. If you’re using your kitchen to prepare family meals, it’s important to make sure you can keep your work surface as clean as possible.
Laminate worktops have a plastic coating that completely seals the MDF core which leaves nowhere for bacteria to hide.
5. Choice of designs and colours
Laminate is a man made material which means there is no end to the range of colours and finishes you can choose from. You can match your kitchen’s design to fit your worktops around the rest of your kitchen, instead of the other way around.
Laminate worktops can mimic the look of solid wood worktops, granite worktops and marble worktops too so you can still enjoy the look of a natural material without the high costs or maintenance.
A standard finish requires very little in the way of maintenance and will look great for years to come but, if you fancy something a little different, why not consider a gloss laminate worktop?
You will need to treat it a slightly more carefully as it can stain more easily but the additional care may be worthwhile for the light enhancing appearance of the gloss finish.
Take a look at some of the laminate worktop finishes we provide:
- Kronodesign Sand Artisan Beech Super Matt Worktop
- Misty Peak Marble Super Matt Worktop
- Pro Top White Sparkle Gloss Worktop
- Kronodesign Light Terrazzo Marble Super Matt Worktop
6. Low maintenance
One of the best things about a laminate kitchen worktop is how little maintenance it requires. A simple wipe with a cheap household kitchen cleaner is all that’s needed to keep it nice and clean. You can achieve many different looks, like with wood effect or marble effect worktops, which, unlike their genuine counterparts, need very little looking after. Wooden worktops may need sanding down and oiling to keep them in tip top condition, whilst stone can chip easily.
Now you know why laminate is so popular when it comes to kitchen worktops, take a look at the wide range of laminate worktops we have on offer at Worktop Hub.
