When deciding on the right material for your kitchen worktop, it can be difficult to know where to start. Both laminate worktops and solid wood worktops offer a number of benefits and are a popular choice amongst homeowners. In addition to matching your kitchen design and decor, your worktop also needs to withstand the needs of a busy family kitchen.
Choosing between a laminate vs wood worktop can be a tricky decision so, in this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about the similarities and differences between a solid wood and laminate worktop.
What are laminate worktops?
Laminate kitchen worktops are made from layers of kraft paper which are mixed with resin to form a stiff, brittle sheet (laminate). This sheet of laminate is bonded to a piece of chipboard to create the laminate worktops you can install in your kitchen.
Pros and cons of laminate worktops
The key benefits of laminate worktops include:
- Low cost
- Durable
- Wide range of colours and finishes
- Can mimic the look and style of natural materials
- Easy to clean
Whilst laminate worktops can offer a number of benefits, there are also a few disadvantages to consider too to make sure you choose the right worktop for your kitchen:
- Can begin to peel after time
- Will be damaged by heat
- Wide variety in quality between brands
- Short lifespan
- Difficult to repair
What are wooden worktops?
Solid wood worktops are usually made with hard woods such as oak, walnut and iroko because they’re hardwearing and will stand the test of time in your kitchen. The real wood used to create wooden work surfaces is cut into staves which are then joined together, sanded and finished to create the final product.
Pros and cons of wooden worktops
The benefits of solid wood worktops include:
- Timeless style
- Unique
- Can be sanded and oiled to refresh the look of the worktop and remove marks
- Durable
It’s also important to consider the disadvantages of a wooden worktop too. These include:
- Requires regular oiling and maintenance to stay looking its best
- Not water resistant
- Can be scratched or dented
- Expensive to replace
Should you choose a laminate or wood worktop?
We’ve provided a rundown of the differences between the two materials to help you choose the right material for your kitchen.
Appearance
If you like the look of wooden worktops but you want to benefit from having a laminate worktop, laminate worktops are available in a range of different styles, including wood effect. They imitate the natural look of wood and are also available in a range of textured, speckled, or glossy finishes.
Laminate worktops are also available in a wide range of colours and patterns, making them completely versatile and able to cater to any style of kitchen. They can often mimic the look of other types of worktop without the higher costs associated with them.
The natural features of solid wood worktops allow you to add a personal, unique touch to your kitchen. As the wood of your worktop matures over time, the colour of the worktop will change and become richer in colour and tone.
Installation
Laminate worktops are extremely easy to install. Prior to installation, they are cut to the correct size and are supplied with adhesive strips to cover the raw edges. The worktop is then easily installed after pilot holes are correctly placed in your cabinets.
Solid wood worktops, however, are usually installed using slotted brackets, due to the wood expanding and contracting with the changes in their environment. The slotted brackets secure the worktop pieces to the cabinets and prevent them from splitting as they expand and/or contract. When joining two pieces of wood worktop, a butt joint should be used.
Maintenance
Laminate worktops are low maintenance, due to their water resistant coating, which is why they’re a popular alternative to solid wood worktops. However, laminate worktops are not so resistant to heat, so it is important that hot pans are not left on their surface. In addition, water left on the surface can stain the worktop so it’s important to wipe up spills as soon as you can to avoid damage to your worktop.
Solid wood worktops, on the other hand, require a little bit more maintenance. When first installed, they should be oiled regularly to ensure that the wood is kept in the best conditions. Our oak worktops are naturally resistant to bacteria and incredibly hard-wearing, meaning they can last you a lifetime when looked after in the right way.
Cost
Due to the fabric of laminate worktops, they tend to be a lot cheaper than their solid wood alternative.
Although solid wood worktops may cost significantly more than laminate worktops, they can last a lot longer if they are maintained in the right way.
