By Trisha Harinath
Popular materials for kitchen worktops are engineered quartz, granite, tiles and Formica. Some of the other materials that can be used are marble, glass, solid wood, wood veneer, stainless steel and concrete.
Granite
According to Vinesh Maharaj, from The Kitchen Studio, granite is the benchmark against which all other materials are measured. “It is a natural, durable product that does not date,” he says. Other advantages include the wider choice of colour finishes that this product offers, its ability to complement any natural wood finish, it is easy to process and its veins and natural patterns give it a distinct sense of character. Disadvantages include the fact that it is difficult to match tops for later additions, and imported colours with veins are expensive.
Engineered stone
According to Trevor King, the national market development manager for International Slab Sales, with the development of Caesarstone, the trend has now moved towards engineered stone. Caesarstone has been specifically designed to address all the needs of the ultimate surface area. Silestone is manufactured from 94% natural quartz. Unique to this product is that it contains Microban, an internationally patented active anti-bacterial substance.
Some of the many benefits that come with using engineered stone include consistency in colour and thickness, available in a variety of colours, high durability and excellent hygiene properties. One of the biggest downsides is that it is extremely expensive.
Solid Surfaces
Solid surfaces are a 100% man-made product which means great diversity when it comes to colour and texture variations. “Solid surfacing is ideal for the kitchen due to the product being non-porous and extremely hygienic,” comments Jolene Laubscher who represents Surino Solid Surfacing. If you want to enjoy solid surface worktops for a lengthy period of time, it is imperative that you handle them with care. Experts advise that home owners should use a stand for hot pots to prevent damage and they should also use a cutting board on the countertop to cut food.
Concrete
Concrete countertops are rapidly gaining popularity due to their dynamic properties. Johan Coetzee, from Stucco Italiano Decor, explains that concrete contractors have recently discovered that concrete looks exceptionally good when it is stained. Concrete is easy to construct, relatively inexpensive, can be paint techniqued with colours that can be changed at a later stage and additions to it are easy to do. Non-abrasive cleaners must be used as they are not harmful to stains and paints.
Whatever your preferences in materials are, it is imperative that your kitchen countertops should ultimately contribute to the appearance of the room as well as provide a durable working surface.
