Call Us Today on 01904 626388
Menu
Menu
Choosing new kitchen countertops is one of the most fun parts of designing your dream kitchen. Your choice will determine the look and feel of the whole room and how easy your kitchen is to live with day to day. From natural stone to modern composites, there are many great options out there, each with its own style, benefits and price point. Each material has its own pros, like durability, style or ease of maintenance.
We’ve been helping homeowners choose the perfect kitchen counters for decades. In this guide we will look at what is the best material for kitchen counters, how to match them to your lifestyle and what to expect to pay.
Before we get to the different materials, think about how you use your kitchen. Do you love cooking elaborate meals or do you prefer a low maintenance space that always looks spotless? Is durability more important than style or is it the other way round? And of course budget plays a big role.
Key things to consider are:
Durability – Will it withstand scratches, stains and heat?
Maintenance – Is it easy to clean and look after?
Appearance – Does it fit your kitchen’s style and colour scheme?
Cost – How much do new kitchen counters cost and what fits your budget?
Installing kitchen counters – Accurate measurements and proper installation techniques are crucial for a successful upgrade when replacing or upgrading your surfaces.
Granite has been a favourite for many years because of its natural beauty and incredible durability. Granite kitchen counters are a timeless and stylish feature in modern kitchens, loved for its natural beauty and ease of maintenance. Every slab is unique, with variations in colour and veining that creates a one of a kind surface. Plus granite is scratch resistant and heat resistant making it perfect for busy kitchens.
Pros
Extremely hard wearing and heat resistant
Unique natural patterns and colours
Easy to clean and hygienic
Cons
Granite does need occasional sealing to maintain its stain resistance. It’s also one of the heavier and more expensive options but many homeowners see it as an investment that will last for decades.
Quartz, also known as engineered stone, is made from natural quartz crystals combined with resin. It offers the look of stone with extra benefits, like more colour and pattern options. Quartz counters combine beauty with added durability, non-porous and stain resistant.
Pros
Highly durable and scratch resistant
Non porous and very low maintenance
Wide range of consistent colours and finishes
Cons
Quartz is not as heat resistant as granite so you should use trivets for hot pans. It’s also at the higher end of the price range but its long life and low maintenance makes it a popular choice.
Solid surface materials like Corian are made from acrylic resins and minerals. They can be moulded into any shape so you can have seamless joins and integrated sinks for a sleek look. Solid surfaces are affordable without compromising on style, durability and maintenance.
Pros
Smooth, seamless appearance
Huge range of colours
Can be repaired if lightly scratched
Cons
While resistant to stains and general wear, solid surfaces are not as tough as stone and can be damaged by direct heat. They are perfect for modern kitchens where style and versatility is key.
Wooden counters bring natural warmth and charm to both traditional and modern kitchens. Popular choices are oak, beech and walnut. Over time wood develops a patina that adds to its appeal. Plus wood counters are anti-bacterial and cozy.
Pros
Warm, organic look
Can be sanded and refinished if damaged
Works well in classic and country kitchens
Cons
Wood does require regular maintenance, oiling every few months to keep it looking its best. It’s also more prone to water damage so extra care is needed around sinks.
Laminate counters are a practical and budget friendly option. Laminate kitchen worktops are an affordable and stylish alternative to natural stone and can mimic finishes like wood or marble thanks to a plastic overlay and design layer bonded to man-made boards. They come in a huge range of designs including wood, stone and concrete looks.
Pros
Cost effective* Laminate worktops are cheaper than most other materials so a budget friendly option for kitchen upgrades.
Wide range of styles and colours
Easy to install and maintain
Cons
Laminate is less heat and scratch resistant than other materials. You should protect laminate work surfaces from heat and moisture to ensure durability. With care it will last many years so a good choice for those who want style without the price tag.
When it comes to having a kitchen that’s beautiful and practical, choosing an easy to maintain kitchen worktop is key. Different worktops offer varying levels of maintenance so you need to choose the right surface for your lifestyle.
Quartz worktops are a great choice for those who want a non porous surface that resists stains and is easy to clean, just a quick wipe with a microfibre cloth and some soapy water and they look like new.
Granite worktops are also durable but require periodic sealing to maintain their stain resistance and natural beauty.
Laminate worktops are another low maintenance option, easy to clean and wide range of styles but do require a bit of care to avoid scratches and heat damage.
By considering the maintenance of each material you can have a kitchen that stays fresh and inviting with minimal effort so you can focus on what matters most in your space.
Sustainability is becoming a top priority for many homeowners and your choice of kitchen worktops can make a big difference. Eco-friendly worktops like ceramic worktops are made from natural resources, a stylish and durable surface that can withstand the demands of busy family kitchens.
Solid surface worktops made from a blend of natural minerals and recycled materials are a water resistant and low maintenance alternative to stone, perfect for modern eco homes.
If you love the warmth of wood, reclaimed wood worktops bring unique character to your kitchen while supporting sustainable forestry and reducing waste.
By choosing environmentally friendly materials you can have a kitchen that’s functional and stylish and reflects your commitment to a greener future.
Kitchen design is always changing and today’s countertop trends are a mix of timeless and modern.
Quartz worktops are leading the way, loved for their durability, versatility and the huge range of colours and patterns to suit any kitchen style.
Marble worktops are a favourite for those who want luxury, with their elegant veining and natural stone look.
For homeowners who want a budget friendly yet stylish solution, laminate worktops offer an impressive range of designs that mimic the look of premium materials without the price tag.
When choosing your new worktop think about how the material’s style, colour and functionality will enhance your kitchen’s appearance and fit into your daily life. The right worktop can transform your space, making it practical and beautiful.
The cost of kitchen counters varies greatly depending on the material, size of your kitchen and complexity of the installation. The cost of replacing kitchen worktops can be broken down into two parts: the cost of the worktop and the cost of labour.
As a guide:
Laminate: £40 - £100 per metre
Wood: £150 - £300 per metre
Solid Surface: £250 - £500 per metre
Quartz: £300 - £700 per metre
Granite: £350 - £800 per metre
Marble worktops cost from £400 - £900 per metre, one of the more expensive options, similar to or slightly higher than quartz and granite. Factors that affect marble worktops cost are the quality of the marble, thickness, edge profiles and installation complexity but marble is valued for its unique look and longevity.
These are average figures and premium finishes, specialist edge profiles or bespoke features will affect the total. If you’re wondering how much for kitchen counters in your own kitchen our York showroom team can give you a quote.
Replacing or installing kitchen worktops is an exciting part of refreshing your kitchen space but it’s important to know what’s involved. The total cost of new kitchen worktops depends on several factors, the type and quality of worktop materials, the size of your kitchen and any cut outs for appliances or sinks.
Labour costs can vary but on average you can expect the overall cost of worktop installation to be £500 - £2,000 or more depending on your chosen material and the complexity of the job. Working with experienced professionals means precise measurement, expert advice on materials and a flawless finish that adds value and functionality to your kitchen.
By planning ahead and understanding the process you can have a smooth installation and a beautiful new worktop that will be the heart of your kitchen for years to come.
The best countertop is not just about performance but also how it fits your kitchen design.
For modern kitchens – quartz, solid surface or high gloss laminates.
For traditional kitchens – granite, marble effect quartz or rich wooden tops.
For industrial style spaces – concrete effect laminate or dark toned quartz.
Our designers at Cookhouse can help you visualise how each option will look in your space with our 3D design tools.
There’s no one answer to what is the best material for kitchen worktops. It depends on your budget, style and how you use your kitchen.
For luxury and longevity – granite or quartz.
For versatility and seamless looks – solid surface.
For natural warmth – wood.
For affordability and choice – laminate is a great option.
The best way to decide is to see the materials in person. At our York showroom you can see a wide range of kitchen countertop samples, run your hand over the textures and compare colours under real lighting.
Our team will guide you through your choices, discuss costs and help you choose the perfect worktop for your kitchen design and lifestyle.
Visit us today or book a design appointment to get started.