kitchen worktops

We've had a new worktop that was put in 3 years ago and I'm still very pleased with it. I loathe shiny granite - it was already in a previous house and it just made everything look very harsh and brutal.

We chose this time, something called apollo magna which is a lot like corian. Its a composite and has to be cut to fit (we have non standard cupboards and walls anyway). It has a semi mat finish that really works for me and is very easy to clean. Once a month I condition it with a mild oil based product that recommended by the installer and its really keeping well.
The installation is very important so you need to find a trusted installer. We are in Herefordshire and the local firm was very diligent.

We had a new kitchen put in two years ago, I did want granite, but was told it marked easily and we were advised to have silestone instead which is quartz. When our kitchen was fitted a template was made and like HildaW described this surface was cut to fit. I really love it, we chose a speckled effect and it doesn't mark and any smeary marks are very easily cleaned off and it looks as good as new after a wipe over. Having had a tiled work surface before, not my choice previous owners, I would opt for silestone again if I ever moved and the house needed a new kitchen.

Previously we had tiled work tops. Special thick tiles with epoxy resin grout, so they were super strong and heigenic. You could put anything on them straight from the oven. I even stood on them to paint the ceiling!

Wanting a different look when we renewed the kitchen, we had solid wood. It does have to be installed properly, with tenon joints etc. both sides have to be oiled before installation and after that the top oiled every 6 months. After 7 years it is as good as new.

I do have two glass slabs either side of the range for hot pans and dishes.

Next time I think I'll go for Corian because the sinks can be moulded into it to your specification.

Hope it all works out well.

x

I have got Hanex worktops, which are a bit like Corian in that they're a composite, they are made to fit so you can have moulded splashbacks, sinks etc. they come in funky colours unlike granite etc, we wanted a white worktop, having seen them in showrooms , although we saw an amazing pale blue one which I was tempted by. White is best as it doesn't show any scratches and you can use bleach on it . I still love it. I also have a glass splashback , not tiles, which I also love .

My kitchen is a cheap and cheerful from B & Q.

The worktop is a laminate that looks like walnut blockwood.
No tiles, there is a walnut 3" upright trim at the back of the worktop and the walls are painted. There's a stainless steel back-splash at the hob.

I always, always use a chopping board and have toughened glass surface protectors to use as necessary.

About 7 years and there isn't a mark on the work top. I'd have it again in a heartbeat.

J52 Just how often do you revamp your kitchen?

Been in house 26 years, Nellie only revamped twice. Looking forward to doing the new house.

I think you learn what you like as you go along, but as they are so expensive it's a long wait to get it right! And of course technology changes things!

x

I had my kitchen revamped 26 years ago. I know because the oven has just started to play up and I had to look up the make and date for the spare parts. The work tops are the old sort but it is a white marble pattern and apart from DH not listening when I said put something between your specs the superglue and the work top when he tried to do a DIY repair they are fine. It's all white but I regret the wood trim on the doors.

I had all my worktops made in Corian and have it as splashbacks too, I chose it because it is much easier to keep clean than a lot of surfaces.

Thanks everyone for all your input I'm going to check out the materials you have told me about including prices see how it stacks up with everything else.
Must get this right.

Good idea Jeannie......the good thing about the composites is that they come in so many colours - some with subtle reflective flecks which work particularly well in kitchen's with less natural light. We are in a barn conversion with lots of high small windows in the kitchen area. I sent off for samples and they sent 10cm square pieces that I placed around my kitchen and took my time seeing how the colours varied in differing light conditions. We chose a 'satin' finished pale creamy white (we were keeping the perfectly good oak cupboards and have oak flooring in most of the room) that, if you look closely at is actually make up of lots of tiny flecks...bit like a fine tweedy carpet...it keeps looking very clean yet not surgical.