You may be almost closer to choosing the right material for your kitchen but are certainly in a dilemma as to which material is better than the other with so many choices available. Different people will have different needs besides; different materials will not only have a different appearance, but will also require different maintenance. Hence, it is important that you know everything about each material before you make your worktop choice. We have put together the different types of materials with pros and cons for each.
Granite
Pros:
Granite offers versatility, toughness, and a sleek look
It's both strong and durable
It has a cold surface which is perfect for pastry making
Lot of options when it comes to pattern and colour
It stands up well to splashes, knife nicks, can withstand high temperatures (heat) and other wear and tear
It requires minimal maintenance
It is water resistant
Anti-bacterial
Cons:
Expensive
It can stain easily. Stains like that of wine and citric acids must be cleaned up at once.
Granite is porous hence it must be sealed to avoid stains or liquid to penetrate in.
Extra care should be taken to make sure you use chopping boards for prepping and trivets with hot pans.
It is heavy, so you'll need very sturdy cabinet boxes to support the weight. Besides it becomes difficult to transport and maneuver if it's heavy.
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| Glass and Stone worktops by Nolte |
Pros:
Non-porous
Looks modern, stylish and sleek
Reflective, so can create the illusion of space in smaller kitchens
It is long-lasting and toughened to increase durability
Heat, acid and water resistant
Easy to clean and hygienic
Maintenance is easy as the pores don’t hold onto stains, and it’s unaffected by water
It doesn’t need sealing and is heat resistant to 400C
Lots of colour, size, shape and texture options. It also offers a unique look with glass types that are crafted, tempered, etched and textured
Cons:
Expensive
Requires regular cleaning to keep marks and fingerprints under control and to remove smudges
Prone to scratches. Polished tops scratch and joins are visible
Can crack, chip or break, can’t be repaired must be replaced
Marble
Pros:
Adds natural look to your kitchen creating an elegant and sophisticated feeling
Highly resistant to heat, cracks, and breakage
Marble has a cold surface, so it is a traditional choice for pastry and baking stations
It can develop a patina over time
It won't chip or dent
It has a smooth surface
Wide range of patterns and colours
Cons:
Expensive
It is porous, so be prepared to cook and entertain with care
Susceptible to stains easily, even with sealing
It is delicate. It can scratch and chip.
It can be etched by acids (citrus, coffee, alcohol, some cleaning products) even if you seal it.
It is pricey and needs sealing and protection
Quartz
Pros:
Durable
Non-porous so doesn’t require sealing
It is hygienic and has a built-in antibacterial protection
Low maintenance and easy to clean
Highly stain resistant
Heat and scratch resistant
Available in a far greater range of colours and patterns
Cons:
Expensive
Very heavy (cabinets may need to be reinforced)
Needs professional installation
Seams may be visible
Exposure to sunlight over time can cause discolouration
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| Stone and Solid Core worktops by Nolte |
Pros:
It doesn’t corrode, rust or stain like regular steel
It's nearly indestructible, durable and robust
It is practically impervious to heat and bacteria (naturally antibacterial)
It also provides a very distinctive look
It is stain proof, spill proof and temperature-proof
Easy to clean and maintain
Helps to reflect light
It is waterproof and acid resistant
Very light in weight
Cons:
It is extremely expensive due to the custom fabrication
Can nick, scratch and dent
Can show fingerprints and must be wiped off frequently
It is noisy as pots, pans and dishware clang against the surface
Chemicals can affect its colour and cause unwanted etching
It has anti-bacterial properties
Difficult to integrate into large areas
Solid Surface (like Corian, Hi-Macs…)
Pros:
It is non-porous, so no sealing or special cleaning required
Extremely robust and Seamless
Hygienic
Easy and low maintenance
Color and pattern options are extensive
Does not fade or age with time
Cons:
Expensive
Doesn't stand up to hot pans and can be scorched
Not scratchproof; cannot withstand sharp knives, deep cuts, scratches and dents and can get stained. But, the scratches and stains can be resolved through proper maintenance.
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| Wood Worktops by Nolte |
Wood
Pros:
Matches both classic and contemporary kitchens
Develops a patina and character with use
Withstands cutting and chopping
Long-lasting, timeless material and looks great with age
It is naturally anti-bacterial
Relatively simple to install and easy to repair
Each piece is unique, giving your kitchen its own particular character
Comes in a wide range of styles, wood grains and colours
Cheaper than granite or stone options
Cons:
Requires food-friendly sealing and routine maintenance than other materials
Easily damaged by burns, dents, spills and scratches leading to scorched and stained worktop
Vulnerable to moisture, heat, acid, corrosive chemicals or stains if it comes into contact with rust
Water damages wood countertops easily
Shrinks or expands with extreme dryness or moisture
It needs oiling a couple of times a year to seal the surface
Will discolour if installed around the sink
Engineered Stone
Pros:
Durable and five times harder than granite
Wide variety of colours than natural stone countertops
Non-porous, so there’s no danger of mould
Low maintenance
Resistant to scratches, stains and chipping
No sealant required
Cons:
Expensive
Not heat proof
Regardless of whether you choose solid wood, glass, genuine glass, stainless steel, solid-core or stone, you might want to make a note that: Nolte kitchen worktops are premium quality and ultra-versatile. It is also possible to choose the thickness of your worktop: 50mm, 40mm, 25mm or 12mm. The kitchens are characterised by carefully matched details for additional comfort and a harmonious appearance. They all stand out through their exceptional appearance and make your kitchen something special.
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