Hello. I am Corrine Mill, co-owner and Director of Millcraft Interiors. This is my first blog of many and I hope to pass on some of my experience that I have gained over the past 21 years working within the Kitchen and Bathroom sector.
Something I am asked on a regular basis is “what is the most suitable work surface for my kitchen?”
Often when looking to buy a kitchen or remodel an existing space this is one of the main considerations. In my experience what you should ask yourself is 'What is most important to me? Durability or aesthetics?' and 'How much of my budget will I be prepared to spend on this element of the project?'. Work surfaces - or counter tops, if you like - come in many different finishes. I have listed some of the pit falls of different options.
Often when looking to buy a kitchen or remodel an existing space this is one of the main considerations. In my experience what you should ask yourself is 'What is most important to me? Durability or aesthetics?' and 'How much of my budget will I be prepared to spend on this element of the project?'. Work surfaces - or counter tops, if you like - come in many different finishes. I have listed some of the pit falls of different options.
Corian
Pros: This is a fabricated surface which is seamless and therefore ticks the aesthetic box; it enables you to have a sink fully moulded into the design creating an expanse of surface making the area feel larger. Corian works well in a contemporary home and when bespoke elements are designed into the project Corian has the flexibility to take on the form required. The colours available are uniform and varied.
Cons: This surface can scratch and dependant upon the colour you choose will depend on how visible these scratches are. However, it is repairable and you can polish the scratches out. It has a very man-made feel about it and if you prefer natural elements to your home this may not be compatible.
Price: High Range
Pros: This is a fabricated surface which is seamless and therefore ticks the aesthetic box; it enables you to have a sink fully moulded into the design creating an expanse of surface making the area feel larger. Corian works well in a contemporary home and when bespoke elements are designed into the project Corian has the flexibility to take on the form required. The colours available are uniform and varied.
Cons: This surface can scratch and dependant upon the colour you choose will depend on how visible these scratches are. However, it is repairable and you can polish the scratches out. It has a very man-made feel about it and if you prefer natural elements to your home this may not be compatible.
Price: High Range
Granite
Pros: Granite is good for making pastry and baking on as it generally feels cold. When the appropriate polish is used to keep it sealed the surface will always look great. Granite works well in a Traditional, Classical or Contemporary kitchen design. Granite is available in honed, leather and polished finishes. Leather is very hard wearing and easy to clean.
Cons: Granite can chip and is not repairable. Joins are visible and the amount of joins depends upon the confidence of the fabricator. This is where the experience of a Kitchen Design Studio is essential. Colours can be eclectic. As this is a natural material there is a chance that a random spot or blotch will be in the centre of the surface. The range of colours or types of granite is limited by nature and availability. Price also ranges by availability.
Price: High-Mid Range
Pros: Granite is good for making pastry and baking on as it generally feels cold. When the appropriate polish is used to keep it sealed the surface will always look great. Granite works well in a Traditional, Classical or Contemporary kitchen design. Granite is available in honed, leather and polished finishes. Leather is very hard wearing and easy to clean.
Cons: Granite can chip and is not repairable. Joins are visible and the amount of joins depends upon the confidence of the fabricator. This is where the experience of a Kitchen Design Studio is essential. Colours can be eclectic. As this is a natural material there is a chance that a random spot or blotch will be in the centre of the surface. The range of colours or types of granite is limited by nature and availability. Price also ranges by availability.
Price: High-Mid Range
Solid wood
Pros: Some solid woods are easier to look after than others. Those with a higher natural oil content are less maintenance i.e Iroko; Beech has the least natural oil; Maple has anti-bacterial properties. Solid wood surfaces give a kitchen a softer feel and work well in Classical or Traditional Kitchens. When working with a Contemporary design often the darker woods work well.
Cons: It will mark if not oiled on a regular basis. Often people only oil it when first fitted; this is a mistake and will lead to irrepairable damage to the wet areas in the kitchen. If a hot pan is placed on the surface it will leave a ring mark - however it can be sanded down and re-oiled to take it back to its original finish. Some people over oil the surface, which then leads to oil sitting on the top of the surface which can be sticky - if this happens, remove the excess oil and lightly sand.
Price: Mid Range
Pros: Some solid woods are easier to look after than others. Those with a higher natural oil content are less maintenance i.e Iroko; Beech has the least natural oil; Maple has anti-bacterial properties. Solid wood surfaces give a kitchen a softer feel and work well in Classical or Traditional Kitchens. When working with a Contemporary design often the darker woods work well.
Cons: It will mark if not oiled on a regular basis. Often people only oil it when first fitted; this is a mistake and will lead to irrepairable damage to the wet areas in the kitchen. If a hot pan is placed on the surface it will leave a ring mark - however it can be sanded down and re-oiled to take it back to its original finish. Some people over oil the surface, which then leads to oil sitting on the top of the surface which can be sticky - if this happens, remove the excess oil and lightly sand.
Price: Mid Range
Laminate surface
Pros: Laminate worktops are durable and heat resistant. They are available in a wide range of colours and can look good in any kitchen design. A good quality laminate will last years and always choose one with a capillary groove - this prevents the surface from de-laminating. At Millcraft we work with Duropal, German High Pressure Laminates. Laminates are a cost effective way to create a great look. Worktop joins are bareley visible.
Cons: Laminate can scratch and if your installer is not experienced then the joins will be more visible. High Gloss Laminate will smear and not be as durable as the other finishes. It is possible to burn the surface if a hot pan is placed upon it as it is only heat resistant to a certain point, not heatproof. Laminate is not repairable.
Price: Low Range
Pros: Laminate worktops are durable and heat resistant. They are available in a wide range of colours and can look good in any kitchen design. A good quality laminate will last years and always choose one with a capillary groove - this prevents the surface from de-laminating. At Millcraft we work with Duropal, German High Pressure Laminates. Laminates are a cost effective way to create a great look. Worktop joins are bareley visible.
Cons: Laminate can scratch and if your installer is not experienced then the joins will be more visible. High Gloss Laminate will smear and not be as durable as the other finishes. It is possible to burn the surface if a hot pan is placed upon it as it is only heat resistant to a certain point, not heatproof. Laminate is not repairable.
Price: Low Range
Whilst there are other surfaces on the market I have given my view on a few to give a feel of the benefits of one type of surface over another. Allocation of budget will most likely be a deciding factor in which work surface to choose.
As a guide if you are looking to spend between:
As a guide if you are looking to spend between:
- £8,000 and £15,000 on your kitchen then either laminate or wood will work in with your budget depending on furniture choices and appliances.
- if your budget is £15,000 to £22,000, Granite works well within this budget area or Laminate and Wood if you are wanting to spend more on appliances or higher spec furniture.
- and if you have a budget over £22,000 Corian is an option depending on the size of your kitchen and other choices.
- if your budget is £15,000 to £22,000, Granite works well within this budget area or Laminate and Wood if you are wanting to spend more on appliances or higher spec furniture.
- and if you have a budget over £22,000 Corian is an option depending on the size of your kitchen and other choices.
These price ranges are just a guide and may vary based upon design.
Always consider the following before choosing your surfaces:
How do I work in my kitchen? (i.e do you bake or have dinner parties etc or is it a family kitchen). Functionality is a very important factor in this decision process.
What look do I want to achieve?
How much time do I have to clean and wipe down the surfaces? Is maintenance an issue?
How much do I want to spend?
Ultimately it is a personal decision to which work surface you choose. Always look at samples and compare them to the kitchen doors etc; taking them home is useful as you can see the colours in the natural light of your home. Remember to give yourself plenty of time when making these choices and never be rushed as this is a very important factor to how your kitchen will look. If in doubt, trust your designer to give you their advice on which choice will overall be the best option for your room, as a good designer can visualise the finished room without the aid of computer generated image.
In my next blog I will discuss the differences between Classical, Traditional and Contemporary Kitchen design.
