Below we have collected a few tips about your worktop. It’s a fun decision to make but also an important one and therefore subject to quite a few considerations. Here we list the pros and cons of each type along with some additional considerations. And all of the surface tops listed are available right here at Nordiska Kök.
See more inspiration for kitchen worktops.
Natural stone
Natural stone is available in an incredible number of colors and a variety of patterns. Some worry about stains on marble and limestone tops, but as long as you wipe them clean with undyed soap you’ll be able to protect the stone just fine. Periodic maintenance enhances the stone’s natural protection and ensures it keeps its beautiful surface.
Read more for general maintenance advice such as how to avoid stains and keep your surfaces looking fresh. Daily cleaning is best performed with a damp cloth. Like with most other surfaces, you should always use cutting boards rather than placing objects directly on the top. The price for these types of worktops is often in the upper range as it is a natural material that has been created over thousands of years. The material is ideal for those who want to create a natural, elegant, and eminently timeless kitchen.
Stainless steel
A timeless, durable and hygienic material that is easy to care for. You can basically set anything down on a stainless steel surface without having to worry — a plate directly from the oven, damp dishes, or even a pile of soil when repotting plants. Clean it with a damp cloth and you can tackle especially stubborn stains with scotch bright or a dish brush. Follow up general cleaning with a microfiber cloth to create a sleek and shiny surface. Pricing can vary a lot depending on whether you choose a standard counter or a more intricately designed one.
One huge advantage is that stainless steel is virtually maintenance-free; a disadvantage, however, is that it can sometimes leave unsightly traces of the cleaning cloth, especially if you don’t wipe it dry afterward. In addition, the stainless steel aesthetic may not match the type of kitchen you want to design. These countertops are ideal for the hobby chef who wants to use their kitchen thoroughly without having to worry about additional maintenance.
Composite
Quartz composite is a stone material consisting of quartz (one of nature’s hardest minerals) along with various color pigments and binders. The mixture is pressed into a worktop to give it an elegant appearance that in many cases resembles natural stone but with a slightly calmer and smoother expression. The quartz composite is very resistant to stains and scratches. The dense surface makes it easy to keep clean and hygienic compared to natural stone.
To care for it, wipe the surface clean with a cloth, using detergent if necessary. Although the composite top can withstand heat, sharp or rapid changes in temperature can cause a thermal shock to the material; for this reason, you should not place hot pots and pans directly on the surface. It’s also best to always use a cutting board for slicing and chopping rather than cutting directly on the surface. Composite tops are in the slightly higher area of the price range. They are available in larger sizes than natural stone which can be a nice advantage for those who don’t want joints in their counters or are working with medium- and large-sized spaces. Composite is also a good choice for those who want a relatively maintenance-free kitchen.
Wood
Wooden countertops are perfect for shaker kitchens or kitchens with lots of wooden doors. Wood is a beautiful natural material that smells great and evokes a warm impression in your home.
Wood is also highly sustainable from an environmental point of view; plus, as long as you take care of it, the material will last for a long time to come. To clean your wooden countertop, simply wipe it clean with a slightly damp cloth. You’ll also want to oil it with linseed oil at least once a year. The oil penetrates deep into the top to refresh the wood and strengthen it from within. Whenever you oil the board, you can also sand down any scratches or burns that might have appeared that cannot be otherwise removed (lighter scuffs can be removed with sandpaper).
Pricing depends on which type of wood you choose but generally wooden surfaces are an affordable investment. The biggest disadvantage of wood is that you cannot put hot pots and plates directly on top of it; you should always use coasters or trivets to avoid causing scratches, burn marks, or other types of damage. You should also make sure to wipe the surface clean regularly since wood can swell from too much moisture. Wooden countertops are ideal for those looking to create a classic, warm, and wonderfully cozy kitchen.
Terrazzo
Terrazzo is a mixture of stone pieces of varying sizes that have been bound with cement. The result is a durable material that is reminiscent of natural stone but with fewer limitations: it can be crafted in more sizes and virtually any color combination. By combining different types of stone (sometimes also utilizing glass and mirror-pieces) in various sizes, pigments, and materials, you can create all sorts of unique expressions. Terrazzo is also durable and easy to maintain.
Its biggest advantage is its robust and vibrant expression thanks to its wide variety of designs and its strong durability. Because it contains of natural stone, you would take care of it much the same way. Wipe the surface daily with a damp cloth using undyed soap as necessary. The price varies but it is usually a bit lower when compared to natural stone. Terrazzo is ideal for those who want to craft a personalized and creative expression in their kitchen.
Here we have also collected kitchen inspiration, kitchen furnishings, worktops, appliances, tips for kitchen renovation and guides on how to think when planning the kitchen.