The best worktops for busy kitchens

When you’ve got a busy household, there’s no question that the kitchen is the most important room of the house.

It needs to be pretty robust and well designed to put up with the daily traffic of the family.

From homework and panicked pack lunches over midweek breakfasts to Sunday roast dinners with extended family, one area that needs to hold the fort is the kitchen worktop.

We all start with the best intentions for our shiny new kitchens. But, as the years roll by, we can be guilty of getting a little bit too comfortable when it comes to looking after them (especially when time is precious).

That’s why choosing the right worktop to keep up with your lifestyle and family is integral to creating a kitchen that will stay looking new for years to come.

Here are some things to consider…

Laminate worktops

The right worktop might come out on the top end of your budget, but honestly, if there’s an aspect of the kitchen you should be willing to invest in when you have a big family or love to entertain, it’s your worktop.

The last thing you want to do at your house party is follow everyone around with coasters and a cloth to ensure no long-lasting damages occur. And even more importantly, you don’t want to be replacing your work surface in three years because of the damage it’s incurred.

Wood and stone worktops

Natural wood or stone worktops look beautiful, but it’s essential to consider that they require some maintenance commitment. They’ll need sealing and treating, which still won’t make them durable enough to withstand scratching or staining.

Quartz, corian and composite worktops

Quartz or Corian worktops come at a price, but they pay dividends in the long term. And, they look beautiful! They’re a great option if you’re considering a lighter colour work surface; they’re super durable, so even curry or red wine stains aren’t going to discolour them.

Another plus for these artificial composite materials is that they’re non-porous and hardwearing, so not only will it take a lot to scratch them, they are also much more heat resistant, and you don’t need to be too careful with what you use to clean them.

Concrete and steel worktops

If you’re looking for something a little bit different but just as robust as the above, you could explore the option of a concrete or steel worktop. They bring a different texture and offer depth to a kitchen space, especially when used in conjunction with another work surface.

If you want to know more about what to consider when designing your new kitchen, why not download our 12 considerations brochure?