When designing a luxury kitchen, the worktop plays a huge role in setting the overall look and feel and the practical performance of the space. In this guide, we take a closer look at the unique features of each worktop material with a break down of the key pros and cons to help you make the right choice for your kitchen.
Engineered stone – Quartz
Pros:
A favourite at Monkeywood because It combines elegance, durability and ease of care. Available in a huge variety of colours, finishes and patterns, from pure whites to marble like veining to bold designer tones. It’s engineered for strength and is highly resistant to scratches, chips and staining from wine, oils and everyday spills making it ideal for busy kitchens. Quartz is easy to clean, doesn’t require sealing and maintains its polished look with minimal upkeep.
Cons:
Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause fading or discolouration, making it less suitable for outdoor kitchens. Although quartz is far less vulnerable to staining than natural stones, it’s still best to wipe spills quickly to keep the surface looking pristine.
Natural stone – Marble, Granite & Quartzite
Marble
Pros:
Each slab is different, with natural veining and colour variations that creates a one-of-a-kind surface. Its refined, sophisticated appearance instantly elevates the look of a kitchen, making it a centrepiece of luxury kitchen design. It is a popular choice for statement islands, and its cool surface is loved by bakers for pastry and dough preparation.
Cons:
Marble is softer than granite or quartz, so it can scratch more easily, especially if you cut directly on to it. And even when it has been sealed, it is still prone to etching, so acidic foods like (lemon juice, vinegar and tomatoes) can leave dull marks by reacting with the stone’s surface. And staining is still possible if liquids like wine, coffee or oils aren’t wiped up quickly. Over time heavy use can lead to wear and tear, chipping and dull surfaces. Premium marble can be expensive to buy and to install.
Granite
Pros:
A classic choice for luxury kitchen worktops, each slab is unique with distinctive grains, colours and patterns adding character to your space and nobody else’s kitchen worktop will be quite like yours. It is extremely hard wearing, resistant to scratches, stains and heat, perfect for everyday cooking demands. Its beauty and resilience make granite a long-term investment, enhancing both the style and resale value of a home.
Cons:
Granite is naturally porous and can stain if not properly sealed and maintained and if it chips or cracks, repairs can be difficult and sometimes noticeable. Granite is a very heavy material, which may require reinforced cabinets, and it has a cold, hard surface which is great for baking but not ideal if you prefer a warmer and softer kitchen feel.
Quartzite
Pros:
This is a natural stone often mistaken for marble but harder and more durable. It has a striking natural appearance with unique patterns, subtle veining and a variety of shades. It will require sealing but is generally easy to clean and maintain, preserving its elegance over time.
Cons:
Though durable, it’s not completely scratch proof and edges can chip or scratch if struck and like other natural stones, quartzite is porous and requires sealing to minimise the risk of stains and etching. Although it has a stunning appearance, colours can be limited and mainly come in whites, greys and subtle veining.
Sintered Stone – Dekton, Neolith, Lapitec
Pros:
Available in a wide range of colours, striking designs and finishes like matte, polished or textured surfaces. It is ultra-resistant to heat, stains, scratches and UV light, great for both indoor and outdoor luxury kitchens. It is low maintenance, easy to clean and doesn’t require sealing.
Cons:
While very hard, the edges can be brittle and may chip if struck by something heavy and can be very difficult to repair. The patterning is not full thickness, so any edges, including cut outs, routering and so on will be plain in comparison to the surface. The material also has a cold, hard feel and is not as warm to the touch like wood.
Porcelain
Pros:
It is highly resistant to scratches, stains and heat. It can withstand the demands of a busy kitchen without compromising on style. It is easy to clean and never needs sealing and retains its finish with minimal care. It is UV resistant and won’t fade in sunlight, making it suitable for bright indoor or outdoor kitchens. The slabs are slim and lightweight, unlike traditional stone and can be made thinner (as little as12mm) while still maintaining strength, ideal for modern, minimalist designs, perfect for waterfall islands and splash backs.
Cons:
The surface is very hard but can chip, especially around the edges and corners and the cracks and chips can be difficult to repair. While the pattern is only on the surface of the porcelain, the edges can show a solid colour. To hide this, you’d need to build up the edge with extra material which can then add to the cost.
Terrazzo
Pros:
This has become a trendier option with its bold, artistic designs and colours, you can choose neutral tones to vibrant specks. It is easy to clean and retains its polished appearance with minimal care. Made from recycled marble, granite, quartz and glass, Terrazzo offers an eco-friendly choice for homeowners aiming for a more sustainable kitchen.
Cons:
Terrazzo can stain if spills aren’t cleaned up quickly, especially from acidic or strongly coloured liquids and regular sealing is required to protect against moisture and bacteria. Scratching can be a problem if abrasive cleaners or sharp objects are used, the surface is cold and hard and not as warm as wood.
Wooden butchers block
Pros:
Adds natural warmth, beauty and functionality, it can compliment both modern and traditional designs, adding character and a lived in look to the kitchen. Crafted from premium hardwoods such as walnut, oak, maple, iroko and teak, these worktops can be sanded back or refinished with ease, giving them a fresh lease of life with regular care. Over time, the wood develops a rich patina adding individuality that no engineered surface can truly match. Strong and resilient, a well maintained butchers block not only stands up to the demands of daily cooking but can last for decades.
Cons:
Can be high maintenance, it will need regular oiling or sealing to prevent drying, cracking and warping and is prone to scratches and dents from knife marks, chopping and heavy cookware which can leave permanent marks. Staining can be a problem from liquids like wine, coffee and oil if not properly sealed and thorough cleaning is essential as raw meat and other foods can encourage bacterial growth. High quality hardwood can also be pricey both to purchase and maintain.
Monkeywood’s Worktop Favourites:
At Monkeywood, our go to worktop materials are Quartz, Dekton and Granite, these materials reflect what we value most in kitchen design: craftsmanship, quality and a balance of beauty with functionality.
We are proud to partner with ‘The Granite House’ who supply us with an exceptional range of premium stone worktops. Their expertise and high standards ensure our kitchens are finished with surfaces that are durable as well as stunning.