Worktops
Whatever style of kitchen you chose, the right worktop will be the making of your kitchen! Heart of the Home offers friendly advice on the many different types of work surfaces to ensure you chose the right material for both your lifestyle and your budget. We have examples of Laminate, Granite, Quartz, Wood or Corion on show in our Kitchen Showroom in Leatherhead. We offer a supply only service or full installation either as part of a fill kitchen or just the work surfaces. So for a competetive quote please come and visit us.
For more information on the types of worktops we recommend please see the following information.
The main advantage of laminate worktops is that is extremely cost effective compared to its solid alternatives. That said modern technology is developed enough that many laminate work surfaces appear like wood, slate granite or quartz but at a fraction of the cost.
Laminate is waterproof and is extremely durable, although not quite as durable as its lookalike counterparts. The product is easy to keep clean and works well with most any household cleaner, and it can be fitted almost anywhere.
Natural wood has a one-of-a kind texture and appearance. A countertop of hardwood easily works in nearly every style of kitchen. Whether your home is a rustic farmhouse or an ultra modern apartment, hardwood can provide a kitchen worktop that is versatile yet beautiful. Wooden countertops offer reliability as well. If stains or scratches damage it, it can be easily repaired with sanding and oil.
For those going for a stronger work surface, granite is an excellent choice. It is beautiful and very long lasting because it is a completely solid stone countertop. Most granite countertop comes in a thickness of 30 mm, but it is available in a variety of sizes. Granite can be found in a number of finishes, such as glossy and matte, and most will stand up well to scratches and other wear.
Granite is generally found in natural colors. Shades range from light to dark, with darker being more constant in coloration. Typically a granite countertop is the heaviest of all work surfaces, and this can be a deterrent for some who live in an area that would make delivery and installation of such a workspace difficult.
Recommended Use: Granite works well in any portion of a kitchen, especially around the sink or oven. Additionally, a granite countertop makes an excellent work surface for an island or bar unit.
Recommended Look: Granite creates an air of luxury in any room. It works best in a home that has a contemporary look rather than a more traditional feel. Classically, granite is sold as a glossy product, but it can be purchased in a matte finish.
Caring for Granite: Granite is an extremely low maintenance product. A mild cleansing agent and a wet cloth will take care of most any mess.
Sealant: No sealant is required, but some individuals choose to place a stone sealant product over a granite counter top to help to block stains from things such as coffee and tea. This will need to be reapplied every six months.
Durability: Because granite is one of the most durable surfaces available, it will, in most cases, last for the life of the home. It handles wear very well, and it will not normally show any scratches. While it is a porous stone, it is fairly non-absorbent. If you are careful to clean up possible staining products quickly, you can almost always avoid damaging your countertop. Additionally, take care to use a rest for any hot pots or pans because they can cause damage if placed directly on the granite.
Flexibility of design: Granite is an extremely flexible product that can be cut to fit many different areas. It can fit into radius corners and to follow curved areas. However, it cannot be used for integrated sinks or covered upstands because it is completely made of stone.
What is quartz? Quartz countertops are created from a mixture of crushed stone, color pigments, and acrylic resin. Crushed mirror particles are sometimes also added to create a product that has a slight sparkle.
Why do people buy quartz? People often choose quartz because there is very little special care needed. It is extremely easy to care for quartz, and the non-porous material is durable and long-lasting. In most cases, it can resist heat, stains, and scratches. It is also reflective of light, which provides a lovely, shiny aesthetic appeal.
Why would people choose a different worktop? While quartz has great appeal, some individuals select other surfaces because quarts can be heavy and difficult to maneuver, much like granite. Colors are also not guaranteed because it is an all-natural stone product. Some people are picky when it comes to uniformity.
Recommended Use: Quartz countertops are perfect for use in kitchen that is a combination of functionality and stylishness. It works well in almost any part of the kitchen and is a long lasting choice for sink areas and for food prep.
Recommended Look: Quartz can be found to work with almost any color choices in a room. There are options available in glossy and matte finishes. Some can also be selected to include mirror particles that will reflect the light and enhance any room.
Caring for Quartz: Quartz requires little maintenance to maintain. Cleaning with a mild detergent and a soft, damp rag will work well.
Sealant: No sealant is required for quartz countertop.
Durability: Quartz will resist most any stains and scratches. While it is considered to be heat resistant up to a certain point, it is highly recommended that owners use some sort of pot holder or pan rest instead of placing hot dishes directly on the surface.
Flexibility of Design: Quartz will work in a variety of shapes. It even works well in corners and around curves. However, it is not recommended for integrated sinks or coved upstands because it cannot be molded as needed.
What is Corian? Corian is a worktop that is comprised of 70% crushed stone, colored pigments, and acrylic resin. Because it uses a greater amount of acrylic resin than granite or quartz, it has a warmer feel and can also be used to mold and form curved shapes that these harder stones cannot.
Why do people choose Corian? Corian is fantastic because stains and scratches can easily be repaired with just a little bit of sanding. Joints are virtually seamless, and the surface is extremely hygienic. Because of the ability to mold Corian, people are able to create a variety of designs, and most appreciate the fact that it is quite a bit lighter than stones such as granite and quartz.
Why would people choose a different worktop? Corian can be quite expensive. It is one of the high end worktop materials, and it is generally only installed by certified installers. At times, scratches must be removed with a particular supply kit.
Recommended Use: Corian works well for areas that are prone to water exposure. Because of the seamless joints, it works well, in kitchens and bathrooms.
Recommended Look: Corian is available in over 100 colours, so it works in almost any room. Colors range from pastels to bright hues, and pieces can even be individually colored to create contrasts, accents, and inlays.
Caring for Corian: Corian is easy to clean. A mild detergent and damp rag will handle most messes, and a mild abrasive can be used for tougher marks. Worktops usually come with a guide to care and maintenance.
Sealant: No sealant is required for Corian.
Durability: Corian is a fabulously durable product. It is non-porous and hygienic, thanks to the seamless joints. It is not recommended that any hot pants be placed directly on the surface. Instead, a pot holder should be used. Additionally, because of the solid color of Corian, it is easy to repair any scratches that may occur.
Flexibility of design: Corian can be molded into nearly any shape, and it works well for wrap-around or curved designs. There is no end to the possibilities of what can be created with Corian.