Compare and Decide: Which Type of Worktop Material is Best for Your Needs?

Choosing the best material for your worktop can be a daunting and challenging task. There are different kinds of materials, some engineered and some natural, and it can be difficult to know if you are choosing the right one.

What you can do, however, is canvas around, either online or by visiting a shop, to see what choices you have. When you find a material that you are interested in, do research on that particular material and note down what it is that makes the material special. Below are a few material comparisons that will also help you make your decision:

Acrylic worktops
One modern choice when it comes to worktop materials is acrylic. One characteristic of acrylic is that it can easily be moulded (or ‘thermoformed’) into various shapes, which allows you to choose from a wide variety of designs as well. Acrylic can also offer seamless joints, and it is also possible to refurbish acrylic if it ever becomes damaged so it need not be entirely replaced.

But, despite acrylic’s popularity, there are some drawbacks to this material. One of the main drawbacks is the fact that, if you buy a thin or low quality acrylic worktop, it can easily get cracked or delaminated. If you are thinking of acrylic as a material, it should be comprised of a thicker core and should come with a warranty from the manufacturer as well.

Quartz worktops
Another type of material that has earned rave reviews in recent years is quartz, which is also referred to as engineered stone. A quartz worktop is a combination of bits of quartz and resin pigments and binders, and is said to be quite durable.

Quartz also comes in different shades and patterns, so this makes it popular with many homeowners. If you prefer a quartz worktop, it may be a better idea to choose one that has been equipped with an anti-bacterial component so it is safer for use, particularly if you have small children. Quartz worktops are also distinguished by being non-porous, and, just like granite they have a nice shine and sheen. Quartz doesn’t require sealing, unlike other materials. When purchasing a quartz worktop, always ask for a warranty from the manufacturer, since there are some who don’t even offer a warranty until you ask for it.

Granite worktops
Granite can arguably be said to be the king of worktops, and rightly so. The greatest aspect about granite is that it is a stunningly appealing material with a classic sheen that is hard to match. Since it is a natural stone, it is also the preference of selective buyers. The surface of a granite worktop is amongst the toughest and hardest around, which contributes to its durability and long lifespan. Granite worktops also come in different shades and hues so they can easily be matched with any kitchen or bathroom theme. If you are thinking of having a granite worktop, one particular colour stands out: black. Black worktops are very popular today as they are not only less expensive than other colours, but are often more attractive as well.

But be aware: there are some unscrupulous suppliers who may give you substandard black granite where an oil or dye has been applied. It is important, therefore, to know what you are looking for. If an oil or dye has been applied to the black granite, it can give the effect of ‘fading’, and granite doesn’t fade. To learn if the granite worktop has been tampered with, you can place a few drops of lemon juice or acetone on a clean rag and dab it onto the granite’s surface. If there is any black stain or residue that comes off, the granite worktop has been doctored and dyed.

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