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Selecting the right worktops is essential for creating a kitchen that not only looks great, but also suits your lifestyle.

Whatever style of kitchen you choose, your worksurfaces have a huge influence on the overall look and feel of your space, and they will instantly become the most-used element of your finished design. Your worksurfaces will need to thrive in your everyday kitchen life, providing the benefits you need to work effortlessly in the space, so it’s vital that you select the right material, finish and thickness for your design.

Your Second Nature Specialist is there to help you choose a worktop that not only complements your dream kitchen, but your lifestyle too. However, if you’re looking to explore the characteristics of different worksurface materials in the meantime, read on to discover what each of our materials could offer your kitchen design.

           

Quartz

Our bespoke quartz worktops are manmade from a mixture of colour pigments, resin and pure natural quartz, and they offer greater colour consistency than a variety of other worktop choices.

Quartz is a durable, stable material that’s resistant to chemicals, and its high stain and scratch resistance makes it a popular choice for those whose kitchens function as a hub for fast-paced family life. However, we would always recommend using chopping boards and trivets for hot pans as a precaution and to guarantee longevity of your worksurfaces.

           

Granite

Another popular choice due to strength and durability is Granite, a rock material cut from its natural state.

As it’s a natural stone, the surface pattern of each slab of granite is unique, so don’t be surprised if veining differs in samples that you see. It’s the perfect choice for those looking to create a truly original look.

This worktop is also a great choice for avid cooks, as the cold surface is perfect for pastry making, however, we recommend using chopping boards for food preparation and trivets for hot pans, as the natural beauty of the worksurface means it can be stained and scratched if not cared for.

           

Ultra Compact

Comprised of natural raw materials and built to last, ultra compact worksurfaces have an abundance of benefits, including the fact that they are nice to touch, and are resistant to all the daily grind that takes place in the kitchen.

One main positive of ultra compact materials is that they are 100% non-porous, meaning spilled liquids are easily cleared and won’t be absorbed.

The material is also stainproof; resulting in a worksurface that is hygienic, has a tolerance to high temperatures (although we would always recommend using pan stands, trivets and chopping boards to protect your worksurface) and is scratch proof. All in all, ultra compact worksurfaces should remain undamaged through normal everyday use, making it perfect for a family kitchen.

           

Solid Surface

Perfect for a continuous look, solid surface worktops are created from natural minerals, blended with polymer resins for durability and resilience in everyday kitchen use.

Due to their manufacturing methods, solid surface materials are flexible enough to create organic worktop shapes, allowing for integrated sink options as a seamless part of your worksurface design. Unified joints also mean that the surface prevents germs accumulating.

Like Ultra Compact materials, solid surface worktops are 100% non-porous and will not absorb and spills or splashes.

They are also available in a wide selection of colours and patterns, so you’re bound to find the right style to suit your personal style and tailored kitchen design.

           

Timber

Timber is a timeless worksurface material that never goes out of style and is perfect for bringing a warming element to any kitchen design.

Every timber surface is unique as no two pieces of wood share the same grain, meaning each worktop will have its own natural character; even more so with the multiple possibilities available for design and composition.

Timber is also an easy material to work with, so it can be templated, shaped and cut with ease, to suit your kitchen design perfectly.

Once sealed after installation, your timber surface will also be water resistant. However, we advise that timber worksurfaces should be re-oiled at regular intervals, depending on use, to maintain it's beauty, characteristics and water resistance.

If you’re ready to take the next step towards bringing your dream kitchen to life, find your closest independent Second Nature specialist today.