A GUIDE TO
WORKTOPS
WHAT TO CONSIDER
A worktop is the workhorse in your kitchen, so choosing the right one is really important. Our worktops are available in a wide range of finishes and thicknesses. Each surface has unique properties, with differing levels of water, wear and heat-resistance. They all come with a guarantee, which varies depending on type.
Specialist worktops need to be templated, so can only be measured for their fitting once your kitchen units are in place. Non-specialist ones can be measured in advance, so tend to be the quicker and cheaper options. See our table below for more information about the different types.
WORKTOP FEATURES AND BENEFITS
| Characteristics | Resistance | Maintenance |
Warranty |
Notes | |
| Ceramica |
A thin, smooth surface formed by compacting materials baked at extremely high temperatures. The way the pattern is produced means it's consistent on each slab. Available in 6 colours. |
Highly durable, but we advise using trivets for hot dishes. |
Non-porous material so no sealing or waxing required. Easy to clean with no specialist equipment required. | 15 years |
Templating needed. Lengths up to 3.1m and widths up to 1.55m subject to suitability. Upstands, splashbacks and downturns available. |
| Corian |
A subtle blend of natural minerals and clear acrylic, Corian can be moulded and bent to give a seamless finish. Available in over 40 colours. |
Highly durable, but we advise using trivets for hot dishes. |
Use a soft damp cloth in a circular motion to clean. Mop up any surface water. Scratches can be removed using light abrasion. |
10 years |
Templating needed. Jointed and polished on site |
| Glass | 40 colours available as clear or frosted options, also 9 metallic, 3 mirror and 3 textured splashback options. We use low iron, Opticlear glass for clear, vibrant colour. |
Highly durable, but we advise using trivets for hot dishes. |
Non-porous, so no sealing or waxing required. Easy to keep clean, no specialist materials required. Scratches can be polished out. |
10 years |
Templating needed. Lengths up to 3.2m available without joins. Available in 6mm thickness for splashback, 10 or 19mm for worktops |
| Granite | Natural granite available in 25 colours. Each work surface is unique with individual colours and markings. |
Hardwearing and highly durable, but we advise using trivets for hot dishes. |
Granite is naturally porous, but our worktops are sealed to give extra resistance to liquids. |
15 years |
Templating needed. Comes in 2.8m lengths, 30mm thickness with 20mm for upstands and cladding. |
| Laminate |
A durable, all-round and affordable worktop that's easy to clean. Available in a large range of colours and finishes. |
Hard wearing and resistant to scratching, impact, abrasion and sunlight. We advise using trivets for hot dishes. |
Use a soft damp cloth in a circular motion to clean. Mop up any surface water. . |
10 years |
Maximum length 4m, available in 3 different widths |
| Maia | A durable solid surface worktop, with seamless joins and a silky smooth finish. Designed to have the appearance of stone at an affordable price. Available in a wide range of colours. |
Highly durable, but we advise using trivets for hot dishes. |
Stain resistant to most household chemicals, alcohol and cosmetics. Use a soft damp cloth in a circular motion to clean. Mop up any surface water. Scratches can be polished out. |
15 years |
Maximum length 3m, longer runs achievable with seamless joints. Upstands and splashbacks available |
| Minerva | Easy to clean, pre-fabricated 25mm acrylic worktop with imperceptible joints. Available in a range of attractive neutral colours and finishes |
Highly durable, but we advise using trivets for hot dishes. Stain-resistant and inpenetrable to dust, dirt and bacteria. |
Stain resistant to most household chemicals, alcohol and cosmetics. Use a soft damp cloth in a circular motion to clean. |
15 years |
Maximum length 3m, longer runs achievable with seamless joints. Upstands and splashbacks available |
| Quartz |
Hardwearing and easy-maintenance quartz composite, available in 25 colours |
Highly resistant to chipping and scratching. We advise using trivets for hot dishes. |
Non-porous so does not require sealing or waxing.Use a soft damp cloth in a circular motion to clean. |
10 years |
Templating needed. Maximum length 3m, 20 or 30mm thicknesses available. |
| Solid Surface |
Smooth and seamless work surface with a consistent finish. Its non-absorbent properties make it hygienic and easy to maintain. Available in 6 colours. |
Highly durable, but we advise using trivets for hot dishes. . |
Non-porpous so no sealing or waxing is required.Use a soft damp cloth in a circular motion to clean. Mop up any surface water. Scratches can be polished out. |
10 years |
Templating needed. Maximum length 3m, longer runs achievable with seamless joints. |
| Wood | FSC-certified wooden worktops available in 5 species and 4 finishes. Each piece of wood can be traced to where it grew. Proven to be the most naturally hygienic surface for food preparation, and warm to the touch. |
Supplied with a natural penetrating oil finish to EN71 and FSA standards. Highly water and dirt- repellant surface. We advise using trivets for hot dishes |
Clean with Natural Soap spray on a daily basis and maintain monthly with Worktop Gel. Scratches can be sanded out if needed. |
5 years |
Available in 4 or 3.6m lengths with widths up to 1.5m for islands; 30/40/60mm thicknesses available |
| Characteristics | Heat resistance | Wear resistance | Templating required? | Warranty | |
| Laminate | A durable, all round and affordable worktop that's easy to clean. Available in a large range of attractive colours and finishes. |
Up to 180°C | Does not scratch easily | No | 10 years |
| Maia | A stylish and durable solid surface worktop, with seamless joins and a silky smooth finish. Designed to have the appearance of stone at an affordable price. Available in a wide range of colours. |
Up to 190°C | Highly durable. Scratches can be polished out | No | 10 years |
| Quartz | A hardwearing and easy maintenance quartz composite. Available in 23 colours |
We advise using trivets | Highly resistant to chipping and scratching | Yes | 5 years |
| Corian | A subtle blend of natural minerals and clear acrylic, Corian can be moulded and bent to give a seamless finish. Comes in over 40 colours. |
We advise using trivets | Highly durable. Scratches can be removed using light abrasion |
Yes | 10 years |
| Minerva | An easy to clean, pre-fabricated 25mm acrylic worktop with imperceptible joints. Available in a range of attractive neutral colours and finishes |
Up to 180°C | Highly durable. Stain-resistant and inpenetrable to dust, dirt and bacteria |
No | 10 years |
| Glass | Toughened glass available in a choice of 55 colours. | Up to 400°C | Highly durable. Scratches can be polished out | Yes | 10 years |
| Wood | FSC-certified wood, available in 7 hardwood species and 5 finishes. |
We advise using trivets | Supplied with an oiled finish to protect the surface | No | 5 years |
| Granite | Natural granite is available in a choice of 27 colours. Each work surface is unique with its own individual colours and markings |
Up to 200°C | Hardwearing durable surface | Yes | 15 years |
| Bamboo | Sustainably-sourced bamboo, available in 4 colours and 3 edge details |
Always use trivets | Supplied with an oiled finish to protect the surface | No | 5 years |
| Lapitec | Lapitec’s composition is 100% mineral and is similar to granite but with a tight, structure similar to porcelain |
Up to 250°C | Highly durable, resistant to UV light, acids, alkalis, abrasion, scratches and everyday wear and tear |
Yes | 10 years |
ORDERING YOUR WORKTOP
You can either buy your worktop as part of a fitted kitchen, or on its own – it’s a great way to refresh and update your kitchen.
Simply book an appointment to speak to one of our fitted kitchen Partners. They’ll offer help and guidance on the most suitable worktop* for your kitchen and lifestyle.
Once you’ve decided on a worktop type, colour and required dimensions, we'll provide an estimate. Upon receiving your order, we'll arrange to template and install your new worktop.
For more information see our Fitted Kitchens page.
*Please note for worktop-only orders, we're unable to offer an installation service for Maia, Minerva, Laminate and Wood worktops.