Choices to make for kitchen worktops

There are several types of worktops available for different types of kitchens. However, each has its pros and cons, so make sure you know exactly what worktop fits your requirements and lifestyle before you make a purchase.
Ibrahim Mudde, a kitchen designer at Truelevel Construction Company, advises people to take their time when choosing a kitchen worktop for a home, as it can be an investment that can increase the value of a home in case you plan to sell it later.

Granite
Granite is a very popular choice for worktops. It looks cosy, stylish, luxurious and adds a classy feel to the kitchen. It is also durable and functional and has different shades and patterns to match your kitchen’s theme colours.
Whether your kitchen is modern or traditional, you will be able to find something in granite that looks both unique and appealing. Granite is heat resistant, durable and easy to clean. To maintain granite worktops, clean with warm water and detergent but avoid acidic cleaners.
Mudde says: “The disadvantage with granite worktops is they cannot be repaired if they get damaged, they are heavy and require full support from the cabinets after fitting. They absorb water and need to be sealed at least once in two years.”

Quartz
Quartz is an artificial but durable stone. It is scratch-proof and can easily withstand chipping, which makes it low-maintenance. They are strong and resilient.
According to John Mukiibi, a kitchen designer, with Dubai Wood Company, they are non-porous and do not require sealing, which makes them highly stain resistant.
They can be customised according to your preference since they are available in a wide range of colours and textures available.
The weakness with quartz worktops however, is that they cannot handle too much heat and are more expensive to install. They can be cleaned with soap and water.

Ceramic
Ceramic worktops are versatile, hygienic and easy to match to particular kitchen decor themes due to the variety of colours and textures available.
“These offer a beautiful, elegant and unique look, “says Mukiibi, adding: “They are cheaper than their counterparts in terms of installation and do not require a replacement for years. They are heat and moisture-resistant but have an uneven surface and are prone to scratches.”
Ceramics can crack if you drop something heavy on them and once cracked, the tile needs to be replaced.
Grout joints between the tiles can be difficult to maintain. You need to use a damp cloth and warm water for cleaning. Also, a mild acidic detergent can be used to clean where need be but avoid any detergent that contains bleach.

Stainless Steel
Stainless steel worktops are used by many restaurants because they are highly heat-resistant and durable, making them the ideal choice for kitchens with heavy cooking.
Stainless steel worktops contain high level of nickel and chromium, which gives them the heat and stain resistant quality. They are also easy to clean and maintain.

Mukiibi says: “They are non-porous which means they will not stain or harbour germs. They are resistant to heat and water, easy to install and custom-made to match the look of your kitchen.”
They are not scratch resistant and with time will accumulate many scratches giving it an ugly, old look. They make noise while you are working on them and without proper care, they may acquire dents.
Cleaning with a soft sponge and warm water to avoid scratches is recommendable. Once the surface is wiped clean, dry off with a microfibre cloth to keep any water spots from appearing.

Wooden worktops
A wooden worktop has the ability to transform your kitchen because they add natural beauty to the place. They are naturally resistant to germs and bacteria.
They are a cheap alternative but require regular maintenance to keep them in good condition. They therefore need to be oiled regularly to avoid permanent damage caused by water. They cannot withstand heat from hot pans and dishes.

“We usually recommend worktops with marble or granite boards because they are easy to clean, are more durable and give your kitchen an elegant and classic look, Mudde says, adding that: “There is also an option of wooden boards as worktops. They are usually cheaper than the later but they do not last long in places where there is a lot of water. The wood will become bulgy.”

The fitting
Hire a professional fitter to ensure the worktop is designed, cut and installed perfectly.
The cost of fixing worktops in the kitchen is charged depending on whether one wants to use the Medium Density Fiberboards (MDF) or natural wood. The MDF boards cost Shs1.4m per metre and the natural wood, which is usually Mahogany, Cyprus or Elgon tick goes for Shs1.1m which covers the top and bottom cabin as well as the worktop. The standard cabin worktop space must be two feet wide but the length depends on availble space.

The wall between the cabins must be tiled for elegance. Mudde recommends mosaic tiling for the space between the cabins. With synthetic worktops, you need to ensure you take care around the edges. Worktops that haven’t been designed properly can let in moisture leading to water damage.

[email protected]