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heat sources such as hobs and ovens
thanks to its heat resistant qualities. From
splashbacks to waterfall islands, there are
a lot of ways to be creative with natural
stone in the kitchen.
Streamline surfaces with glass
worktops. Glass has long been a favourite
with interior designers for the light touch
it brings to a scheme as well as its reflective
sheen that really helps boost light levels.
Glass for work surfaces is toughened to
increase durability, and it is heat, acid and
water resistant.
What is a Corian or solid surface
worktop? Made from a blend of acrylic
resins, minerals and colourings, solid
surfaces are warm to the touch with a
natural lustre. Available in a variety of
Natural stone in particular can change traditional and modern styles. Choose colours, they suit most schemes and can
in appearance depending on the lighting from a classic polished finish or honed be formed into any shape without the
and it is recommended to get a real matt for a more contemporary look. One need for ugly or unhygienic joints.
life impression of the stone to make a great thing about granite is that it is very Durable, heat resistant, hygienic
decision. low maintenance. and impervious to water, stainless steel
A traditional favourite for its natural Get the look with laminate worktops. is an alloy of iron. The addition of
warmth and the character that comes as Long considered the best budget option, chromium makes it resistant to rusting.
it ages, hardwood is preferred over ‘soft’ laminates are nonporous, offer easy Stainless steel is the restaurant and hotel
woods like pine for its strength. Popular maintenance and come in lots of design kitchen favourite and it works best in
choices of hardwood include oak, walnut and colour choices. contemporary schemes. Team it with
and iroko. Hardwood worktops suit all For antibacterial qualities consider other materials to soften the look.
kitchen styles. quartz. Quartz is perfect for kitchens Never underestimate the impact the
Go for durability with composite as its nonporous texture doesn’t allow worktop choice will have on the overall
worktops. Composite is very tough and bacteria to grow. It looks fantastic, is easy kitchen scheme. Along with the flooring,
more durable than many natural stones. to clean and comes in a range of beautiful it sits on a horizontal plane making it
As the colour runs right the way through colours. highly prominent. So it is important to
the material, any scratches can be sanded A natural stone worktop is one of the give it due consideration and not to view
out. most practical surface choices one can it as an afterthought. dw
Granite worktops are a luxury material make thanks to its high density and
that never falls out of fashion and suits nonporous surface. Best used around

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