How to buy kitchen worktops

When it comes to designing your kitchen, choosing a worktop is one of the most important decisions you'll make. Not only does it have to look good, it has to endure heavy use. So before you buy, consider whether you'd be prepared to put in some effort to maintain its look, or would rather have something more durable. Then think about aesthetics.

'Your choice largely depends on the style of your kitchen,' says Lizzie Beesley, conceptual designer at Second Nature Kitchens. 'If you want to create impact with your units, you may want a toned-down work surface, but if you have neutral doors, the worktop material can make a real statement.'

Work surfaces such as stone and stainless steel need to be templated by the manufacturer to fit your kitchen exactly, with cut-outs for the sink and hob, and this will affect your budget.

But it may well be worth it. 'The right choice is a good investment and can turn a modest kitchen into something special,' says Annette White of Chiltern Marble. So which surface is right for you? Read on to find out.

KITCHEN WORKTOP TRENDS
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LAMINATE WORKTOPS
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WOODEN WORKTOPS
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STONE WORKTOPS
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ENGINEERED STONE WORKTOPS
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COMPOSITE WORKTOPS
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STAINLESS STEEL WORKTOPS
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GLASS WORKTOPS
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CONCRETE WORKTOPS
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