Get the right countertop for a kitchen island and you’ll complete your kitchen’s overall look and feel to perfection. Before anything else, you’ll need to decide how you’ll be using your kitchen island worktop, whether that’s as an additional food prep surface or whether you’re considering incorporating a stove and basin.
After all, a kitchen island is a central, focal point and the main attraction of this room. As well as being super-practical, it needs to look the part. Not only is it the first thing someone sees when they walk in, but it also has to be robust enough to withstand the daily wear and tear of family life.
Don’t make your kitchen island worktop an afterthought. Here are some tips on getting the material choice spot-on:
Quality quartz for low maintenance and a natural appearance
Quartz, an engineered stone, offers the benefits of being hardwearing yet practical. It’s highly resistant to scratches, stains and cracking or extreme temperatures. And it allows you to create a natural look with natural stone affordably. Choose from veined, speckled and marbled patterns for a more natural look.
Knock on wood or go for stainless steel
Wood is hygienic, warm and durable – and it looks especially good with Shaker-style kitchen units or in lighter shades such as pale blue, green and grey. But bear in mind that wood does need pretty regular maintenance.
Meanwhile, stainless steel shrugs off staining, heat and scratches.
Great granite
Granite is another way to create an impressive visual statement. Hardwearing and offering a stunning look, it’s naturally sourced from stone quarries. It can come in honed or leather-effect finishes.
Mighty marble
The popularity of this stone has taken off in recent years, thanks to its unrivalled style and elegance. It’s not the cheapest option, but generally more than worth the investment. You’ll need a good quality sealant, plus maintenance may be a little more involved than with some of the other choices.
Versatile ceramic
A ceramic surface is hard to stain or scratch, and is typically low-maintenance. So it’s ideal for the kitchen, and you’ll find it in natural, textured or polished finishes, as well as in a rainbow of colours.
In general terms, don’t be afraid to go for darker colours. You may also want to choose a material you can replicate elsewhere, for example in furniture or small accessories.
And, as a final consideration, you could consider combining materials, such as quartz and granite with timber, for the perfect balance of function and appearance.
If you go for a natural stone option, we at Royal Stone Care can help. We offer everything from quartz repair in London to grainte cleaning and marble chip repair. And you’ll find our service professional, high quality and reliable. Talk to us today.
