Worktops are one of the first things people notice when they walk into a kitchen. They’re also a sizeable investment piece that will last you for well over a decade. This can make picking the correct type of worktop feel like a lot of pressure, but with our help – and this guide – you can enjoy making your next big purchase.
There is no shortage of kitchen worktop materials to choose from, whatever your budget or style preferences. From warm timber that pairs well with traditional kitchens to strikingly polished quartz that makes a show-stopping centrepiece, there is something to suit every type of kitchen.
There is no shortage of kitchen worktop materials to choose from, whatever your budget or style preferences. From warm timber that pairs well with traditional kitchens to strikingly polished quartz that makes a show-stopping centrepiece, there is something to suit every type of kitchen.
The colour of your worktop should harmonise with your cabinet style and the overall colour scheme of your kitchen. A well-coordinated colour palette creates a cohesive and inviting atmosphere. Consider tying in your choice of worktop with your kitchen flooring to create a unified look that enhances the overall design.
Bright white worktops and other light colours are popular for their crisp, clean look and bright feel. Lighter shades add the perception of space, making compact kitchens feel larger and dark spaces feel airy. They’re also easier to match up, along with other neutral colours, like grey, beige, cream, and taupe.
Dark colours, such as blacks, navy blues, and rich browns, can add a dramatic feel to your kitchen and create a stunning focal point. The addition of a dark worktop gives a sense of luxury and opulence, while practically it can make the kitchen space feel warm, cosy and inviting.
Off-the-shelf worktops are typically sold in standard lengths, while bespoke worktops are custom-cut to fit your space exactly. The typical standard worktop length is 2.4 meters or 3 meters, depending on the supplier.
The standard kitchen worktop depth is around 600mm. This should include a slight overhang at the front to allow drips and spills to run off the surface without hitting the cabinets and preventing water damage.
Our kitchen worktop dimensions vary depending on the material and brand. For exact sizes, check the product listing on our website or contact your dedicated kitchen designer via the My Project area of the website.
Our average kitchen worktop dimensions:
It’s also useful to know that some suppliers sell worktops by the square meter. This is often used for bespoke worktops. Our custom-cut worktops include granite, Corian, Silestone and Dekton.
Thirty to forty millimetres is the standard kitchen worktop thickness. Most laminates, quartz and some solid worktops are 30mm thick, while premium materials such as solid wood or stone are often thicker than this.
However, there is a growing trend for ultra-slim worktops that are just 20mm thick (that’s less than one inch). This thinner option has a sleek appearance that complements modern kitchen design, but it’s only available in some worktop materials, including compact laminate and some stone.
In addition to the thickness of your worktop, consider its edge profile, as this small detail can significantly impact your overall aesthetic. There are several options to choose from, but the most common are bull nose, square edge, and eased edge.
The bull nose edge is a fully rounded profile that pairs well with traditional kitchen designs and is often used in classic country-style kitchens. In contrast, the square edge and eased edge (a slightly softened version) have a more modern appearance that complements contemporary kitchens.
To measure your worktops accurately, you’ll need a pencil, notepad and tape measure. Start by measuring the length of each section where the worktop will be installed (e.g. along the walls, around corners). Note any areas where the worktop will have to be cut, such as around the sink and the hob.
Next, measure the depth of your worktop. The standard worktop depth is 600mm (approx. 24 inches), but you may need more depending on the type of worktop and size of overhang you want.
If buying by the square meter, multiply the length by the depth to get the total area for each section. For example, if you have a section that is 2.4 meters long and 0.6 meters deep, the area would be:
2.4 metres x 0.6 metres = 1.44㎡
If you’re working with multiple sections, consider how they will join and whether you need additional lengths for that.
Once you have the measurements, consult with your supplier. If you’re buying a custom-fit worktop, the manufacturer will need to measure the space again to guarantee an accurate fit. Although your supplier will re-measure, having your own measurements upfront will help them provide a rough cost.
