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.
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.
In most cases, a qualified joiner or kitchen fitter can fit your worktops for you. They have the skills and tools necessary to handle standard materials like laminate, timber, and some types of stone.
Some products, particularly those that are more complex or require specific techniques for installation (such as quartz, granite, or Dekton), may require a specialist. This is due to the weight of the materials, the need for precise cutting, as well as ensuring proper sealing and finishing.
It’s common for homeowners to consider fitting their own worktops, which can save money but requires careful planning. If you’re considering fitting your own worktops, think carefully about how you’ll join different sections.
Creating seamless joints requires specialised tools and years of experience to ensure a professional finish. This is particularly true for materials like quartz or granite, which are not only heavy but also require precise cuts and proper adhesives.
Kitchen worktops are relatively low-maintenance compared to many other household items, often only requiring regular cleaning to maintain their pristine appearance.
Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners. Instead, opt for warm water and a microfibre cloth. Microfibre clothes are gentler and help to trap dirt and bacteria without scratching the surface.
Some types of worktops also require occasional maintenance. Knowing this upfront might influence which worktop you choose, but help is not far away. We’ve put together this quick guide to worktop maintenance so you can make an informed choice.
|
Worktop material |
What’s required |
|
Laminate |
A wipe down with a cloth is all that’s required to maintain a laminate worktop. To avoid damage, ensure work surfaces remain dry and always use trivets when setting down hot cookware. |
|
Timber |
Clean with a soft cloth and warm water, and avoid placing hot pans directly on the surface without a trivet. To prevent discolouration, timber worktops require oiling twice a year. |
|
Acrylic (Corian) |
Corian worktops should be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a cloth. Use trivets to avoid burning the surface of your worktop. |
|
Quartz (Silestone) |
Its anti-porous, antibacterial surface makes caring for quartz easy. Simply wash with a soft cloth soaked in soapy water – no harsh chemicals required. |
|
Ceramic |
Ceramic worktops can be prone to scratching if they’re not looked after properly. Avoid acidic cleaners or detergents containing bleach and opt for a microfibre cloth with water instead. |
|
Granite |
Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners. Instead, opt for a soft cloth and a gentle pH-balanced solution or a special granite spray. Granite worktops typically require resealing every two years to maintain their resistance to stains and moisture. |
To complete your worktop, there are some finishing touches you’ll need:
To complete your worktop, there are some finishing touches you’ll need:
Buying your worktops from Magnet is straightforward. Your dedicated kitchen designer will guide you through the process step-by-step, starting with a home measure and ending with your dream kitchen brought to life.
Your new worktops are just one of the many things we’ll help you choose as we go through the buying process. From materials to colour options and edge profiles, our experienced team has all the information you need about worktops to make your decision. We’ll even help install your new kitchen for you.
Have we missed something crucial on kitchen worktops? You might find the answer here in our worktop FAQs. If you can’t find what you need, we’re happy to answer all your questions over the phone or in person.
Kitchen worktops are made from a wide selection of materials, each offering unique benefits. Laminate is a budget-friendly option made from composite wood board (often particleboard or MDF) that is covered with a plastic laminate layer, providing a durable and easy-to-clean surface.
You can also choose from solid engineered wood or natural stone options such as granite, marble, or porcelain, which add elegance and durability to your kitchen.
Man-made worktop materials include quartz and Corian. Quartz is composed of crushed natural crystals mixed with resins and pigments, while Corian is made of acrylic (polymer) and natural minerals. Both are formed under intense pressure to create a strong, compact worktop that is resistant to stains and scratches.
The standard height for a kitchen worktop is typically 900mm. This height is comfortable for most people and is ideal for common kitchen tasks, such as food preparation.
The height of your worktop can be adjusted to accommodate different needs. If you use a wheelchair, rise and fall worktops allow you to raise and lower the height of your worktop so you can get close to your work area.
Laminate worktops are resistant to lower temperatures, but they are not heat-proof. Direct contact with hot cookware can cause warping, bubbling, or discolouration. To avoid causing damage to your laminate worktop, you should use a trivet or pot stand for your hot pans and oven trays.
Some of the most durable kitchen worktops include those that can withstand high heat and resist scratches and stains. Quartz, Corian, Dekton, and granite are all highly durable and can withstand heavy use. These types of worktops are some of the most durable, making them ideal for homes where cooking comes high on the agenda and the kitchen is the hub of the house.
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