WHETHER YOU CHOOSE THE NATURAL BEAUTY OF STONE OR WOOD, CONTEMPORARY COMPOSITES OR ECO-FRIENDLY BAMBOO, THE WORKTOP PLAYS A BIG PART IN CREATING THE LOOK AND FEEL OF YOUR KITCHEN

SIZES AND STYLES

The standard depth is 600mm and thickness starts from 20mm. Standard height is 900mm but it’s possible to set sections at a lower height. Mixing up worktop materials helps to define zones.

MATERIALS

Wood Choose an oily hardwood to withstand spills and humidity, but ensure it comes from a sustainable source. Hardwoods also have natural antibacterial qualities that make them suitable as chopping surfaces. Try Bordercraft (01981 550 251; bordercraft.co.uk) or Woodentops (01392 421 1111; woodentops.co.uk)
Stone Marble, limestone and granite are popular choices. However, stone is vulnerable to damage and will be heavy, meaning units and floors may need reinforcing. Try Kirkstone (01539 433 296; kirkstone.com) or Limestone Gallery (020 7735 8555; limestonegallery.co.uk)

Stainless steel

The professional choice: tough and hygienic. Worktops can be made to order. However, the high shine will scratch and pick up finger marks. Try Cavendish Equipment (01992 767 105; cavendishequipment.co.uk)

Composite

Can be moulded to virtually any shape, making curvy worktops possible. Hygienic, and come in a huge array of colours and finishes. Try Orama (01773 520 560; orama.co.uk) or Schock (01772 332 710; schock.de)

Glass

Light-reflecting and often colourful, glass worktops can add a lift to any scheme. Made of safety WORKTOPS glass, a number of UK companies specialise in producing tough worktops that can be matched to any colour of kitchen. Try Decoglaze (020 8569 8585; decoglaze.co.uk) or Fusion (020 7738 5888; fusionglass.co.uk)

Laminate

An affordable option with easy installation, but laminate worktops are prone to scratching and they are not suitable for undermounted sinks. Try John Porter Worktops (0845 226 0057; worktops.uk.com)
Eco options A good alternative to wood for worktops is engineered bamboo, and it has great sustainable credentials. Try LBA direct (0845 644 5764; lbadirect.co.uk). Get a worktop made from 85 per cent recycled glass from: Eight Inch (01273 511 564; eightinch.co.uk).

Eight Inch

Resilica Worktops are the original recycled glass surface and winner of the International Environmental Awards.

“Every Resilica project is actually cast to the customers very own recipe which ensures a unique and tailor made worktop.”Gary Nicholson, Director

At £400 per linea meter this surface is a commitment but will not let you down. Not only will it hold to the everyday use of a busy kitchen, but you can rest in the knowledge that you have chosen to help the environment by using recycled glass.

www.eightinch.co.uk

MAK Distrubuters

MAK Distributers offer a comprehensive range of worktops which include, natural and caramel bamboos and African walnut. Native woods include oak, beech, walnut, maple, and wenge. MAK pride them selves in providing worktops from sustainable, natural materials. Wood also contains a natural anti bacterial quality, that has been known to kill off germs such as salmonella.

Competitive prices of £82 for a 3m solid Beech worktop in 40mm thick.

www.makdistributers.co.uk

Fired Earth

Stone worktops are a great option it you wish to use a natural material. They can be polished to provide hygienic and easy to clean surface and can lok stunning in both a country and urban kitchen.

This fired earth worktop is made from lavastone, quarried in the volcanic mountains near the town of Volvic. It is naturally very dense and stable, making an extremely durable surface. If imported stone is not for you, Fired Earth has a wide range of natural wood worktops sourced from PEFC accredited suppliers.

Worktops as part of a kitchen, price on order.

www.firedearth.co.uk

Glass eco

As seen on Grand Designs, these recycled glass worktops provide extra antibacterial protection. Antimicrobial agent SteriTouch is added to the glass mix and surface, protecting against EcColi, MRSA and listeria. It is promised the active ingredient will never wash or wear out.

Glass Eco have a wide range of style options to chose from, and are developing a range of molded sinks.

Price on order

www.glasseco.co.uk

Silestone

Metallic coloured worktops are made from 93% quarts and a mixture of resin mirror and glass. They contain a unique patented microban antibacterial protection and are highly scratch resistant.

£400 per square metre

www.silestone.com

Pragel Laminate Worktop from Ikea

This is a great budget option. Laminates are hardwearing and simple. The Pragel will suit many styles of kitchen and I moisture, heat and scratch resistant.

£16 for each 126 x 62cm section

www.ikea.com