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The heart of the modern Irish home is the kitchen. It always has been so from ancient times. Whether it is for cooking up the perfect feast, as in informal eating area or simply coffee together on a Sunday morning the kitchen sets the tone for the way you live.
No matter what style of kitchen you have designed for you, or indeed, you design yourself, the most striking feature will be the worktops. Whether it is granite, marble, wood or stone, the worktops - properly matched and complimentary to the rest of the kitchen’s features - will constitute the wow effect.
The natural beauty of a wood, stone, or marble polished countertop is what sets your kitchen apart and gives it a unique character. There are so many worktops available in a range of styles and colours and variants, that it can be difficult to decide what is best for your needs.
Below Kitchens Ireland has selected the most common surfaces provided by Irish kitchen manufacturers complete with advice as to their benefits and drawbacks. We hope the information may be of some help to guide you through the maze of choice out there
1. Granite Counters
Granite is the countertop material of choice when there are no other things to think about - like cost, for example. It defines elegance in a kitchen. As the use of granite becomes more widespread in Irish kitchens, the price comes down. The beauty of the stone contributes to the class of even the most modest kitchen, even when incorporated in only a small area of the room, with cheaper worktops providing the balance.
Benefits : Holds up to heat; comes in a range of beautiful colors; looks permanent and substantial; will last a lifetime; has a high value to home buyers.
Drawbacks : Very expensive but it's becoming more affordable as it becomes more widely used; requires considerable maintenance, including periodic sealing; absorbs stains; can crack if stressed; somewhat limited range of colors available.
2. Engineered Stone
Engineered stone is composed of 93% quartz particles. It is available in a larger range of colors than granite and has a nonporous surface that resists scratches. It is easy to maintain, without the annual sealing required by natural stone.
Benefits : Is resistant to stain and acid, and easy to look after.
Drawbacks : Expensive and can be difficult to source in Ireland.
3. Solid Surface
Because solid surface counters are just that, solid, any scratches can be sanded out. The worktops are custom-made to your specifications by companies in the UK and Europe.
Benefits : comes in a rainbow of colors and patterns; seamless; stain resistant.
Drawbacks: vulnerable to hot pans and stains; can be moderately expensive.
4. Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tile is durable and easy to clean. Added to that it not expensive and you have a good choice for worktops for the average home. Because it has installed a section at a time, it can be mixed and matched in different areas of the workspaces.
Benefits : takes hot pans; easy to clean; wide range of price, color, texture and design.
Drawback : counter surface is uneven; tiles can easily chip or crack; grout lines become stained; custom-designed tiles are very expensive.
5 . Marble
Because it is extremely expensive, marble is not often seen on the worktops of whole kitchens, although in Celtic Tiger Ireland there appears to be a great demand for it. It can be used it on an island or inset only and still give the desired effect. Marble requires constant maintenance, as it easily stains. Benefits : Is waterproof and heatproof; beautiful image. Drawbacks : Expensive; porous; stains easily unless professionally sealed; can scratch; may need resealing periodically.
6. Laminates
Laminate counters bear trademarks such as Formica, and Wilsonart. Made of plastic-coated synthetics with a smooth surface that is easy to clean, they are ideal in the starter home and then upgraded later.
Benefits : You can buy laminates in lots of colors; easy to maintain; durable; inexpensive.Drawbacks: Scratches and chips are almost impossible to repair; seams show; end seams and front edge choices can be pricey.
7. Wood or Butcher Block
Wood worktops offer a beautiful warm look and are available in a wide range of colors and finishes. Hardwoods such as maple and oak are common in Irish kitchens, particularly farmhouses.
Benefits :Easy to clean; smooth; can be sanded and resealed as needed.
Drawbacks: They can be damaged by water and stains over time. Scratches must be oiled, or sealed, according to manufacturer's instructions.
8. Stainless Steel Counters
For a really contemporary and cool look for your kitchen, stainless steel is a good choice. The tops are heat resistant and durable and they benefit from the fact that you can have a seamless countertop.
Benefits; They take hot pans; easy to clean.
Drawbacks; Expensive; noisy; may dent; fabrication is expensive.
ALTERNATIVES
There are a couple of other countertop types such as soapstone and stone that are making an appearance in the Irish kitchen market, but these tend to be very expensive and require a high degree of maintenance and care. Stick with the tried and trusted materials listed above and you will not go too far wrong.
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