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What’s the best material for a kitchen countertop?

Best-material-for-a-kitchen-countertop

Diespeker offers these options for countertops:

  • Marble
  • Granite
  • Resin Terrazzo
  • Cement Terrazzo
  • Conglomerate

Diespeker has been in the business of making beautiful kitchen countertops for many years. Every surface has pros and cons which you need to be aware of before making a decision. It’s important to remember that nothing is indestructible and that countertops need to be cared for. If you do this, they can often last for decades.

Marble and granite

Marble and granite worktops offer the beauty of natural stone. Each slab has individual characteristics, veining and colours. As a luxury material, these surfaces have a timeless look suitable for traditional and contemporary kitchens. The finish can be polished or matt.

Marble and granite are both hard, durable materials which are resistant to heat, water and scratches. They are also porous materials and as with most surfaces, wine and citric acid spills must be cleaned immediately to avoid damage.

The surface is sealed prior to use and should be resealed in another 10 years after installation. Maintenance is straightforward, using a neutral cleaner and a kitchen cloth.

Marble and granite are heavy materials which may need to be taken into consideration for installation requirements. Using our in-house machinery, the countertops are cut into any required shape and size, and cut outs and features added.

Marble: Price from £700 (White Carrara)

Granite: Price from £800 (Zimbabwe Black)

Resin Terrazzo

Resin terrazzo is our preferred option for terrazzo countertops as it is more stain resistant than cement. While it doesn’t have quite the same aesthetic qualities it brings out the colours more vibrantly.

Resin terrazzo is made using marble chippings, other aggregate and pigments bound in resin, or epoxy. It’s available as ready-formed, standard slabs ready to cut to size. We also offer a bespoke, made to order option where we create samples to client specification. Bespoke countertops are made in our factory where we can create seamless surfaces, curved countertops and special features.

One major benefit of resin terrazzo is that it is less susceptible to cracks, giving it greater longevity.

Again, although it is sealed after installation, it is important to be careful with spillages. Clean any spills up immediately. General cleaning is with a soft cloth and neutral detergent.

 

Standard: Price from £900

Bespoke: Price from £1200

Cement Terrazzo

Cement terrazzo undoubtedly has a different aesthetic to resin. As the traditional way of making terrazzo, there is a visual ambiance with cement terrazzo that is quite unique – what we might call a ‘classic’ look.

Just like resin we stock standard cement terrazzo slabs and can make bespoke countertops in the factory, introducing shape, curves and features. Like marble, it is a heavy material so this must be factored into installation requirements.

There are potential pitfalls, including pinholes which can be remedied. A surface is less likely to be as perfect as others, although this can be seen as the character of traditional cement terrazzo.

Cement terrazzo is porous so must be sealed carefully. However, even with sealing it is important to be careful about spillages, particularly acidic liquids. It can also be prone to scratching and minor damage. Cement may be a better option for lighter use kitchens.

Although it may be less tough than other options, if looked after properly, a cement terrazzo countertop will last a lifetime.

Standard: Price from £800

Bespoke: Price from £1200

Quartz/Engineered Stone

This option for worktops is ideal for heavy duty kitchens. It’s a man-made conglomerate of quartz crystals and resin, pressed, heated and coloured to resemble a natural stone.

Quartz is much stronger than most other surfaces, It is non-porous, hardwearing and virtually maintenance-free, a much stronger stone than granite or marble.

Flecked designs are created when the aggregate is coarsely ground and when it is finely ground the surface has a more even appearance. Although limited in pattern design, the resin binding can be dyed, so there’s a wide range of colours available.

It’s another durable material which is resistant to scratches, but care must be taken with hot objects like pans, and it can stain so again, be careful.

It’s a maintenance-free surface, which won’t require resealing. With general care it is unlikely to suffer damage.

Quartz: Price from £900

Conglomerate

If you are looking for the most practical countertop surface then possibly conglomerate is the material for you. It is the most durable, stain resistant, hardwearing surface option.  Conglomerate is an engineered stone which is made up of marble chips bonded together with resin and pigments.

While conglomerate lacks the depth of visual appeal of other options it is a really practical choice if you don’t want the vagaries of terrazzo or the cost of marble.

Our range includes a number of designs that are terrazzo lookalikes. Although they don’t have the aesthetic quality of real terrazzo, they also don’t have the downsides. For some people they offer the best of both worlds.

Conglomerate: Price from £900

Please note:

These prices are for supply, temp and install to a London address. These are based on an average kitchen (around 3sqm of material).

These prices are indicative and should only be used as guidelines. For example, variable items such as bespoke terrazzo are priced here for a very minimal and simple design etc. For more detailed prices and quotes, contact our sales team.

For expert advice 

This is a basic guide and our experts will be happy to discuss your exact requirements to help you choose the countertop that is right for you.

Whether your aim is aesthetic, durability, uniqueness or practicality, we will help you find your perfect kitchen countertop.

For a full consultation speak to our sales team or book an appointment to visit our premises

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