Whatever your budget, there are colours and designs galore – so where to start? We have literally hundreds across our featured showroom ranges for you to check out – either installed on display kitchens or on sample boards.
This is one aspect of kitchen planning we know takes time, and we’re here to help you navigate prices, looks and performance. It’s one of the first features anyone will notice about your new kitchen, especially if you’re opting for an open plan layout or multi-use kitchen island.
Going for the best your budget allows will pay off. Once you’ve cleared the clutter, finished baking, crafting or working, we know you’ll want something that looks fabulous.
Your Worktop FAQs
How do worktop materials vary in price? Your most cost-effective options are laminates. Solid wood tends to be more expensive with quartz, solid composites or natural granite at the higher end of the price range. Costs depend very much on design and installation which is why getting comparative quotes from a specialist is always helpful before making your decision.
How does my chosen layout affect the cost of the worktop? Lots of corners with joins are always more expensive than straight runs. Large kitchen island counters need bespoke formatting. Our software can demonstrate how to minimise worktop costs for your design.
What are the typical delivery times? Although we have samples in all our showrooms, we don’t keep a stock of worktops. Laminate worktops usually arrive within a week, other materials take a little longer to come from suppliers.
Do you fit worktops? We don’t offer a fitting surface, but if you order a quartz or granite worktop from us, expert specialist fitting by the suppliers is included in the price quoted to you.
Do you supply accessories? Yes – from pop up power points to bolts, laminate edging and colour matched joining compound, we’ll supply everything your kitchen fitters need.
What type of Worktop should I go for?
Solid Wood Worktops
Warm, natural, characterful
Laminate Worktops
Hard wearing with huge range of options
Quartz Worktops
Tough, lux and large
Solid Surface Worktops
Seamless, versatile and stylish
Laminate worktops
Hard wearing laminate worktops come with antibacterial protection as standard. There’s a massive range of realistic wood, stone texture and abstract designs all available with matching splashbacks and upstands.
High Pressure Laminates (HPLs) come with a unique seal designed to ensure protection against moisture and steam. You’ll find a choice of square or curved edges, two different lengths and super-thin options to reflect the latest trends in interior design.
HPLs can deliver granite or marble looks at a fraction of the price – our suppliers Duropal, Omega and Axiom all produce a wide range of stunning worktops with matching breakfast bars, upstands and splashbacks – you’ll be spoilt for choice!
Pros: more cost effective, readily available, low maintenance
Cons: not suitable for hot pans or for cutting on, come in set sizes, gloss options will potentially show scratches
Solid wood worktops
Solid wooden worktops deliver natural warmth and character. Made from sustainable hardwoods like oak, walnut and iroko, they suit all kitchen styles from contemporary kitchens to classic painted Shaker kitchens.
There are lots of size options with our supplier Tuscan – five different thicknesses, lengths up to 4000mm and three widths. And their prefinished wood worktops means no varnishing.
Pros: beautiful looks, natural sustainable product, lots of size options
Cons: maintenance, not suitable for food preparation, avoid direct hot pans
Quartz worktops
Quartz or composite stone worktops are immensely tough and increasingly popular as a choice for new kitchens. Their surfaces mimic elegant marbles, colourful terrazzo and natural stones of all colours and depths.
You’ll have the option to have an integrated sink in the same finish for a seamless look. Durable and non-porous, quartz work surfaces by suppliers Dekton and Silestone have a confident 25 year warranty.
Pros: large formats minimise joints, possible to have countertops, fronts, wall cladding or floors all in same material, high resistance to stains and knocks
Cons: cost, requires specialist installation
Solid surface acrylic worktops
Solid surface worktops are a blend of acrylic resins, minerals and colourings. Matte, satin or gloss, they come in an amazing range of colours. Expect clever moulded designs that allow for seamless curves and wrap-arounds. Solid surface worktops can be channelled and fitted with LEDs and wifi charging points – smart design for beautiful kitchens.
An upstand is an extension of the worktop, made of the same material and run the length of the work surface. Usually 60m to 120mm in height, and available in different thicknesses, an upstand is bonded to the wall. Perfect for covering gaps between a worktop and an uneven wall, we recommend upstands for a clean, uniform finish.
Splashbacks are taller sections, providing an easily cleaned wall surface for kitchens. Traditionally this is where kitchen tiles are used. Areas behind sinks and hobs need suitable moisture and heat-resistant splashbacks and your kitchen specialist will advise here.
Extras to consider
Bespoke drainage grooves
Cut to your specification, a worktop sink surround with channelled drainage is sleek and practical
Pop-up power sockets
Pop up when needed and then pack away, leaving your beautiful worktop clear of clutter when guests arrive
Cantilever breakfast bars
Extend a kitchen island with a contrasting countertop section for informal, easy dining
Waterfall edges on countertops
A waterfall edge will make your beautiful worktop flow seamlessly across and around a feature island
Worktop inspiration gallery
Rotpunkt’s innovative worktop finishes
Black and white contrasts
Gold marbled worktop with gold tap
Wood and marble combo
Straight worktop runs are cost-effective
Dropped Waterfall Worktop
Curved worktop and kitchen cabinets
Worktop and fronts all quartz
classic shaker solid wood worktop
Worktop with integrated sink draining
Worktop with pop up and distressed finish
white worktop with contrast tiling
waterfall quartz worktop for kitchen island
Concrete effect worktop
large format counter top for peninsula island
Slate look solid surface worktop with natural wood breakfast bar
Island worktop and matching dining table
“We had lots of ideas and examples to look at. The design team were amazing and worked closely with us to find our perfect design. “
– Stephanie Wilcox
worktop finishes
We’re not talking colour or pattern here, but the actual texture or appearance of the worktop. From high polish and gloss, to satin or matte, worktops come in a variety of finishes.
Some, like wood and solid surface worktops, are warm to the touch; others like granite are cool with a glass-like appearance. Surfaces can be stippled, brushed and honed to create stone-like surface textures that are still wipe-clean and practical.
Sustainably sourced worktops
While natural stone might seem a naturally sustainable option, quarrying and transportation need to be factored into any choice. It’s good to know that many composite worktops are made from recycled materials. Our solid wood worktops are from renewable certified FSC sources. Your kitchen planner will be able to help you compare the pros and cons of each option.
Get in touch for our professional kitchen design service – your free personalised design selected from a range of quality kitchens, with finishes and accessories to suit your style.
