28 March, 2024

Buying Kitchen Composite Worktops – 6 Things You Need To Know

Composite worktops are perfect choices for modern kitchens, as they not just add aesthetic value to any home but also offer you an affordable option to spruce up your home in style. 

Are you considering composite worktops to style up your home? Well, this countertop material is a great, affordable option for homeowners today.

However, you must know everything about composite before making a buying decision. 

What is Composite Worktop?

Composite kitchen worktops are made from more than just one material. These come in two categories: quartz-based composites (or engineered stone) that are man-made by combining natural quartz crystals with resins and solid surface composites that are made from polyester material or man-made acrylic. 

While both composites are intended to offer the same benefits, engineered stone is considered as more natural out of the two, as it contains natural quartz.

Therefore, most homeowners, architects and designers prefer this version. Nonetheless, the solid surface composites also offer the same advantages to kitchen worktops and interior.

No matter which type you consider for your home, you must be aware of the following things before making the purchase decision. 

  1. Composite worktops are durable and hardwearing: 

With the use of the latest technology, composite worktops today are made more durable and harder than natural stones. This even means that most of them are resistant to heat and scratches.

So, you can easily cut vegetables or place hot utensils on the surface directly. However, the durability of these worktops varies as per various work surfaces.

So, you have to ensure checking them thoroughly before making the purchase. Since composite worktops are strong and hardwearing, they even need minimal maintenance. 

Although it’s very difficult to damage composite countertops, it’s not easy to repair them if damaged. In case of damage, you need to replace the entire worktop and this means extra replacement cost. 

  1. Composite worktops are very consistent: 

Since composite surfaces are engineered, their colour and veining patterns can be controlled. This means there are no natural variations on their surfaces like natural stones.

These surfaces are often smooth and consistent, as they are thermoformed for minimising the appearance of visible joints.

  1. Composite worktop’s non-porous nature makes it anti-bacterial:

The surface of the composite worktop is non-porous. This means liquid spillage cannot seep into the surface to trap moisture, leading to bacterial growth.

So, these surfaces are very hygienic. Some composites are also incorporated with an extra anti-bacterial protection for your peace of mind.  

Being non-porous also means that these surfaces are stain-resistant, as spillage cannot seep into the surface.

So, there is no need to worry about the immediate cleaning of the surface if you spill any liquid on it. Even lemon and wine cannot stain its surface. 

  1. Composite worktops come in various styles and colours:

The manufacturers of composite material offer them in a wide range of colours, finishes and thicknesses. You can even select the desired profile edge to finish the desired look.

Besides, some composite manufacturers develop extra eco-friendly ranges using recycled materials, such as glass, mirrors and recycled materials, along with resin and stone, to form the appropriate work surface. 

Due to the type and amount of material used for making composite worktops, these are available in a wide range of styles and patterns too.

This means you can easily pick a composite worktop to match any interior design or theme.

Unlike natural stones, distinct colours and elements like mirrored chips or glass can be added to composite worktops to blend with any kitchen design.

Compared to composite, natural stones are restrictive to their colour choices and patterns and always suit only specific types of kitchen schemes. 

  1. Flexible and Easy to Maintain

Both solid surface and engineered composite worktops are quite adaptable and can be flexibly moulded to any curved sinks or edges to complement any design.

The flexible nature of composite enables it to easily fit around any lifestyle and effortlessly conceals any visible lines, enabling design continuity. 

Compared to natural stone, composite worktops are also a breeze to maintain. There is no need to reseal or polish their surface.

For cleaning, all you need is soapy water and a cloth to make the surfaces neat and tidy again. 

  1. Affordable Pricing

Composite worktops are priced less than natural stones and can also vary as per different materials or styles.

So, ensure you find a suitable kitchen worktop to match your home interior and fit within your budget. 

Once you have selected a specific type of composite worktop, you can even think about mixing it with some natural stones or wood to created unique contrast in a kitchen.

It can also be mix-matched to differentiate between various working areas in a room.

You can request your nearest store for sending you a composite worktop brochure for selection or visit the store for real-time sample testing. 

A mother and lover of all things practical. My blogs will help you learn about everything from creating a designer kitchen to making the most of a spare bedroom, choosing the best double glazing to the best indoor gardening tips.