Work surfaces are a key element of any kitchen, forming the backdrop to your overall scheme. They should be viewed as an important decision rather than an afterthought. At Lowes there are a thousand kitchen surface ideas and with a Lowes Money Off Coupon from We Are Coupons the ideas cost less
Glass
A glass worktop will add a really striking touch to your kitchen. They are hygienic, compact and heat-resistant and come in a huge range of colours. They’re also easy to clean, so smears and fingerprints wipe away easily. Glass surfaces are incredibly versatile and can be cut to incorporate CNC cuts for sinks, taps and hobs as well as drainage grooves.
They can be etched for a more frosted look or to highlight artistic designs and they are extremely light-reflective, boosting the overall brightness of your kitchen. Glass can be painted to create a bespoke finish and even back-lit with LEDs, giving you a really unique look. They can be thermoformed into fabulous, organic curves and slick cantilevered breakfast bars as well as seamless wrap-around worktops on islands.
This material is super easy to maintain, and you can keep it looking shiny by wiping it daily with a damp cloth. It’s also anti-bacterial and resistant to mould, mildew and bacteria, so it’s perfect for busy households. However, it’s not as heat-resistant as granite and can be damaged if exposed to excessive temperatures or strong heat sources.
Recycled glass is an eco-friendly option and comes in a wide range of interesting finishes, including rainbow sparkle effect. It’s durable and hardwearing but does need sealing regularly to prevent stains. It’s also less heat-resistant than quartz, so you’ll need to use trivets to protect it from hot pans.
A tempered glass worktop is a safer choice than an untempered one because it undergoes a process of tempering that increases its strength and durability. It’s still not as hard-wearing as granite and isn’t as heat-resistant as quartz but it’s much easier to repair than a crack or chip in an untempered surface. It’s also a little more costly than other worktop options. There’s also a chance that the material may dull over time, especially in areas of high humidity. This can lead to a build-up of condensation, which in turn can cause etching and discolouration. You can minimize the likelihood of this occurring by using a special protective film, but this is an extra cost to factor in.
Wood
The kitchen worktop is a highly visible element of any kitchen design, and it has to be able to withstand everyday use. It’s a good idea to spend time thinking about the materials that are available and visiting showrooms in order to get a feel for what is available. There is a wide range of styles from the most budget friendly laminate to stone and wood.
Laminate work surfaces are hard wearing and relatively inexpensive, with prices starting from around PS35 per square metre. They can be cut to size and installed with little fuss. They’re also heat resistant, making them ideal for the hot pans and pans of a busy kitchen. However, they’re not as durable as stone and can be easily stained by greasy or damp hands.
Tiled kitchen work surfaces are another stylish but durable option. They’re extremely versatile and come in a range of colours, patterns and shapes. Moroccan and geometric patterned tiles are especially on-trend, offering a contemporary and eclectic style. They’re not suitable for high-impact areas as they can chip or scratch, but they’re easy to repair and replace.
Wood kitchen worktops offer a warm, comfortable and homely feel to any new kitchen design. Oak, beech and maple are popular choices, but other species such as teak and iroko are available. They’re also naturally hygienic, with antibacterial properties that help keep bacteria at bay, and can be finished with an oil or wax to protect against water damage.
Concrete is a trendy material that’s becoming more and more popular as a kitchen work surface. It’s incredibly versatile and can be thermoformed into fabulous organic curves, slick cantilevered breakfast bars and seamless wrap-around surfaces for islands. It can be textured and coloured to suit any scheme, and can even be etched or backlit with LEDs. It’s a non-porous surface which means it’s resistant to mould, mildew and bacterial growth, but it does require regular care and maintenance to protect against stains. Ensure that it’s regularly sealed to prevent water and food spillages from staining the surface. It also needs to be treated with mineral oil and wax to maintain its finish.
