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Kitchen worktops compared
Quick answer: Laminate is the most affordable and easy to care for, solid wood is warm but needs oiling, and quartz and granite are hard-wearing but cost more and need templating. Choose by how you cook and how much upkeep you will accept.
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| Material | Good points | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Laminate | Affordable, wide choice of finishes, easy to clean | Edges and joints can swell if water gets in; can scorch |
| Solid wood | Warm look, can be sanded and re-oiled | Needs regular oiling, and water damage around the sink |
| Quartz (engineered stone) | Hard-wearing, non-porous, consistent colour | Heat from pans can damage it; needs professional templating |
| Granite | Very hard-wearing, natural variation | Heavy; some stones need sealing |
| Solid surface | Seamless joints, can be repaired | Can scratch or scorch; usually fitted by specialists |
| Compact laminate | Thin, strong and hard-wearing | Fewer finish choices; edge detail matters |
Questions to ask
- Who measures and templates, and when does the price become final?
- What is the lead time from template to fitting?
- Are cut-outs for the hob and sink, edges and upstands included?
- What care does the material need, and what does the guarantee exclude?
Use our worktop and splashback calculator to estimate areas before you ask for quotes. Pair the worktop with a sensible splashback.
Worktops and fittings are available from builders' merchants such as Travis Perkins. Check current ranges and delivery.
Some links here are affiliate links: we may earn a small fee if you buy, at no extra cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most durable worktop?
Quartz, granite and compact laminate are very hard-wearing, but each has weak points such as heat or edge damage. Match the material to how you cook.
Can I put hot pans on a worktop?
Check the supplier's guidance for your material. Most surfaces are safer with a trivet or a heat-resistant mat.
When are worktops fitted?
After the base units are in. Stone is usually templated once the units are fitted, so allow time between template and fitting.
Keep reading
- Flat-pack vs rigid vs bespoke kitchens
- Kitchen splashbacks and tiles
- How to set a kitchen budget
- Kitchen appliances: integrated vs freestanding
- Kitchen lighting ideas
Checked 12 November 2026. Prices, products and regulations change, so check the official or supplier page before you rely on anything here.