Laminate kitchen tops: the pros and cons

The kitchen worktop is a very important part of the furnishings in our home: this is because it is an area with which we are constantly "in contact", from the moment we prepare breakfast to the moment we eat dinner.

It is therefore important that our choice is guided both by aesthetic and practical reasons: it is pointless to have a laminate top that is beautiful and elegant but too delicate and impossible to use.

Let's take a look at the most commonly used materials for kitchen tops, with their pros and cons.

Wood-effect laminate kitchen tops: a choice that combines style and practicality

Wood-effect laminate kitchen tops were one of the most popular choices for kitchen furniture in the past few years. Having fallen into oblivion for some time, they are now making a comeback thanks to the undoubted advantages of this choice. In fact, a wood laminate kitchen top is composed of a panel of wood particles: this type of material has the advantage of being very cost-effective, as well as being available in a very wide range of colours and finishes, which can be easily adapted to different kitchens, as is the case with the H24r Wood Particleboard Laminate Top.

It should also be remembered that this type of wood-effect kitchen top is also very practical to use, as it is scratch-resistant. However, this material is particularly sensitive to heat, so it is important to avoid placing pots or other hot objects on the top to avoid damaging it.

Quartz worktops pros and cons: the beauty of stone

Quartz is a mineral that is often processed with silica sands to obtain a material that is particularly resistant and suitable for use in the kitchen, such as the c2 type quartz countertop. On an aesthetic level, quartz can be compared to marble: it is therefore a material that is particularly elegant and pleasant to the eye. It should also be noted that its solidity makes quartz a particularly scratch-resistant material (an important feature in the kitchen) and that it also resists particularly aggressive cleaning products. Not to mention the fact that it is a hygienic material, because it can be deep cleaned quickly and safely.

Of course, there are also some disadvantages to this type of material: in particular, placing hot objects (such as pots and pans) on a quartz worktop for too long can lead to damage. In addition, when cleaning a quartz kitchen worktop, it is important to avoid using ammonia- and chlorine-based products (such as some limescale removers). As for reports that quartz countertops are carcinogenic, the risk exists only for synthetic quartz and not for natural stone.

Marble worktops for and against: the elegance of a timeless classic

Marble countertops are a classic in kitchen design. They have always been a symbol of elegance and are a natural stone that comes in many different colours and variations.

The different colours and veining are the result of impurities in the mineral, which may contain silt, sand or even iron. It is a particularly resistant and durable material. It is also a material that is very efficient in terms of hygiene, because it can be cleaned easily, even using chlorine-based products.

Of course, marble also has a number of disadvantages, starting with the cost: marble tops are probably the most expensive of all. In addition, it should be remembered that marble is a porous stone, which does not absorb liquids but can become stained by contact with food acids and can be easily scratched. Also, do not forget not to place hot pots and pans on the marble top for too long, as they may become damaged in the long run.

Granite countertops pros and cons: an elegant and practical stone

A granite kitchen top is a choice that combines elegance and practicality. Once again we are choosing a natural stone, available in many different colours and therefore able to adapt to different styles of decor. In addition, granite is a long-lasting material that maintains its appearance over time.

Compared to other materials (such as laminate and marble), granite has excellent heat resistance, so it is possible (though not recommended) to place even hot pots and pans on the countertop without damage. 

One of the disadvantages of granite is undoubtedly its cost (although competition from synthetic stones has brought it down in recent years). In addition, it is a material that needs to be installed 'properly' to avoid breakage (so DIY is best avoided. It is also important that granite is treated with special resins before installation to close the pores and prevent unsightly stains from forming.

Solid wood and laminated wood tops: the charm of wood

Another furnishing classic that can give an elegant and warm touch to the kitchen is the wooden top (solid or laminated). It is an elegant material, which meets the taste of many and which offers good durability, provided that the top itself is properly maintained. 

On the other hand, it is also a rather expensive material and not easy to clean, because it does not like too aggressive treatments, as well as being easily subject to scratches. For wooden kitchen tops, however, careful and continuous conservation treatment can guarantee a good duration in time.

HPL top: the evolution of laminate

The evolution of laminate materials has led to the production of HPL tops in different sizes, i.e. a top made of several layers of thermosetting resin.

This is a new and very interesting material: among its most important characteristics are its absolute impermeability and its high resistance to heat and oils. All these features certainly make it one of the most practical materials for use in the kitchen, combined with a low cost and the possibility of obtaining very particular and interesting colours and finishes.

Steel kitchen tops for and against

As far as the choice of steel is concerned, it is a durable and modern material which is also well suited to industrial kitchens. It is heat resistant but can be scratched very easily (as well as being expensive).